Roundtable Discussion; The Future of Mineral Sands. Watch the video here.
Someone previously mentioned cost of IP Infringement on the board. Currently trying to research Nanoco's patents in this regard. Listening again to the Q&A from April 19 webcast it is curious M.E. stating when asked about the patent portfolio and the need to monitor IP infringement - he said 'in the display industry, we believe big folks have stepped on our IP and are engaged with discussions with them'.
I was reading on Samsung's breakthrough on self-emissive QD's using a process which involves etching with hydroflouric acid - www.nature.com/articles/s41586-019-1771-5
Without having the chance to read through or research fully, Nanoco's patent 'Quantum dot nanoparticles having enhanced stability and luminescence efficiency' seems to mention something similar
http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=2&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=nanoco&s2=%22hydrofluoric+acid%22&OS=nanoco+AND+%22hydrofluoric+acid%22&RS=nanoco+AND+%22hydrofluoric+acid%22
excerpt: - 'It may be desirable to pretreat the cores, for example, by etching a small amount of the material from the core, prior to reacting the core with the shell precursors. An acid, such as hydroflouric acid may be used to etch the core.'
Maybe have a look at these also - search hydrofluoric acid in patent(s). Similar mention in 'Cadmium-free quantum dot nanoparticles'
http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=0&f=S&l=50&TERM1=nanoco&FIELD1=&co1=AND&TERM2=hydrofluoric+acid&FIELD2=&d=PTXT
M.E. also said in webcast Q&A Nanoco's QD's are better than the dots Samsung is able to produce internally...mmm
Thoughts? Maybe different processes? How would Nanoco know if their IP was being infringed upon except maybe what is published? Not sure, will try to research further. Just had a quick look atm.
Another link:
https://patents.google.com/patent/CN105992807A/en?oq=Quantum+dot+nanoparticles+having+enhanced+stability+and+luminescence+efficiency
Nano OPS prints nano/electronics 100x cheaper, 1000x smaller, 1000x faster
youtube.com/watch?v=6HNE3F3Z_9M
Interview with the CTO of Nano OPS Inc. They have an 'all in 1' fabrication process for printed electronics at the micro and nano scale.
Interesting listening to the cost and limitations of the fabrication process eg Intel, Micron, Samsung fabs cost 20 billion each compared to millions for Nano OPS machine. Their 1 machine can replace the whole fab + you can use any nano-material you want e.g graphene, nano-tubes, quantum dots which big fabs can't handle. They have already sold a machine to a $35billion US electronics company? Interesting as to who this may be but my thinking was this process could dramatically reduce cost in using QDs for eg image sensors maybe?
thomasbrowne, just trying to interpret known info. Thanks for posting.
BeingTheBanker, I think we will just agree to disagree on the whole longterm InP restriction debate. Some have said Nanoco's QD's would be included in said restriction (Indium core alloy), but I accept your opinion. As I posted before Nanoco support no restriction be put on InP in consultation so my guess would be non-issue?
https://rohs.exemptions.oeko.info/fileadmin/user_upload/RoHS_Pack_15/1st_Consultation_Contributions/Contribution_Nanoco_InP_Consultation_20180615.pdf
https://chemicalwatch.com/82837/german-assessment-body-recommends-no-restriction-for-eu-rohs-substances#overlay-strip
https://www.microled-info.com/plessey-demonstrated-its-latest-microled-displays-and-technologies-ces-2020
thomasbrowne, just for the record I had a quick search last night and found Plessey demoing the company's new segmented microdisplay technology. 'The panel that was shown was a 0.3" full-color display, made from blue microLEDs with green and red color conversion materials'
See link above.
Appears they are using QD's for their Direct-Drive platform, so apologies.
In saying that, tech moving fast and I stand by my previous links showing QD limitations (< 5 µm) and their roadmap I would say removes the need for colour conversion with their ability to produce native green, blue and now red.
From previous link-
'InGaN-based blue and green LEDs have been commercially available for some time, but red LEDs are typically based on AlInGaP material or color-converted Red. For AR applications, Plessey comments that achieving high efficiency ultra-fine pitch Red pixels (< 5 µm across) remains elusive due to severe edge effects from AlInGaP material and cavity losses from colour conversion processes.'
'Other recent achievements from Plessey includes the world’s first wafer-level bonded monolithic 3,000 ppi GaN-on-silicon microLED emissive display hybridised to an active-matrix CMOS backplane; as well as native Blue and Green emission layers on the same wafer. The company is continuing to develop microLED display solutions, including the planned production of full RGB microLED displays in 2020.
I'm sure they are trying to figure out how to put all 3 together on 1 chip/wafer. BTW AR & VR devices may need 2-4µm according to Nanosys.
Only my view. DYOR.
thomasbrowne, my link post-dates your plessey announcement in which Plessey state the limits of using QD's smaller than 5µm. They have since found a way to produce all three colours natively without any colour conversion (no QD's needed).
The mystery of why issue with < 5 µm mentioned before by Dr Wei Sin Tan was due to 'severe edge effects from AlInGaP material and cavity losses from colour conversion processes' - as detailed in https://optics.org/news/10/12/11
Forget Plessey imv. - they don't need QD's for colour conversion.
Wellwell, I'm not great with the figures but as Bagpuss67 said at the time after I posted Resolution 13 - Authority to allot shares - 'Option for a big diluting rights issue or a more palatable placing. I had better keep some powder dry'.
If I am reading this right - up to £9.5million placing of 10p value or up to £19m rights issue. Maybe someone can correct if inaccurate - my focus is more on the tech (research). I don't hold much regard in revenue from Wah Hong tbh based on past performance but accept anything is possible.
thomasbrowne, I think you are way off in regards Plessey as they are now able to produce blue, green and now red natively i.e. without any colour conversion needed (no QD's).
I've covered alot of this in previous posts so won't go into but here's Dr. WeiSin Tan statement from the Microled forum 2019 regarding current QD material limitations if Micro LED pixels are smaller than 5µm - https://www.ledinside.com/news/2019/7/microledforum_2019_highlights_2
This was when they were only able to produce blue and green natively so imo needed QD's for red colour conversion.
FWIW (Only my opinion),
In anycase just for balance Nanoco have a plan B and it passed at the last AGM - resolution 13.
https://www.nanocotechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/AGM-Notice.pdf
That's the gamble. GLA and DYOR.
youtube.com/watch?v=VbSffmOrb_M
Thermal Cameras for Improved Automatic Emergency Braking
Interesting panel discussion with SM NED Rudy Berger together with ANSYS and Veoneer discussing thermal cameras. Don't think Tesla have thermal cameras (maybe wrong) so don't see how they can possibly be safe at night in autonomous mode when 75% of accidents happen - not to mention the corner cases in daylight.....scary.
https://chemicalwatch.com/82837/german-assessment-body-recommends-no-restriction-for-eu-rohs-substances#overlay-strip
German assessment body recommends no restriction for EU-RoHS substances.
Substances include beryllium and indium phosphide
3 October 2019 / Chemical restrictions, Electrical & electronics, Europe, RoHS
Germany’s Öko-Institut has recommended that several substances should not be considered for restriction under the EU Directive on the restriction of hazardous substances (RoHS) in electrical and electronic equipment.
Contracted by the Commission to provide technical assistance on evaluating RoHS substances and exemptions, the Öko-Institut (Institute for Applied Ecology) has completed assessment dossiers for a number of substances put forward by the Commission for possible inclusion. These are:
---
Indium phosphide
Because of its semiconductor and photovoltaic properties, indium phosphide is used in a wide range of applications in optoelectronic devices, displays, high-speed electronics and photovoltaics.
Due to the "fundamental role of the substance, especially in the area of telecommunication, a restriction could have a substantial negative impact on Europe's economy as a whole". Therefore, a restriction is not recommended.
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Hadn't seen this link posted before. Researched this a little before but still reading posts regarding possible InP restriction and Nano QD's. Still confused as to whether Nano's QD's would be included in any restriction - Nano QD's Indium core alloy. Whatever the case maybe doubtful in short-medium term imv.
Nanoco support no restriction be put on InP in consultation so my guess would be non-issue?
https://rohs.exemptions.oeko.info/fileadmin/user_upload/RoHS_Pack_15/1st_Consultation_Contributions/Contribution_Nanoco_InP_Consultation_20180615.pdf
https://www.displaydaily.com/article/display-daily/qds-on-chip-are-here-but-not-there-yet
Morbox, I posted the exact same link 8 July on 'Plessey @ SID 19' thread together with JB Display video at same event. www.youtube.com/watch?v=52ogQS6QKxc
They are using monolithic technology (like Plessey) and have 'No phospher, no pick&place, no mass transfer, no quantum dots needed.
I think the ability to create native Blue, Green and now Red (like JBD) eliminates the need for colour conversion and removes limitations in QD's smaller than 5µm?
https://optics.org/news/10/12/11
Plessey develops native Red InGaN LEDs on silicon
06 Dec 2019
New approach to microLED is attractive because it offers lower manufacturing costs and scalability to larger wafers.
Plessey, an embedded technologies developer of microLED technologies intended for augmented reality and display markets, has developed what it calls The "world’s first GaN (gallium nitride) on silicon-based Red LED.
InGaN-based blue and green LEDs have been commercially available for some time, but red LEDs are typically based on AlInGaP material or color-converted Red. For AR applications, Plessey comments that achieving high efficiency ultra-fine pitch Red pixels (< 5 µm across) remains elusive due to severe edge effects from AlInGaP material and cavity losses from colour conversion processes.
InGaN-based Red is attractive because it offers lower manufacturing costs, scalability to larger 200 mm or 300 mm wafers and better hot/cold factor over incumbent AlInGaP-based Red.
However, achieving red spectral emission with InGaN material is challenging due to the high indium content, inducing significant strain in the active region, subsequently reducing crystal quality and creating numerous defects.
Strain-engineered active region
Plessey says it has successfully overcome these challenges by using a proprietary strain engineered active region to create an efficient InGaN Red LED. The new InGaN Red microLEDs offer an output wavelength of 630 nm at 10 A/cm2, full width at half maximum of 50 nm, hot cold factor over 90% and higher efficiencies over conventional AlInGaP and colour converted Red at ultra-fine pixel pitches.
With these specifications, Plessey says it now has the capability to manufacture native Blue, Green and Red InGaN material or tune wavelengths from 400nm – 650nm using its GaN-on silicon platform.
Dr Wei Sin Tan, Director of Epitaxy and Advanced Product Development, at Plessey, commented, “This is an exciting result as it creates a path towards low cost manufacturing of ultra-fine pitch and efficient Red InGaN pixels, which will accelerate the adoption of microLEDs in both AR microdisplays and mobile/large display applications.”
-
Correct me if I'm wrong but reading this it would seem Plessey no longer have need for QD's in their Microled displays?
Similar to native Blue and Green Microled - they can now create native Red without any colour conversion needed? (see my last post on this thread).
Mystery of why issue with < 5 µm mentioned before by Dr Wei Sin Tan was due to 'severe edge effects from AlInGaP material and cavity losses from colour conversion processes'.
https://www.nanocotechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/AGM-Notice.pdf
A quick look at the resolutions passed at the AGM yesterday. That's the gamble.
Resolution 13 – Authority to allot shares
That, in substitution for any existing authority, the Directors of the Company (the “Directors”) be and hereby are generally and unconditionally authorised in accordance with section 551 of the 2006 Act to exercise all the powers of the Company to allot ordinary shares of 10 pence each in the capital of the Company (“Ordinary Shares”) and to grant rights to subscribe for, or to convert any security into, Ordinary Shares:
(a) up to an aggregate nominal amount of £9,540,234, being approximately one-third of the nominal value of the Ordinary Shares (excluding treasury shares) in issue on 25 October 2019; and
(b) comprising equity securities (within the meaning of section 560 of the 2006 Act) up to an aggregate nominal amount of £19,080,468 (such amount to be reduced by the nominal amount of any relevant securities allotted under paragraph (a) above) in connection with an offer by way of a rights issue,
to holders of Ordinary Shares in proportion (as nearly as may be practicable) to their existing holdings and to holders of other equity securities if this is required by the rights of those securities or, if the Directors consider it necessary, as permitted by the rights of those securities but subject to such exclusions or other arrangements as the Directors may deem necessary or expedient in relation to treasury shares, fractional entitlements or securities represented by depositary receipts, record dates, or legal or regulatory or practical problems under the laws of, or the requirements of any recognised regulatory body or any stock exchange in, any territory or any other matter.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nanolumi-introduces-industrys-first-perovskite-quantum-dot-peqd-colour-enhancement-film-for-qd-displays-with-high-brightness-and-over-90-rec-2020-colour-spectrum-coverage-300956900.html
SINGAPORE, Nov. 12, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Nanolumi, a Singapore-based advanced materials company producing stable, scalable, high colour performance quantum dots (QD), announced today the launch of Chameleon® G Film, the industry's first cadmium-free, perovskite quantum dot (PeQD) colour enhancement film for QD displays with exceptional brightness and unprecedented colour performance of over 90% Rec. 2020, 99.X% Adobe RGB, 99.X% DCI-P3.
"While the superior advantages of PeQD have been highly coveted by top display manufacturers, overcoming major challenges related to stability and scalability prevented it from being the material of choice for QD displays," said Jax Lee, CEO of Nanolumi. "Our team's deep knowledge on perovskite semiconductors have led to breakthroughs that have successfully removed the barriers for bringing PeQD from lab to market. We have developed new approaches to prepare defect-free nanocrystals with precisely-engineered protective shells and created unique resin formulations for QD stabilisation. We have also demonstrated large-scale production capabilities through a proprietary continuous flow reactor system and achieved large format roll-to-roll film manufacturing success."
The innovative and proprietary method the company has developed to strengthen PeQD performance also unlocks exciting possibilities for QD-OLED displays.
Chameleon G Film is currently being evaluated by top-tier display manufacturers. Consumer products enabled by Chameleon G Film are expected to hit shelves in 2H 2020.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/compass-intelligence-announces-recipients-of-the-2019-compassintel-iot-innovator-awards-300946683.html
SAN ANTONIO, Oct. 29, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Compass Intelligence is honored to share the announcement of this year's top IoT innovative products, companies, organizations, platforms, and solutions within the 2019 IoT Innovator Awards program. Compass Intelligence recognizes 20 companies in distinct IoT categories specific to industry, in addition to 3 awards selected solely by Compass Intelligence. Nominations come in from companies, universities, press relations and corporate communications firms with voting took place this past week. IoT Innovator award recipients include businesses and organizations including Inseego, Synchronoss, Multi-Tech Systems, Device Authority, Xperi, UIB, State of Ohio, SkyBitz, Omnitracs, geo, Coolfire, NETGEAR, Farmers Edge, Sprint, Spireon, Moab Foundation, Dell Technologies, Telit, Logicalis, Airbus, Northeastern University, PTC/Rockwell Automation, CIMCON Lighting, and Qualcomm.
"We are moving into an era where IoT becomes powerful when we apply it to core industry use cases and distinct applications to improve business, government, education, and lives," says Stephanie Atkinson, CEO of Compass Intelligence. The IoT Innovator Awards program builds on existing research, market studies, and insight reports made available on CompassIntel.com. "Congratulations to the 23 companies and organizations who are being recognized for IoT innovation in 2019."
The award recipients of the 2019 CompassIntel IoT Innovator Awards are as follows:
...
IoT Innovator: IoT Device Security ..........KeyScaler™ by Device Authority
...
What news expected this week? DS said it would take a couple of months to secure a partner in Oct 1st interview. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=5X4Zz1V3KNU
I still suspect cost for mass production remains an issue for IR sensor (near term) while big investment is being made by semiconductor co's to make the tech work at an affordable price (maybe wrong). IRQDs are Nanocos saving grace imv.
I don't hold much faith in display tbh (maybe QD-OLED in 1-2 yrs). I thought BT mentioned something in regards their QD film not being best or pivot away? near latter part of webcast and I found it a little ambiguous in response to lead-time question (maybe misheard - need to listen again). Listening on the fly so will listen again when uploaded.
Runcorn won't be production ready till Q1 2020 (I think I heard) so I agree with the tight timelines in regards cashflow. Frustrating when you read: Staff costs - 'Emoluments for Directors of the Group (excluding social security costs and long-term incentives, but including benefits in kind) disclosed above include £505,000 paid to the highest paid Director (2018: £312,000). Details of the compensation of key management personnel are described in note 29.'
Thanks for providing link Eccles although still not sure about Plessey.
Been trying to research further -
Here's a link I found dated 5 Apr 19 detailing Plessey's native green micro-LEDs -
https://www.electronicsweekly.com/news/business/manufacturing/plesseys-pins-future-micro-led-displays-gears-production-2019-04/
Excerpt:
'Plessey’s big announcement this week is the development of native green-emitting micro-LEDs – as opposed to the less efficient combination of blue-emitting quantum wells and a blue-to-green quantum dot phosphor.
On the firm’s roadmap is a single micro-display combining native blue and green quantum wells with a phosphor converted red, but before then it is working towards a colour micro-display using three separate die for red, green and blue.
-
I guess this means they are using (or plan to use) Quantum Dot phosphor for the red only?
Then their direct drive platform states pixel capabilities down to 2-micron - http://www.plesseysemiconductors.com/plessey-launches-microled-direct-drive-display-platform/
Strange if issue with QDs below 5-micron (9 July 19)? Maybe limitation in product format/design (layer thickness) for single RGB? (don't know)?
Also Plessey state (3 Jan 19) down to 4 micron with QDs - http://www.plesseysemiconductors.com/nanoco-plessey-partner-shrink-full-colour-microled-pixels-87-using-quantum-dots/
'Using its existing monolithic process, Plessey will integrate the Nanoco CFQD® quantum dots into selected regions of blue LED wafers to add red and green light. This shrinks the smallest practical pixel size from today’s 30µm to just 4µm, a reduction of 87%.'
#Confused.com
My inkling is leaning more towards JB display based in China. Changying Precision are Chinese company (chassis supplier). JBD YouTube video mentions cheaper than LCos, DLp, Oleds. Also Plessey are working with Vizux AR glasses - I just don't see Apple using same tech as Vizux but happy to be proven wrong. Will keep looking.
I'm not sure what you are referring to Ecclescake. As far as I am aware the reason for the cancelled QD camera with Apple was due to cost for mass production thus they are going forward with rumoured TOF camera (my last post).
https://www.patentlyapple.com/patently-apple/2019/07/rumor-claims-two-taiwanese-micro-led-suppliers-will-make-displays-for-apple-watch-as-soon-as-2020.html
I think it's still up-in-the-air as to who the 3rd parties may be (see link above). Someone on the board also mentioned Playnitride (not sure). Maybe makes sense of different suppliers req. for different product eg watch v VR/AR device? Here's both youtube videos featuring Plessey and JBD @ SID this year. www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PqMQobkUhg www.youtube.com/watch?v=52ogQS6QKxc
I'm not ruling Plessey out either but I still can't get past Dr. WeiSin Tan statement from the Microled forum 2019 regarding current QD material limitations if Micro LED pixels are smaller than 5µm - https://www.ledinside.com/news/2019/7/microledforum_2019_highlights_2
If 2-4µm pixel may be required for VR/AR devices?
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/big-step-micoleds-brings-smartglasses-closer-ben-delaney
https://youtu.be/5aivhq9nxOs?t=94
I think this may be the TOF camera/sensor Apple will use by STMicroelectronics (or something similar?). Same company who were supposed to create QD sensor but Apple cancelled due to too high expense in mass production. No mention of QD tech though but much cheaper presumably and rumoured direction Apple taking atm also mentioned here. https://www.macrumors.com/2019/07/29/kuo-2020-iphones-3d-sensing-rear-cameras/