Quantum Dot LED Structure Using Resonant Energy Transfer

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing quantum dot light-emitting diodes (QD-LEDs) face challenges with low quantum yield and high operating voltages due to quenching in close-packed films, leading to poor power efficiency and stability.

Innovation Solution

A novel LED structure that utilizes resonant energy transfer from excitons in the electron transport layer to luminescent nanostructures, such as quantum dots, by creating discontinuities in the material layer to facilitate direct contact between electron and hole transport layers, reducing the need for high activation voltages and increasing shell thickness without increasing series resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the shell thickness around the core material is increased to counteract low quantum yield, then quantum yield is improved, but operating voltage increases and power efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequantum yieldVSAvoidpower efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into distinct functional layers: a charge transport layer that generates excitons, a quantum dot layer that receives energy via resonant transfer, and separate electron and hole transport pathways. This segmentation allows the quantum dots to operate at optimal thickness without bearing the full voltage burden, resolving the contradiction between quantum yield and power efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The charge transport layer acts as an intermediary that converts electrical energy to excitons, which then transfer energy resonantly to the quantum dots. This intermediary mechanism eliminates the need for direct charge injection into thick-shell quantum dots, maintaining low operating voltage while achieving high quantum yield through resonant energy transfer

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the shell thickness around the core material is increased to counteract low quantum yield, then quantum yield is improved, but device stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequantum yieldVSAvoiddevice stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the charge transport function from the light emission function into different layers, the device achieves optimal performance for each function independently. The quantum dot layer can be optimized for maximum quantum yield with appropriate shell thickness, while the charge transport layer handles voltage and current management, improving overall device stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The charge transport layer serves as a protective intermediary that manages electrical stress and prevents direct electrical contact with the quantum dots. This mediation protects the quantum dot structure from electrical degradation while maintaining high quantum yield, thereby improving device stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Use of energy by moving object

If resonant energy transfer is used instead of direct charge injection, then operating voltage is reduced, but quantum yield may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating voltageVSAvoidquantum yield
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device utilizes resonant energy transfer by matching the exciton energy level in the charge transport layer with the quantum dot emission energy level. This parameter matching enables efficient energy transfer at low voltages while maintaining high quantum yield, resolving the contradiction between operating voltage and quantum yield

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The charge transport layer acts as an energy intermediary that converts electrical energy to excitons at low voltage, which then transfer energy resonantly to quantum dots. This intermediary mechanism achieves both low operating voltage and high quantum yield by optimizing the energy transfer pathway

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This approach enhances quantum yield and stability while maintaining low operating voltages, improving efficiency and reducing power consumption in QD-LEDs.

Implementation Method 1

quantum dot LED design based on resonant energy transfer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonant energy transfer:

Implementation Method 2

an electron transport layer...stimulating the energy states of the quantum dots

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Data Source

PatentEP4166626B1Quantum dot LED design based on resonant energy transfer
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 SHOEI CHEM IND CO LTD
  • EP4166626B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4166626B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4166626B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Embodiments of the present application relate to illumination devices using luminescent nanostructures. An illumination device includes a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer, a hole transport layer, an electron transport layer and a material layer that includes a plurality of luminescent nanostructures. The hole transport layer and the electron transport layer are each disposed between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer. The material layer is disposed between the hole transport layer and the electron transport layer and includes one or more discontinuities in its thickness such that the hole transport layer and the electron transport layer contact each other at the one or more discontinuities. Resonant energy transfer occurs between the luminescent nanostructures and excitons at the discontinuities.