QDIR is an early-stage small firm developing shortwave and mid-wave infrared detectors and imaging arrays for camera OEMs and systems integrators. Based currenty in Argonne National Labs, the firm is targeting as Users commercial, medical, industrial, and military customers. Anchored in technology developed at University of Chicago and Chicago Quantum Exchange working to commercialize a new, low-cost way to create these detectors: with quantum dots, the QDIR approach is getting attention. Thef firm's approach is based on colloidal quantum dots: tiny semiconducting nanocrystals that range from 1 to 20 nanometers in dimension and are suspended in a liquid. Made from mercury telluride, these quantum dots have the ability to absorb infrared light. Principals of the firm have been working to develop photodiodes with these dots. The premise is that - in an array - these quantum dot diodes could be used to capture infrared images. A critical factor in the QDIR's approach is the manufacturing process. While infrared detectors are often made from bulk crystals, QDIRs detectors are made from solutions. These can be painted directly onto silicon integrated circuits: a cheaper and less complicated way to ultimately develop detectors. Further, while bulk crystals create low yields, the QDIRs process has the potential to have very high throughput of product: implifying the manufacturing process, reduces cost, and creates higher yield. The hope is to validate the imaging capabilities of the technology with both short-wave infrared -- good for revealing chemical features of a substance-- and mid-wave infrared -- good for thermal imaging of objects. The objective is achievement of a higher sensitivity than current detectors, or the same sensitivity at higher operating temperatures. Short wave infrared light can be used to see through silicon wafers, inspect fruits, sort materials based on their specific absorption. Potential target markets: product engineers and equipment manufacturers developing machine vision, noninvasive quality testing systems, surveillance methods, and even autonomous transportation vehicles.
