Quantum rods could supercharge QLED and self-emissive TVs

A new technology that could raise image quality to the next tier may come from so‑called quantum rods—elongated nanomaterials viewed as an evolution of quantum dots. At the SID-MEC conference in Germany, researchers shared fresh findings on QRED, a promising direction that could bring televisions higher brightness, better HDR, and noticeably improved energy efficiency in the future.

Jan Nihaus of the Fraunhofer IAP-CAN said the key difference between quantum rods and quantum dots is their shape: these stretched nanocrystals can be aligned in a single direction. That structure allows more precise control of light and uses it far more efficiently. If the technology reaches consumer level, TV makers could cut power consumption without losing brightness—a target the industry has chased for years.

While the research is still at an early stage, the first results are encouraging. Scientists managed to deposit a full layer of quantum rods onto a test substrate, and the material withstood heating and other stresses. According to Nihaus, the fundamental feasibility has already been demonstrated, though the path to real devices will still be long.

It remains unclear where quantum rods will be deployed first. They could become the next step in QLED TVs, where quantum dots today serve as backlight filters. Even more intriguing are fully self-emissive displays based on quantum materials—a direction various companies call QLED, EL-QD, QED, or QE. In such panels, properly oriented quantum rods could deliver significantly more light per unit of energy than current solutions, a payoff that would be hard to ignore if the results scale.

Conference participants also noted that terminology in this field is still contested, and the emergence of quantum rods could spark a new round of debate. For now, the technology remains a laboratory project with substantial potential. If progress continues, future TVs could become brighter, richer in color, and markedly more efficient—and over time, this approach may well reach mobile devices too.