CADMIUM-FREE QUANTUM DOTS CFQD® materials are Nanoco’s core technology, consisting of fluorescent semiconductor nanoparticles typically between 10 to 100 atoms in diameter, which is about 1/10,000th the width of a human hair. When one of these particles is excited by an external light source, it absorbs the energy and re-emits the light in a different colour depending on the size of the particle. Therefore, by tuning the size of these particles, one is able to control the colour of light emitted to any colour in the spectrum. Quantum dots can also be tuned for use in a variety of different media with adjustment of the surface ligands, opening them up to several different form factors and applications.
Nanoco’s HEATWAVE® quantum dots are specially designed for use in the sensor industry to extend the range of current CMOS Image Sensors out into the Near and Short-Wave Infra-Red range of wavelengths (NIR / SWIR). Like all quantum dots, HEATWAVE® material can be tuned for specific absorption bands by adjusting the size of the particle, ranging from 900nm out to 1800nm and beyond, simply by applying a layer onto the surface of a CMOS Image Sensor (CIS). Extending this range allows the sensors to maintain the small pixel size of CMOS Image Sensors compared to other expensive technology in the NIR/SWIR regions, allowing for higher resolution camera devices at a much cheaper cost. In addition, HEATWAVE® material maintains the device sensitivity in the visible part of the spectrum, allowing devices which can readily switch between visible and non-visible light detection. Advantages of Quantum Dots - Direct integration with silicon CMOS technology - More sensitive, thinner, lower power sensors - Inexpensive alternative to InGaAs technology - Expand working dynamic range of CMOS devices - QD absorption can be tuned to match to gaps in solar spectrum
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Product Roadmap 2018 PbS 2019 InAs 2020 Product launch 2021 InSb 2022 Innovate UK grant started 2023 Sampling starts 2024 2025 Nanoco PO 2026 Product launch? Nanoco PO 2027 Product launch? 2028+ Face / Iris Recognition QDs enable increased eye safety compared to current technologies. Agriculture Hyperspectral images enabled by QDs can sense plant health and water needs. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) QDs enable improved monitoring of the surrounding environment, enhancing driver safety. Quality Control SWIR QDs allow vision through opaque surfaces and also detect defects. Wearable Diagnostics Longer wavelength QDs enable deeper skin level analysis and diagnostics. Security & Surveillance QDs enable longer distance face recognition and also material detection by spectral analysis. Robotics QDs enable dynamic vision for mobile equipment such as in a logistics work space. Headsets QDs enable AR/VR for gamers, engineers and medics – including long distance oversight and training.
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