Samsung Considers Quantum Dot Technology as Strategic Arms for New Industry

Samsung Electronics will expand the use of quantum dots, which are inorganic materials generally used in producing display panels for TVs, to memory semiconductors and sensors. With differentiated materials, the company plans to improve the competitiveness in its major industries, including electronics and semiconductors, and develop new markets like biotechnology.

During the 9th International Conference on Quantum Dots held at the Ramada Plaza Jeju Ocean Front on Jeju Island on May 26, Jang Hyuk, executive vice president of Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology, delivered a keynote address, saying, “As Quantum Dot technology continues to develop and evolves into totally new technology, which we never had before, it will lead the growth of the display market. It is important to research and develop quantum dots in order to understand the crystal structure and synthesis process, improve the efficiency and add new functions.”  

Jang, one of Samsung Fellows which were given only to Samsung Group’s key technology workers in 2011, is a key figure who leads the R&D in quantum dot technology. He is considered to be the world’s leading expert on energy conversion and storage technologies, such as automotive lithium-ion battery, flexible secondary battery and portable fuel cell battery.

Jang stressed that the company will advance its TV business by using Samsung’s quantum dot technology. He said, “Samsung Electronics’ third-generation quantum-dot TV to be released next year will have better color coordinates and color filters and lower power consumption.”

He also said that its quantum dot technology will be expanded to not only TV but also memory semiconductor, sensor and biotechnology sectors. For sensors, it will be developed into photo-detectors which can detect ultraviolet and infrared rays. Also, the technology can be used as a “marker” in the body in the bio sector. In particular, it can help improve the degree of integration in memory conductors. With the quantum dot technology in which Samsung has a big lead over its competitors, the company can strengthen the competitiveness in new business and increase the added value.

He said, “In a bid to deliver continuous innovation in quantum dots, it is important to carry out an integrated program, including research and development and technology development of products, components and materials.”

Jang also revealed confidence in its technology ahead of others. He said, “Samsung Electronics’ quantum dot technology is 1.5 years ahead of those of competitors in a conservative point of view, while being two years ahead in views of the outside. We produce far better products than companies which use cadmium quantum dot with our non-cadmium quantum dot technology.”

This is because Samsung Electronics has made an active research investment in the quantum dot sector in the last five years through its Visual Display (VD) Business Division and Advanced Institute of Technology. Jang said, “When competitors considered a next-generation product, Samsung started the R&D in quantum dots considering a next-next-generation product. We expected that the non-cadmium quantum dot market would open up so we made a bold decision to stop R&D in cadmium quantum dots early and start new R&D in non-cadmium quantum dots.”

Meanwhile, Samsung will continue to boost joint research with great scholars at home and abroad in order to strengthen its original technology. Currently, the company are working together with major quantum dot research institutes, such as U.C. Berkeley Lab, Los Alamos National Laboratory, MIT and Seoul National University.