QD Vision has developed Quantum Dot Light Emitting Devices whose emission spans the wavelength range from 1000 nm to 1.35 μm, using tunable, narrow band quantum dot emission. These devices emit sufficient power for long range-detection by a variety of systems, run at very low drive voltages, and are producible in area emitting form-factors that are very thin and light weight. Potential applications for these devices include covert illumination, tagging, display backlighting, and line-of-sight communications.

In this paper, we demonstrate electrically driven quantum dot light emitting devices that emit in the wavelength range of 1000 nm to 1.35 μm, with full-widths at half-maximum as low as 128 nm. The devices discussed are characterized with respect to their efficiency, power output, and lifetime, and this data is used to evaluate their suitability for use in a variety of defense-related applications. Example devices are discussed, including completed prototypes 1.5mm thick with active areas up to 4 cm². Experimental results are presented that demonstrate a low turn-on voltage of 1.4 V, a maximum external quantum efficiency of 2.5 %, a power efficiency of 25 mW/W, and a peak radiance of 18.3 W/sr.m². Lifetimes of more than 1000 hours at operating drive levels are also shown.