US Patent 8164083 - Shell-less quantum dot layer

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/8164083.html

Organic capping layers are commonly used in quantum dots to enhance the dispersability of the QD composition in various solvents and act as a stabilizing agent. However, the capping layer can reduce the optical conversion efficiency of quantum dort LEDs. This patent from Brother International Corporation teaches removing the capping layer and includes some broad claims to a cap-less quantum dot layer for LEDs. Claim 1 reads:

1. An optoelectronic device comprising:

a plurality of quantum dots, each of which has a core but does not have a shell or an organic capping layer;

wherein the plurality of quantum dots are arranged to form a quantum dot layer, such that surfaces of some of the cores of the quantum dots directly contact surfaces of others of the cores of the quantum dots.