Displays

The resurgence in electroluminescent displays and lighting has been led by developments in small molecule and polymer-based organic molecules that emit light when subjected to an electrical current. Unlike inorganic semiconductor based LEDs, organic electroluminescent devices can be deposited over larger areas and on flexible or non-planar substrates. Large area display or general illumination devices have been fashioned from these molecules and have begun their entry into the market. However, the light emitting organic molecules tend to degrade and are particularly sensitive to humidity and oxidation.

Quantum dots incorporate the best aspects of both organic light emitters and inorganic light emitters. Quantum dots are inorganic semiconductor particles that can be tuned to emit specific colors dependent upon their size and composition. These particles can be dispersed within or between organic (or in some cases inorganic) semiconductor layers and emit light of a specific color when charge carriers are injected. They are more robust than organic molecules and can be tuned to emit light over a larger color gamut but like organic emitters that can be processed over large areas using liquid phase deposition techniques including roll-to-roll process, printing, and spin coating.