Spectral Engineering with Quantum Dot Films for Enhanced Crop Growth

Passive spectral manipulation strategies tune transmitted sunlight to more optimal wavelengths for plant growth. Quantum dots (QDs) embedded in polymer films are a promising material system for this application. Here, we simulate lettuce growth under nine different nontoxic QD films. QDs that strongly absorb blue/green light and downshift it to red/far-red wavelengths result in yield enhancements of up to 45%. We find that these QD films can be utilized broadly in greenhouses in the United States. Contrary to prevailing belief, increasing the intensity of down-shifted photoluminescence does not further increase yield, indicating that QD absorption is the most important factor.