Quantum-dot-based solid-state lighting with electric-field-tunable chromaticity

Solid-state lighting is currently based on blue light-emitting diodes combined with wavelength downconversion via phosphors. Replacing the phosphors with quantum dots has a number of potential advantages, including narrowband and size-tailorable emission spectra. Here, we point out another advantage: the ability to perform real-time tuning of chromaticity of solid-state lighting by altering quantum dot absorption or emission wavelengths and oscillator strengths using electric fields. We discuss a possible architecture for such a solid-state lamp, and the chromaticity ranges that could be obtained for given ranges of absorption or emission wavelength and oscillator strength changes. © 2005-2012 IEEE.