A multicolor light emitting optical device is a programmable, multifunctional, general-purpose, solid-state light source. The device can use any of several light sources, including LEDs. The device couples a light source and a tunable optical converter composed of a quantum confinement device to produce a tunable, monochromatic light emission. The output wavelength of the optical device can be selected from within a tunable range of the optical (visible, near infrared, or near ultraviolet) spectrum on demand, in real time. The optical device is capable of serving as a tunable light source, a “true color” pixel, and a replacement for bi-color, tri-color, and multi-color light-emitting diodes. The optical device has particular, but not exclusive, application as an indicator light, in room lighting, and as a picture element in video displays.