Color image processing with quantum dot structure on a multi-peak resonant tunneling diode

Quantum dot nanostructure has dual advantages of high speed and small size. One promising new application for these devices is to use them for color image processing. However, the use of the quantum dot structure for image processing has been limited to black and white images. In fact, it is impossible to process general color images using the conventional quantum dot network. In this paper, we suggest a new quantum dot network design which implements color image processing. A novel quantum dot structure is formed by metallic islands on the surface of a multi-peak resonant tunneling diode. With the new structure and circuit configuration, we achieve filters for performing color quantization, smoothing, and color extraction. Based on simulation results, we achieve the new color image processor, which is 2 to 3 orders faster than conventional CMOS color image processors.