Nanosys, 3M join technologies for better LCDs

USA: With an intention to provide wide colour gamut technology for consumer electronic displays, Nanosys and optical systems division of 3M are joining technologies that would allow liquid crystal displays to display 50 per cent more colour. Presently, LCDs are displaying upto 35 per cent of the visible colour spectrum. Consumers will be able to avail better visual quality through wider colour gamut displays.

LCD manufacturers can integrate existing production processes with Nanosys’ Quantum Dot Enhancement Film (QDEF) technology. To create an ideal backlight for LCDs, the technology uses the light emitting properties of quantum dots.

"Combining the world class-technology and materials expertise of Nanosys with the engineering, design and supply chain capabilities of 3M will unlock a powerful new colour viewing experience for consumers," said Jim Bauman, vice president, optical systems division, 3M.

"We are working together to improve an area of display performance that has been largely neglected for the last decade. Working together with 3M and utilising their outstanding design and supply chain capabilities will allow our QDEF technology to be widely deployed across all product segments and will ensure availability to all customers,” said Jason Hartlove, president and CEO, Nanosys.

A quantum dot is 10,000 times smaller than the width of a human hair and it can emit light at a definite wavelength. Trillions of these quantum dots are packaged into a thin film which fits well inside an LCD backlight unit. Adding QDEF to manufacturing processes requires no new equipment or process changes for the LCD manufacturer as QDEF replaces a similar film already found inside LCD backlights.