Quantum Dots: The Next Generation of Display Innovation

Quantum dots are ultra-fine semiconductor particles that are tens of thousands of times thinner than a human hair. Since inception, their physical characteristics that allow them to provide the highest level of colour accuracy and brightness among existing materials had them positioned to revolutionize display technology.

When used in displays, quantum dots support a wide colour gamut that closely matches colours perceived by the human eye and facilitate pixel-level light adjustment for more accurate black levels. Emitting light in all directions, quantum dots deliver uniform luminance and consistent colour from different viewing angles while minimizing blue light exposure for a more comfortable viewing experience.

SUHD TVs at CES 2015

What Sets Quantum Dot TVs Apart: Content, Film Quality and No-Cadmium Technology

The TV industry continues research and development into the commercialization of quantum dots as the material becomes a game-changer in display technology. For that reason, a variety of quantum dot TVs have hit the market recently — offering a wide range of options to customers.

However, key differences in quantum dot TVs lie in how the technology is implemented and the overall quality of the display. To deliver a premium viewing experience, factors such as the amount of quantum dot content, the quality of quantum dot film and the use of no-cadmium materials must be considered.

Factors to consider when selecting a high-quality quantum dot TV

Quantum Dot Content

The true quality of a Samsung quantum dot TV is defined by its quantum dot content. The quantum dot film requires a minimum of 3,000 parts per million (ppm) of the material to achieve the vivid, rich picture quality and colour expression that quantum dots are known to deliver.

Quantum Dot Film

Samsung QLEDs eliminate the need for a separate phosphor layer, enhancing light and energy efficiency while delivering vivid colours. A quantum dot OLED (QD-OLED), which consists of a thin-film transistor (TFT) layer,¹ a self-emitting light source and a quantum dot film that uses the light emitted from the light source, takes a step further enhancing picture quality. In either case, a dedicated quantum dot film that contains sufficient quantum dots is key in delivering stunning picture quality.

A comparison of QD-OLED and LCD displays

No Cadmium

In the early stages of developing quantum dot TVs, cadmium was essential to achieving the key benefits of quantum dots such as colour reproduction and contrast ratio. At the time, cadmium was considered the most efficient material for producing quantum dots.

However, cadmium’s toxicity became a significant obstacle to the commercialization of quantum dot technology.

In response to this challenge, Samsung developed no-cadmium quantum dot material in 2014 and successfully commercialized quantum dot technology with its SUHD TVs in the following year to open a new era of quantum dot TVs.[2]

10 Years of Quantum Dot Innovation and Leadership

Samsung has quickly recognized the potential of quantum dot technology and sought innovation in the global display market over the past decade through continuous research and investment.

A timeline of Samsung’s quantum dot technology development from 2001 to 2022

Samsung began researching and developing quantum dot technology in 2001 — at a time when there was limited research on non-cadmium materials. Achieving vivid colours required making the nano-sized particles uniform, but the lack of technology and research made mass production extremely challenging.

Despite these obstacles, Samsung succeeded in creating a no-cadmium nanocrystal material in 2014. Since then, the company has accumulated extensive expertise — registering more than 150 patents — and continuously worked on advancing the technology. Samsung’s long-standing commitment culminated in 2015 when the company unveiled the SUHD TVs with no-cadmium quantum dot technology.[3]

QLED TVs (75Q8C and 88Q8F) at Samsung’s First Look 2017 event during CES 2017

Samsung’s QLED lineup was revealed in 2017. By applying metal quantum dot technology, Samsung achieved the Digital Cinema Initiative’s colour standard DCI-P3 and achieved 100% colour volume— thereby presenting amazing colour expression. Notably, the use of inorganic quantum dot technology protected the screens from burn-in² to deliver consistent picture quality over time.

(From left to right) Kwang-Hee Kim, Dr. Taehyung Kim, Dr, Eunjoo Jang, Sungwoo Kim and Seon-Myeong Choi from Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology

Following its success in developing a red light-emitting element for displays in 2019, the company enhanced the luminous efficiency of blue self-emitting QLEDs — considered the most challenging to implement among the three primary QLED colours³ — to a staggering20.2%.

“Discovering a blue material for self-emitting QLEDs and demonstrating performance at the device level were significant achievements of this research,” said Dr. Eunjoo Chang, a fellow at Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology. “Samsung’s distinctive quantum dot technology has once again overcome technical barriers.”

These powerfuladvancements led to the launch of the QD-OLED TVs, making history at CES 2022 by winning the Best of Innovation award for integrating quantum dot technology and OLED displays.

Samsung remains dedicated to advancing quantum dot technology through continuous innovation. The company continues to invest in leading display technology — from SUHD to Neo QLED — by offering high brightness, colour accuracy and frequency. Driven by Samsung’s unrivaled quantum dot innovations, the future of display technology is brighter than ever.

[1] An electronic circuit that adjusts and controls the light-emitting layers

[2] Occurs when a static image is displayed for too long, causing color distortions or ghost images to remain on screen

[3] Red, green and blue

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced that the quantum dot (QD) sheet used in its QD TVs has received certification for compliance with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive and has been verified to contain no cadmium by the global certification institute, Société Générale de Surveillance (SGS).[1]

SGS, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, is a world-leading testing and certification body that provides services to ensure organizations meet stringent quality and safety standards across various industries, including electronic products, food and the environment.

Samsung began researching quantum dot technology in 2001, and its ongoing commitment to research and investment has positioned it at the forefront of innovation in the global display market.

After developing the world’s first no-cadmium quantum dot material in 2014, Samsung launched TVs that implemented the technology the following year. Since then, the company has been leading quantum dot technology through continuous technological advancements.

In particular, Samsung successfully created nanocrystal material without cadmium and has secured around 150 patents for the technology.

[1] SGS Certificate PT/25/GEN/0099 issued March 7, 2025