Transparent CQD Membrane LED Arrays for Tunable Low-Power Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current light-based systems for applications like motion capture, eye-tracking, and augmented/virtual reality face challenges with high power consumption, limited scalability, and inability to tune emission wavelengths during synthesis, making them unsuitable for diverse and efficient use in various configurations.
Innovation Solution
The development of flexible, transparent membrane-based light emitting diodes (LEDs) using colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) as an active layer, which allows for tunable emission wavelengths between 800-2000 nm, reduced power consumption, and high transparency, integrated with solution-processed materials and scalable fabrication processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional LEDs are used, then light emission is achieved, but power consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters by using colloidal quantum dots with specific size distributions (2-50 nm) instead of conventional LED materials. This parameter change enables lower power consumption while maintaining efficient light emission through quantum confinement effects that enhance electroluminescence efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs composite material structures including quantum dot cores, shell layers, and organic ligand coatings. These composite structures optimize both power efficiency and emission performance by combining materials with complementary properties for enhanced charge carrier management and reduced non-radiative recombination.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional LED materials are used, then light emission is achieved, but emission wavelengths cannot be tuned during synthesis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes quantum confinement effects where the emission wavelength is directly controlled by changing the quantum dot size parameter during synthesis. By adjusting nucleation temperature, precursor ratios, and growth time, emission wavelengths from 450-650 nm can be tuned systematically while maintaining a simple one-pot synthesis process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs preliminary nucleation steps where seed quantum dots are formed first with controlled size distribution, followed by controlled growth to achieve target wavelengths. This preliminary action enables precise wavelength tuning while simplifying the overall manufacturing process through standardized growth protocols.
3Adaptability or versatility
If flexible substrates are used, then device flexibility is achieved, but structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deposits quantum dot active layers and electrode structures as thin films (50-500 nm thickness) on flexible substrates such as polyimide or PET. This thin film architecture provides mechanical flexibility while maintaining structural integrity through controlled adhesion and stress management in the layered structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates composite structures combining flexible polymer substrates with inorganic quantum dot layers and conductive oxide electrodes. This composite architecture balances flexibility from the polymer matrix with structural stability from the cross-linked inorganic layers, achieving both desired properties simultaneously.
4Illumination intensity
If transparent materials are used, then optical transparency is achieved, but mechanical strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite electrode structures combining transparent conducting oxides (ITO, IZO) with metal nanowire networks or thin metal layers. This composite architecture maintains high optical transparency (90%+ in visible range) while providing adequate mechanical strength and electrical conductivity through the synergistic combination of materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies different material compositions and thicknesses at different locations within the device structure. For example, electrode transparency and strength are optimized locally by varying ITO layer thickness (50-200 nm) and metal nanowire density, achieving optimal balance between optical performance and mechanical durability in each functional region.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
These CQD-based LEDs provide efficient, scalable, and tunable light emission, enabling applications such as motion capture, eye-tracking, and virtual reality systems with reduced power consumption and enhanced transparency, making them suitable for diverse configurations and environments.
Implementation Method 1
The LEDs comprise colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) as, for example, an active layer
Implementation Method 2
unlike conventional semiconductors, the band gap energy of CQDs described herein can be easily tuned during the material synthesis by adjusting the size of the nanocrystals
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are systems, compositions and methods that useful in any setting where generating and tracking light is used. The systems, methods and compositions contain as a component flexible, transparent membrane-based materials that include light emitting diodes (LEDs). The LEDs can include or be formed from colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) as an active layer. The CQDs can be formed from solution-processed semiconductor nanocrystals. They have a tunable band gap energy that can be readily tuned by adjusting the size of the nanocrystals. Transparent membrane-based LED arrays exhibit emission wavelength that can be tuned anywhere in the range of 800-2000 nm. The LEDs are highly transparent in the visible wavelength range with the exception of the CQD active layer. The CQD-based LEDs are components of any device or system wherein generating and/or tracking reflected light is utilized, such as in tracing the location and movement of a living individual, or an inanimate object. Also provided are garments used in movement tracking, and imaging devices, which include cameras and microscopes, and systems for volume capture, body motion tracking, eye tracking systems and devices, motion capture systems, simulcam technologies, computer generated characters, holograms, eye wear, such as glasses, goggles, and virtual reality headsets, and medical devices that involve imaging, such as devices that involve imaging of the eye for diagnosing and/or treating eye disorders.