Environmental tests and reliability characterization of pixel-sized colloidal QDs for next-generation display technologies

This study investigates integrating pixelated colloidal quantum dot (QD) layers into LCDs to enhance color conversion and pixel-level enrichment for future display technologies. We developed miniature prototypes with pixel-sized QD color-converter layers seamlessly integrated into the backlight unit (BLU). The prototypes, featuring red- and green-emitting QD pixels with a single blue LED on glass substrates, underwent rigorous environmental tests such as Thermal Shock Test (TST), Thermal Cycle Test (TCT), High Temperature High Humidity Test (HHT), and Low Temperature Test (LTT). The assessment covered the uniformity of light, spectral radiance, and CIE color coordinates, revealing insights into the performance of the QD layers through the analysis of pre- and post-environmental tests. Despite a decrease in luminance, the QD layers exhibited resilience against rapid temperature variations, enduring thermal shock, and thermal cycle tests without cracking. However, high-temperature and high-humidity conditions revealed susceptibility. Low-temperature stress tests demonstrated stable color gamut coordinates with no discernible shifts. This research fills a notable gap in the existing literature by conducting comprehensive environmental tests on pixel-sized QD utilization in display technologies, providing valuable insights to enhance the stability, durability, and reliability of QD displays.