Quantum Dot Display Technology set to enter mainstream markets
New report forecasts rising use of quantum dot displays for smartphones and tablet PCs
According to NPD DisplaySearch's latest market research on quantum dot displays, by 2015 3 percent of smartphone TFT LCDs will use quantum dots, growing to 26 percent in 2020. In tablet PCs, the figure will be nearly 2 percent in 2015, growing to 15 percent in 2020. For LCD TV, the company forecasts that less than 1 percent of LCD TV screens will use quantum dots in 2015, growing to 9 percent in 2020.
"Quantum dot solution prices remain high compared to other more entrenched technologies," said Yoonsung Chung, general manager, NPD DisplaySearch Korea. In 5in smartphone panels, the cost of panels using sheet-type on-surface quantum dots is 20 percent higher than typical TFT LCD smartphone panels. As the display size increases, so does the cost, with the premium for a 55 in TV panel estimated to be 35 percent.
Quantum dot provides a colour gamut exceeding the National Television System Committee (NTSC) colour specifications; typical TFT LCDs achieve only up to 75 percent of NTSC. However quantum dot technology has several problems, including reduced durability, higher cost, and restrictions on the use of cadmium and other heavy metals in household products.
"Display makers have shown interest in adopting quantum dot technology, but they have been concerned about heavy metals and higher prices," Chung noted. "Recently, however, the European Union has offered a temporary exemption for the use of cadmium-containing quantum dots in displays. Cadmium-free quantum dot materials have also become available, so display manufacturers are taking a fresh look."
NPD DisplaySearch' s Quantum Dot Technology and Market Forecast Report provides global market research on the benefits, challenges, makers and market drivers that affect the adoption of quantum dot technology.
