Colloidal quantum dots (QDs) combine the superior light-emission characteristics of quantum-confined semiconductors with the chemical flexibility of molecular systems. These properties could, in principle, enable solution-processable laser diodes with an ultrawide range of accessible colours. However, the realization of such devices has been hampered by fast optical gain decay due to non-radiative Auger recombination and poor stability of QD solids at the high current densities required for the lasing regime. Recently, these problems have been resolved, which resulted in the development of electrically pumped optical gain devices operating at ultrahigh current densities of around 1,000 A cm⁻². The next step is the realization of a QD laser diode (QLD). Here we assess the status of the QD lasing field, examine the remaining challenges on the path to a QLD and discuss practical strategies for attaining electrically pumped QD lasing.

胶体量子点 (QD) 将量子限制半导体的卓越发光特性与分子系统的化学灵活性相结合。原则上，这些特性可以使可溶液加工的激光二极管具有超宽范围的可用颜色。然而，由于非辐射俄歇复合和 QD 固体在激光状态所需的高电流密度下稳定性差，因此这种器件的实现受到快速光学增益衰减的阻碍。最近，这些问题已经得到解决，这导致了在大约 1,000 A cm ^{-2 的}超高电流密度下运行的电泵浦光学增益器件的开发. 下一步是实现 QD 激光二极管 (QLD)。在这里，我们评估 QD 激光场的状态，检查 QD 路径上的剩余挑战，并讨论实现电泵 QD 激光的实用策略。