Thanks to this innovation – Samsung achieves 100% colour volume^[2], great brightness and durability, positioning itself as a benchmark in high quality visual technology.

Not all QLEDs are created equal. Samsung’s Real QLED has earned official certification from TÜV Rheinland^[3] confirming compliance with the IEC 62595-1-6 international standard, the benchmark for authentic quantum dot (QD) displays.

Realistic And Vibrant Colours With Real Quantum Dot

Real Quantum Dot technology uses nanocrystals that transform light into accurate colours, achieving near-realistic reproduction. This results in more vibrant images, sharper details and an immersive experience for both movies and TV shows. Unlike technologies without the certification, Samsung TVs with Real Quantum Dot maintain their image quality for longer – guaranteeing long-lasting performance.

Cadmium-Free^[1]: Responsible Innovation

One of Samsung’s major differentiators is that its Real Quantum Dot technology is cadmium-free¹, a heavy metal commonly used in traditional displays that poses risks to health and the environment. By removing this component, Samsung improves the safety of its products, without sacrificing quality or visual performance.

Greater Brightness & Contrast For Different Types Of Content

Samsung TVs offer superior brightness, allowing you to enjoy clear images even in brightly lit environments. Furthermore, optimised contrast highlights details in both dark and bright scenes. This allows for a cinematic experience at home, with accurate colours and greater image depth.

For more information about Samsung televisions, visit: https://www.samsung.com/za/tvs/all-tvs/.

^[1] Source: Société Générale de Surveillance (SGS). 2025. Certification for compliance with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS), Cadmium-free quantum dot technology.

^[2] Measurement accredited by Verband Deutscher Elektrotechnieker (VDE), one of the largest technical-scientific associations in Europe.

^[3] Source: TÜV Rheinland. Samsung QLED TVs comply with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 62595-1-6 standard, which defines the application of quantum dot (QD) light converting unit combined with blue light sources for standard QLED displays.

In households where entertainment needs are as varied as those living in them, one thing remains constant; the demand for superior picture quality and versatility. That’s where Samsung’s QLED, powered by 100% Colour Volume real and safe Quantum Dot technology, comes in – delivering a next-level viewing experience that meets every lifestyle head-on.

Samsung’s Neo QLED and QLED TVs, are not just about flexibility – they’re about real innovation at the core. At the heart of this technology lies Samsung’s Real Quantum Dot technology, the foundation of the real QLED experience that Samsung pioneered. This is not your average TV – it’s the result of years of refinement and leadership in Quantum Dot display technology.

The Real QLED Advantage: 100% Colour Volume with Quantum Dot

Samsung’s Real Quantum Dot technology transforms how you see colour on a screen. Unlike traditional displays, Quantum Dots produce consistently bright, vivid, and accurate colours regardless of brightness levels. That means whether you’re watching an intense action movie, a lush nature documentary, or a fast-paced football match, you’ll see every detail in stunning clarity and realism. Real QLED means 100% Colour Volume, powered by Quantum Dot, delivering billions of shades for unmatched picture depth. Combined with Neo QLED’s ultra-precise Mini LED backlighting and the Neo Quantum Processor, your TV becomes a true visual powerhouse, adapting dynamically to your content and surroundings.

Experience the Real QLED Difference

Samsung’s QLED and Neo QLED TVs, built on true Quantum Dot technology, are the gold standard in home entertainment. For families with diverse viewing habits, these TVs offer not just flexibility – but an uncompromising, vibrant experience that only Real QLED powered by Real Quantum Dots can provide.

Enjoy safe cadmium-free quantum dot Samsung TVs with your family

Samsung’s long-standing commitment to its principle of “No Compromise on Safety” came to the forefront in 2014 when the company successfully developed the world’s first no-cadmium quantum dot material. Since then, the company has been leading quantum dot technology through continuous technological advancements and sustainable efforts.

Built for Every Lifestyle

From gaming marathons to family movie nights, Samsung’s QLED and Neo QLED TVs shine in any scenario. Thanks to their superior brightness, deep blacks, and ultra-sharp contrast, these TVs ensure that everyone in the family has a perfect view, no matter the room’s lighting or their seating position. Gamers will love the low-latency response and motion handling, while movie lovers will be drawn into cinematic visuals with lifelike colours. And sports fans? They’ll appreciate the clarity and smoothness of every goal, ace, dunk, or lap.

Multi-View and Multi-Persona: Tailored for Real Life

Samsung’s TVs aren’t just visually stunning – they’re also smart and adaptable. The Multi-View feature, for example, allows multiple content sources to be displayed at once, so one person can follow a live match while another watches YouTube or scrolls through social media – all on the same screen. It’s versatility made simple, and another example of how Samsung is designing for real families with real needs.

Real Innovation Meets AI Intelligence

The Quantum Dot experience is taken even further with Samsung’s Neo Quantum Processor. This AI-powered engine uses deep learning to optimise both picture and sound in real-time, making the most of the Quantum Dot technology’s full potential. The result? Crystal-clear scenes, perfectly tuned audio, and smooth transitions – tailored automatically to your content and environment.

From a sun-lit daytime cartoon marathon to a late-night thriller binge, Samsung’s AI enhancements ensure that Quantum Dot brilliance always looks its best.

Sustainability Without Compromise

Samsung’s Real QLED technology doesn’t just perform – it also respects the planet. With energy-efficient design, eco-friendly materials, and certifications like Product Carbon Footprint Reduction, No-Cadmium SGS, and EyeCare Circadian Certification, Samsung is committed to sustainability while delivering industry-leading performance.

A significant leap forward – Samsung pioneered QLED technology, an innovative use of Quantum Dot displays, and has continually refined it to perfection. As a result, Samsung TVs have become the standard for picture quality in the world of home entertainment. Additionally, Samsung’s commitment to innovation doesn’t stop with the picture – from sleek, minimalist designs to user-friendly interfaces, every Samsung TV is crafted with the modern consumer in mind.

When it comes to visual brilliance, Samsung’s Quantum Dot technology is leading the charge in delivering a picture-perfect viewing experience. Watching TV has evolved from just a pastime into an immersive experience that redefines how we connect with stories, sports, games, and even daily streaming. Gone are the days of settling for dull, washed-out images on your screen. Today, technology is designed for function and lifestyle, creating visual experiences that transform how we enjoy media.

Samsung began researching and developing quantum dot technology in 2001 — they succeeded in creating a no-cadmium nanocrystal material in 2014. Since then, the company has accumulated extensive expertise, registering more than 150 patents, and has 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.

A Leap Forward in Picture Quality

At its core, Quantum Dot technology enhances your TV’s picture quality by harnessing the power of tiny particles known as quantum dots. These microscopic dots emit pure, true colours when light hits them. It’s not just about sharper images, though — it’s about creating an experience that pulls you right into the action. Whether you’re watching the latest blockbuster, cheering on your favourite sports team, or diving into a video game, Samsung’s Quantum Dot technology ensures every scene is rich with vibrant, life-like colours, crisp contrasts, and unmatched clarity.

How Samsung’s Quantum Dots Elevate Your Viewing Experience

Picture-Perfect Colour: Samsung’s quantum dots allow your TV to produce an exceptional range of colours, even in the brightest of scenes. Imagine watching an action-packed movie where explosions are vivid, or a nature documentary where every leaf, every petal seems so detailed you can almost reach out and touch them. With Quantum Dots, colour accuracy comes standard.

Unmatched Brightness and Contrast: Whether you’re binge-watching your favourite show in a bright living room or enjoying a dark, moody film in the evening, Quantum Dot technology ensures that every scene looks incredible. With higher brightness levels and a superior contrast ratio, Samsung Quantum Dot TVs provide incredible depth, making both bright scenes pop and dark scenes more defined.

Longevity: Quantum dots are built to last, meaning that over time, your Samsung QLED TV will continue to deliver stunning, vivid colours without fading. Only Samsung quantum dots are metal-coated, which adds to your QLED TV’s longevity, and its picture quality will not degrade over time. So, you can rest easy knowing that your TV will keep delivering the same top-tier viewing experience for years to come — no need for constant upgrades.

A Lifestyle Experience That Goes Beyond the Screen

Samsung’s Quantum Dot TVs aren’t just about great picture quality — they seamlessly integrate into your lifestyle. Whether you’re a movie lover, a gaming enthusiast, or a sports fan, the benefits are clear. Movie buffs get the picture accuracy and superior contrast of Samsung’s Quantum Dot TVs that make every film feel cinematic, be it the latest blockbuster or an old classic. If you’re a gamer, imagine playing your favourite game and having the colours and contrasts pop with greater depth. Quantum Dot technology elevates your gaming experience with richer colours, smoother transitions, and a heightened sense of realism. For sports fans, this technology brings the action to life with the vivid colours, better contrast and sharper clarity – it’s more immersive, like being right there in the stadium.

A Perfect Fit for Your Home

Samsung’s Quantum Dot TVs are not only technologically advanced, but they’re also designed to seamlessly blend into your home’s decor. With sleek, modern designs, they enhance any living room, bedroom, or home theatre, becoming the centrepiece of your entertainment space. Whether you’re watching, playing, or simply admiring its aesthetic, Samsung’s TVs are a statement of innovation, beauty, and functionality.

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 Part 1, 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 Sohn, 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 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.

“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 — the world’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.

^[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

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, 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.

• 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 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.

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.

^[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.

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 revolutionise 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 any viewing angle while minimising 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 commercialisation 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 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.

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

Quantum Dot Content

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 colour expression that only quantum dots can deliver.

Quantum Dot Film

Samsung QLEDs eliminate the need for a separate phosphor layer, enhancing light and energy efficiency while delivering more 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 top-class picture quality and longevity.

▲ 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 commercialisation 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.

In response to this challenge, Samsung developed the world’s first no-cadmium quantum dot material in 2014 and successfully commercialised quantum dot technology with its SUHD TVs in the following year to open a new era of quantum dot TVs.

10 Years of Quantum Dot Innovation and Leadership

Samsung has quickly recognised the potential of quantum dot technology and led 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 world’s first SUHD TVs with no-cadmium quantum dot technology.

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

Samsung’s QLED line-up 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 colour standard DCI-P3 and achieved 100% colour volume for the first time in the world — thereby presenting unparalleled colour expression. Notably, the use of inorganic quantum dot technology protected the screens from burn-in^[2]to ensure 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 colours^[3]— to an industry-leading 20.2%.

“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.”

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.

Samsung remains dedicated to advancing quantum dot technology through continuous innovation. The company continues to invest in leading display technology — from QLED to Neo OLED — by offering high brightness, colour accuracy and frequency. Driven by Samsung’s unrivalled 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 colour distortions or ghost images to remain on screen
^[3] Red, green and blue