TOPODRONE and QUANTUM SOLUTIONS have signed an agreement for the joint development of a next-generation VIS-SWIR camera for UAV platforms. The camera will cover a broad spectral range from visible (VIS) to short-wave infrared (SWIR) wavelengths: 400 - 1700 nm.

This unique camera system combines QUANTUM SOLUTIONS' extensive R&D in developing advanced Quantum Dots SWIR technologies with best-in-class SWaP (Size, Weight, and Power) characteristics and TOPODRONE's expertise in creating cameras, integrating them with various UAVs, and ensuring precise positioning and data processing.

The VIS-SWIR camera utilizes proprietary colloidal quantum dot (CQD) technology—recipient of the 2023 Nobel Prize—from Quantum Solutions. This provides unparalleled benefits over traditional InGaAs SWIR image sensor technology, including superior spectral range tunability and scalability. This special VIS-SWIR camera for UAV platforms offers a tunable spectral range in visible, NIR, and SWIR wavelengths depending on the use case. It is built to address emerging airborne applications in various industries such as:

• Agriculture
• Fire safety and rescue
• Security
• Industrial inspection and surveying

Explore case studies to see how QUANTUM SOLUTIONS’ Quantum Eye® SWIR cameras perform in adverse weather conditions, through obstructions, and for  water imaging.

 

About Quantum Solutions:

Quantum Solutions develops revolutionary beyond-visible imaging solutions for next-generation cameras and robotic devices. Quantum Solutions’ proprietary technologies provide affordable access to spectra of light beyond the capability of the naked eye: shortwave infrared (SWIR), midwave infrared (MWIR), and X-rays. SWIR cameras can find numerous applications across robotics, machine vision, and security. At Quantum Solutions, we envision a future where cameras with augmented vision become the standard in our world. Contact us at [email protected] to discuss your needs for enabling the next generation of imaging systems.

About Topodrone:

TOPODRONE is a Swiss based designer and manufacturer of high-precision surveying equipment for installation on UAVs, vehicles and backpacks. TOPODRONE hardware (LiDARs, high resolution cameras, PPK and bathymetry solutions) are used for mapping and 3D modeling. Application areas include but are not limited to forest and agricultural monitoring, construction and urban planning, and bathymetry. TOPODRONE’s advanced post-processing software provides users with easy-to-use innovative data processing workflows for automatic data generation, georeferencing and alignment using GNSS and IMU data post processing, and SLAM algorithms. TOPODRONE mission is to provide affordable and reliable solutions for surveyors all over the world. TOPODRONE HQ is based in Montreux, Switzerland. TOPODRONE has a community of thousands of users globally who experiment and grow together with us advancing their portfolios and applying the newest surveying technologies.

Lutfan Sinatra, VP of product development at Quantum Solutions, presented an invited talk at the CLEO conference titled "Colloidal Quantum Dots for SWIR Photodetectors and Image Sensors." CLEO (Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics) is the premier international forum for scientific and technical optics, uniting the fields of lasers and optoelectronics by bringing together leading research from various areas, including laser technology, quantum computing, and advanced imaging technologies.

Lutfan's insightful presentation focused on showcasing Quantum Solutions' capabilities in enabling quantum dot SWIR (short-wave infrared) sensors: from materials to photodetectors and recently launched image sensors. The specific emphasis was on pioneering the future of SWIR technology using InAs quantum dots. As research continues, the unique characteristics of InAs QDs are poised to revolutionize multiple industries, highlighting their pivotal role in the future of imaging and sensing. Learn more in our blog article.

 

Quantum Solutions unveils quantum dot short-wave infrared (SWIR) image sensors to target machine vision and robotics applications

[Southampton, 16.04.2024] — Quantum Solutions, a pioneer in quantum dot technology, is excited to announce the launch of Q.Eye® SWIR (short-wave infrared) image sensors with a broad spectral range of 400 – 1700 nm. This innovative sensor is set to unlock new imaging capabilities for machine vision and robotics applications.

The current SWIR sensor market is primarily dominated by compound semiconductor InGaAs image sensor technology having spectral range 900 – 1700 nm. Although this technology offers high performance, its manufacturing process presents significant challenges. Compound semiconductor technology relies on epitaxial growth of InGaAs layers on InP wafers under high-temperature and vacuum conditions, followed by hybridization processes to connect InGaAs layers with silicon ROICs (readout integrated circuits), thus creating a complete FPA (focal plane array) for image recording and processing. This complexity results in limited production capacity and prohibitive product prices, typically starting at $5,000 per SWIR sensor chip.

Quantum Solutions is revolutionizing the manufacturing of SWIR image sensors using novel solution-processed compound semiconductor technology. Instead of epitaxial growth, Quantum Solutions synthesizes semiconductor nanoparticles called colloidal quantum dots. These quantum dots can be seamlessly integrated with silicon ROICs by solution processing, enabling large-volume production on wafer-level platforms, unmatched by traditional methods. This breakthrough technology not only excels in performance but also increases yield and lowers manufacturing costs significantly. Additionally, the sensor exhibits much broader spectral range than standard SWIR sensors: from visible 400 nm to 1700 nm in SWIR range.

"Leveraging our extensive expertise in quantum dot materials development and production, Quantum Solutions is democratizing access to SWIR technology through our cutting-edge Q.Eye® SWIR imaging solutions," said Marat Lutfullin, CEO of Quantum Solutions.

The released Q.Eye® SWIR image sensor, having a spectral range of 400 – 1700 nm and VGA resolution, features the smallest pixel pitch (5 μm) and ultra-compact sensor design (4.1 mm diagonal) thanks to its solution processing and monolithic integration on CMOS (complimentary metal-oxide semiconductor) wafers.

Q,Eye® SWIR image sensors make it possible for more customers to use this new technology by offering a more affordable option compared to traditional SWIR sensors. SWIR technology expands the realm of imaging possibilities with capabilities beyond conventional silicon and human vision, such as:

Materials identification: SWIR imaging reveals unique characteristics of materials invisible to the naked eye, such as differentiating between various plastics and organic media based on their SWIR signature, or detecting water traces by its distinct appearance in SWIR ranges, or even detecting contaminations/poisons in food products;

Temperatures: SWIR sensors can be used for imaging hot objects to examine the homogeneity of heat inside reactors;

Lasers imaging: perform laser beam profiling and tracking;

Low light long range imaging: SWIR sensors enhance low-light visibility and provide higher atmospheric transmission especially in degraded visual environments, thus enabling better vision for CCTV cameras, drones or automotive applications;

Seeing through obstructions: SWIR photons can penetrate fog, smoke, haze, and dust, benefiting applications like CCTV cameras for clearer visibility during fire emergencies or aiding firefighting. Automotive applications can also benefit from enhanced visibility in foggy and hazy conditions.

The use cases are limitless… To support the product launch, Quantum Solutions offers an evaluation camera platform equipped with the Q.Eye® SWIR image sensor. The test electronics kit features the market's smallest quantum dot camera, weighing just above 30 grams and measuring less than 3.5 cm in its longest dimension, thanks to the uncooled quantum dot sensor chip and smart camera design. Advantages of its compact size include lightweight optics, extreme power efficiency and USB-driven operation. The camera is designed to facilitate first-hand testing of Quantum Solutions’ SWIR image sensors, enabling operators, engineers, and researchers to explore their transformative capabilities across various industries, including:

• Machine vision: silicon inspection, laser beam profiling, goods quality control, water level filling tests, plastic sorting;
• Drones: imaging through obstructions (fog, smoke, haze and dust), agriculture, aerial surveying;
• Robotics: situational awareness, vision through obstructions;
• Automotive: ADAS at night and adverse weather conditions, in-car monitoring systems;
• Security and surveillance.

"The industry has reached a pivotal moment realizing the potential of quantum dot semiconductors in infrared imaging. By harnessing the remarkable tunability and versatility of colloidal quantum dots, we are ready to drive innovation and deliver value to our customers," added Alexander Bessonov, Director of Engineering at Quantum Solutions.

For more information how Quantum Solutions’ groundbreaking Q.Eye® SWIR image sensors can enhance your products and applications, please contact [email protected], review the product specs or visit the product webpage.

About Quantum Solutions:

Quantum Solutions develops and manufactures quantum dot “wide-range” sensors and materials that enable the capture of images invisible to the naked eye. This includes lower-energy SWIR and MWIR spectrums, as well as higher-energy UV and X-ray light ranges. Cameras equipped with these sensors can find numerous applications across various fields, including robotics, machine vision, the automotive industry and security. We envision a future where cameras with augmented vision become the standard in our world. Contact us at [email protected] to discuss your needs for enabling the next generation of imaging systems.

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Quantum Solutions demonstrated the 200 mm wafer level processing of QDot™ quantum dot n-type ink

[Southampton, 12.02.2024] — Quantum Solutions is pleased to announce the successful demonstration of wafer-level deposition of QDot™ PbS quantum dot n-type ink on a 200 mm silicon ROIC (read-out integrated circuit) wafer. This groundbreaking work highlights the feasibility of producing SWIR (short-wave infrared) image sensors with high throughput on 200 mm wafer platforms, essential for large-scale manufacturing of sensors.

The QDot PbS n-type ink was efficiently introduced into the 200 mm imec FAB for a single-step spin-coating process. The single-step deposition of the ink was executed seamlessly over the 200mm wafer, achieving a thickness range of 50-100 nm depending on the spin-coating speed parameters. The resulting thin films were smooth and free of noticeable defects, with less than 4% thickness variation observed across the 200 mm wafer:

Additionally, multistep coating of thicker films up to 200-300 nm was verified. Furthermore, we successfully implemented Edge Bead Removal (EBR) technique on the wafer:

Quantum Solutions' QDot™ PbS quantum dot n-type ink (n-ink) is specifically designed for manufacturing high-efficiency SWIR (short-wave infrared) photodiodes and image sensors. This ink streamlines the solution-processing fabrication flow of quantum dot SWIR sensors by eliminating the need for complex solid ligand exchange procedures. The ink also facilitates cost-effective production because it requires a smaller volume for coating large wafers, comparable to multistep solid ligand exchange process. This makes it a practical choice for scaling up production of SWIR photodiodes and image sensors. For more details, please contact us at [email protected].

About Quantum Solutions:

Quantum Solutions develops and manufactures quantum dot “wide-range” sensors and materials for “superhuman” vision, enabling the capture of images invisible to the naked eye. This includes lower-energy SWIR and MWIR spectrums, as well as higher-energy UV and X-ray light ranges. Cameras equipped with these sensors can find numerous applications across various fields, including robotics, machine vision, the automotive industry, security, and consumer electronics. We envision a future where cameras with augmented vision become the standard in our world. Contact us at [email protected] to discuss your needs for enabling the next generation of imaging systems.

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Quantum Solutions launches the sale of QDot™ CsPbBr3 Perovskite Single Crystals for  X-ray detectors.

[Southampton, 31.01.2024] — Quantum Solutions is pleased to announce the release of QDot™ Perovskite CsPbBr3 Single Crystals for X-ray sensors. The product is released in collaboration with AY Sensors. This material is promising to be the best alternative to CdTe and CdZnTe (CZT) crystals used in direct X-ray sensors. CsPbBr3 single crystals are regarded as the most favorable perovskite composition for X-ray sensors in terms of performance and long-term stability. These fully inorganic CsPbBr3 single crystals come with a size of 5 x 5 x 2 mm, featuring exceptional crystallinity and transparency.

About Quantum Solutions:

Quantum Solutions develops and manufactures quantum dot “wide-range” sensors and materials for “superhuman” vision, enabling the capture of images invisible to the naked eye. This includes lower-energy SWIR and MWIR spectrums, as well as higher-energy UV and X-ray light ranges. Cameras equipped with these sensors can find numerous applications across various fields, including robotics, machine vision, the automotive industry, security, and consumer electronics. We envision a future where cameras with augmented vision become the standard in our world. Contact us at [email protected] to discuss your needs for enabling the next generation of imaging systems.

About AY Sensors:

AY Sensors is a tech-based startup located in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. The organization specializes in developing medical imaging technology using Perovskite crystals. They are building next-gen imaging technology by developing metal halide perovskite single crystals for ultra-sensitive and low-cost photon-counting sensors. Our goal is to cut down the cost of the production of high-quality X-ray imagers.

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Quantum Solutions is advancing QDot™ InAs quantum dots for SWIR Image Sensors

[Southampton, 20.12.2023] — Quantum Solutions is pleased to release sales of our larger-size QDot™ InAs Quantum Dots, now reaching spectral ranges of up to 1600 nm!

QDot™ InAs Quantum Dots absorb light from UV to the short-wave infrared (SWIR) spectrum. The absorption cut-off profiles are now customizable, ranging from 900 to an impressive 1600 nm, simply by adjusting nanoparticle sizes between 3 to 7 nm. These quantum dots redefine excellence with outstanding light absorption and photoelectrical properties, establishing themselves as the unparalleled lead-free quantum dot absorber for SWIR photodetectors and image sensors.

Novel solution-based methods have ushered in a new era, enabling the deposition of thin films of these quantum dots at an affordable cost. This breakthrough technology allows the creation of artificial nanocrystalline InAs absorbing structures, offering unprecedented possibilities. Unlike traditional epitaxially grown thin films, QDot™ InAs quantum dots can be effortlessly deposited within a photodiode stack using spin-coating methods from a colloidal solution to fabricate efficient SWIR photodetectors and image sensors.

About Quantum Solutions:

Quantum Solutions develops and manufactures quantum dot “wide-range” sensors and materials for “superhuman” vision, enabling the capture of images invisible to the naked eye. This includes lower-energy SWIR and MWIR spectrums, as well as higher-energy UV and X-ray light ranges. Cameras equipped with these sensors can find numerous applications across various fields, including robotics, machine vision, the automotive industry, security, and consumer electronics. We envision a future where cameras with augmented vision become the standard in our world. Contact us at [email protected] to discuss your needs for enabling the next generation of imaging systems.

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Marat Lutfullin, the CEO of Quantum Solutions, delivered an invited presentation at the Phosphors & Quantum Dots Industry Forum 2023 in Seoul. The event, organized by Smithers, offered a unique opportunity for delegates to gather a wide range of relevant information, participate in collaborative discussions, and engage in networking opportunities. It united key players from all stages of development to explore the bright future of this rapidly evolving and vibrant marketplace.

Quantum Solutions is introducing Q.Eye™ SWIR Photodetectors.

[Southampton, 01.10.2023] — Quantum Solutions is thrilled to announce the release of our groundbreaking Q.Eye™ SWIR photodetectors. Q.Eye™ SWIR photodetectors are a collection of single-pixel quantum dot photodetectors that operate from visible (400 nm) to short-wave infrared (SWIR) range, with variable cut-off wavelengths ranging from 900 to 2500 nm.

The main distinction between quantum dot photodiodes and traditional infrared (IR) sensors, such as PbS, PbSe, or InGaAs, lies in their processing methods. Quantum dot photodetectors are solution-processed and monolithically integrated on a silicon CMOS substrate, offering the advantage of being producible on large silicon CMOS wafers of 150 mm, 200 mm, or larger. This characteristic renders them economically viable for low-cost and large-scale applications, such as wearables, mobile devices, automotive systems, and more.

 

Initial evaluation samples feature an absorbance peak at 1450 nm. But that's not all – we offer flexibility! Other wavelength ranges are available upon request. The active area size starts at 0.1 mm x 0.1 mm, with customizable configurations ranging from 5 μm to 3 mm – tailored to fit your project requirements.

Our photodiode, sized 3 x 3 mm on a wafer die, comes with 4, 9, or 36 individual devices. For added convenience in testing and evaluation, a TO5 packaged photodiode is also available. With Q.Eye™ SWIR photodetectors, you're not just buying a product, you're investing in you future groundbreaking product!

About Quantum Solutions:

Quantum Solutions develops and manufactures quantum dot “wide-range” sensors and materials for “superhuman” vision, enabling the capture of images invisible to the naked eye. This includes lower-energy SWIR and MWIR spectrums, as well as higher-energy UV and X-ray light ranges. Cameras equipped with these sensors can find numerous applications across various fields, including robotics, machine vision, the automotive industry, security, and consumer electronics. We envision a future where cameras with augmented vision become the standard in our world. Contact us at [email protected] to discuss your needs for enabling the next generation of imaging systems.

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Embarking on a Quantum Revolution: Celebrating Nobel Prize Winners in Chemistry!

The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has bestowed the prestigious 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry upon the brilliant minds of Moungi G. Bawendi, Louis E. Brus, and Alexei I. Ekimov. Their extraordinary contributions in the discovery and synthesis of quantum dots have illuminated new horizons in scientific achievement. The 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry recognizes the profound impact of quantum dots – microscopic powerhouses that radiate light across realms. From enhancing the brilliance of televisions and LED lamps to guiding surgeons with precision during tumor removal, quantum dots are the smallest but mightiest components of the technological landscape.

Quantum Solutions is honored to stand at the forefront of this quantum revolution, delivering the innovative quantum dot technology to redefine the landscape of image sensors and photodetectors.

 

 

About Quantum Solutions:

Quantum Solutions develops and manufactures quantum dot “wide-range” sensors and materials for “superhuman” vision, enabling the capture of images invisible to the naked eye. This includes lower-energy SWIR and MWIR spectrums, as well as higher-energy UV and X-ray light ranges. Cameras equipped with these sensors can find numerous applications across various fields, including robotics, machine vision, the automotive industry, security, and consumer electronics. We envision a future where cameras with augmented vision become the standard in our world. Contact us at [email protected] to discuss your needs for enabling the next generation of imaging systems.

About The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences

The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences (Swedish: Kungliga Vetenskapsakademien) is one of the royal academies of Sweden. Founded on 2 June 1739, it is an independent, non-governmental scientific organization that takes special responsibility for promoting natural sciences and mathematics and strengthening their influence in society, whilst endeavouring to promote the exchange of ideas between various disciplines.

Quantum Solutions launches the sale of QDot™ Perovskite Single Crystals for  Xray detectors.

[Southampton, 01.10.2023] — Quantum Solutions, in collaboration with AY Sensors, is pleased to announce the release of QDot™ Perovskite Single Crystals for use in direct X-ray detectors.

Perovskite single crystals exhibit outstanding X-ray photoelectric properties, positioning them as a highly promising alternative to CdTe and CdZnTe (CZT) crystals commonly employed in direct X-ray sensors. These crystals offer advantageous features, including high X-ray light absorption coefficients, well-balanced electron and hole transport over extended distances, long carrier diffusion lengths, and low trap densities. The superior option of perovskite single crystals arises from their easy preparation using solution techniques at low or room temperature. This facilitates controlled growth with desired sizes and thicknesses at a low cost and high processing speed.

About Quantum Solutions:

Quantum Solutions develops and manufactures quantum dot “wide-range” sensors and materials for “superhuman” vision, enabling the capture of images invisible to the naked eye. This includes lower-energy SWIR and MWIR spectrums, as well as higher-energy UV and X-ray light ranges. Cameras equipped with these sensors can find numerous applications across various fields, including robotics, machine vision, the automotive industry, security, and consumer electronics. We envision a future where cameras with augmented vision become the standard in our world. Contact us at [email protected] to discuss your needs for enabling the next generation of imaging systems.

About AY Sensors:

AY Sensors is a tech-based startup located in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. The organization specializes in developing medical imaging technology using Perovskite crystals. They are building next-gen imaging technology by developing metal halide perovskite single crystals for ultra-sensitive and low-cost photon-counting sensors. Our goal is to cut down the cost of the production of high-quality X-ray imagers.

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