Researchers say that high-tech specks dubbed quantum dots (QD) can make LCD displays brighter and more vibrant.
Eric Nelson, a research specialist from a business called 3M Company, spoke about the latest technology at the 248th National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society (ACS), which is the largest scientist society of the world.
Nelson, who is also behind the development of the technology, says that it is called quantum dot enhancement film (QDEF), which enhances the colors of LCD screens. Nelson explains that current technology consumes a lot of energy to display bright colors on the LCD screen. However, QD efficiently provides high-color display and consumes far less energy when compared to other technologies.
Less energy consumption will be advantageous to consumers and will also benefit the environment.
LCD screens are not just used in the television industry. LCD's are also widely used in mobile devices such as smartphones and tablet, which means that the QDEF technology may also make its way to the mobile device industry in the near term.
The global mobile device market is gigantic and all the devices run on portable batteries. The battery size of smartphones and tablets have increased a lot in the last decade; however, many users still face regular battery drain issues. If the 3M QDEF display needs less energy, it means that smartphone and tablet users can operate their devices for a longer period of time between charges.
Nelson not only explained the advantages of the QDEF technology, he also revealed some drawbacks faced by the company. He says that the technology has less resistance to water and oxygen. To address the concern, the company is creating a plastic sheet to cover the screen, which will minimize any damage.
"They sandwiched the QDs between two polymer films, with the QDs embedded in an epoxy glue. Coatings on the film provide further protection and enhance the viewing experience," per ACS.
The company indicates that the QDEF technology has full potential to compete with the current organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) technology, which also involves high costs to manufacture.
Nelson says that QDEF display devices are more expensive when compared to LCDs, but the cost will reduce as the technology becomes widely used in the TV, smartphone, tablets and other industries.
