Quantum Science’s INFIQ Lead-Free Quantum Dots Achieve 1,550nm

Quantum Science’s latest breakthrough in QD synthesis means its INFIQ technology offers excellent short-wave infrared (SWIR) sensitivity for lead-free materials. This accelerates the progress of SWIR sensing into consumer markets, unlocking new applications in smartphones, wearable devices, self-driving vehicles and more.

The announcement follows Quantum Science’s achievement of 1,400nm last year as a result of its QD production process overcoming barriers that limit most lead-free QDs to just 1,200nm.

Reaching 1,550nm is significant because of the difficulty of growing long wavelength, lead-free QDs with sufficiently narrow size distributions and uniform shapes. In particular, it becomes difficult to control QD growth without damaging the optical properties that make them suitable for device applications.

“This achievement of lead-free QDs tuneable to 1,550nm is a landmark for the SWIR industry, firmly positioning us as the leader in lead-free QD production,” said Dr. Hao Pang, CEO and founder of Quantum Science. “Making 1200nm lead-free QDs is already very difficult and a huge achievement, as it has great value for SWIR technology in consumer markets.

“As the demand for SWIR sensitive semiconductor materials grows, non-lead-containing QDs like our INFIQ lead-free infrared technology will be key to bringing SWIR into consumer markets,” Dr. Pang added. “This technology is providing real market disruption and pushing the boundaries of what lead-free nanotechnology can accomplish.”