Professor Jiwoong Yang, head of a research group at the Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST). From the outset, they’ve made a great first impression with smart and dynamic LED display technology. With the new technique, they were able to efficiently bond new molecules to the environmentally friendly quantum dots. This forms a cross-linking network, linking the quantum dots to the stretchable polymers. This new step has been used to develop a new layer for color conversion. As a result, it provides impressive high color chromaticity and superb performance, even when stretched over 50%.
The interdisciplinary research team has created revolutionary technology that directly connects quantum dots to stretchable polymers. This group consists of Professors Moonkee Choi and Jongnam Park from the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), and Professor Daehyeong Kim from Seoul National University. This achievement is a major step forward in the development of next-generation display materials.
Innovative Cross-Linking Network
This multilayered network allows for increased flexibility and resolution for micro-LED displays. To do this, the researchers have chemically bonded quantum dots onto stretchable polymers. This new design integration results in a color-conversion layer that is both durable and energy-efficient—even when stretched over 100%.
The technology provides best-in-class flexibility capabilities along with a market-leading resolution of 313 PPI (pixels per inch). This kind of detail is needed for today’s high-resolution displays. It allows clearer pictures and brighter colors, which are essential for the latest personal electronics such as electronic skin and other advanced devices in health care.
High Color Conversion Efficiency
One of the most remarkable aspects of this new color-conversion layer is its exceptionally high color conversion efficiency. The thin layer has kept more than 99% efficiency while being extended by more than 50%. This characteristic is vital for applications requiring consistent color accuracy under varying conditions, further establishing quantum dots as a promising material for future display technologies.
The research team’s results show that this new technology can greatly broaden what micro-LED displays are capable of. Stretching creative thinking without stretching performance creates compelling opportunities. This technology has laid the groundwork for creative uses in fields such as robotic skin and human machine interfaces.
“This research represents the world’s first achievement that overcomes the limitations of existing quantum dot-based color conversion technologies while simultaneously satisfying both flexibility and resolution. It also holds great potential for expansion into diverse fields such as wearable electronics, robotic skin, smart health care, and human-machine interfaces.” – Professor Jiwoong Yang
Implications for Future Technologies
The ripple effects of this groundbreaking research reach far beyond the world of screens and displays. Professor Yang’s lab has already achieved a major breakthrough. These innovations have the potential to impact many industries, from wearable tech to smart health monitoring networks. Industries have been waiting to see softer materials that have resolution. This advance puts quantum dots in the driver’s seat of future breakthroughs.
The work was subsequently published in the high-impact journal Advanced Materials, which served to further cement its great impact on the scientific community. DOI 10.1002/adma.202420633 It represents an important milestone in the rapidly evolving field of display technologies.