Glossary
Quantum dot
Nanoscale semiconductor crystals (2–10 nm) that emit a single, precise wavelength of light when energized. Used as a color-conversion layer in QLED and QD-OLED displays.
Quantum dots are tunable light emitters: the diameter of the crystal determines the exact color it produces. Larger dots emit red; smaller dots emit green.
Why they matter
Conventional white LEDs cover a broad, "muddy" spectrum that filters into impure red/green/blue. Quantum dots produce narrow, pure peaks — the panel reaches a much wider portion of the DCI-P3 and Rec. 2020 gamuts with the same backlight power.
In products
- QLED TVs. QD film over a Mini-LED or full-array backlight.
- QD-OLED. QD layer on a blue OLED emitter.
- QD-EL (electroluminescent QD). Direct QD emitters with no backlight — the long-promised "next OLED." Still in R&D.
Where this matters
Categories that use quantum dot
See it compared
Quantum dot on real comparisons
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