U.S. patent application number 15/709298 was filed with the patent office on 2018-05-03 for quantum dot (qd) polymer composites for on-chip light emitting diode (led) applications.
The applicant listed for this patent is Pacific Light Technologies Corp.. Invention is credited to Kari N. Haley, Juanita N. Kurtin, Benjamin Daniel Mangum, Nathan Evan Stott, Weiwen Zhao.
Application Number | 20180122998 15/709298 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53544241 |
Filed Date | 2018-05-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180122998 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Haley; Kari N. ; et
al. |
May 3, 2018 |
Quantum Dot (QD) Polymer Composites for On-Chip Light Emitting
Diode (LED) Applications
Abstract
Quantum dot polymer composites for on-chip light emitting diode
applications are described. In an example, a composite for on-chip
light emitting diode application includes a polymer matrix, a
plurality of quantum dots dispersed in the polymer matrix, and a
base dispersed in the polymer matrix.
Inventors: |
Haley; Kari N.; (Portland,
OR) ; Mangum; Benjamin Daniel; (Tualatin, OR)
; Zhao; Weiwen; (Happy Valley, OR) ; Stott; Nathan
Evan; (West Linn, OR) ; Kurtin; Juanita N.;
(Hillsboro, OR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Pacific Light Technologies Corp. |
Portland |
OR |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
53544241 |
Appl. No.: |
15/709298 |
Filed: |
September 19, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14196150 |
Mar 4, 2014 |
9825205 |
|
|
15709298 |
|
|
|
|
61928561 |
Jan 17, 2014 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01L 33/502 20130101;
H01L 2933/0041 20130101; Y10S 977/779 20130101; Y10S 977/95
20130101; B82Y 20/00 20130101; H01L 33/501 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H01L 33/50 20100101
H01L033/50 |
Claims
1. A composite for on-chip light emitting diode application, the
composite comprising: a polymer matrix; a plurality of quantum dots
dispersed in the polymer matrix; and a base chemical compound
dispersed in the polymer matrix.
2. The composite of claim 1, wherein the polymer matrix comprises a
silicone material.
3. The composite of claim 1, wherein the base chemical compound is
selected from the group of base chemical compounds consisting of
lithium hydroxide (LiOH), potassium hydroxide (KOH), sodium
hydroxide (NaOH), rubidium hydroxide (RbOH), cesium hydroxide
(CsOH), magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH).sub.2), calcium hydroxide
(Ca(OH).sub.2), strontium hydroxide (Sr(OH).sub.2), barium
hydroxide (Ba(OH).sub.2), tetramethylammonium hydroxide
((Me).sub.4NOH), tetraethylammonium hydroxide ((Et).sub.4NOH),
tetrabutylammonium hydroxide ((Bu).sub.4NOH)), lithium diisopropyl
amide (LDA), sodium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide (sodium HMDS),
potassium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide (potassium HMDS), and
combinations thereof.
4. The composite of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of
quantum dots is immobilized and separated from one another within
the polymer matrix.
5. The composite of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of
quantum dots is coated with an insulator coating.
6. The composite of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of
light-scattering nanoparticles different from the plurality of
quantum dots.
7. The composite of claim 6, wherein the plurality of
light-scattering nanoparticles comprises a material selected from
the group consisting of silica and magnesium oxide.
8. The composite of claim 1, further comprising: fumed silica
dispersed in the polymer matrix.
9. The composite of claim 1, further comprising: dioctyl sodium
sulfuccinate dispersed in the polymer matrix.
10. A light emitting diode chip comprising a layer of the composite
of claim 1 disposed thereon.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 14/196,150, filed Mar. 4, 2014, which claims the benefit of
U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/928,561, filed Jan. 17, 2014,
the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference
herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] Embodiments of the present invention are in the field of
quantum dots and, in particular, quantum dot polymer composites for
on-chip light emitting diode applications.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Quantum dots having a high photoluminescence quantum yield
(PLQY) may be applicable as down-converting materials in
down-converting nano-composites used in solid state lighting
applications. Down-converting materials are used to improve the
performance, efficiency and color choice in lighting applications,
particularly light emitting diodes (LEDs). In such applications,
quantum dots absorb light of a particular first (available or
selected) wavelength, usually blue, and then emit light at a second
wavelength, usually red or green.
SUMMARY
[0004] Embodiments of the present invention include quantum dot
polymer composites for on-chip light emitting diode
applications.
[0005] In an embodiment, a composite for on-chip light emitting
diode application includes a polymer matrix, a plurality of quantum
dots dispersed in the polymer matrix, and a base dispersed in the
polymer matrix.
[0006] In an embodiment, a method of fabricating a composite for
on-chip light emitting diode application involves adding a base to
a plurality of quantum dots to form a mixture comprising at least a
remainder portion of the base. The method also involves adding the
mixture to a polymer matrix.
[0007] In an embodiment, a method of fabricating a composite for
on-chip light emitting diode application involves forming a mixture
of a plurality of quantum dots and a first component of a two-part
silicone formulation. The method also involves heating the mixture.
The method also involves, subsequent to heating the mixture, adding
the mixture to a second component of the two-part silicone
formulation.
[0008] In an embodiment, a method of fabricating a composite for
on-chip light emitting diode application involves forming a
solution of a plurality of quantum dots in a first solvent. The
method also involves removing the first solvent and redissolving
the plurality of quantum dots in a second, different, solvent. The
method also involves, subsequent to redissolving the plurality of
quantum dots in the second solvent, dispersing the plurality of
quantum dots in a polymer matrix.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1A is a graph showing one-way analysis of quantum dot
samples over the course of twelve days for quantum dots delivered
as a vinyl-containing poly(phenylmethylsiloxane) polymer solution,
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 1B is a graph showing one-way analysis of quantum dot
samples dispersed in two different media: a solvent (toluene) and a
vinyl-containing poly(phenylmethylsiloxane) polymer, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 2A is a plot of PLQY at 100 degrees Celsius versus room
temperature showing luminescent nano-composite performance of films
including quantum dots, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0012] FIG. 2B is a plot of PLQY at 100 degrees Celsius versus room
temperature showing luminescent nano-composite performance of films
including quantum dots, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0013] FIG. 3A is a plot of spectral radiant power (%) as a
function of wavelength (nm) comparing performance of freeze-dried
quantum dot heterostructures (QDH) along with solution dispersion
QDH in the fabrication of a warm white phosphor film, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 3B is a CIE 1931 plot of freeze-dried warm white film
(square) compared to solution dispersion warm white film (circle),
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 4A is a graph showing the temperature test results for
a sample set where the quantum dot heterostructure (QDH)/polymer
solution was treated for the same amount of time at different
temperatures, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0016] FIG. 4B is a graph showing the temperature test results for
a sample set, including free silica containing samples, where the
quantum dot heterostructure (QDH)/polymer solution was treated for
the same amount of time at different temperatures, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 4C is a graph demonstrating the improved performance of
quantum dot/polymer composites in the presence of AOT gels, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic of a cross-sectional view of
a quantum dot suitable for dispersion in a polymer matrix, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a semiconductor
structure having a nano-crystalline core and nano-crystalline shell
pairing with one compositional transition layer, in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a semiconductor
structure having a nano-crystalline core/nano-crystalline
shell/nano-crystalline outer shell combination with two
compositional transition layers, in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a semiconductor
structure having a nano-crystalline core/nano-crystalline
shell/nano-crystalline outer shell combination with one
compositional transition layer, in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 9 illustrates operations in a reverse micelle approach
to coating a semiconductor structure, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 10 illustrates a lighting device that includes a blue
LED with a layer having a polymer matrix with a dispersion of
quantum dots therein, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0024] FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a lighting
device with a layer having a polymer matrix with a dispersion of
quantum dots therein, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0025] FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a lighting
device with a layer having a polymer matrix with a dispersion of
quantum dots therein, in accordance with another embodiment of the
present invention.
[0026] FIG. 13 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a lighting
device with a layer having a polymer matrix with a dispersion of
quantum dots therein, in accordance with another embodiment of the
present invention.
[0027] FIG. 14 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a lighting
device with a layer having a polymer matrix with a dispersion of
quantum dots therein, in accordance with another embodiment of the
present invention.
[0028] FIGS. 15A-15C illustrate cross-sectional views of various
configurations for lighting devices with a layer having a polymer
matrix with a dispersion of quantum dots therein, in accordance
with another embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] Quantum dot polymer composites for on-chip light emitting
diode applications are described herein. In the following
description, numerous specific details are set forth, such as
specific quantum dot geometries and efficiencies, in order to
provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present
invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that
embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without these
specific details. In other instances, well-known related
apparatuses, such as the host of varieties of applicable light
emitting diodes (LEDs), are not described in detail in order to not
unnecessarily obscure embodiments of the present invention.
Furthermore, it is to be understood that the various embodiments
shown in the figures are illustrative representations and are not
necessarily drawn to scale.
[0030] One or more embodiments described herein are directed to
improved composites including dispersions of quantum dot materials
in a polymer matrix for on-chip light emitting diode (LED)
applications. In one such embodiment, a composite is formed from a
mixture of quantum dots, one or more polymers (e.g., silicone-based
polymers) and various additives. The improved composites may
exhibit thermal stability, high temperature reliability, and/or
high humidity reliability, all of which can be required for good
performance in an LED package.
[0031] More specifically, in an embodiment, certain components of a
polymer composite must be present in order to satisfy the
requirements of an on-chip LED down-converter: the quantum dot and
an optically clear polymer, preferably a silicone must be present.
In the case of quantum dots, ideally the individual particles are
separated from each other such that inter-particle interactions are
minimized. This requires methods of physically spacing the quantum
dots within the polymer. Consequently, methods to reduce quantum
dot mobility within the polymer matrix further contribute to
enhanced optical performance. Finally, additional additives that
act to scatter the excitation light also contribute to improved
optical performance and long term stability of the quantum
dots.
[0032] To provide context, simple dispersions where quantum dots
are added and/or mixed into polymer materials typically offer
insufficient protection to the quantum dot material from harmful
environmental conditions such as oxygen and or moisture. For
example, other approaches have involved addition of physical
barriers to the outside of a polymer composite in an attempt to
prevent moisture ingress, changing the identity of the polymer in
an attempt to promote better optical performance from quantum dot
(QD) materials, and changing the surface passivation layer which
lies between the semiconductor particle and the polymer. However,
such approaches have proven to have their limitations on ultimate
performance of a composite for LED applications.
[0033] In accordance with one or more embodiments described herein,
such issues are addressed through a range of coatings, treatments
and additives that collectively serve to immobilize quantum dots in
a polymer matrix while keeping them physically separated and at
least somewhat protected from harmful environmental agents. In an
embodiment, such treatments and additives extend one or more of the
following benefits to the quantum dots: greater thermal stability,
moisture resistance, improved optical performance, and improved
optical stability at high temperatures.
[0034] Prior to describing additional details on polymer matrix
compositions for LED application, in a broader context, delivery
and storage of quantum dots prior to actual dispersion in such
polymer matrix composites is addressed below. For example, one or
more embodiments described herein are directed to approaches for
delivering stable quantum dot materials for processing into matrix
materials without difficulty and without changing the properties of
the quantum dots themselves. Several different approaches for
quantum dot or nano-particle delivery are described herein. To
provide context, quantum dots are synthesized colloidally and,
after purifying with excess reagents, are typically stored in an
organic solvent such as toluene. Often, when quantum dots are
manufactured for commercial purposes they are delivered as a
colloidal suspension in the organic solvent. However, delivering
quantum dots in a solvent to end-users who wish to further process
the quantum dots into a matrix may be problematic for several
reasons. First, quantum dots often require the presence of ligands
on the quantum dot surfaces for maintaining the optical properties
and structural integrity of the quantum dots. However, the ligands
present on the quantum dot surfaces can diffuse in a solvent and,
as such, the properties of quantum dots may change over time if
stored in this way, whether the storage is at a manufacturing
facility or an end-user facility. Second, end-users may prefer not
to handle the solvents typically used for storage of quantum dots,
such as toluene, due to the significant fire and health hazards and
the general trend toward reducing volatile organic compounds in
industrial settings. Third, the presence of even trace amounts of a
carrier solvent may negatively impact the curing properties of a
final quantum dot composite, for example, if the final matrix
material is a polymer. Fourth, quantum dots stored in solvent may
have a short shelf-life since the particles typically have a higher
tendency to irreversibly agglomerate and therefore change
properties over time. It is to be appreciated that, conventionally,
quantum dots are typically shipped in solution (e.g., as suspended
in an organic solvent or water) or as a powder.
[0035] To address the above issues, in accordance with one or more
embodiments of the present invention, alternative approaches for
delivering stable quantum dot materials are described herein. Such
approaches may enable further processing of the delivered quantum
dot material into a final matrix material without difficulty and
without changing the properties of the quantum dots themselves. In
at least one such embodiment, quantum dot performance for quantum
dots delivered by approaches described herein was unchanged as
compared to analogous quantum dots stored in a solvent.
[0036] In a first storage or delivery aspect, some embodiments
involve delivery methods compatible for an end-use that ultimately
involves mixing quantum dots into a silicone polymer. In one such
embodiment, quantum dots are delivered as dispersed in a polymer
bearing the same functional groups as standard light emitting diode
(LED) polymer encapsulants, enabling elimination of the use of an
organic solvent as a dispersant while ensuring compatibility
between the carrier and LED polymers. In another embodiment,
quantum dots are delivered in one part of a two-part silicone
formulation, again enabling elimination of the use of an organic
solvent as a dispersant. In an embodiment, in either case, a
permanent or end-user composite having a dispersion of the
nano-particles or quantum dots therein may be fabricated. In
another embodiment, in either case, additives to benefit the
performance of quantum dots are be added to the quantum dot mixture
for shipping, or at the point of mixing/curing/formation of the
final end-user composite.
[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, a vinyl-terminated
poly(phenylmethylsiloxane) (the most preferred PMV-9925) is used as
a dispersion medium for delivering quantum dots to a final polymer
composite which would comprise a vinyl-terminated
poly(phenylmethylsiloxane)-QD and methyl or phenyl-based silicone
mixture. In a specific embodiment, solvent was removed from quantum
dots and the quantum dots (QD) were re-dispersed into PMV-9925. In
a specific embodiment, a strong base (e.g., KOH) is added to the
vinyl-terminated poly(phenylmethylsiloxane)-QD mix. The
vinyl-terminated poly(phenylmethylsiloxane)-QD mix containing a
strong base (e.g. KOH) were then added to a phenyl-based silicone
(at a preferred weight ratio of 1:5 QD mixture: silicone) The
resulting mixture was cured and then tested for performance (e.g.,
by measurement of photo-luminescent quantum yield, PLQY). The
measurements were made at both room temperature and 100 degrees
Celsius. The silicone/PMV samples were prepared and tested from the
same PMV/QD stock solution over the course of 12 days, and no
significant change in performance was observed.
[0038] FIG. 1A is a graph 100A showing one-way analysis of quantum
dot samples over the course of twelve days for quantum dots
delivered as a PMV-9925 solution, in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention. Referring to graph 100A, quantum dot
samples were treated with base (KOH) in two manners: prior to
dispersing in PMV-9925 and after dispersing in PMV-9925 on the day
of film casting. Samples dispersed in PMV-9925 and treated with
base on the day of film casting show no significant change in
performance at 100 degrees Celsius.
[0039] FIG. 1B is a graph 100B showing one-way analysis of quantum
dot samples dispersed in two different media: a solvent (toluene)
and a polymer (PMV-9925), in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention. Referring to graph 100B, there is no significant
different between the two media in relationship to their
performance at 100 degrees Celsius. Thus, a performance comparison
between quantum dots delivered in solvent (e.g., toluene in this
case) and quantum dots delivered in PMV exhibit no statistical
difference in PLQY.
[0040] In a second storage or delivery aspect, other embodiments
involve drying the quantum dots for delivery. In an exemplary
embodiment, a plurality of quantum dots is prepared as a powder by
a freeze-drying process, also known as lyophilization, which
involves removal of an organic solvent by applying vacuum to a
solid state dispersion of quantum dots. In one such embodiment, the
solid state dispersion is obtained by freezing to a temperature
below the melting point of the solvent. In another exemplary
embodiment, a plurality of quantum dots is prepared as a powder by
removal of a solvent from a quantum dot dispersion using a rotary
evaporator or a distillation apparatus followed by complete removal
of any residual solvent retained in the solid mass of quantum dot
particles. In one such embodiment, the residual solvent is removed
by purging using an inert gas such as nitrogen (N.sub.2) while the
quantum dot particles are exposed to temperatures approximately in
the range of 60 to 150 degrees Celsius. In an embodiment, whether
dried by lyophilization or by purging with an inert gas, additives
to benefit the performance of the quantum dots can be added to the
quantum dot mixture for shipping, or at the point of
mixing/curing/formation of the final end-user composite (which may
include a dispersion of the nano-particles or quantum dots
therein). It is to be appreciated that other drying approaches may
also be used to prepare quantum dots for delivery.
[0041] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, FIG. 2A is a
plot 200A of PLQY at 100 degrees Celsius versus room temperature
showing luminescent nano-composite performance of films including
quantum dots. Referring to plot 200A, films were prepared with
light emitting diode (LED)-grade silicones to which quantum dot
(QD) particles were incorporated by mixing with a toluene
dispersion of the QD, QDs dried with heat, and QDs dried at low
temperatures. Samples prepared from particles in toluene and
particles which were dried in two different ways performed
comparably. Any difference in performance observed here may arise
from using a base (e.g., KOH in this case) as an additive to boost
the photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY), and not from the drying
protocol. It is to be appreciated that based addition other than
KOH may be used to boost PLQY.
[0042] In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, FIG. 2B is
a plot 200B of PLQY at 100 degrees Celsius versus room temperature
showing luminescent nano-composite performance of films including
quantum dots. Referring to plot 200B, luminescent nano-composite
performance is provided for films prepared with LED grade silicones
to which QD particles (open dots) were incorporated by mixing with
a toluene dispersion of the QDs or with freeze-dried QDs at
different concentrations, along with a base. The solid dots
represent performance of nano-composites prepared with freeze-dried
particles but to which KOH was not added. A very similar trend is
observed for films prepared with particles from toluene
dispersions. It is to be appreciated that based addition other than
KOH may be used to boost PLQY.
[0043] In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, FIG. 3A is
a plot 300A of spectral radiant power (%) as a function of
wavelength (nm) comparing performance of freeze-dried quantum dot
heterostructures (QDH) along with solution dispersion QDH in the
fabrication of a warm white phosphor film. Referring to plot 300A,
the freeze-dried approach maintains the same color quality and
color rendering as compared to the solution dispersion method. Plot
300A also reveals that the freeze-dried nano-powder and the green
phosphor powder do not aggregate together in the matrix which would
otherwise be detrimental to performance. In accordance with another
exemplary embodiment, FIG. 3B is a CIE 1931 plot 300B of
freeze-dried warm white film (square) compared to solution
dispersion warm white film (circle). Referring to plot 300B, both
approaches provide results that are within a 3-step MacAdam
ellipse.
[0044] In another aspect, whether or not implementing the above
described storage and delivery approaches, one or more embodiments
described herein are directed to quantum dot polymer composites for
on-chip light emitting diode applications. In one such embodiment,
a principal strategy involves coating a plurality of nano-particles
(such as a plurality of quantum dots) with a layer of silica
(SiO.sub.2), titania (TiO.sub.2), or similar insulator coating
(shell). Following completion of such a shelling reaction, the
particles are further treated accordingly to one or more (in any
suitable combination) of the approaches described below.
[0045] In a first approach pertaining to embodiments involving the
fabrication of quantum dot polymer composites for on-chip light
emitting diode applications, a plurality of quantum dots is
subjected to a base pre-treatment. For example, in an embodiment,
the addition of base (caustic) is beneficial for quantum dot
materials. The base addition can be accomplished in several ways:
(1) as a pre-treatment, where the nano-particles are treated with
base prior to the addition of the nano-articles to a final polymer
composite, or (2) the base can be added directly in a manner such
that it remains in the final polymer. Regarding pre-treatment
approaches, the base can be added for the pre-treatment in several
ways: (a) in a first embodiment, the base is added directly to a
concentrated quantum dot stock solution in solvent, (b) in a second
embodiment, the base is added to the quantum dots following removal
of solvent, (c) in a third embodiment, the base is added to a
diluted solution of quantum dots, and (d) in s fourth embodiment
the base is added to a slurry of QDs in polymer, the base treated
slurry can be optimally heated (for further solvent
removal/improved performance) Furthermore, it is to be appreciated
that the above variations of base pretreatment may be accompanied
by the addition of additives, as described in greater detail
below.
[0046] In an exemplary, high performance embodiment, a base is
added to a dilute solution of quantum dots. Suitable bases include,
but are not limited to, lithium hydroxide (LiOH), potassium
hydroxide (KOH), sodium hydroxide (NaOH), rubidium hydroxide
(RbOH), cesium hydroxide (CsOH), magnesium hydroxide
(Mg(OH).sub.2), calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH).sub.2), strontium
hydroxide (Sr(OH).sub.2), barium hydroxide (Ba(OH).sub.2),
tetramethylammonium hydroxide ((Me).sub.4NOH), tetraethylammonium
hydroxide ((Et).sub.4NOH), tetrabutylammonium hydroxide
((Bu).sub.4NOH)), or combinations thereof. Additionally, organic
bases have also shown promise and can be useful when the use of a
strong caustic is not desired. Examples include lithium diisopropyl
amide (LDA), sodium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide (sodium HMDS), and
potassium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide (potassium HMDS). The quantum
dot material is treated with the base prior to addition to a
polymer mixture. This approach allows for the removal of excess or
un-reacted base from the film making process, ensuring that the
polymer does not degrade from the reaction of base with silicone.
Thus, in accordance with a specific embodiment, the above exemplary
approach enables treatment with an excess of base to ensure that
optimal pre-treatment conditions have been achieved. For example,
the amount of base used is typically far greater when used as a
pre-treatment compared to adding the base to the polymer directly.
However, the approach leaves room for removal of any base prior to
polymer incorporation.
[0047] Comparison of a pre-treatment protocol and a leave-in
protocol can be made by comparing Experiments 1 and 2,
respectively, in the Experimental Section provided below. Acid-base
titrations have been performed on the discarded supernatants from
each operation of the pre-treatment to determine the amount of base
that remains in the polymer. From this procedure, it has determined
that approximately 25% of the base added remains or, in other
words, the amount of base left in place after each process is
roughly equal. Experiment 3 in the Experimental Section provided
below represents a suitable base pre-treatment protocol.
[0048] In a second approach pertaining to embodiments involving the
fabrication of quantum dot polymer composites for on-chip light
emitting diode applications, a plurality of quantum dots is
subjected to a heat treatment. The heat treatment may be of the
quantum dots, the quantum dots including an additive, or the
quantum dots including an additive and a polymer. In a exemplary
embodiment, a mixture of quantum dots and any additives (including
base) is treated with heat in one part of a two-part silicone
polymer prior to curing in order to improve ultimate composite
performance. In one such embodiment, the heat treatment is
performed in a portion of a polymer that includes silicon-hydride
species.
[0049] A heat treatment may be applied with or without the presence
of a base. When the treatment is performed without base, quantum
dots exhibit noticeable aggregation of dots in the polymer. By
contrast, heat treatment in the presence of a base results in
noticeably less aggregation and/or condensation of the silica shell
surrounding the QDs. Suitable bases include, but are not limited
to, LiOH, KOH, NaOH, RbOH, CsOH, Mg(OH).sub.2, Ca(OH).sub.2,
Sr(OH).sub.2, Ba(OH).sub.2, (Me).sub.4NOH, (Et).sub.4NOH,
(Bu).sub.4NOH, or combinations thereof. Although not to be bound by
theory, it is believed that for quantum dots coated with a silica
shell, the heat treatment process serves to further the
condensation of the silica shell from unreacted hydroxyl (silanol)
groups. The condensation is in effect a densification of the shell
that provides to a protective barrier that is less permeable to
oxygen and moisture. Along with shell densification, it has been
observed that the presence of base prevents the extreme aggregation
of particles that would otherwise take place at high temperatures,
potentially by forming bonds between the polymer and the silica. In
other embodiment, the heat treatment is instead performed in
another high-boiling point solvent or polymer. Such embodiments may
involve using as a base directly in reaction, or simply as residual
base left in the quantum dot materials following a
pre-treatment.
[0050] In an exemplary heat treatment in the presence of a base,
quantum dots having an associated solvent removed are then mixed
into a non-catalyst containing polymer component. A base, such as
one or more of the above listed bases, is added and the solution is
mixed again. The vial is placed in an approximately 150.degree. C.
oven for a duration approximately in the range of 2 hours, or until
any bubbling is completed. The solution is allowed to cool to room
temperature and the polymer component with catalyst is added to the
solution and mixed thoroughly. The treatment allows the base to
react more completely with the quantum dots, instead of the
polymer, maintaining or even enhancing the quantum dot performance
at high temperatures. FIG. 4A is a graph 400A showing the
temperature test results for a sample set where the quantum dot
heterostructure (QDH)/polymer solution was treated for the same
amount of time at different temperatures, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention. Referring to graph 400A, there
is an increase in PLQY at the higher temperatures for the samples
that underwent the heat treatment versus the control (non-heat
treated) samples.
[0051] The above described heat treatment approach may also enable
ready incorporation of free powders, such as silica, alumina,
titania, or magnesium oxide, into the composite films. In an
exemplary embodiment, free silica (e.g., nanopowder or other) is
weighed out into a vial and the QDH stock solution is added to the
vial and mixed well. The solvent is removed and the residual
silica/QDH mixture is dispersed in a silicone fluid, usually the
non-catalyst containing component of a silicone polymer mixture
(but it is to be appreciated that a non-functional silicone fluid
may also be used). The solution is mixed well, base is added, and
the solution is again mixed thoroughly. The vial is then placed in
an approximately 150.degree. C. oven until the visual signs (e.g.,
bubbling) of the reaction of the base with the QDH and silica are
completed. The solution is allowed to cool to room temperature, the
vinyl-containing polymer component is mixed in, and films are cast.
FIG. 4B is a graph 400B showing the temperature test results for a
sample set, including free silica containing samples, where the
quantum dot heterostructure (QDH)/polymer solution was treated for
the same amount of time at different temperatures, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to graph
400B, the best performance is obtained for samples having a base
pre-treatment, a heat treatment, and added free silica.
[0052] In a third approach pertaining to embodiments involving the
fabrication of quantum dot polymer composites for on-chip light
emitting diode applications, a plurality of quantum dots is
subjected to use of other solvents (e.g., DMSO, xylene) for
dispersion of the quantum dots in a polymer. For example, in an
embodiment, changing the dispersion characteristics of a plurality
of quantum dots by using a solvent different from the solvent used
for synthesis can increase the performance of the quantum dots in
the final composite films. In one such embodiment, dimethyl
sulfoxide (DMSO) is used as a solvent to change the characteristics
of a quantum dot stock solution. By comparison, when toluene is
used (which is typically used as the synthetic solvent), the
quantum dots have a tendency to stick to the glass vial. However,
when the quantum dots are later dispersed in DMSO, the same does
not occur to the same extent. DMSO also has the potential to
greatly increase the efficacy of the base treatment of the quantum
dots prior to placing in the polymer matrix. Furthermore, in an
embodiment, DMSO maintains the solubility of the quantum dots upon
the addition of large excesses of base, at least up to 12 times the
amount added to the standard process.
[0053] In a fourth approach pertaining to embodiments involving the
fabrication of quantum dot polymer composites for on-chip light
emitting diode applications, a plurality of quantum dots is
subjected to use of dehydrogenative coupling catalysts. In an
exemplary embodiment, since quantum dots coated with a shell of
silica have many silanol groups on the surface available for
reaction, one method of covalently bonding the silica shelled
quantum dots into the polymer is through the use of dehydrogenative
coupling reactions. The reaction typically involves a reactive
hydride and a silanol, in which a covalent siloxane bond
(--Si--O--Si--) is formed and hydrogen is liberated as a reaction
product. The reaction can be catalyzed by dibutyl tin, zinc
octoate, zirconium octaote, etc. Such catalysts may be beneficial
to silica shells in that they can serve to promote densification of
the shell by catalyzing the reaction between a silanol group on the
silica shell and another group either on the silica shell, in the
polymer matrix, or with some other additive. In a specific such
embodiment, tin is used as the catalyst. However, tin catalysts may
poison a platinum catalyst used in a subsequent polymer curing
step. Accordingly, in other embodiments, treatments with either
zinc octoate, zirconium octoate, or other metal (Ca, Co, etc.)
octoate catalysts can be used to provide improved quantum yields at
high temperatures.
[0054] In a fifth approach pertaining to embodiments involving the
fabrication of quantum dot polymer composites for on-chip light
emitting diode applications, a plurality of quantum dots is
subjected to surface functionalization. In an exemplary embodiment,
the surface of silica-shelled quantum dots is further reacted to
improve incorporation into polymers, to reduce aggregation, and/or
to provide improved environmental protection. In one such
embodiment, using a reactive vinyl terminated orthosilicate
compound, such as VMES, a layer is added around the silica shelled
materials such that vinyl groups extend from the shells. The
resulting materials behave differently from comparable quantum dot
materials having no vinyl groups in that the vinyl-group-terminated
samples do not stick to glass and incorporate readily into other
polymers. Thus, improved storage and handling conditions may be
provided, while minimizing material losses. In an embodiment, the
vinyl groups are further reacted with hydrides present in OE6630 B
via a standard platinum catalyzed addition reaction that is already
occurs between parts A and B.
[0055] In a sixth approach pertaining to embodiments involving the
fabrication of quantum dot polymer composites for on-chip light
emitting diode applications, a plurality of quantum dots is
subjected to inclusion of additives to the quantum dot/polymer
composite. In an exemplary embodiment, divinylperfluorohexane is
added to the quantum dot/polymer composite. In another embodiment,
a silica gel is synthesized by feeding tetramethyl orthosilicate
(TMOS) or tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) into water containing
approximately 5% of a surfactant, dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate,
also known as AOT. In this way, a vast network of silica gels is
formed (e.g., referred to as AOT gel). Adding AOT gel to quantum
dot/polymer composites significantly improves the thermal stability
and moisture resistance. Typically, the AOT gels are added after
mixing quantum dot/polymer composites and base. However, no extra
base is needed to compensate the addition of AOT gels.
Alternatively, AOT gel may be added after pre-treatment of quantum
dot/polymer composites with base. FIG. 4C is a graph 400C
demonstrating the improved performance of quantum dot/polymer
composites in the presence of AOT gels, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention. Referring to graph 400C, not
to be bound by theory, it is speculated that the AOT gel actually
reinforces the quantum dot/polymer composites to slow down the
degradation rate in hot and humid environment.
[0056] In an embodiment, the inclusion of other additives can be
used to enhance optical performance of quantum dot composites
(e.g., polymer matrix-based quantum dot compositions). For example,
the addition of fumed silica to polymer formulations can greatly
enhance the strength of the resulting film. Additionally, such
fillers occupy interstitial matrix space, thus reducing moisture
permeation and moisture retention. In one such embodiment, fillers
such as fumed silica are added to a composition in order to reduce
moisture ingress to the quantum dots. Furthermore, such fillers can
act as physical spacers between individual quantum dots, reducing
aggregation and reducing inter-particle energy transfer.
Additionally, the addition of fillers that are highly scattering
(i.e., non-absorbing and having a high index of refraction) can
lead to further benefits for quantum dot materials.
[0057] It is to be appreciated that quantum dots differ from
traditional phosphors in that they can exhibit multiexcitonic
behavior. When traditional YAG phosphors absorb a photon, an
electron is elevated into an excited state. After having absorbed a
photon, YAG phosphors they will not absorb more light until they
have relaxed back to the ground state. As such, the phosphors
become somewhat "transparent" while in the excited state. Quantum
dots differ in that they can continue to absorb light while in the
excited state. When excited, the resulting electron-hole pair is
known as an exciton. Multiple excitons are called multiexcitons.
The quantum yield of multiexcitions is in general greatly reduced
compared to the single-exciton quantum yield, a result of Auger
recombination. By having a highly scattering matrix, the excitation
flux is more evenly distributed among all quantum dots in the
sample. The flux that each quantum dot experiences is effectively
reduced, minimizing multi-exciton events. In turn, this ensures
that the quantum yield is as close as possible to the single
exciton quantum yield and will suffer fewer losses due to Auger
recombination. In accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention, a scatterers such as a silica nanopowders, magnesium
oxide (MgO), or zirconium oxide (ZrO.sub.2) are included in a
quantum do/polymer matrix composite to enhance the optical
performance of the final material.
[0058] In another aspect, the above polymer matrix compositions
having a dispersion of nano-particles therein, as described above
and in association with FIGS. 4A-4C, can include
hetero-structure-based nano-particles, such as
hetero-structure-based quantum dots. Such hetero-structures may
have specific geometries suitable for performance optimization. In
an example, several factors may be intertwined for establishing an
optimized geometry for a quantum dot having a nano-crystalline core
and nano-crystalline shell pairing. As a reference, FIG. 5
illustrates a schematic of a cross-sectional view of a quantum dot
suitable for dispersion in a polymer matrix, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 5, a
semiconductor structure (e.g., a quantum dot structure) 500
includes a nano-crystalline core 502 surrounded by a
nano-crystalline shell 504. The nano-crystalline core 502 has a
length axis (.sub.aCORE), a width axis (.sub.bCORE) and a depth
axis (.sub.cCORE), the depth axis provided into and out of the
plane shown in FIG. 5. Likewise, the nano-crystalline shell 504 has
a length axis (.sub.aSHELL), a width axis (.sub.bSHELL) and a depth
axis (.sub.cSHELL), the depth axis provided into and out of the
plane shown in FIG. 5. The nano-crystalline core 502 has a center
503 and the nano-crystalline shell 504 has a center 505. The
nano-crystalline shell 504 surrounds the nano-crystalline core 502
in the b-axis direction by an amount 506, as is also depicted in
FIG. 5.
[0059] The following are attributes of a quantum dot that may be
tuned for optimization, with reference to the parameters provided
in FIG. 5, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
Nano-crystalline core 502 diameter (a, b or c) and aspect ratio
(e.g., a/b) can be controlled for rough tuning for emission
wavelength (a higher value for either providing increasingly red
emission). A smaller overall nano-crystalline core provides a
greater surface to volume ratio. The width of the nano-crystalline
shell along 506 may be tuned for yield optimization and quantum
confinement providing approaches to control red-shifting and
mitigation of surface effects. However, strain considerations must
be accounted for when optimizing the value of thickness 506. The
length (a.sub.SHELL) of the shell is tunable to provide longer
radiative decay times as well as increased light absorption. The
overall aspect ratio of the structure 500 (e.g., the greater of
a.sub.SHELL/b.sub.SHELL and a.sub.SHELL/c.sub.SHELL) may be tuned
to directly impact PLQY. Meanwhile, overall surface/volume ratio
for 500 may be kept relatively smaller to provide lower surface
defects, provide higher photoluminescence, and limit
self-absorption. Referring again to FIG. 5, the shell/core
interface 508 may be tailored to avoid dislocations and strain
sites. In one such embodiment, a high quality interface is obtained
by tailoring one or more of injection temperature and mixing
parameters, the use of surfactants, and control of the reactivity
of precursors.
[0060] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a
high PLQY quantum dot is based on a core/shell pairing using an
anisotropic core. With reference again to FIG. 5, an anisotropic
core is a core having one of the axes a.sub.CORE, b.sub.CORE or
c.sub.CORE different from one or both of the remaining axes. An
aspect ratio of such an anisotropic core is determined by the
longest of the axes a.sub.CORE, b.sub.CORE or c.sub.CORE divided by
the shortest of the axes a.sub.CORE, b.sub.CORE or c.sub.CORE to
provide a number greater than 1 (an isotropic core has an aspect
ratio of 1). It is to be understood that the outer surface of an
anisotropic core may have rounded or curved edges (e.g., as in an
ellipsoid) or may be faceted (e.g., as in a stretched or elongated
tetragonal or hexagonal prism) to provide an aspect ratio of
greater than 1 (note that a sphere, a tetragonal prism, and a
hexagonal prism are all considered to have an aspect ratio of 1 in
keeping with embodiments of the present invention).
[0061] A workable range of aspect ratio for an anisotropic
nano-crystalline core for a quantum dot may be selected for
maximization of PLQY. For example, a core essentially isotropic may
not provide advantages for increasing PLQY, while a core with too
great an aspect ratio (e.g., 2 or greater) may present challenges
synthetically and geometrically when forming a surrounding shell.
Furthermore, embedding the core in a shell composed of a material
different than the core may also be used enhance PLQY of a
resulting quantum dot.
[0062] Accordingly, in an embodiment, a semiconductor structure
includes an anisotropic nano-crystalline core composed of a first
semiconductor material and having an aspect ratio between, but not
including, 1.0 and 2.0. The semiconductor structure also includes a
nano-crystalline shell composed of a second, different,
semiconductor material at least partially surrounding the
anisotropic nano-crystalline core. In one such embodiment, the
aspect ratio of the anisotropic nano-crystalline core is
approximately in the range of 1.01-1.2 and, in a particular
embodiment, is approximately in the range of 1.1-1.2. In the case
of rounded edges, then, the nano-crystalline core may be
substantially, but not perfectly, spherical. However, the
nano-crystalline core may instead be faceted. In an embodiment, the
anisotropic nano-crystalline core is disposed in an asymmetric
orientation with respect to the nano-crystalline shell, as
described in greater detail in the example below.
[0063] Another consideration for maximization of PLQY in a quantum
dot structure is to provide an asymmetric orientation of the core
within a surrounding shell. For example, referring again to FIG. 5,
the center 503 of the core 502 may be misaligned with (e.g., have a
different spatial point than) the center 505 of the shell 504. In
an embodiment, a semiconductor structure includes an anisotropic
nano-crystalline core composed of a first semiconductor material.
The semiconductor structure also includes a nano-crystalline shell
composed of a second, different, semiconductor material at least
partially surrounding the anisotropic nano-crystalline core. The
anisotropic nano-crystalline core is disposed in an asymmetric
orientation with respect to the nano-crystalline shell. In one such
embodiment, the nano-crystalline shell has a long axis (e.g.,
a.sub.SHELL), and the anisotropic nano-crystalline core is disposed
off-center along the long axis. In another such embodiment, the
nano-crystalline shell has a short axis (e.g., b.sub.SHELL), and
the anisotropic nano-crystalline core is disposed off-center along
the short axis. In yet another embodiment, however, the
nano-crystalline shell has a long axis (e.g., a.sub.SHELL) and a
short axis (e.g., b.sub.SHELL), and the anisotropic
nano-crystalline core is disposed off-center along both the long
and short axes.
[0064] With reference to the above described nano-crystalline core
and nano-crystalline shell pairings, in an embodiment, the
nano-crystalline shell completely surrounds the anisotropic
nano-crystalline core. In an alternative embodiment, however, the
nano-crystalline shell only partially surrounds the anisotropic
nano-crystalline core, exposing a portion of the anisotropic
nano-crystalline core, e.g., as in a tetrapod geometry or
arrangement. In an embodiment, the nano-crystalline shell is an
anisotropic nano-crystalline shell, such as a nano-rod, that
surrounds the anisotropic nano-crystalline core at an interface
between the anisotropic nano-crystalline shell and the anisotropic
nano-crystalline core. The anisotropic nano-crystalline shell
passivates or reduces trap states at the interface. The anisotropic
nano-crystalline shell may also, or instead, deactivate trap states
at the interface.
[0065] With reference again to the above described nano-crystalline
core and nano-crystalline shell pairings, in an embodiment, the
first and second semiconductor materials (core and shell,
respectively) are each materials such as, but not limited to, Group
II-VI materials (where the group II species could include species
from Groups II (e.g., magnesium) or XII of the periodic table),
Group III-V materials, Group IV-VI materials, Group I-III-VI
materials, or Group II-IV-VI materials and, in one embodiment, are
mono-crystalline. In one such embodiment, the first and second
semiconductor materials are both Group II-VI materials, the first
semiconductor material is cadmium selenide (CdSe), and the second
semiconductor material is one such as, but not limited to, cadmium
sulfide (CdS), zinc sulfide (ZnS), or zinc selenide (ZnSe). In an
embodiment, the semiconductor structure further includes a
nano-crystalline outer shell at least partially surrounding the
nano-crystalline shell and, in one embodiment, the nano-crystalline
outer shell completely surrounds the nano-crystalline shell. The
nano-crystalline outer shell is composed of a third semiconductor
material different from the first and second semiconductor
materials. In a particular such embodiment, the first semiconductor
material is cadmium selenide (CdSe), the second semiconductor
material is cadmium sulfide (CdS), and the third semiconductor
material is zinc sulfide (ZnS).
[0066] With reference again to the above described nano-crystalline
core and nano-crystalline shell pairings, in an embodiment, the
semiconductor structure (i.e., the core/shell pairing in total) has
an aspect ratio approximately in the range of 1.5-10 and, 3-6 in a
particular embodiment. In an embodiment, the nano-crystalline shell
has a long axis and a short axis. The long axis has a length
approximately in the range of 5-40 nanometers. The short axis has a
length approximately in the range of 1-5 nanometers greater than a
diameter of the anisotropic nano-crystalline core parallel with the
short axis of the nano-crystalline shell. In a specific such
embodiment, the anisotropic nano-crystalline core has a diameter
approximately in the range of 2-5 nanometers. The thickness of the
nano-crystalline shell on the anisotropic nano-crystalline core
along a short axis of the nano-crystalline shell is approximately
in the range of 1-5 nanometers of the second semiconductor
material.
[0067] With reference again to the above described nano-crystalline
core and nano-crystalline shell pairings, in an embodiment, the
anisotropic nano-crystalline core and the nano-crystalline shell
form a quantum dot. In one such embodiment, the quantum dot has a
photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of at least 90%. Emission
from the quantum dot may be mostly, or entirely, from the
nano-crystalline core. For example, in an embodiment, emission from
the anisotropic nano-crystalline core is at least approximately 75%
of the total emission from the quantum dot. An absorption spectrum
and an emission spectrum of the quantum dot may be essentially
non-overlapping. For example, in an embodiment, an absorbance ratio
of the quantum dot based on absorbance at 400 nanometers versus
absorbance at an exciton peak for the quantum dot is approximately
in the range of 5-35.
[0068] In an embodiment, a quantum dot based on the above described
nano-crystalline core and nano-crystalline shell pairings is a
down-converting quantum dot. However, in an alternative embodiment,
the quantum dot is an up-shifting quantum dot. In either case, a
lighting apparatus may include a light emitting diode and a
plurality of quantum dots such as those described above. The
quantum dots may be applied proximal to the LED and provide
down-shifting or up-shifting of light emitted from the LED. Thus,
semiconductor structures according to the present invention may be
advantageously used in solid state lighting. The visible spectrum
includes light of different colors having wavelengths between about
380 nm and about 780 nm that are visible to the human eye. An LED
will emit a UV or blue light which is down-converted (or
up-shifted) by semiconductor structures described herein. Any
suitable ratio of emission color from the semiconductor structures
may be used in devices of the present invention. LED devices
according to embodiments of the present invention may have
incorporated therein sufficient quantity of semiconductor
structures (e.g., quantum dots) described herein capable of
down-converting any available blue light to red, green, yellow,
orange, blue, indigo, violet or other color. These structures may
also be used to downconvert or upconvert lower energy light (green,
yellow, etc) from LED devices, as long as the excitation light
produces emission from the structures.
[0069] The above described semiconductor structures, e.g., quantum
dots, suitable for inclusion as a dispersion in a polymer matrix,
as described above and in association with FIGS. 4A-4C, may be
fabricated to further include one or more compositional transition
layers between portions of the structures, e.g., between core and
shell portions. Inclusion of such a transition layer may reduce or
eliminate any performance inefficiency associated with otherwise
abrupt junctions between the different portions of the structures.
For example, the inclusion of a compositional transition layer may
be used to suppress Auger recombination within a quantum dot
structure. Auger recombination events translate to energy from one
exciton being non-radiatively transferred to another charge
carrier. Such recombination in quantum dots typically occurs on
sub-nanosecond time scales such that a very short multi-exciton
lifetime indicates non-radiative recombination, while higher
nanosecond bi-exciton lifetimes indicate radiative recombination. A
radiative bi-exciton has a lifetime approximately 2-4 times shorter
than radiative single exciton.
[0070] More specifically, as is described in greater detail below
in association with FIGS. 6-8, an optimal particle (e.g., quantum
dot structure) may have one or more of a high aspect ratio, a large
volume relative to other quantum dot hetero-structures, and graded
or alloyed transitions between different semiconductor materials.
The graded or alloyed transitions can be used to render a
compositional and structural transition from one component (such as
a quantum dot core) to another component (such as a quantum dot
shell) a smooth function rather than a step function. In one
embodiment, the terms "graded," "gradient," or "grading" are used
to convey gradual transitioning from one semiconductor to another.
In one embodiment, the terms "alloy," "alloyed," or "alloying" are
used to convey an entire volume having a fixed intermediate
composition. In more specific embodiments, core or seed volume is
maximized relative to shell volume for a given emission color. A
graded or alloyed core/shell transition layer may be included
between the two volumes.
[0071] In a first example, FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional
view of a semiconductor structure having a nano-crystalline core
and nano-crystalline shell pairing with one compositional
transition layer, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0072] Referring to FIG. 6, a semiconductor structure 600 includes
a nano-crystalline core 602 composed of a first semiconductor
material. A nano-crystalline shell 604 composed of a second,
different, semiconductor material at least partially surrounds the
nano-crystalline core 602. A compositional transition layer 610 is
disposed between, and in contact with, the nano-crystalline core
602 and nano-crystalline shell 604. The compositional transition
layer 610 has a composition intermediate to the first and second
semiconductor materials.
[0073] In an embodiment, the compositional transition layer 610 is
an alloyed layer composed of a mixture of the first and second
semiconductor materials. In another embodiment, the compositional
transition layer 610 is a graded layer composed of a compositional
gradient of the first semiconductor material proximate to the
nano-crystalline core 602 through to the second semiconductor
material proximate to the nano-crystalline shell 604. In either
case, in a specific embodiment, the compositional transition layer
610 has a thickness approximately in the range of 1.5-2 monolayers.
Exemplary embodiments include a structure 600 where the first
semiconductor material is cadmium selenide (CdSe), the second
semiconductor material is cadmium sulfide (CdS), and the
compositional transition layer 610 is composed of
CdSe.sub.xS.sub.y, where 0<x<1 and 0<y<1, or where the
first semiconductor material is cadmium selenide (CdSe), the second
semiconductor material is zinc selenide (ZnSe), and the
compositional transition layer 610 is composed of
Cd.sub.xZn.sub.ySe, where 0<x<1 and 0<y<1.
[0074] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
the compositional transition layer 610 passivates or reduces trap
states where the nano-crystalline shell 604 surrounds the
nano-crystalline core 602. Exemplary embodiments of core and/or
shell parameters include a structure 600 where the nano-crystalline
core 602 is an anisotropic nano-crystalline core having an aspect
ratio between, but not including, 1.0 and 2.0 (in a specific
embodiment, approximately in the range of 1.01-1.2), and the
nano-crystalline shell is an anisotropic nano-crystalline shell
having an aspect ratio approximately in the range of 4-6.
[0075] In an embodiment, the nano-crystalline shell 604 completely
surrounds the nano-crystalline core 602, as depicted in FIG. 6. In
an alternative embodiment, however, the nano-crystalline shell 604
only partially surrounds the nano-crystalline core 602, exposing a
portion of the nano-crystalline core 602. Furthermore, in either
case, the nano-crystalline core 602 may be disposed in an
asymmetric orientation with respect to the nano-crystalline shell
604. In one or more embodiments, semiconductor structures such as
600 are fabricated to further include a nano-crystalline outer
shell 606 at least partially surrounding the nano-crystalline shell
604. The nano-crystalline outer shell 606 may be composed of a
third semiconductor material different from the first and second
semiconductor materials, i.e., different from the materials of the
core 602 and shell 604. The nano-crystalline outer shell 606 may
completely surround the nano-crystalline shell 604 or may only
partially surround the nano-crystalline shell 604, exposing a
portion of the nano-crystalline shell 604.
[0076] For embodiments including a nano-crystalline outer shell, an
additional compositional transition layer may be included. Thus, in
a second example, FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a
semiconductor structure having a nano-crystalline
core/nano-crystalline shell/nano-crystalline outer shell
combination with two compositional transition layers, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0077] Referring to FIG. 7, a semiconductor structure 700 includes
the nano-crystalline core 602, nano-crystalline shell 604,
nano-crystalline outer shell 606 and compositional transition layer
610 of structure 600. However, in addition, semiconductor structure
700 includes a second compositional transition layer 712 disposed
between, and in contact with, the nano-crystalline shell 604 and
the nano-crystalline outer shell 606. The second compositional
transition layer 712 has a composition intermediate to the second
and third semiconductor materials, i.e., intermediate to the
semiconductor materials of the shell 604 and outer shell 606.
[0078] In an embodiment, the second compositional transition layer
712 is an alloyed layer composed of a mixture of the second and
third semiconductor materials. In another embodiment, the second
compositional transition layer 712 is a graded layer composed of a
compositional gradient of the second semiconductor material
proximate to the nano-crystalline shell 604 through to the third
semiconductor material proximate to the nano-crystalline outer
shell 606. In either case, in a specific embodiment, the second
compositional transition layer 712 has a thickness approximately in
the range of 1.5-2 monolayers. Exemplary embodiments include a
structure 700 where the first semiconductor material is cadmium
selenide (CdSe), the second semiconductor material is cadmium
sulfide (CdS), the third semiconductor material is zinc sulfide
(ZnS), and the second compositional transition layer 1412 is
composed of Cd.sub.xZn.sub.yS, where 0<x<1 and 0<y<1,
or the first semiconductor material is cadmium selenide (CdSe), the
second semiconductor material is zinc selenide (ZnSe), the third
semiconductor material is zinc sulfide (ZnS), and the second
compositional transition layer 1412 is composed of
ZnSe.sub.xS.sub.y, where 0<x<1 and 0<y<1. In accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention, the second
compositional transition layer 712 passivates or reduces trap
states where the nano-crystalline outer shell 606 surrounds the
nano-crystalline shell 604.
[0079] For other embodiments including a nano-crystalline outer
shell, an outer compositional transition layer may be included
without including an inner compositional transition layer. Thus, in
a third example, FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a
semiconductor structure having a nano-crystalline
core/nano-crystalline shell/nano-crystalline outer shell
combination with one compositional transition layer, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0080] Referring to FIG. 8, a semiconductor structure 800 includes
the nano-crystalline core 602, nano-crystalline shell 604, and
nano-crystalline outer shell 606 of structure 600. In addition, the
semiconductor structure 800 includes the compositional transition
layer 712 of structure 700 disposed between, and in contact with,
the nano-crystalline shell 604 and the nano-crystalline outer shell
606. However, structure 800 does not include the compositional
transition layer 610 of structure 600, i.e., there is no
compositional transition layer between the core 602 and shell
604.
[0081] Referring to FIGS. 5-8, and as depicted in FIGS. 6-8, the
structures 500, 600, 700 and 800 may further include an insulator
coating (e.g., shown as 608 in FIGS. 6-8) surrounding and
encapsulating the nano-crystalline core/nano-crystalline shell
pairing or nano-crystalline core/nano-crystalline
shell/nano-crystalline outer shell combination. In one such
embodiment, the insulator coating is composed of an amorphous
material such as, but not limited to, silica (SiO.sub.x), titanium
oxide (TiO.sub.x), zirconium oxide (ZrO.sub.x), alumina
(AlO.sub.x), or hafnia (HfO.sub.x). In an embodiment,
insulator-coated structures based on structures 500, 600, 700 and
800 are quantum dot structures. For example, structures 500, 600,
700 and 800 may be used as a down-converting quantum dot or an
up-shifting quantum dot.
[0082] The above described insulator coating may be formed to
encapsulate a quantum dot using a reverse micelle process. For
example, FIG. 9 illustrates operations in a reverse micelle
approach to coating a semiconductor structure, in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to part A of FIG.
9, a quantum dot hetero-structure (QDH) 902 (e.g., a
nano-crystalline core/shell pairing) has attached thereto a
plurality of TOPO ligands 904 and TOP ligands 906. Referring to
part B, the plurality of TOPO ligands 904 and TOP ligands 906 are
exchanged with a plurality of
Si(OCH.sub.3).sub.3(CH.sub.2).sub.3NH.sub.2 ligands 908. The
structure of part B is then reacted with TEOS (Si(OEt).sub.4) and
ammonium hydroxide (NH.sub.4OH) to form a silica coating 910
surrounding the QDH 902, as depicted in part C of FIG. 9.
[0083] In another aspect, a polymer matrix composition, such as
compositions described above and in association with FIGS. 4A-4C,
is applied to a lighting device to provide a layer having a
dispersion of semiconductor structures therein for inclusion in the
lighting device. In one embodiment, the dispersion of semiconductor
structures is a dispersion of quantum dots such as those described
above in association with FIGS. 5-8.
[0084] In a first exemplary embodiment, a method of applying a
light-conversion layer to a surface of a light-emitting diode (LED)
includes first, separately, forming a polymer matrix from a mixture
of quantum dots. The resulting polymer matrix includes a dispersion
of the quantum dots therein and is then applied to the surface of
the LED. In one such embodiment, applying the polymer matrix to the
surface of the LED involves using a technique such as, but not
limited to, spraying, dip-coating, spin-coating, or drop-casting.
The polymer matrix can be cured with ultra-violet (UV) light
exposure or heating, in one embodiment. It is to be appreciated
that the polymer matrix having the dispersion of quantum dots
therein can be applied to discrete LED devices or, in another
embodiment, prior to dicing the LEDs from a wafer having a
plurality of LED dies. In the latter case, application of the
polymer matrix or matrix can involve uniform distribution across
the wafer prior to dicing the wafer.
[0085] With respect to illustrating the above concepts in a
resulting device configuration, FIG. 10 illustrates a lighting
device 1000. Device 1000 has a blue LED 1002 with a polymer matrix
layer 1004 having a dispersion of quantum dots 1006 therein, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Devices
1000 may be used to produce "cold" or "warm" white light. In one
embodiment, the device 1000 has little to no wasted energy since
there is little to no emission in the IR regime. In a specific such
embodiment, the use of a polymer matrix layer having a composition
with a dispersion of anisotropic quantum dots therein enables
greater than approximately 40% lm/W gains versus the use of
conventional phosphors. Increased efficacy may thus be achieved,
meaning increased luminous efficacy based on lumens (perceived
light brightness) per watt electrical power. Accordingly, down
converter efficiency and spectral overlap may be improved with the
use of a dispersion of quantum dots to achieve efficiency gains in
lighting and display. In an additional embodiment, a conventional
phosphor is also included in the polymer matrix composition, along
with the dispersion of quantum dots 1006.
[0086] Different approaches may be used to provide a quantum dot
layer in a lighting device. In an example, FIG. 11 illustrates a
cross-sectional view of a lighting device 1100 with a layer having
a polymer matrix composition with a dispersion of quantum dots
therein, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 11, a blue LED structure 1102 includes a die
1104, such as an InGaN die, and electrodes 1106. The blue LED
structure 1102 is disposed on a coating or supporting surface 1108
and housed within a protective and/or reflective structure 1110. A
polymer matrix layer 1112 is formed over the blue LED structure
1102 and within the protective and/or reflective structure 1110.
The polymer matrix layer 1112 has a composition including a
dispersion of quantum dots or a combination of a dispersion of
quantum dots and conventional phosphors. Although not depicted, the
protective and/or reflective structure 1110 can be extended
upwards, well above the matrix layer 1112, to provide a "cup"
configuration.
[0087] Although described herein as applicable for on-chip
applications, polymer matrix compositions as described above and in
association with FIGS. 4A-4C may also be used as remote layers. In
an example, FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a
lighting device 1200 with a polymer matrix layer having a
composition with a dispersion of quantum dots therein, in
accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 12, the lighting device 1200 includes a blue LED
structure 1202. A quantum dot down converter screen 1204 is
positioned somewhat remotely from the blue LED structure 1202. The
quantum dot down converter screen 1204 includes a polymer matrix
layer with a composition having a dispersion of quantum dots
therein, e.g., of varying color, or a combination of a dispersion
of quantum dots and conventional phosphors. In one embodiment, the
device 1200 can be used to generate white light, as depicted in
FIG. 12.
[0088] In another example, FIG. 13 illustrates a cross-sectional
view of a lighting device 1300 with a layer having a polymer matrix
composition with a dispersion of quantum dots therein, in
accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 13, the lighting device 1300 includes a blue LED
structure 1302 supported on a substrate 1304 which may house a
portion of the electrical components of the blue LED structure
1302. A first conversion layer 1306 has a polymer matrix
composition that includes a dispersion of red-light emitting
anisotropic quantum dots therein. A second conversion layer 1308
has a second polymer matrix composition that includes a dispersion
of quantum dots or green or yellow phosphors or a combination
thereof (e.g., yttrium aluminum garnet, YAG phosphors) therein.
Optionally, a sealing layer 1310 may be formed over the second
conversion layer 1308, as depicted in FIG. 13. In one embodiment,
the device 1300 can be used to generate white light.
[0089] In another example, FIG. 14 illustrates a cross-sectional
view of a lighting device 1400 with a layer having a polymer matrix
composition with a dispersion of quantum dots therein, in
accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 14, the lighting device 1400 includes a blue LED
structure 1402 supported on a substrate 1404 which may house a
portion of the electrical components of the blue LED structure
1402. A single conversion layer 1406 has a polymer matrix
composition that includes a dispersion of red-light emitting
anisotropic quantum dots in combination with a dispersion of green
quantum dots or green and/or yellow phosphors therein. Optionally,
a sealing layer 1410 may be formed over the single conversion layer
1406, as depicted in FIG. 14. In one embodiment, the device 1400
can be used to generate white light.
[0090] In additional examples, FIGS. 15A-15C illustrate
cross-sectional views of various configurations for lighting
devices 1500A-1500C with a layer having a polymer matrix
composition with a dispersion of quantum dots therein,
respectively, in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention. Referring to FIGS. 15A-15C, the lighting devices
1500A-1500C each include a blue LED structure 1502 supported on a
substrate 1504 which may house a portion of the electrical
components of the blue LED structure 1502. A conversion layer
1506A-1506C, respectively, has a polymer matrix composition that
includes a dispersion of one or more light-emitting color types of
quantum dots therein. Referring to FIG. 1500A specifically, the
conversion layer 1506A is disposed as a thin layer only on the top
surface of the blue LED structure 1502. Referring to FIG. 1500B
specifically, the conversion layer 1506B is disposed as a thin
layer conformal with all exposed surfaces of the blue LED structure
1502. Referring to FIG. 1500C specifically, the conversion layer
1506C is disposed as a "bulb" only on the top surface of the blue
LED structure 1502. In the above examples (e.g., FIGS. 10-14 and
15A-15C), although use with a blue LED is emphasized, it is to be
understood that a layer having a composition with a dispersion of
quantum dots therein can be used with other light sources as well,
including LEDs other than blue LEDs.
[0091] Thus, quantum dot polymer composites for on-chip light
emitting diode applications have been disclosed.
EXPERIMENTAL SECTION
Experiment 1 (Pre-Treat)
[0092] 800 .mu.l of shells are added to a vial (the storage solvent
is toluene). 1200 .mu.l of additional toluene is added. 480 .mu.l
2M LiOH in methanol is added. The sample is mixed thoroughly by
vortex or similar manner. The sample is sonicated. The sample is
centrifuged, and the solvent is decanted. 2 mL of toluene is added
followed by mixing steps (vortex and sonication). The sample is
centrifuged, and the solvent is decanted. 2 mL of toluene is added
followed by mixing steps (vortex and sonication). The sample is
centrifuged, and the solvent is decanted. 2 grams of a two-part
polymer are added (1.6 g OE 6630 B+0.4 g OE 6630 A). The sample is
mixed. The composite is dispensed and cured at 150.degree. C. for
two hours.
Experiment 2 (Leave-In)
[0093] 800 .mu.l of shells are added to a vial (the storage solvent
is toluene). The sample is centrifuged, and the solvent is
decanted. 2 grams of a two-part polymer are added (1.6 g OE 6630
B+0.4 g OE 6630 A). 120 .mu.l of 2M LiOH in methanol is added. The
sample is mixed. The composite is dispensed and cured at
150.degree. C. for two hours.
Experiment 3 (Base Pre-Treatment Protocol)
[0094] Add 50 mg silica nanopowder to a glass vial. Add 800 .mu.l
of shells to the vial. Mix briefly (vortex). Spin, decant solvent
(8 ml vials=>4 k rpm, 5 min; 20 ml vials=3 k rpm 7-10 min). Add
2 mL Octadecene (ODE). Mix briefly (vortex, sonicate). Add 700
.mu.l Lithium Hydroxide. Vortex, sonicate 30 min, vortexing
occasionally. Spin, decant. Add 2 mL ODE. Mix briefly (vortex,
sonicate). Add 700 .mu.l Methanol. Vortex, sonicate 5 min,
vortexing occasionally. Spin, decant. Add 2 mL ODE. Mix briefly
(vortex, sonicate). Add 700 .mu.l Methanol. Vortex, sonicate 5 min,
vortexing occasionally. Spin, decant. Add 2 mL ODE. Heat
150.degree. C. for 1 hr. Spin, decant. Add 2 mL cyclohexane.
Vortex, sonicate 5 min, vortexing occasionally. Spin, decant. Add 2
mL cyclohexane. Vortex, sonicate 5 min, vortexing occasionally.
Spin, decant. Heat+vac 65.degree. C. overnight. Scrape vials into
pre-weighed SM cup. Weigh powder to determine amount of polymer to
add (72.4 mg powder=>2.0 grams polymer).
* * * * *