Sun Innovations, Inc. is an advanced photonics and nanomaterial research and development firm providing research services and technology licensing to government and private funders. Our patent portfolio encompasses quantum dots, display applications, and disinfecting applications.
Sun’s completely transparent quantum dots absorb light and re-emit it at a different wavelength, so whether built into glass surfaces or applied as a film, they turn any surface into an emissive display. Unlike using a cloudy layer to produce a semi-transparent image based on the scattering of visible light by the cloudy particles, the quantum dots are 100% transparent, yet glow quite brightly. Also, quantum dot displays utilize less visible, dim blue ray light, so there is less light pollution around the display.
One of the simplest applications of this technology is to allow one to use a laser pointer with meeting room screens, which absorb rather than reflect laser pointer light so normal laser pointers don’t work. By putting Sun’s quantum dot film on the screen, a blue ray laser pointer then works. Head up displays on vehicle windshields is another obvious application for this technology.
We’ve produced and patented quantum dots that excite at differing frequencies, so we can produce different color displays using blue ray light sources, as well as have full color displays with modified DLP MediaGlass, laser Transplay, and economical gobo projectors.
Just as the application range of flat panel displays is broad, so too transparent displays are useful anywhere one seeks to have higher-impact messaging. Image brightness is compromised to the extent the background is bright, but the novelty of pictures on clear surfaces makes the content more memorable. In-store advertising can now be even more prevalent; drive through windows can bear specials or other ad content. Similarly, this technology is useful for stage and special effects lighting.