Semiconductor Nanocrystals, also known as Quantum Dots, are nanometer sized structures that exploit quantum effects to offer unique capabilities and tunability for luminescent applications. Quantum dots are precision grown through scaled chemical processes, providing large quantities of material. Through engineered emission, absorption, and electronic properties, nanocrystals can greatly improve the logevity, quality and cost of many light emitting devices.

■Benefits and Qualities
Semiconductor Nanocrystals are continuously color tunable across a range of the wavelengths from the ultraviolet through the visible spectrum and into the near Infrared (350nm-2300nm). The emitted colors are extremely high quality with a sharp Gaussian spectra and a narrow FWHM (＜30nm). They may be applied singly or in combination with other nanocrystals or phosphors to create any color or hue demanded.

The absorption spectra of nanocrystals increases nearly monotonically for wavelengths shorter than the emission wavelength. Combinations of nanocrystals emitting different colors can all be excited by the short wavelength source such as a blue or UV source. Sources include LEDs, high and low pressure mercury lamps, and the UV emission used in plasma displays.

Quantum Dots can be easily dispersed within polymers including, but not limited to, UV or thermally curing epoxies, silicones, polyurethane, polystyrene, polycarbonate, PMMA as well as ink and paint binders, Silica and Titania Sol-gels, etc. In addition, they can be combined with other organic fluorophores, metal ligand complexes, nano-oxides, or phosphor particles within the same matrix for added material tuning capabilities.

Nanocrystal composites start as a colloid that can be cast and cured into a wide variety of forms. They are able to be deposited as large area films or coatings through spraying and screen printing, spin- and dip-coating, or selectively deposited through ink-jetting. Drawn fibers, beads, and cast bulk forms are all possible.