Metamaterial Micro-LED Device

This LED uses a hybrid nanostructure to improve efficiency and intensity while avoiding costly transfer processes

Background
Recently, colloidal quantum dots (QDs) have appeared as promising emissive materials for micro-LEDs that can be used to form display panels without complicated transfer processes. Despite the remarkable luminescence properties of QDs, LEDs based solely on photoluminescence and/or electroluminescence inefficiently convert light excitation or injected current to radiative emissions. Also, a limited percentage of the generated photons can escape the device to the free space due to various light confinements in the device. The non-radiative emission and photon absorption in LEDs results in high energy consumption and reduced device lifetime. Therefore, it is desirable to increase the radiative emission rate of QDs and promote light out-coupling from the device to enhance the overall quantum efficiency.

Technology Description
This Oregon State University technology is a light-emitting diode (LED) utilizing hyperbolic metamaterial (HMM) to enhance light emission intensity and photonic nanostructures to improve light extraction efficiency. The HMM layer comprises a combination of metal and metal oxide regions that simultaneously provide the optical properties for emission enhancement and serve as a charge transport layer (CTL) to support electroluminescence. The device architecture significantly increases the emission efficiency of LEDs and displays.

Features & Benefits

  • High emission efficiency
  • High color intensity
  • No transfer process required

Applications

  • Micro-LED displays
  • Large area displays

Status
Patent application submitted

Patent Information: