— 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 2015, 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 Samsung’s first no-cadmium quantum dot technology.

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 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for the discovery and synthesis of quantum dots.

Following , Samsung Newsroom uncovers how Samsung has contributed to academia through groundbreaking advances in material innovation.

▲ (From left) Taeghwan Hyeon, Doh Chang Lee and Sanghyun Sohn

Why Cadmium Was the Starting Point for Quantum Dot Research

“I was truly impressed that Samsung succeeded in commercializing a no-cadmium quantum dot display product.”

 — Taeghwan Hyeon, Seoul National University

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.

Momentum accelerated in 1993 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 2001, 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 2004, Hyeon published a scalable production method in the academic journal Nature Materials — a discovery widely regarded as a potential game changer in the industry.

▲ Taeghwan Hyeon

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.

“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.”

▲ A comparison of cadmium-based quantum dots with ionic bonds and indium-based quantum dots with covalent bonds

Cadmium, an element with two valence electrons, forms strong ionic bonds[1] 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.

In contrast, indium (In) — an alternative to cadmium with three valence electrons — forms covalent bonds[2] 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.

“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.”

No Compromise – From Breakthrough to Mass Production

“There is simply no room for compromise when it comes to consumer safety.”

— Sanghyun Son, Samsung Electronics

Samsung, however, took a different approach.

“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”

▲ Sanghyun Sohn

Samsung’s long-standing commitment to its principle of “No Compromise on Safety” came to the forefront in 2014 when the company successfully developed its 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 its 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.

“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.”

▲The three components of quantum dots

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.

“None of the three components — core, shell or ligand can be overlooked,” added Lee. “Samsung’s technology for indium phosphide synthesis is outstanding.”

“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.”

Setting the Quantum Dot Standard

“Research trends in the academic community shifted noticeably before and after the release of Samsung’s quantum dot TVs.”

— Doh Chang Lee, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology

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.

Building on years of foundational research and the introduction of its SUHD TVs, Samsung launched its QLED TVs in 2017 and set a new standard for premium displays. In 2022, the company pushed innovation further with the debut of QD-OLED TVs — Samsung’s first display to combine quantum dots with an OLED structure.

▲ A comparison of LCD, QLED and QD-OLED structures

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 2023 by the Society for Information Display (SID), the world’s largest organization dedicated to display technologies.

“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.”

▲ Doh Chang Lee

“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.”

“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.”

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.

“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.”

Samsung’s Vision for Tomorrow’s Displays

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.

“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.”

“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.

“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.”

With its continued leadership and bold technological vision, Samsung is shaping the future of displays and rewriting what’s possible with quantum dots.

To learn more, please visit: http://www.samsung.com/my/tvs/all-tvs/

[1] An ionic bond is a chemical bond formed when electrons are transferred between atoms, creating ions that are held together by electrical attraction.

[2] A covalent bond is a chemical bond in which two atoms share electrons.

— 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 quantum dots have already made significant contributions to the display and medical industries, with broader applications expected in electronics, quantum communications and solar cells.

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 leading TV manufacturer, has embraced this cutting-edge material to enhance display performance.

Samsung Newsroom sat down with Taeghwan Hyeon, distinguished professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Seoul National University (SNU); Doh Chang Lee, 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.

• Understanding the Band Gap
• Quantum Dots – The Smaller the Particle, the Larger the Band Gap
• Engineering Behind Quantum Dot Films
• Real QLED TVs Use Quantum Dots To Create Color

Understanding the Band Gap

“To understand quantum dots, one must first grasp the concept of the band gap.”

— Taeghwan Hyeon, Seoul National University

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.

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.

▲ A comparison of energy band structures in insulators, semiconductors and conductors

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.

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.

“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.

Quantum Dots – The Smaller the Particle, the Larger the Band Gap

“As quantum dot particles become smaller, the wavelength of emitted light shifts from red to blue.”

— Doh Chang Lee, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology

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.

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.

▲ Size determines the band gap in quantum dots

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.

“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.”

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.[1] 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.

“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.”

Engineering Behind Quantum Dot Films

“Quantum dot film is at the core of QLED TVs — a testament to Samsung’s deep technical expertise.”

— Doh Chang Lee, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology

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.

“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.”

▲ Quantum dots create ultra-pure red, green and blue (RGB) colors by controlling light at the nanoscale, producing narrow bandwidth and strong fluorescence.

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.

“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.”

▲ Sanghyun Sohn

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.

“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.”

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.

“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.”

Thanks to this advanced process, Samsung’s quantum dot film delivers precise color expression and outstanding luminous efficiency — all backed by industry-leading durability.

“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.”

▲ RGB gamut comparisons between visible light spectrum, sRGB and DCI-P3 in a CIE 1931 color space

* CIE 1930: A widely used color system announced in 1931 by the Commission internationale de l’éclairage
* sRGB (standard RGB): A color space created cooperatively by Microsoft and HP in 1996 for monitors and printers
* DCI-P3 (Digital Cinema Initiatives – Protocol 3): A color space widely used for digital HDR content, defined by Digital Cinema Initiatives for digital projectors

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 color reproduction rate exceeding 90% of the DCI-P3 (Digital Cinema Initiatives – Protocol 3) color space, the benchmark for color accuracy in digital cinema.

“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 indium phosphide(InP)-based quantum dot synthesis and film production technologies are testament to Samsung’s deep technical expertise.”

Real QLED TVs Use Quantum Dots to Create Color

“The legitimacy of a quantum dot TV lies in whether or not it leverages the quantum confinement effect.”

— Taeghwan Hyeon, Seoul National University

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.

▲ Taeghwan Hyeon

“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.”

“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.”

▲ Doh Chang Lee

“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.”

Samsung began developing quantum dot technology in 2001 and, in 2015, introduced it’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.

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.

To learn more, please visit: http://www.samsung.com/my/tvs/all-tvs/

[1] 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.

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).

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.

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.

“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.”

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 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. 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.

For more information, please visit: https://www.samsung.com/my/

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The QLED QE1C TV also achieves its stunning 4K picture quality through the use of Quantum Dot technology. This innovative approach allows the TV to produce over 1 billion shades of colour, resulting in images that are both more realistic and vibrant. The TV also features Quantum HDR, which enhances the contrast and brightness of images, providing a more dynamic viewing experience as well as OTS lite for immersive surround sound.

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“Samsung’s delivering next-level gaming experiences with innovative curved displays using the latest graphics technology to immerse gamers like never before,” said Seog-gi Kim, Executive Vice President of the Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “Combining a 240Hz refresh rate with NVIDIA G-SYNC compatibility in Samsung’s new CRG5 curved gaming monitor gives gamers advanced performance for the most graphic-intense games.”

The 27-inch CRG5 delivers a 1500R display curvature combined with a lightning-fast refresh rate through 240Hz RapidCurve technology, eliminating screen lag time while displaying ultra-smooth scenes for a truly immersive experience. The monitor has been validated by NVIDIA to meet the performance and image quality requirements for G-SYNC compatibility and delivers smooth, tear-free, low-latency gameplay during any scene, all in full HD resolution (1920×1080).

The monitor has deeper blacks and brighter whites with a 3000:1 contrast ratio, providing superfine detail even in the brightest and darkest parts of a game. CRG5 has a curved vertical alignment (VA) panel display, providing an immersive gaming experience with wide viewing angle.

CRG5’s minimal bezel design offers near edge-to-edge screen on three sides and a sturdy, ergonomic stand to help gamers stay comfortably immersed in gameplay. Gamers can also select pre-set display options for any genre of game with an on-screen digital menu, and for more advanced customization users can create up to three separate display profiles to easily switch between.

The new curved gaming monitor joins Samsung’s full line of innovative curved gaming displays, including the company’s new groundbreaking 49-inch, CRG9 that immerses gamers in detail and color with a high-resolution super ultra-wide gaming monitor with a 32:9 aspect ratio, dramatic 1800R curved screen and HDR1000. The Dual QHD display (5120×1440) leverages Samsung’s revolutionary Quantum dot technology for an exceptionally wide range of accurate color reproduction, so every game feels true to life.

The CRG5 will be unveiled at the PC Gaming Show from PC Gamer, broadcast live on Twitch, June 10 at 10:00 AM Pacific Time. The CRG5 will be available globally in Q3 2019.

For additional information on Samsung’s curved gaming monitors, please visit DisplaySolutions.com and tune into the Twitch broadcast.