QD Vision, developer of nanotechnology-based products for lighting and displays, yesterday announced it has been awarded a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II contract by the U.S. Army as part of its Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate (NVESD). Combined with new, additional funds for a Phase I option period, the award totals $775,000.

Under the grant, QD Vision will develop for NVESD, micro-displays based on quantum- dot-based light-emitting devices (QLEDs). Quantum dots are nanometer-sized, inorganic crystals that create light when stimulated with photons or electrons. QD Vision’s high resolution printing technology, along with the quantum dot’s extremely small size, makes the technology a logical choice for the small feature sizes required by micro-displays.

QD Vision was selected from a number of competitors for this SBIR program that funds research and development for technological solutions to meet critical Army needs. The company will leverage experience gained in Phase I of the program, titled, “Direct Patterning of Emitters for Micro-Displays,” to develop the small, portable, micro-displays based on QLEDs.

“Being selected for Phase II of this grant is a tremendous achievement, and it demonstrates great confidence in QD Vision and its nanotechnology-based products,” said Dr. Seth Coe-Sullivan, QD Vision co-founder and Chief Technology Officer. “Our extensive experience will help the Army to meet its requirements for state-of-the-art micro-displays.”

Micro-displays are a key component of indirect viewing systems, and are used in applications that require high resolution, brightness, color contrast and power efficiency. They are featured in applications such as video headsets, helmet-mounted displays, wearable computers and other portable devices. QD Vision will leverage its leadership in quantum-dot materials and deposition techniques to develop micro-displays that feature high luminance contrast, saturated colors, and improved distinction and resolution of color coded data.

Research supported by the SBIR program stimulates technological innovation and promotes the productivity and economic growth of the nation.

About QD Vision, Inc.
QD Vision (www.qdvision.com) is a quantum-dot product company that delivers highly differentiated lighting solutions to major industries where color, power and design matter. QD Vision’s Quantum Light™ platform enables step-change advances over other display and lighting solutions such as liquid-crystal displays (LCDs), plasma displays, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and even organic LEDs (OLEDs). QD Vision is actively designing in products with industry-leading companies in target markets including cleantech applications, such as solid state lighting, consumer electronics and flat panel displays, electronic signage, and defense. Leveraging a first-tier patent position in nanotechnology originating at MIT, QD Vision is a privately held company based in the Watertown, Mass.