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		<title>No-Cadmium &#8211; Samsung Global Newsroom</title>
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				<title>How Samsung’s Engineering Feat Became a Catalyst for Scientific and Industry Advancement [Interview on Real Quantum Dots Part 2.]</title>
				<link>https://news.samsung.com/global/how-samsungs-engineering-feat-became-a-catalyst-for-scientific-and-industry-advancement-interview-on-real-quantum-dots-part-2</link>
				<pubDate>Fri, 04 Apr 2025 09:01:09 +0000</pubDate>
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									<description><![CDATA[“Samsung’s QLED technology played a crucial role in bringing quantum dots to the level of recognition needed for the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.” — Taeghwan Hyeon, Seoul National University Quantum dots have been at the forefront of display innovation over the past decade, delivering some of the most accurate color reproduction among existing materials. In […]]]></description>
																<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center"><strong><em>“Samsung’s QLED technology played a crucial role in bringing quantum dots to the level of recognition needed for the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.”</em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center"><strong><em>— </em></strong><strong><em>Taeghwan Hyeon, Seoul National University</em></strong></p>
<p>Quantum dots have been at the forefront of display innovation over the past decade, delivering some of the most accurate color reproduction among existing materials. In <a href="https://news.samsung.com/global/samsung-revolutionizes-the-viewing-experience-with-innovative-new-suhd-tv" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2015</a>, Samsung Electronics paved the way for the commercialization of quantum dots with the launch of SUHD TVs — a breakthrough that moved beyond the use of cadmium (Cd), a heavy metal traditionally utilized in quantum dot synthesis, by introducing the world’s first <a href="https://news.samsung.com/global/quantum-dot-artisan-dr-eunjoo-jang-samsung-fellow" target="_blank" rel="noopener">no-cadmium</a> quantum dot technology.</p>
<p>The academic world took notice. The successful commercialization of cadmium-free quantum dot TVs not only set a new direction for research and development but also played a pivotal role in the awarding of the 2023 <a href="https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/chemistry/2023/summary/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nobel Prize in Chemistry</a> for the discovery and synthesis of quantum dots.</p>
<p>Following <a href="https://news.samsung.com/global/the-nobel-winning-material-at-the-heart-of-samsung-qleds-interview-on-real-quantum-dots-part-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Part 1</a>, Samsung Newsroom uncovers how Samsung has contributed to academia through groundbreaking advances in material innovation.</p>
<div id="attachment_161138" style="width: 1010px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-161138" class="size-full wp-image-161138" src="https://img.global.news.samsung.com/global/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Samsung-TVs-and-Displays-Samsung-Quantum-Dots-Technology-QLED-TVs-Quantum-Dots-Experts-Interview-Part-2_main1F.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="792" /><p id="caption-attachment-161138" class="wp-caption-text">▲ (From left) Taeghwan Hyeon, Doh Chang Lee and Sanghyun Sohn</p></div>
<h3><span style="color: #000080"><strong>Why Cadmium Was the Starting Point for Quantum Dot Research</strong></span></h3>
<p style="text-align: center"><strong><em>“I was truly impressed that Samsung succeeded in commercializing a no-cadmium quantum dot display product.”</em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center"><strong><em> — </em></strong><strong><em>Taeghwan Hyeon, Seoul National University</em></strong></p>
<p>Quantum dots began attracting scientific interest in the 1980s when Aleksey Yekimov, former Chief Scientist at Nanocrystals Technology Inc., and Louis E. Brus, a professor emeritus in the Department of Chemistry at Columbia University, each published their researches on the quantum confinement effect and the size-dependent optical properties of quantum dots.</p>
<p>Momentum accelerated in <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/ja00072a025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">1993</a> when Moungi Bawendi, a professor in the Department of Chemistry at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), developed a reliable method for synthesizing quantum dots. In <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/ja016812s" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2001</a>, Taeghwan Hyeon, a distinguished professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Seoul National University (SNU), invented the “heat-up process” — a technique for producing uniform nanoparticles without the need for size-selective separation. In <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/nmat1251" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2004</a>, Hyeon published a scalable production method in the academic journal Nature Materials — a discovery widely regarded as a potential game changer in the industry.</p>
<div id="attachment_161100" style="width: 1010px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-161100" class="size-full wp-image-161100" src="https://img.global.news.samsung.com/global/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Samsung-TVs-and-Displays-Samsung-Quantum-Dots-Technology-QLED-TVs-Quantum-Dots-Experts-Interview-Part-2_main2.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="667" /><p id="caption-attachment-161100" class="wp-caption-text">▲ Taeghwan Hyeon</p></div>
<p>However, these efforts did not immediately lead to commercialization. At the time, quantum dots relied heavily on cadmium(Cd) as a core material — a substance known to be harmful to humans and designated as a restricted material under the European Union’s Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive.</p>
<p>“Currently, the only materials capable of reliably producing quantum dots are cadmium selenide (CdSe) and indium phosphide (InP),” explained Hyeon. “Cadmium selenide, the conventional quantum dot material, is a compound of group II and group VI elements, while indium phosphide is formed from group III and group V elements. Synthesizing quantum dots from group II and VI elements is relatively straightforward, but combining group III and V elements is chemically much more complex.”</p>
<div id="attachment_161101" style="width: 1010px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-161101" class="size-full wp-image-161101" src="https://img.global.news.samsung.com/global/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Samsung-TVs-and-Displays-Samsung-Quantum-Dots-Technology-QLED-TVs-Quantum-Dots-Experts-Interview-Part-2_main3.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="574" /><p id="caption-attachment-161101" class="wp-caption-text">▲ A comparison of cadmium-based quantum dots with ionic bonds and indium-based quantum dots with covalent bonds</p></div>
<p>Cadmium, an element with two valence electrons, forms strong ionic bonds<sup>1</sup> with elements like selenium (Se), sulfur (S) and tellurium (Te) — each of which has six valence electrons. These combinations result in stable semiconductors, known as II–VI semiconductors, materials that have long been favored in research for their ability to produce high-quality nanocrystals even at relatively low temperatures. As a result, the use of cadmium in quantum dot synthesis was considered an academic standard for many years.</p>
<p>In contrast, indium (In) — an alternative to cadmium with three valence electrons — forms covalent bonds<sup>2</sup> with elements such as phosphorus (P), which has five valence electrons. Covalent bonds are generally less stable than ionic bonds and have a directional nature, increasing the likelihood of defects during nanocrystal synthesis. These characteristics have made indium a challenging material to work with in both research and mass production.</p>
<p>“It is difficult to achieve high crystallinity in quantum dots made from indium phosphide,” Lee noted. “A complex and demanding synthesis process is required to meet the quality standards necessary for commercialization.”</p>
<h3><span style="color: #000080"><strong>No Compromise – </strong><strong>From Breakthrough to Mass Production</strong></span></h3>
<p style="text-align: center"><strong><em>“There is simply no room for compromise when it comes to consumer safety.”</em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center"><strong><em>— Sanghyun Sohn, Samsung Electronics</em></strong></p>
<p>Samsung, however, took a different approach.</p>
<p>“We had been researching and developing quantum dot technology since 2001,” said Sanghyun Sohn, Head of Advanced Display Lab, Visual Display (VD) Business at Samsung Electronics. “But early on, we determined that cadmium — which is harmful to the human body — was not suitable for commercialization. While regulations in some countries technically allow up to 100 parts per million (ppm) of cadmium in electronic products, Samsung adopted a zero-cadmium policy from the start. No cadmium, no compromise — that was our strategy. There is simply no room for compromise when it comes to consumer safety.”</p>
<div id="attachment_161102" style="width: 1010px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-161102" class="size-full wp-image-161102" src="https://img.global.news.samsung.com/global/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Samsung-TVs-and-Displays-Samsung-Quantum-Dots-Technology-QLED-TVs-Quantum-Dots-Experts-Interview-Part-2_main4.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="667" /><p id="caption-attachment-161102" class="wp-caption-text">▲ Sanghyun Sohn</p></div>
<p>Samsung’s long-standing commitment to its principle of “No Compromise on Safety” came to the forefront in <a href="https://news.samsung.com/global/quantum-dot-artisan-dr-eunjoo-jang-samsung-fellow" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2014</a> when the company successfully developed the world’s first no-cadmium quantum dot material. To ensure both durability and image quality, Samsung introduced a triple-layer protective coating technology that shields indium phosphide nanoparticles from external factors such as oxygen and light. The following year, Samsung launched the world’s first commercial SUHD TV with no-cadmium quantum dots — a paradigm shift in the display industry and the culmination of research efforts that began in the early 2000s.</p>
<p>“Indium phosphide-based quantum dots are inherently unstable and more difficult to synthesize compared to their cadmium-based counterparts, initially achieving only about 80% of the performance of cadmium-based quantum dots,” said Sohn. “However, through an intensive development process at the Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology (SAIT), we successfully raised performance to 100% and ensured reliability for more than 10 years.”</p>
<div id="attachment_161103" style="width: 1010px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-161103" class="size-full wp-image-161103" src="https://img.global.news.samsung.com/global/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Samsung-TVs-and-Displays-Samsung-Quantum-Dots-Technology-QLED-TVs-Quantum-Dots-Experts-Interview-Part-2_main5.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="703" /><p id="caption-attachment-161103" class="wp-caption-text">▲ The three components of quantum dots</p></div>
<p>Quantum dots found in Samsung QLEDs are composed of three key components — a core, where light is emitted; a shell, which protects the core and stabilizes its structure; and a ligand, a polymer coating that enhances oxidation stability outside the shell. The essence of quantum dot technology lies in the seamless integration of these three elements, an advanced industrial process that spans from material acquisition and synthesis to mass production and the filing of numerous patents.</p>
<p>“None of the three components — core, shell or ligand can be overlooked,” added Lee. “Samsung’s technology for indium phosphide synthesis is outstanding.”</p>
<p>“Developing a technology in the lab is a challenge in itself, but commercialization requires an entirely different level of effort to ensure product stability and consistent color quality,” said Hyeon. “I was truly impressed that Samsung succeeded in commercializing a no-cadmium quantum dot display product.”</p>
<h3><span style="color: #000080"><strong>Setting the Quantum Dot Standard</strong></span></h3>
<p style="text-align: center"><strong><em>“Research trends in the academic community shifted noticeably before and after the release of Samsung’s quantum dot TVs.”</em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center"><strong><em>— Doh Chang Lee, </em></strong><strong><em>Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology</em></strong></p>
<p>The optical properties of quantum dots are being applied to a wide range of fields, including solar cells, medicine and quantum computing. However, the quantum dot display remains the most actively researched and widely commercialized application to date — with Samsung emerging as a pioneer.</p>
<p>Building on years of foundational research and the introduction of its SUHD TVs, Samsung launched its QLED TVs in <a href="https://news.samsung.com/global/samsung-electronics-ushers-in-a-new-era-in-home-entertainment-with-qled-tv-ahead-of-ces-2017">2017</a> and set a new standard for premium displays. In 2022, the company pushed innovation further with the debut of QD-OLED TVs — the world’s first display to combine quantum dots with an OLED structure.</p>
<div id="attachment_161104" style="width: 1310px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-161104" class="size-full wp-image-161104" src="https://img.global.news.samsung.com/global/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Samsung-TVs-and-Displays-Samsung-Quantum-Dots-Technology-QLED-TVs-Quantum-Dots-Experts-Interview-Part-2_main6.jpg" alt="" width="1300" height="559" /><p id="caption-attachment-161104" class="wp-caption-text">▲ A comparison of LCD, QLED and QD-OLED structures</p></div>
<p>QD-OLED is a next-generation display technology that integrates quantum dots into the self-emissive structure of OLED. This approach enables faster response times, deeper blacks and higher contrast ratios. Samsung’s QD-OLED was awarded Display of the Year in <a href="https://www.samsungdisplay.com/eng/media/news/detail/ssdsNews-230517.jsp" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2023</a> by the Society for Information Display (SID), the world’s largest organization dedicated to display technologies.</p>
<p>“Samsung has not only led the market with its indium phosphide-based quantum dot TVs but also remains the only company to have successfully integrated and commercialized quantum dots in OLEDs,” said Sohn. “By leveraging our leadership in quantum dot technology, we will continue to lead the future of display innovation.”</p>
<div id="attachment_161105" style="width: 1010px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-161105" class="size-full wp-image-161105" src="https://img.global.news.samsung.com/global/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Samsung-TVs-and-Displays-Samsung-Quantum-Dots-Technology-QLED-TVs-Quantum-Dots-Experts-Interview-Part-2_main7.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="667" /><p id="caption-attachment-161105" class="wp-caption-text">▲ Doh Chang Lee</p></div>
<p>“Research trends in the academic community shifted noticeably before and after the release of Samsung’s quantum dot TVs,” said Doh Chang Lee, a professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST). “Since its launch, discussions have increasingly focused on practical applications rather than the materials themselves, reflecting the potential for real-world implementation through display technologies.”</p>
<p>“There have been many attempts to apply quantum dots in various fields including photocatalysis,” he added. “But these efforts remain in the early stages compared to their use in displays.”</p>
<p>Hyeon also noted that the successful commercialization of Samsung’s quantum dot TVs helped pave the way for Bawendi, Brus and Yekimov to receive the 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.</p>
<p>“One of the most important criteria for the Nobel Prize is the extent to which a technology has contributed to humanity through commercialization,” he said. “Samsung’s QLED represents one of the most significant achievements in nanotechnology. Without its commercialization, it would have been difficult for quantum dots to earn Nobel recognition.”</p>
<h3></h3>
<h3><span style="color: #000080"><strong>Samsung’s Vision for Tomorrow’s Displays</strong></span></h3>
<p>Since the launch of its QLED TVs, Samsung has accelerated the growth of quantum dot technology in both industry and academia. When asked about the future of quantum dot displays, the experts shared their insights on what lies ahead.</p>
<p>“As a next-generation technology, we are currently exploring self-emissive quantum dots,” said Sohn. “Until now, quantum dots have relied on external light source to express red and green. Going forward, we aim to develop quantum dots that emit light independently through electroluminescence — producing all three primary colors by injecting electrical energy. We are also working on the development of blue quantum dots.”</p>
<p>“As electroluminescent materials make it possible to reduce the size of device components, we’ll be able to achieve the high resolution, efficiency and brightness required for virtual and augmented reality applications,” said Lee, predicting a major transformation in the future of displays.</p>
<p>“A good display is one the viewer doesn’t even recognize as a display,” said Sohn. “The ultimate goal is to deliver an experience that feels indistinguishable from reality. As a leader in quantum dot display innovation, we will proudly continue to move forward.”</p>
<p>With its continued leadership and bold technological vision, Samsung is shaping the future of displays and rewriting what’s possible with quantum dots.</p>
<div class="youtube_wrap"><iframe loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-x3pnFkfPrA?rel=0" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="width: 0px;overflow: hidden;line-height: 0" class="mce_SELRES_start">﻿</span><span style="width: 0px;overflow: hidden;line-height: 0" data-mce-type="bookmark" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span></iframe></div>
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<p><strong>Five Frequently Asked Questions about QLED TVs</strong></p>
<p><strong>Q. What is Real QLED?</strong></p>
<p>“Samsung’s Real QLED is an innovative display that uses quantum dot (QD) light-converting film combined with blue light sources and is certified as ‘Real Quantum Dot Display’ by TÜV Rheinland, an international certification organization based in Germany. It displays clear separation between red, green and blue light sources — an important marker of color accuracy.</p>
<p>This distinction, enabled by quantum dots, may not be as pronounced in displays using alternative materials or methods with very little quantum dot presence, which can sometimes cause color mixing or reduced clarity. It demonstrates how Samsung’s use of quantum dots contributes to delivering vivid and precise color expression.”</p>
<p><strong>Q. What is a Quantum dot on TV?</strong></p>
<p>Quantum dots are ultra-fine nanomaterials — tens of thousands of times smaller than a human hair — renowned for their ability to reproduce vivid, precise colors depending on the light wavelength. The way quantum dots are integrated into display panels has become a key indicator for evaluating technological advancement in the premium TV segment.</p>
<p><strong>Q. How do I know my TV is a Real QLED?</strong></p>
<p>“Check for the ‘Real Quantum Dot Display’ certification logo from TÜV Rheinland, an international certification organization based in Germany. The certification verifies that Samsung’s QLED TVs meet global standards for quantum dot display structure, confirming that Samsung QLED TVs comply with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Draft Technical Report 62595-1-6, which describes the application of quantum dot (QD) light converting unit combined with blue light sources for standard QLED displays.</p>
<p>As part of the certification process, TÜV Rheinland analyzed the light spectrum produced by Samsung QLED TVs and confirmed that it displayed clear separation between red, green and blue — an important marker of color accuracy. With this certification, Samsung’s QLED TVs are officially validated as true quantum dot displays, delivering true quantum dot performance built to international standards.”</p>
<p><strong>Q. Why is Samsung’s QLED safer?</strong></p>
<p>Samsung’s quantum dot technology has also been recognized by global testing organization Société Générale de Surveillance (SGS) for its excellence in cadmium-free design — an environmentally conscious approach that eliminates the use of cadmium, a toxic heavy metal known to pose risks to human health and the environment.</p>
<p><strong>Q. Some brands claim that their TVs are QLEDs despite not having any certification. How can they claim this and what should I look out for?</strong></p>
<p>Standard QLED displays are defined by the application of quantum dot (QD) light converting unit combined with blue light sources. Some brands claim that a microscopic dose of quantum dot material on the diffuser plate makes their TVs Real Quantum dot displays. But an independent third-party institution (a university laboratory) tested a subset of the models in question by replacing their diffuser plate with ordinary diffuser plate (i.e., without quantum dots) to examine whether such microscopic dose of quantum dot has any actual effect to amplify, convert or influence the color of light. The test results confirmed that such trace amount of quantum dots made no contribution whatsoever, showing no difference in the color compared to the ordinary diffuser plates. Samsung QLED TVs and Neo QLED TVs have received the “Real Quantum Dot Display” certification from TUV.</p>
</div>
<p><span style="font-size: small"><em><sup>1</sup> An ionic bond is a chemical bond formed when electrons are transferred between atoms, creating ions that are held together by electrical attraction.<br />
<sup>2</sup> A covalent bond is a chemical bond in which two atoms share electrons.</em></span></p>
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				<title>The Nobel-Winning Material at the Heart of Samsung QLEDs [Interview on Real Quantum Dots Part 1.]</title>
				<link>https://news.samsung.com/global/the-nobel-winning-material-at-the-heart-of-samsung-qleds-interview-on-real-quantum-dots-part-1</link>
				<pubDate>Fri, 04 Apr 2025 09:00:42 +0000</pubDate>
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		<category><![CDATA[Quantum dot technology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Samsung Quantum Dot Technology]]></category>
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									<description><![CDATA[“One of the reasons Samsung focused on quantum dots is their exceptionally narrow peaks of the emission spectrum.” — Sanghyun Sohn, Samsung Electronics In 2023, the Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded for the discovery and synthesis of quantum dots. The Nobel Committee recognized the groundbreaking achievements of scientists in the field — noting that […]]]></description>
																<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center"><strong><em>“One of the reasons Samsung focused on quantum dots is their exceptionally narrow peaks of the emission spectrum.”</em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center"><strong><em>— Sanghyun Sohn, Samsung Electronics</em></strong></p>
<p>In 2023, the <a href="https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/chemistry/2023/summary/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nobel Prize in Chemistry</a> was awarded for the discovery and synthesis of quantum dots. The Nobel Committee <a href="https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/chemistry/2023/press-release/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">recognized</a> the groundbreaking achievements of scientists in the field — noting that quantum dots have already made significant contributions to the display and medical industries, with broader applications expected in electronics, quantum communications and solar cells.</p>
<p>Quantum dots — ultra-fine semiconductor particles — emit different colors of light depending on their size, producing exceptionally pure and vivid hues. Samsung Electronics, the world’s <a href="https://news.samsung.com/global/samsung-electronics-marks-19-consecutive-years-as-the-global-tv-market-leader" target="_blank" rel="noopener">leading</a> TV manufacturer, has embraced this cutting-edge material to enhance display performance.</p>
<p>Samsung Newsroom sat down with Taeghwan Hyeon, a distinguished professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Seoul National University (SNU); Doh Chang Lee, a professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST); and Sanghyun Sohn, Head of Advanced Display Lab, Visual Display (VD) Business at Samsung Electronics, to explore how quantum dots are ushering in a new era of display technology.</p>
<ul>
<li style="list-style-type: none">
<ul>
<li>
<div style="font-size: 18px"><strong><a id="move_title_1" href="#move_content_1">Understanding the Band Gap</a></strong></div>
</li>
<li>
<div style="font-size: 18px"><strong><a id="move_title_2" href="#move_content_2">Quantum Dots — The Smaller the Particle, the Larger the Band Gap</a></strong></div>
</li>
<li>
<div style="font-size: 18px"><strong><a id="move_title_3" href="#move_content_3">Engineering Behind Quantum Dot Films</a></strong></div>
</li>
<li>
<div style="font-size: 18px"><strong><a id="move_title_4" href="#move_content_4">Real QLED TVs Use Quantum Dots To Create Color</a></strong></div>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-161135" src="https://img.global.news.samsung.com/global/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Samsung-TVs-and-Displays-Samsung-Quantum-Dots-Technology-QLED-TVs-Quantum-Dots-Experts-Interview-Part-1_main1F.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="792" /></p>
<h3><span style="color: #000080"><strong><a id="move_content_1" href="#move_title_1">Understanding the Band Gap</a></strong></span></h3>
<p style="text-align: center"><strong><em>“To understand quantum dots, one must first grasp the concept of the band gap.”</em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center"><strong><em>— Taeghwan Hyeon, Seoul National University</em></strong></p>
<p>The movement of electrons causes electricity. Typically, the outermost electrons — known as valence electrons — are involved in this movement. The energy range where these electrons exist is called the valence band, while a higher, unoccupied energy range that can accept electrons is called the conduction band.</p>
<p>An electron can absorb energy to jump from the valence band to the conduction band. When the excited electron releases that energy, it falls back into the valence band. The energy difference between these two bands — the amount of energy an electron must gain or lose to move between them — is known as the band gap.</p>
<div id="attachment_161080" style="width: 1310px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-161080" class="size-full wp-image-161080" src="https://img.global.news.samsung.com/global/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Samsung-TVs-and-Displays-Samsung-Quantum-Dots-Technology-QLED-TVs-Quantum-Dots-Experts-Interview-Part-1_main2.jpg" alt="" width="1300" height="839" /><p id="caption-attachment-161080" class="wp-caption-text">▲ A comparison of energy band structures in insulators, semiconductors and conductors</p></div>
<p>Insulators like rubber and glass have large band gaps, preventing electrons from moving freely between bands. In contrast, conductors like copper and silver have overlapping valence and conduction bands — allowing electrons to move freely for high electrical conductivity.</p>
<p>Semiconductors have a band gap that falls between those of insulators and conductors — limiting conductivity under normal conditions but allowing electrical conduction or light emission when electrons are stimulated by heat, light or electricity.</p>
<p>“To understand quantum dots, one must first grasp the concept of the band gap,” said Hyeon, emphasizing that a material’s energy band structure is crucial in determining its electrical properties.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #000080"><strong><a id="move_content_2" href="#move_title_2">Quantum Dots — The Smaller the Particle, the Larger the Band Gap</a></strong></span></h3>
<p style="text-align: center"><strong><em>“As quantum dot particles become smaller, the wavelength of emitted light shifts from red to blue.”</em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center"><strong><em>— Doh Chang Lee, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology</em></strong></p>
<p>Quantum dots are nanoscale semiconductor crystals with unique electrical and optical properties. Measured in nanometers (nm) — or one-billionth of a meter — these particles are just a few thousandths the thickness of a human hair. When a semiconductor is reduced to the nanometer scale, its properties change significantly compared to its bulk state.</p>
<p>In bulk states, particles are sufficiently large so the electrons in the semiconductor material can move freely without being constrained by their own wavelength. This allows energy levels — the states that particles occupy when absorbing or releasing energy — to form a continuous spectrum, like a long slide with a gentle slope. In quantum dots, electron movement is restricted because the particle size is smaller than the electron’s wavelength.</p>
<div id="attachment_161081" style="width: 1010px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-161081" class="size-full wp-image-161081" src="https://img.global.news.samsung.com/global/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Samsung-TVs-and-Displays-Samsung-Quantum-Dots-Technology-QLED-TVs-Quantum-Dots-Experts-Interview-Part-1_main3.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="821" /><p id="caption-attachment-161081" class="wp-caption-text">▲ Size determines the band gap in quantum dots</p></div>
<p>Imagine scooping water (energy) from a large pot (bulk state) with a ladle (bandwidth corresponding to an electron’s wavelength). Using the ladle, one can adjust the amount of water in the pot freely from full to empty — this is the equivalent of continuous energy levels. However, when the pot shrinks to the size of a teacup — like a quantum dot — the ladle no longer fits. At that point, the cup can only be either full or empty. This illustrates the concept of quantized energy levels.</p>
<p>“When semiconductor particles are reduced to the nanometer scale, their energy levels become quantized — they can only exist in discontinuous steps,” said Hyeon. “This effect is called ‘quantum confinement.’ And at this scale, the band gap can be controlled by adjusting particle size.”</p>
<p>The number of molecules within the particle decreases as the size of the quantum dot decreases, resulting in weaker interactions of molecular orbitals. This strengthens the quantum confinement effect and increases the band gap.<sup>1</sup> Because the band gap corresponds to the energy released through relaxation of an electron from the conduction band to the valence band, the color of the emitted light changes accordingly.</p>
<p>“As particles become smaller, the wavelength of emitted light shifts from red to blue,” said Lee. “In other words, the size of the quantum dot nanocrystal determines its color.”</p>
<h3><span style="color: #000080"><strong><a id="move_content_3" href="#move_title_3">Engineering Behind Quantum Dot Films</a></strong></span></h3>
<p style="text-align: center"><strong><em>“Quantum dot film is at the core of QLED TVs — a testament to Samsung’s deep technical expertise.”</em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center"><strong><em>— Doh Chang Lee, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology </em></strong></p>
<p>Quantum dots have attracted attention across a variety of fields, including solar cells, photocatalysis, medicine and quantum computing. However, the display industry was the first to successfully commercialize the technology.</p>
<p>“One of the reasons Samsung focused on quantum dots is the exceptionally narrow peaks of their emission spectrum,” said Sohn. “Their narrow bandwidth and strong fluorescence make them ideal for accurately reproducing a wide spectrum of colors.”</p>
<div id="attachment_161082" style="width: 1010px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-161082" class="size-full wp-image-161082" src="https://img.global.news.samsung.com/global/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Samsung-TVs-and-Displays-Samsung-Quantum-Dots-Technology-QLED-TVs-Quantum-Dots-Experts-Interview-Part-1_main4.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="523" /><p id="caption-attachment-161082" class="wp-caption-text">▲ Quantum dots create ultra-pure red, green and blue (RGB) colors by controlling light at the nanoscale, producing narrow bandwidth and strong fluorescence.</p></div>
<p>To leverage quantum dots effectively in display technology, materials and structures must maintain high performance over time, under harsh conditions. Samsung QLED achieves this through the use of a quantum dot film.</p>
<p>“Accurate color reproduction in a display depends on how well the film utilizes the optical properties of quantum dots,” said Lee. “A quantum dot film must meet several key requirements for commercial use, such as efficient light conversion and translucence.”</p>
<div id="attachment_161083" style="width: 1010px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-161083" class="size-full wp-image-161083" src="https://img.global.news.samsung.com/global/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Samsung-TVs-and-Displays-Samsung-Quantum-Dots-Technology-QLED-TVs-Quantum-Dots-Experts-Interview-Part-1_main5.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="667" /><p id="caption-attachment-161083" class="wp-caption-text">▲ Sanghyun Sohn</p></div>
<p>The quantum dot film used in Samsung QLED displays is produced by adding a quantum dot solution to a polymer base heated to a very high-temperature, spreading it into a thin layer and then curing it. While this may sound simple, the actual manufacturing process is highly complex.</p>
<p>“It’s like trying to evenly mix cinnamon powder into sticky honey without making lumps — not an easy task,” said Sohn. “To evenly disperse quantum dots throughout the film, several factors such as materials, design and processing conditions must be carefully considered.”</p>
<p>Despite these challenges, Samsung pushed the boundaries of the technology. To ensure long-term durability in its displays, the company developed proprietary polymer materials specifically optimized for quantum dots.</p>
<p>“We’ve built extensive expertise in quantum dot technology by developing barrier films that block moisture and polymer materials capable of evenly dispersing quantum dots,” he added. “Through this, we not only achieved mass production but also reduced costs.”</p>
<p>Thanks to this advanced process, Samsung’s quantum dot film delivers precise color expression and outstanding luminous efficiency — all backed by industry-leading durability.</p>
<p>“Brightness is typically measured in nits, with one nit equivalent to the brightness of a single candle,” explained Sohn. “While conventional LEDs offer around 500 nits, our quantum dot displays can reach 2,000 nits or more — the equivalent of 2,000 candles — achieving a new level of image quality.”</p>
<div id="attachment_161084" style="width: 1010px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-161084" class="size-full wp-image-161084" src="https://img.global.news.samsung.com/global/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Samsung-TVs-and-Displays-Samsung-Quantum-Dots-Technology-QLED-TVs-Quantum-Dots-Experts-Interview-Part-1_main6.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="692" /><p id="caption-attachment-161084" class="wp-caption-text">▲ RGB gamut comparisons between visible light spectrum, sRGB and DCI-P3 in a CIE 1931 color space</p></div>
<p><span style="font-size: small">* CIE 1930: A widely used color system announced in 1931 by the Commission internationale de l’éclairage<br />
* sRGB (standard RGB): A color space created cooperatively by Microsoft and HP in 1996 for monitors and printers<br />
* DCI-P3 (Digital Cinema Initiatives – Protocol 3): A color space widely used for digital HDR content, defined by Digital Cinema Initiatives for digital projectors</span></p>
<p>By leveraging quantum dots, Samsung has significantly enhanced both brightness and color expression — delivering a visual experience unlike anything seen before. In fact, Samsung QLED TVs achieve a <a href="https://news.samsung.com/global/color-volume-what-it-is-and-why-it-matters-for-tv" target="_blank" rel="noopener">color reproduction rate</a> exceeding 90% of the DCI-P3 (Digital Cinema Initiatives – Protocol 3) color space, the benchmark for color accuracy in digital cinema.</p>
<p>“Even if you have made quantum dots, you need to ensure long-term stability for them to be useful,” said Lee. “Samsung’s industry-leading <a href="https://news.samsung.com/global/how-samsungs-engineering-feat-became-a-catalyst-for-scientific-and-industry-advancement-interview-on-real-quantum-dots-part-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">indium phosphide (InP)-based</a> quantum dot synthesis and film production technologies are testament to Samsung’s deep technical expertise.”</p>
<h3><span style="color: #000080"><strong><a id="move_content_4" href="#move_title_4">Real QLED TVs Use Quantum Dots To Create Color</a></strong></span></h3>
<p style="text-align: center"><strong><em>“The legitimacy of a quantum dot TV lies in whether or not it leverages the quantum confinement effect.”</em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center"><strong><em>— Taeghwan Hyeon, Seoul National University</em></strong></p>
<p>As interest in quantum dots grows across the industry, a variety of products have entered the market. Nonetheless, not all quantum dot-labeled TVs are equal — quantum dots must sufficiently contribute to actual image quality.</p>
<div id="attachment_161085" style="width: 1010px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-161085" class="size-full wp-image-161085" src="https://img.global.news.samsung.com/global/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Samsung-TVs-and-Displays-Samsung-Quantum-Dots-Technology-QLED-TVs-Quantum-Dots-Experts-Interview-Part-1_main7.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="667" /><p id="caption-attachment-161085" class="wp-caption-text">▲ Taeghwan Hyeon</p></div>
<p>“The legitimacy of a quantum dot TV lies in whether or not it leverages the quantum confinement effect,” said Hyeon. “The first, fundamental requirement is to use quantum dots to create color.”</p>
<p>“To be considered a true quantum dot TV, quantum dots must serve as either the core light-converting or primary light-emitting material,” said Lee. “For light-converting quantum dots, the display must contain an adequate amount of quantum dots to absorb and convert blue light emitted by the backlight unit.”</p>
<div id="attachment_161086" style="width: 1010px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-161086" class="size-full wp-image-161086" src="https://img.global.news.samsung.com/global/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Samsung-TVs-and-Displays-Samsung-Quantum-Dots-Technology-QLED-TVs-Quantum-Dots-Experts-Interview-Part-1_main8.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="667" /><p id="caption-attachment-161086" class="wp-caption-text">▲ Doh Chang Lee</p></div>
<p>“Quantum dot film must contain a sufficient amount of quantum dots to perform effectively,” repeated Sohn, emphasizing the importance of quantum dot content. “Samsung QLED uses more than 3,000 parts per million (ppm) of quantum dot materials. 100% of the red and green colors are made through quantum dots.”</p>
<div class="youtube_wrap"><iframe loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-x3pnFkfPrA?rel=0" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="width: 0px;overflow: hidden;line-height: 0" class="mce_SELRES_start">﻿</span><span style="width: 0px;overflow: hidden;line-height: 0" data-mce-type="bookmark" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span></iframe></div>
<p>Samsung began developing quantum dot technology in 2001 and, in 2015, introduced the world’s first no-cadmium quantum dot TV — the SUHD TV. In 2017, the company launched its premium QLED lineup, further solidifying its leadership in the quantum dot display industry.</p>
<p>In the second part of this interview series, Samsung Newsroom takes a closer look at how Samsung not only commercialized quantum dot display technology but also developed a cadmium-free quantum dot material — an innovation recognized by Nobel Prize-winning researchers in chemistry.</p>
<div style="padding: 2em;border: 1px;border-style: solid">
<p><strong>Five Frequently Asked Questions about QLED TVs</strong></p>
<p><strong>Q. What is Real QLED?</strong></p>
<p>“Samsung’s Real QLED is an innovative display that uses quantum dot (QD) light-converting film combined with blue light sources and is certified as ‘Real Quantum Dot Display’ by TÜV Rheinland, an international certification organization based in Germany. It displays clear separation between red, green and blue light sources — an important marker of color accuracy.</p>
<p>This distinction, enabled by quantum dots, may not be as pronounced in displays using alternative materials or methods with very little quantum dot presence, which can sometimes cause color mixing or reduced clarity. It demonstrates how Samsung’s use of quantum dots contributes to delivering vivid and precise color expression.”</p>
<p><strong>Q. What is a Quantum dot on TV?</strong></p>
<p>Quantum dots are ultra-fine nanomaterials — tens of thousands of times smaller than a human hair — renowned for their ability to reproduce vivid, precise colors depending on the light wavelength. The way quantum dots are integrated into display panels has become a key indicator for evaluating technological advancement in the premium TV segment.</p>
<p><strong>Q. How do I know my TV is a Real QLED?</strong></p>
<p>“Check for the ‘Real Quantum Dot Display’ certification logo from TÜV Rheinland, an international certification organization based in Germany. The certification verifies that Samsung’s QLED TVs meet global standards for quantum dot display structure, confirming that Samsung QLED TVs comply with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Draft Technical Report 62595-1-6, which describes the application of quantum dot (QD) light converting unit combined with blue light sources for standard QLED displays.</p>
<p>As part of the certification process, TÜV Rheinland analyzed the light spectrum produced by Samsung QLED TVs and confirmed that it displayed clear separation between red, green and blue — an important marker of color accuracy. With this certification, Samsung’s QLED TVs are officially validated as true quantum dot displays, delivering true quantum dot performance built to international standards.”</p>
<p><strong>Q. Why is Samsung’s QLED safer?</strong></p>
<p>Samsung’s quantum dot technology has also been recognized by global testing organization Société Générale de Surveillance (SGS) for its excellence in cadmium-free design — an environmentally conscious approach that eliminates the use of cadmium, a toxic heavy metal known to pose risks to human health and the environment.</p>
<p><strong>Q. Some brands claim that their TVs are QLEDs despite not having any certification. How can they claim this and what should I look out for?</strong></p>
<p>Standard QLED displays are defined by the application of quantum dot (QD) light converting unit combined with blue light sources. Some brands claim that a microscopic dose of quantum dot material on the diffuser plate makes their TVs Real Quantum dot displays. But an independent third-party institution (a university laboratory) tested a subset of the models in question by replacing their diffuser plate with ordinary diffuser plate (i.e., without quantum dots) to examine whether such microscopic dose of quantum dot has any actual effect to amplify, convert or influence the color of light. The test results confirmed that such trace amount of quantum dots made no contribution whatsoever, showing no difference in the color compared to the ordinary diffuser plates. Samsung QLED TVs and Neo QLED TVs have received the “Real Quantum Dot Display” certification from TUV.</p>
</div>
<p><span style="font-size: small"><em><sup>1</sup> When a semiconductor material is in its bulk state, the band gap remains fixed at a value characteristic of the material and does not depend on particle size.</em></span></p>
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				<title>Samsung’s Quantum Dot Display Technology Verified as No-Cadmium, Receives SGS Certification</title>
				<link>https://news.samsung.com/global/samsungs-quantum-dot-display-technology-verified-as-no-cadmium-receives-sgs-certification</link>
				<pubDate>Wed, 12 Mar 2025 08:00:38 +0000</pubDate>
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									<description><![CDATA[Samsung Electronics 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). SGS, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, is a world-leading testing […]]]></description>
																<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-160225" src="https://img.global.news.samsung.com/global/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Samsung-TVs-and-Displays-Neo-QLED-8K-Quantum-Dot-Technology-Receives-SGS-Certification_main1.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="715" /></p>
<p>Samsung Electronics 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).</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>In addition to receiving recognition from SGS for the no-cadmium technology in Samsung’s quantum dot film, the company’s compliance with the EU’s RoHS directive assures the safety of the TV viewing experience.</p>
<p>“Samsung’s quantum dot TVs are built on safe technology that complies with restrictions on hazardous substances while delivering unmatched picture quality,” said Taeyong Son, Executive Vice President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “Achieving SGS certification fully validates the safety of our products. With this recognition, we are committed to continuously developing sustainable display technologies.”</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>In particular, Samsung successfully created nanocrystal material without cadmium and has secured around 150 patents for the technology. With this extensive expertise and technological progress, the company has ushered in an era of safer quantum dot TVs made with materials that do not contain harmful substances.</p>
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				<title>[Real Quantum Dot Guide] Samsung’s Innovations Redefine Picture Quality Standards</title>
				<link>https://news.samsung.com/global/real-quantum-dot-guide-samsungs-innovations-redefine-picture-quality-standards</link>
				<pubDate>Fri, 14 Feb 2025 15:23:52 +0000</pubDate>
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									<description><![CDATA[Quantum dots have attracted attention as next-generation material for a wide range of applications including displays, medical devices and solar cells. In 2014, Samsung Electronics developed the world’s first no-cadmium quantum dot material and successfully commercialized quantum dot technology with its SUHD TVs. Since 2017, the company has continued to build on its legacy of […]]]></description>
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<p>Quantum dots have attracted attention as next-generation material for a wide range of applications including displays, medical devices and solar cells. In 2014, Samsung Electronics developed the world’s first no-cadmium quantum dot material and successfully commercialized quantum dot technology with its SUHD TVs. Since 2017, the company has continued to build on its legacy of quantum dot mastery through QLED — its own quantum dot TV series. Samsung Newsroom explored how quantum dots are taking Samsung displays to the next level.</p>
</div>
<h3><span style="color: #000080"><strong>Quantum Dots: The Next Generation of Display Innovation</strong></span></h3>
<p>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 color accuracy and brightness among existing materials had them positioned to revolutionize display technology.</p>
<p>When used in displays, quantum dots support a wide color gamut that closely matches colors 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 color from any viewing angle while minimizing blue light exposure for a more comfortable viewing experience.</p>
<div id="attachment_159595" style="width: 1010px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-159595" class="wp-image-159595 size-full" src="https://img.global.news.samsung.com/global/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Samsung-TVs-and-Displays-Quantum-Dot-TVs-Real-Quantum-Dot-Guide_main1.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="624" /><p id="caption-attachment-159595" class="wp-caption-text">▲ SUHD TVs at CES 2015</p></div>
<h3><span style="color: #000080"><strong>What Sets Quantum Dot TVs Apart: Content, Film Quality and No-Cadmium Technology</strong></span></h3>
<p>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.</p>
<p>However, key differences in quantum dot TVs lie in how the technology is implemented and the overall quality of the display. To ensure 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.</p>
<div id="attachment_159693" style="width: 1010px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-159693" class="wp-image-159693 size-full" src="https://img.global.news.samsung.com/global/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Samsung-TVs-and-Displays-Quantum-Dot-TVs-Real-Quantum-Dot-Guide_main2F.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="670" /><p id="caption-attachment-159693" class="wp-caption-text">▲ Factors to consider when selecting a high-quality quantum dot TV</p></div>
<h3><span style="color: #000080"><strong>Quantum Dot Content</strong></span></h3>
<p>The true quality of a 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 color expression that only quantum dots can deliver.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #000080"><strong>Quantum Dot Film</strong></span></h3>
<p>Samsung QLEDs eliminate the need for a separate phosphor layer, enhancing light and energy efficiency while delivering more vivid colors. A quantum dot OLED (QD-OLED), which consists of a thin-film transistor (TFT) layer,<sup>1</sup> 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 top-class picture quality and longevity.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-159752" src="https://img.global.news.samsung.com/global/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Samsung-TVs-and-Displays-Quantum-Dot-TVs-Real-Quantum-Dot-Guide_main3F.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="554" /></p>
<div id="attachment_159753" style="width: 1010px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-159753" class="wp-image-159753 size-full" src="https://img.global.news.samsung.com/global/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Samsung-TVs-and-Displays-Quantum-Dot-TVs-Real-Quantum-Dot-Guide_main3-1.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="497" /><p id="caption-attachment-159753" class="wp-caption-text">▲ A comparison of QD-OLED and LCD displays</p></div>
<h3><span style="color: #000080"><strong>No Cadmium</strong></span></h3>
<p>In the early stages of developing quantum dot TVs, cadmium was essential to achieving the key benefits of quantum dots such as color reproduction and contrast ratio. At the time, cadmium was considered the most efficient material for producing quantum dots.</p>
<p>However, cadmium’s toxicity became a significant obstacle to the commercialization of quantum dot technology. The element posed serious threats to the environment — making its widespread use difficult despite being the most suitable material for implementing quantum dot technology.</p>
<p>In response to this challenge, Samsung developed the world’s first 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.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #000080"><strong>10 Years of Quantum Dot Innovation and Leadership</strong></span></h3>
<p>Samsung has quickly recognized the potential of quantum dot technology and led innovation in the global display market over the past decade through continuous research and investment.</p>
<div id="attachment_159598" style="width: 1010px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-159598" class="wp-image-159598 size-full" src="https://img.global.news.samsung.com/global/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Samsung-TVs-and-Displays-Quantum-Dot-TVs-Real-Quantum-Dot-Guide_main4.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="823" /><p id="caption-attachment-159598" class="wp-caption-text">▲ A timeline of Samsung’s quantum dot technology development from 2001 to 2022</p></div>
<p>Samsung began researching and developing quantum dot technology in 2001 — at a time when there was limited research on non-cadmium materials. Achieving vivid colors required making the nano-sized particles uniform, but the lack of technology and research made mass production extremely challenging.</p>
<p>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 world’s first SUHD TVs with no-cadmium quantum dot technology.</p>
<div id="attachment_159599" style="width: 1010px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-159599" class="wp-image-159599 size-full" src="https://img.global.news.samsung.com/global/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Samsung-TVs-and-Displays-Quantum-Dot-TVs-Real-Quantum-Dot-Guide_main5.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="667" /><p id="caption-attachment-159599" class="wp-caption-text">▲ QLED TVs (75Q8C and 88Q8F) at Samsung’s First Look 2017 event during CES 2017</p></div>
<p>Samsung’s QLED lineup was revealed in 2017, setting a new standard for premium TVs that overcame the limitations of OLED TVs. By applying metal quantum dot technology, Samsung achieved the Digital Cinema Initiative’s color standard DCI-P3 and achieved 100% color volume for the first time in the world — thereby presenting unparalleled color expression. Notably, the use of inorganic quantum dot technology protected the screens from burn-in<sup>2</sup> to ensure consistent picture quality over time.</p>
<div id="attachment_159601" style="width: 1010px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-159601" class="wp-image-159601 size-full" src="https://img.global.news.samsung.com/global/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Samsung-TVs-and-Displays-Quantum-Dot-TVs-Real-Quantum-Dot-Guide_main6.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="650" /><p id="caption-attachment-159601" class="wp-caption-text">▲ (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</p></div>
<p>Following its <a href="https://news.samsung.com/global/samsung-fellows-study-on-the-potential-commercialization-of-qleds-published-in-leading-science-journal-nature" target="_blank" rel="noopener">success</a> 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 colors<sup>3</sup> — to an industry-leading 20.2%.</p>
<p>“Discovering a blue material for self-emitting QLEDs and demonstrating industry-leading 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.”</p>
<p>This cutting-edge advancements 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.</p>
<p>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, color accuracy and frequency. Driven by Samsung’s unrivaled quantum dot innovations, the future of display technology is brighter than ever.</p>
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<p><strong>Five Frequently Asked Questions about QLED TVs</strong></p>
<p><strong>Q. What is Real QLED?</strong></p>
<p>“Samsung’s Real QLED is an innovative display that uses quantum dot (QD) light-converting film combined with blue light sources and is certified as ‘Real Quantum Dot Display’ by TÜV Rheinland, an international certification organization based in Germany. It displays clear separation between red, green and blue light sources — an important marker of color accuracy.</p>
<p>This distinction, enabled by quantum dots, may not be as pronounced in displays using alternative materials or methods with very little quantum dot presence, which can sometimes cause color mixing or reduced clarity. It demonstrates how Samsung’s use of quantum dots contributes to delivering vivid and precise color expression.”</p>
<p><strong>Q. What is a Quantum dot on TV?</strong></p>
<p>Quantum dots are ultra-fine nanomaterials — tens of thousands of times smaller than a human hair — renowned for their ability to reproduce vivid, precise colors depending on the light wavelength. The way quantum dots are integrated into display panels has become a key indicator for evaluating technological advancement in the premium TV segment.</p>
<p><strong>Q. How do I know my TV is a Real QLED?</strong></p>
<p>“Check for the ‘Real Quantum Dot Display’ certification logo from TÜV Rheinland, an international certification organization based in Germany. The certification verifies that Samsung’s QLED TVs meet global standards for quantum dot display structure, confirming that Samsung QLED TVs comply with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Draft Technical Report 62595-1-6, which describes the application of quantum dot (QD) light converting unit combined with blue light sources for standard QLED displays.</p>
<p>As part of the certification process, TÜV Rheinland analyzed the light spectrum produced by Samsung QLED TVs and confirmed that it displayed clear separation between red, green and blue — an important marker of color accuracy. With this certification, Samsung’s QLED TVs are officially validated as true quantum dot displays, delivering true quantum dot performance built to international standards.”</p>
<p><strong>Q. Why is Samsung’s QLED safer?</strong></p>
<p>Samsung’s quantum dot technology has also been recognized by global testing organization Société Générale de Surveillance (SGS) for its excellence in cadmium-free design — an environmentally conscious approach that eliminates the use of cadmium, a toxic heavy metal known to pose risks to human health and the environment.</p>
<p><strong>Q. Some brands claim that their TVs are QLEDs despite not having any certification. How can they claim this and what should I look out for?</strong></p>
<p>Standard QLED displays are defined by the application of quantum dot (QD) light converting unit combined with blue light sources. Some brands claim that a microscopic dose of quantum dot material on the diffuser plate makes their TVs Real Quantum dot displays. But an independent third-party institution (a university laboratory) tested a subset of the models in question by replacing their diffuser plate with ordinary diffuser plate (i.e., without quantum dots) to examine whether such microscopic dose of quantum dot has any actual effect to amplify, convert or influence the color of light. The test results confirmed that such trace amount of quantum dots made no contribution whatsoever, showing no difference in the color compared to the ordinary diffuser plates. Samsung QLED TVs and Neo QLED TVs have received the “Real Quantum Dot Display” certification from TUV.</p>
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<p><span style="font-size: small"><em><sup>1</sup> An electronic circuit that adjusts and controls the light-emitting layers<br />
<sup>2</sup> Occurs when a static image is displayed for too long, causing color distortions or ghost images to remain on screen<br />
<sup>3</sup> Red, green and blue</em></span></p>
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