Towards smaller, brighter and more efficient InGaN-based red micro-LEDs

Research question

The development of energy-efficient technologies is essential for creating a sustainable society, where reducing energy consumption and environmental impact is critical. Micro LEDs (µ-LEDs) offer transformative potential by delivering high energy efficiency and superior performance in applications such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), optical interconnects, and circadian lighting. However, current µ-LED manufacturing relies on energy-intensive processes and toxic chemicals used in top-down etching process, which conflict with sustainability goals. This project addresses these challenges by developing low-temperature, environmentally friendly manufacturing processes for fabricating high-brightness and efficient red(R)/green(G)/blue(B) µ-LEDs, advancing sustainable innovation while pushing the boundaries of state-of-the-art technology. Several key innovations include a bottom-up concept for pyramidal µ-LEDs aimed at achieving efficient and bright RGB, the integration of metal-organic chemical vapor deposition and magnetron sputter epitaxy (MSE) techniques to optimize layer’s quality coated on µ-pyramids.

Sustainability aspects

Our work aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). AR/VR displays create interactive, immersive learning experiences that make concepts more understandable, engaging, and motivating. PLT’s blue µ-LED (<5 µm) achieves high wall-plug efficiency, comparable to competitors and improvable with optimization, while avoiding the efficiency droop typically caused by etching in small sizes. The replacement of inefficient fabrication steps with low-power, low-toxicity growth methods, and its production line minimizes etching and processing time compared to competitors, further reducing environmental impact. The cutting-edge optoelectronic semiconductor technologies enable resource-efficient material use, connect information providers with receivers, and boost both Sweden’s and global economies.