Samsung’s QLED displays are not just for watching – they are also for inspiration. The incredible QLED Quantum Dot technology now plays a crucial role in enhancing creativity by delivering vibrant, lifelike colours and exceptional picture quality. This kind of modernisation in Samsung QLED technology is not just about flexibility – but also about real innovation at the core.

QLED’s Quantum Dot technology produces a wider range of colours than traditional displays – ensuring that they are displayed accurately and vibrantly. Samsung’s QLED is like a canvas that empowers users to see and express the world in richer, more vivid colour. With this innovative technology, Samsung is now not only providing advancement in display technology, but also offering a more vibrant and realistic viewing experience to creatives around the world.

What makes Quantum Dots so special are the microscopic molecules that emit precise colours when lit – resulting in higher brightness, accurate colour reproduction and a wider colour gamut. Samsung’s QLED uses this Quantum Dot technology to deliver 100% colour volume — maintaining richness at any brightness level. This technology allows the TV to produce a consistent, vivid and accurate colour display, be it in very bright or dark conditions. QLED is able to show deeper reds, brighter greens and purer blues. Colour accuracy then essentially means that – what you see is what the creator intended.

With this revolutionary technology – a filmmaker now experiences their work in studio-grade clarity. The picture accuracy and superior contrast of Samsung’s Quantum Dot TVs – make every film feel cinematic, be it the latest blockbuster or an old classic. In essence, Quantum Dot TVs provide filmmakers with a more realistic and visually engaging experience, making them a valuable tool for enjoying their work and professional use. And, a family watching a documentary is also able to feel immersed in the natural world.

In addition, Samsung Art Mode feature^[1] is able to transform your screen into a digital gallery — merging art and technology. You can now showcase your artwork from the Art Store as well as upload your own photos or even choose from a selection of curated art pieces. The Samsung Art Store^[2] is a subscription-based service that provides access to a wide variety of digital artwork for display on Samsung TVs, primarily the Frame TV series. It allows users to transform their TV into a digital art gallery, showcasing a diverse collection of paintings, photographs and other art forms. 

In addition, Samsung recently launched the Art TV^[3] of Art Basel in Basel (ABB) Collection, an exclusive curation of digital art available across Samsung TVs with Samsung Art Store. And furthermore, the Ambient Mode^[4] lets you personalise your space with visuals that reflect your taste or mood. This innovative feature allows you to display content on the screen even when the TV is not “on.” Also, you can now transform your TV into a customisable art installation or a source of useful information when not being used for regular viewing.

With the help of QLED’s Quantum Dot technology – it is clear that Samsung is now empowering creativity and unleashing “The Artist Within”. The company’s QLED TVs have now become more than just a display, they are creative partners. For this reason, Samsung remains committed to using ground-breaking technologies such as QLED’s Quantum Dot to leverage artistic expression and technological innovation to create a more immersive and engaging viewing experience for consumers.

Samsung’s QLED with Quantum Dot technology are bridging the gap between technology and creativity. This foundation of the real QLED experience that Samsung has pioneered, invites users to see the world more vividly and to create, imagine and feel more deeply. All of this is an indication that Samsung’s QLED displays are not your average TVs – they are the result of years of refinement and mastery in Quantum Dot display technology.

________________

Disclaimers:

^[1] Terms & Conditions Apply. Art mode cannot be permanently disabled.

^[2] The Art Store is available on Samsung’s The Frame TVs and is expanding to other Samsung QLED TV models. A subscription is typically required to access the full library of artwork, though some free content may be available. 

^[3] Samsung Art TV includes MICRO LED, The Frame, The Frame Pro, Neo QLED 8K, Neo QLED, and QLED models starting from Q7F and above.

^[4] The Ambient button is only available on select remotes. If you press the Ambient button when the TV is turned off, the TV will turn on in Ambient Mode.

Samsung has been named the 2025 MyBroadband TV Brand of the Year, a prestigious accolade that recognises the company’s continued leadership and innovation in the television industry.

Presented annually, the MyBroadband Award for TV Brand of the Year honours brands that consistently deliver outstanding products, cutting-edge technology, and exceptional user experiences to South African consumers. Samsung was chosen based on its strong brand reputation, industry-wide innovation, and deep commitment to the local market.

“We are honoured and proud to be recognised as South Africa’s leading TV brand,” said Mike van Lier, Vice President for Consumer Electronics at Samsung Electronics South Africa. “This award reflects our ongoing investment in breakthrough technologies and our dedication to offering our consumers the very best in home entertainment.”

Samsung has long set the standard for what televisions can achieve. The company’s pioneering work in quantum dot technology began in 2001 and led to the creation of the world’s first cadmium-free quantum dot material in 2014. This innovation laid the foundation for Samsung’s highly acclaimed SUHD and QLED TV ranges.

With more than 150 patents in quantum dot technology, Samsung continues to redefine picture quality and performance with each generation of products. Its current line-up, which includes the Neo QLED and OLED ranges, showcases the brand’s commitment to delivering superior brightness, colour precision, and refresh rates for all types of viewing needs.

As a leading brand in South Africa, Samsung continues to deliver TVs that resonate with local audiences, whether for sport, cinema, or gaming. A strong commitment to local customer service and support matches the company’s sustained investment in innovation and product excellence.

“At its core, our business is driven by the consumer. This is why we will continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in home entertainment. We are particularly excited about the future, especially after this accolade and being named South Africa’s preferred TV brand,” added van Lier.

Samsung Electronics has announced that its latest line-up of QLED TVs has received ‘Real Quantum Dot Display’ certification from TÜV Rheinland, an international certification organisation based in Germany. The certification verifies that Samsung’s QLED TVs meet global standards for quantum dot display structure, reinforcing the company’s top technological position in the premium TV market.

The certification confirms that 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.

As part of the certification process, TÜV Rheinland analysed the light spectrum produced by Samsung QLED TVs and confirmed that it displayed clear separation between red, green and blue — an important marker of colour accuracy. This distinction is enabled by quantum dots and may not be as pronounced in displays using alternative materials, which can sometimes cause colour mixing or reduced clarity.

The results demonstrate how Samsung’s use of quantum dots contributes to delivering vivid and precise colour expression. With the latest certification, Samsung’s QLED TVs are officially validated as true quantum dot displays, further differentiating Samsung’s offerings and strengthening consumer trust in premium television technologies.

“This certification objectively validates that Samsung QLED TVs deliver true quantum dot performance built to international standards,” said Taeyong Son, Executive Vice President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “We will continue to drive innovation and strengthen consumer trust as we strive to dominate the premium TV market.”

The series that have received certification include the Neo QLED 8K (QN990F, QN900F), Neo QLED 4K (QN90F, QN85F, QN80F, QN70F) and QLED 4K (Q8F, Q7F, Q6F) series.

Quantum dots are ultra-fine nanomaterials, tens of thousands of times smaller than a human hair, renowned for their ability to reproduce precise and vivid colours depending on light wavelength. The method by which quantum dots are integrated into display panels has become a key indicator for evaluating technological advancement in the premium TV segment.

Separately, Samsung’s quantum dot technology has also been recognised by global testing organisation 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.

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

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, 25 September 2018 – As displays get bigger, the quality of the picture becomes more important. Big screen TVs are the main source of growth in an otherwise flat market. And with large TVs come higher resolutions.

No matter how big the TV is, if it doesn’t have the necessary picture quality, users won’t be able to realise the power of the screen. That’s why large-sized TV has inevitably led to the increase in demand for Ultra High Definition (UHD). UHD is a 4K (3,840X2,160) picture quality, which is applied to TVs that measure over 65 inches. The technology is about to take yet another step up as 8K (7,680X4,320) TVs are ready to be commercialised.

But this is an era where even the number of pixels isn’t enough in isolation. To produce the best picture quality possible, it’s also important to consider the environment this content will be viewed in and the quality of the original content itself.

Reginald Nxumalo, Director of Consumer Electronics for Samsung South Africa, says, “The paradigm is shifting and it’s vital that all considerations are taken into account to produce an experience that everyone will enjoy.”

Worldwide UHD TV sales surpassed FHD (Full High Definition) TV for the first time last year, according to market researcher IHS Markit. It is expected that 100 million UHD units will be shipped this year, which is about 45% of the total TV market. In 2022, the proportion of UHD TV is expected to reach 60%.

Samsung UHD TV sales volume is also on the rise. Sales of Samsung UHD TVs in the fourth quarter of last year already exceeded 50% of the total Samsung TV units sold globally. In the first quarter of this year, Samsung UHD TV sales also increased by more than 35% compared to the same period last year.

In the ultra-high-definition TV market era, standards for judging picture quality are further developing. For example, is a TV able to reproduce colours with real-life brightness, particularly when the normal TV viewing environment is brighter than many would expect? According to the DOE survey, consumers in the U.S. and Europe usually watch TV in a bright environment with an average home illuminance level of 79 lux. Can a TV react and provide an accurate picture in these and other common viewing use cases?

Experts advise consumers to look beyond the high resolution to see the different factors that cause the difference in brightness, contrast and content when consumers watch TV. The way consumers view TV and the way experts gauge a TV’s ability to deliver, is much more sophisticated than it ever has been. The TV needs to be more versatile because it’s used for more than just viewing a TV show. That means Samsung has to be stringent to make sure its QLED products perform not just according to the specifications but also according to real life usage.

“A new criterion for picture quality is colour volume, which can measure minute colour changes, three-dimensionally, according to varying degrees of brightness,” adds Nxumalo.

Verband Deutscher Electrotechnischer (VDE), a well-regarded certification institution in Germany established in 1893, certified QLED TV for 100% colour volume for two consecutive years, which is the world’s first and only time a TV has received such a distinction.

QLED TV, based on the metal quantum dot technology, can accurately represent detailed colours that can be hidden from dark or bright images. Brightness can be expressed up to 2,000 knits, which is 3 to 4 times that of conventional TVs, giving a more vivid look to scenes such as sunlight reflecting texture and white snowy landscapes.

Indeed, this year’s Samsung QLED TVs achieved the highest level of contrast ratio by improving the quality of blacks on-screen while maintaining brightness. To create an even more stunning contrast ratio, the TVs feature new Direct Full Array technology, which puts backlit LEDs behind the panel for precise brightness control. By making the LED blocks more than ten times the number of conventional TVs, the light can be adjusted individually to create a subtler difference in black colours. Moreover, it applies the black algorithm that perceives and precisely adjusts black colours, successfully delivering the original detail even in particularly dark scenes.

“When watching a dark scene in a bright environment, the reflection of objects around the screen can cause discomfort. QLED TV solved this problem by using Anti-reflection technology. Even under daylight or bright lighting, an anti-reflective screen dramatically reduces glare, allowing one to be more immersed in images regardless of the surroundings,” says Nxumalo.

Along with this, Samsung is also working to expand the ecosystem to upgrade HDR (High Dynamic Range) technology, which is an integral function of ultra-definition TV. Since last year, Samsung has been developing HDR10+, which is one step more advanced than HDR10, a standard for realising HDR video. HDR10+ is a technology that shows optimal contrast ratio for each scene through ‘Dynamic Tone Mapping’ technique which applies different contrast to each scene. The company is expanding its HDR10+ content in cooperation with global companies such as Amazon, 20^th Century Fox, Panasonic and Warner Bros.

High quality content is as important as the ultra-high definition TV specification. Many of the most recognisable names in video content such as Netflix, YouTube and various cable companies already provide UHD content. However, due to the burden of production cost, consumers are not able to enjoy 4K UHD broadcasting content on TV unrestrictedly yet.

The problem here is that if low-quality content is shown on a big screen, the pixels are usually enlarged artificially, causing the picture to shake or lose clarity. Samsung Electronics has solved this problem by installing the ‘4K Q Engine’ based on semiconductor technology on its QLED TV.

‘4K Q Engine’ is a technology that upgrades SD (400,000 pixels) and FHD (2 million pixels) class image to 4K (8 million pixels) class. Based on artificial intelligence, it applies a 5-step algorithm (Image Signal Analysis ▷ Noise Reduction ▷ Improved 1st Detail ▷ 4K Upscaling ▷ Improved 2nd Detail) to improve image quality and express hidden details.

What’s more, 8K AI Technology will be introduced in the latter half of the year and will offer an even better picture and sound expression.

QLED TV’s dramatically improved picture quality this year has been widely praised by many media outlets including Tech Radar, What Hi-Fi and AVS Forum. Trusted Reviews gave Samsung’s QLED the Highly Recommended mark and said: “The Samsung QE65Q9FN is the most impressive TV I’ve reviewed in years. It effectively combines the strong brightness and colour of Quantum Dot LED (QLED) with the deep blacks and almost the lighting precision of OLED. That’s a huge deal in a world where you generally choose one or the other.”

Doochan Eum, Vice President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics, says: “As TVs gradually get larger in size and the competition for premium picture quality becomes fiercer, detailed and subtle image rendering performance is growing in importance. With Samsung QLED TV’s enhanced brightness, contrast, content, we are continuing to provide consumers with a superb immersive viewing experience.”

When John and Mary first bought their beloved Quantum dot TV (and met the Quantum dot brothers), they checked reputable TV buying guide websites seeking reliable information that helped them choose the Quantum dot TV.

Still, they didn’t know just how extraordinary the Quantum dot TV was going to be. It’s a few years on now but they still enjoy all their Quantum dot TV has to offer and have learned to get the most out of the different available TV display settings suited to their viewing habits. The big thing they’ve discovered is that Quantum dot TV’s Quantum dot technology with UHD upscaling and user setting options makes for a TV that goes the distance. And Quantum dot TV’s superior longevity all starts at the Quantum dot level.

Quantum dots go the distance

These Quantum dots are durable. Being inorganic, they are more resistant to oxidation than organic substances. When the Quantum dot brothers were produced—as with all their relatives found in Quantum dot TV displays—they had a quad-layer coat applied to them that ensures they maintain stability over the course of their life. Quantum dots maintain excellent picture quality year after year, especially in regards to consistent of white balance and the brightness and vibrancy of the various colors they produce.

Upscales and gives life to your favorite content, old and new

The Quantum dot TV can even make sure your favorite TV shows and movies never get old. That’s thanks to the Remastering Engine—one of the Quantum dot TV’s advanced features that upscales non-UHD content to UHD level resolution.¹ The impressive picture quality that arrives on your Quantum dot TV display is the result of technology that employs 4 stages of signal analysis and optimization. Even your old favorite TV shows, movies and games will look better than ever—now and into the future.

Quantum dots look forward to a brighter future with HDR+

John and Mary’s 2016 Quantum dot TV was automatically upgraded with the latest HDR+ firmware update, becoming ready to further enhance the already high picture quality and stay at the leading edge of image quality. Both Standard Dynamic Range (SDR) and High Dynamic Range (HDR) content look better than ever once HDR+ goes to work to enhance brightness and contrast. Simply put, it brings out whiter whites and brings out the fine details even in the darker shadows. Who knew the Quantum dot brothers would just keep getting better?

Quantum dots for a healthy TV display and a healthy planet

Quantum dots do their best to stay healthy so it’s unlikely John and Mary will have screen burn-in problems over the course of their Quantum dot TV’s life.² Quantum dots are not as susceptible to screen burn-in as other materials found in displays made of organic materials. That means a longer TV display lifespan and creates the possibility of enjoying excellent picture quality for years to come. And it follows that keeping a TV for longer means less wasted resources which is better for the environment. Consider another important fact—the Quantum dots inside the Quantum dot TV have been carefully engineered and manufactured to be free of the toxic heavy metal, cadmium. It can be said in confidence that our little cadmium-free Quantum dot TV-dwelling Quantum dot friends aren’t going to harm the environment or the humans in it.

And so we come to the end of our sneak peek into the Quantum dot TV viewing lives of John and Mary. With some kind assistance from the ever-cordial Quantum dot brothers, we’ve discovered a whole lot about the incredible world of Quantum dots and why the Samsung Quantum dot TV is a serious contender when considering a new TV for your home—especially if you’re looking for a TV that will be with you for years to come. With its massive range of incredibly vibrant colors, versatility in different lighting conditions and long lifespan, this isn’t just a TV—it’s a life partner.

¹Picture quality may vary based on original source feed.

²Burn-in is a permanent defect in areas of a TV display caused by cumulative effects of displaying the same image or scene for long periods of time.

Round One: True RGB

All TVs use red, green, and blue as the base colours to create the images you see on screen, and when you turn on the TV, you expect the colours to come in correctly. However, the way different kinds of TVs produce those colours varies, and can result in true colours or not-so-realistic colours. Because the size of the Quantum dot determines the colour it produces, QLED TV is able to separately depict accurate red, green, and blue. So QLED TVs use true RGB to produce pure colour, providing lifelike hues. OLED TVs use WOLED panels to produce colour. The W stands for white, which ends up getting mixed in with red, green, and blue, resulting in colours that aren’t as pure.

Round Two: Colour Volume

Colour volume is what occurs when light is shone through colour, resulting in a bright-to-dark spectrum of every colour. The better the colour volume in a TV, the closer to life the colours appear. QLED TV can express nearly all of the colours in the DCI-P3 colour space, and of those colours, express 100% of the colour volume, thereby producing an incredible range of colours.^‡
But with OLED TV, when the image is too bright, the percentage of the colours in the colour volume produced by the TV drops significantly. The colours get washed out and can only express around 70% colour volume, making the picture quality drop too.

Round Three: HDR

If a villain’s lurking in the dark, you want to be able to see them, right? But you also don’t want to strain your eyes to see them, making your eyes hurt after a scary movie binge! QLED TV uses HDR, or High-Dynamic Range, to achieve a brightness level between HDR 1500 to HDR 2000, or the equivalent of 1500 to 2000 candles. This is like the level of brightness that we see in the real world and because it matches what our eyes see in the world, it’s optimized for our viewing comfort. But even with a much higher level of brightness, QLED TV expresses an incredible amount of detail. In comparison, OLED TV’s brightness level is only half of what QLED TV can achieve, and as a result, details get lost.

Round Four: Lifespan

A TV is a big purchase, and since it becomes the focal entertainment point of the household, it’s a purchase that should last you and your family a long time. The New Metal Quantum dot is improved over previous Quantum dots, and is coated four times to protect from outside elements. They’re also made of an inorganic material, and the stability of New Metal Quantum dots means that QLED TV gives you consistent colour expression throughout its long lifespan. OLED TV uses organic material, so it loses colour expression as it ages.

Round Five: Burn-in

Burn-in is a permanent discoloration of your TV screen due to a static image being left on screen for a long time, and it’s totally disappointing when your TV experience is marred because of it. A TV that doesn’t burn in will offer a long period of enjoyment. And because Quantum dots are an inorganic material they have little risk of burn-in, even at maximum brightness.
But OLED TVs aren’t made to watch at maximum brightness, because, in combination with the organic material that comprises OLED TV, it increases the risk of burn-in. So you have to choose between a bright screen for better colour expression or burn-in.

Well folks, both players put up a good fight but when it comes to the title Champion of TV, there’s little doubt that QLED TV has come out the victor!

• ^* In this post, OLED TV refers to a TV using WOLED panels to produce colour.
• ^† OLED TV comparisons are based on TV models released prior to 2017 and are not referring to any specific model.
• ^‡HDR colour volume results are based on the ICDM test method carried out by VDE.
• The illustrated graphics in this post are for comprehension purpose only.

Feel the warmth of the sun as it sets in the sky. It peeks from behind the clouds, turning the sky several vibrant shades of red, with each hue shown true to life. Quantum dot technology sends you into the sky, witnessing a stunning sunset visage from the comfort of your own home.

Every tree in a forest has its own story and every leaf helps tell that tale. Quantum dot technology brings out the bright green hues of each individual leaf, sending you on a hike through a stunning grove.

Grab a blanket before you press play. Though you’re cozied up on your couch, taking a visual tour of an ice cave on a Quantum dot TV provides such vivid blues and lifelike detail that you may feel a slight chill.

How do Quantum dots work?

Although a Quantum dot is miniscule—more than 10,000 times smaller than a strand of human hair—there are variations of sizes within the dots that provide bold and bright colors. When light is shone through, larger dots emit red, while the smallest dots shine blue. What’s in between those is green, and these three primary colors band together to reproduce every shade of color.

What’s so special about Quantum dots?

No matter what you’re watching, getting involved in what’s on your screen is a thrilling part of any TV session. With colors that span the hues of the rainbow and more, every frame of your favorite movie or every highlight of your sports team is full of rich, sophisticated colors that make what you’re seeing bright and bold. Plus, Samsung’s Quantum dots have been quad-coated to ensure that their pure color remains stable and bright for a long time. And in conjunction with High Dynamic Range (HDR) technology, Quantum dots express the complex colors of real life and enhance the details of the image, so you can feel like you’re on scene with lifelike visuals.