Frequently Asked Questions

The company’s foundational research is based on the discoveries honored by the 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry (awarded for quantum dot development). Some of UbiQD’s core patents include contributions from one of the Nobel laureates, Moungi Bawendi, and its materials use the Nobel Prize-winning synthesis methods. In short, UbiQD was founded to commercialize the very nanocrystal technology recognized by that Nobel Prize.

UbiQD is continuously investing in research including with collaborators. Over the last year, UbiQD has supported universities in Texas, Arizona, California, Illinois as well as community colleges here in New Mexico. UbiQD has submitted to research grants with various institutions as well including University of Colorado and New Mexico. We are technology optimists.

UbiQD is headquartered in Los Alamos, New Mexico. Its main R&D labs and manufacturing facility are in Los Alamos, chosen for its dry, high-altitude climate that is ideal for nanomaterials work.

Simply reach out to info@ubiqd and suggest the nature of your interest. Our team will route the inquiry to the best contact from there. Thank you in advance for your interest!

UbiQD was founded in 2014 by Dr. Hunter McDaniel, a spin-out from the Los Alamos National Lab to commercialize advanced quantum dots. UbiQD’s mission is to make quantum dots ubiquitous, bringing Nobel Prize-winning nanotechnology out of the lab and into practical products. UbiQD focuses on high-impact applications in agriculture, clean energy, and security.

Quantum dots (QDs) are vanishingly small (nano) particles of semiconductor material that are highly effective at manipulating color and light. QDs are so tiny that one dot compared to a golf ball is about the same ratio as a golf ball to planet Earth. Each dot absorbs photons and then re-emits them as a very pure color of light (this is called photoluminescence). Crucially, the emitted color depends on the dot’s size: smaller dots emit bluer (higher-energy) light, while larger dots emit redder (lower-energy) light. Because of their high luminescence efficiency and tunability, QDs act like “artificial atoms” for light and are used in everything from displays and sensors to agriculture and solar technologies.

Traditional QDs rely on toxic heavy metals (like cadmium) to achieve bright emission. UbiQD’s quantum dots are heavy-metal-free and safer. They are made from earth-abundant elements (copper, zinc, sulfur, etc.) instead of cadmium or lead. Despite using “everyday” materials, UbiQD’s dots achieve nearly perfect brightness (emitting almost 100% of absorbed light) and remain stable in real-world conditions. UbiQD QDs are designed for high performance (very high luminescence efficiency and thermal/chemical stability) while avoiding the toxicity of traditional cadmium-based dots.

UbiQD’s quantum dots are based on copper, indium, zinc, and sulfur. Specifically, the core is typically copper-indium sulfide (CuInS₂, often called CIS) and the shell is zinc sulfide (ZnS). In practice this means the dots are made from common, earth-abundant elements: copper and indium in a sulfur matrix, with a zinc layer coating. This CuInS₂/ZnS core-shell structure delivers high performance (bright emission) without using cadmium. These CIS/ZnS dots are the “everyday-material” quantum dots that UbiQD holds exclusive licenses to use.

Size is critical for a quantum dot’s behavior. A smaller quantum dot has a larger bandgap, so it absorbs and emits higher-energy (bluer) light, whereas a larger dot shifts to lower-energy (redder) light. In other words, by growing the nanocrystals to different sizes, UbiQD can “dial in” the emission color anywhere from the ultraviolet up to the red or near-infrared. This size-dependent tuning also affects the absorption spectrum: smaller dots absorb bluer wavelengths, while larger dots absorb more of the red/infrared. UbiQD leverages this effect by precisely controlling dot size during synthesis to get the exact wavelength needed for each application

The amount of electricity generated by a solar panel is heavily dependent on its interaction with sunlight. Design choices of the panel will compromise the light interaction in distinct areas of the sun’s spectrum, for example UV or near-infrared. Quantum dots can complement a design choice by shifting light from poorly to highly utilized area of the spectrum increasing the power output of the solar panel.

Quantum dots produce an optical signature that can be uniquely tuned based on the synthesis, formulation, and printing process. By controlling these processes an optical ‘finger print’ can be used as an anti-counterfeit marking and in detection. Plus, they glow like crazy and look cool.

Beyond agriculture, solar, and security, UbiQD’s quantum dots have broad, ubiquitous potential. From next-gen displays to high-performance sensors, paints and coatings, and new types of lighting, the possibilities are nearly limitless. As quantum dot technology matures, industries such as healthcare, automotive, defense, electronics, sports, art and even cosmetics are finding innovative ways to leverage this powerful technology.

UbiQD sells its quantum dots directly and via specialty distributors. Potential buyers can visit the Purchase Quantum Dots page on UbiQD’s website and submit an inquiry, or email info@ubiqd.com.

UbiQD provides extensive technical support and collaboration. They work closely with customers to tailor the quantum dots into existing products, acting as an R&D partner. UbiQD’s scientists and engineers often assist with formulation, testing, and scale-up for your specific needs, and provide processing guidance to ensure a smooth integration.

Absolutely. UbiQD’s manufacturing process allows precise tuning of each quantum dot batch. They can adjust the dot size, composition, and matrix so that the emission peak matches your requirements. UbiQD holds exclusive licenses to specific CIS-based QD formulations, giving customers unique options not available elsewhere.

Lead times vary by product and quantity. UbiQD is rapidly expanding its production to meet demand. Small sample or stock orders can often ship within a few weeks once arranged, while larger custom production runs might take longer as capacity is scaled. UbiQD recommends contacting them early with project timelines: they will provide up-to-date lead-time estimates based on current production schedules. (Their goal is to shorten lead times as their new manufacturing infrastructure comes online).

For in-depth data, UbiQD can provide datasheets and white papers upon request. Interested parties should explore the resources on ubiqd.com or reach out via info@ubiqd.com for technical docs, certificates, or example data relevant to their application. (UbiQD is also responsive to RFQs and will share any available application notes and specifications with serious inquiries).