Apr 11 2017
Right: Prototype electricity-producing quantum dot window developed by UbiQD, one square foot in size, sits on a rock outcropping near the company's headquarters in Los Alamos, New Mexico. Copyright 2017 UbiQD, LLC.
UbiQD, LLC, a quantum dot manufacturer based at New Mexico, recently announced its achievement of more than 80% quantum yield, or optical efficiency, for its quantum dots over a broad spectrum from the visible to the near infra-red (550 nm to 1000 nm peak emission). Optimized quantum dots with almost 100% quantum yield was manufactured by the company for some colors between orange (600 nm) and deep red (800 nm). This milestone has now allowed the company to have the highest known photon conversion efficiency for quantum dots without cadmium, an element that is known for its toxicity and that which is commonly used by several quantum dot manufacturers. The new quantum yield reported by UbiQD is simultaneously found to be comparable to the best cadmium-containing nanomaterials that are now available
We pride ourselves in being leading authorities on characterizing the optical performance of nanomaterials, and are very confident in these results. We are making this announcement today after having independently verified the results with several third parties, including accredited research institutions such as the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
Dr. Matt Bergren, Vice President of UbiQD
All quantum dot applications including design, biotechnology, security, displays, and lighting are positively influenced by the benefit of high quantum yield. The company mainly focuses on enabling windows to produce electricity using products called “luminescent solar concentrators” even though a number of potential markets are available for UbiQD’s patented technology. In July 2016, UbiQD was awarded a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant by the National Science Foundation in order to manufacture luminescent solar concentrating glass windows integrating its near-infrared quantum dots. In late 2016, Dr. Nikolay Makarov joined UbiQD as part of the expanded effort, after a postdoc at Los Alamos National Laboratory in the Physical Chemistry and Spectroscopy Group.
This cadmium-free quantum dot efficiency milestone takes us one step closer to achieving our vision of powering cities with ubiquitous quantum dot window tints. Coupled with our low-toxicity solution and superior stability compared to other cadmium-free quantum dot materials, we offer a compelling value proposition and fast return on investment.
Dr. Hunter McDaniel, CEO of UbiQD
Recently, UbiQD has been testing prototype luminescent solar concentrator windows on the square foot scale by using its high-performance glass quantum dot composites. The company is also planning to start pilot projects that will help validate the technology in the marketplace later in 2017.