New Osram conversion technology for backlighting LEDs

Quantum Colors provides better coverage of the color space for the new TV standards - Major cost benefits and no need for cadmium

The new Quantum Colors conversion technology from Osram Opto Semiconductors will set new standards in LED backlighting for TV displays as it offers much better coverage of the color space, significant cost savings compared with conventional quantum dot sheets, and zero cadmium. For many years leading manufacturers of televisions have been demanding an ever broader color space. The TV standard is once again moving to a larger color triangle with Ultra HD. Quantum Colors was developed for precisely this standard. Initial customer projects are in progress, and this Osram technology is scheduled for backlighting LEDs for the mass market by the end of 2016.

Quantum Colors is based on a green quantum converter which is combined with red phosphor on a blue chip. The technology was developed in part in the SSL4EU and Hi-Q-LED projects funded by the EU and the German Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and does not require any cadmium. This results in numerous advantages over quantum dot sheets which have been used up to now for high-quality color rendering in TV backlighting. Quantum Colors offers superior coverage of the color space due to a narrow green peak with a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of only 30 nm. Color space standards such as DCI can be covered 100 percent and REC2020 more than 80 percent. What’s more, the Osram technology does not require the system or any other components to be adapted. This simplifies the production processes and the entire system.

Customers benefit from significant cost savings

Compared with quantum dot sheet solutions, which are based on semiconductor particles measuring only a few nanometers, costs can be halved. “I can give you an example of how much customers can save”, said Peter Lenz, Product Marketing LED at Osram Opto Semiconductors. “For a 55-inch Ultra HD TV with 100 percent DCI coverage the complete cost of the light source can be as low as 55 euros based on our Quantum Colors technology. The cost of just the quantum dot sheets in existing solutions is twice as high.” (Source of quantum dot sheet costs: “The Price of QD Material is Falling, But Not Enough” (DisplaySearch – February 6, 2015)

Quantum Colors LEDs offer excellent color consistency throughout their life

Another advantage is the constant color throughout the life of the LED. Quantum dot sheets take on a bluish tinge over time. As far as lifetime is concerned, Quantum Colors LEDs should last at least 30,000 hours; initial tests have produced positive results.