Researchers from China's Tianjin University has developed a high throughput and non-destructive EL measurement method for microLED chips. The researchers say that this new method is not only non-destructive, it also extends the lifetime of the probe significantly (to over a million contact cycles) compared to other methods.

The new method is based on a flexible three-dimensional probe array that is capable of adapting to the microscopic contours of micro-LED wafers. The total pressure applied on the LEDs is only 0.9 megapascals (said to be comparable to a gentle breath). The probe head has 32 × 32 pairs of probes that can simultaneously measure 1,024 microscale LEDs using a passive-matrix driving approach in half a second. 

During CES 2025, Samsung Electronics demonstrated a 98-inch 8K microLED-backlit LCD TV, branding it as RGB MicroLED TV. This is not a true microLED TV, as it is not emissive, but unlike other LED- and miniLED- backlit LCDs, this one uses smaller red, green and blue microLEDs. A few weeks ago Samsung announced plans to produce this TV commercially by the end of 2025.

According to a new report in Korea, Samsung is now ready to begin trial production of this new TV type. Apparently the company's production process has matured enough and it is progressing as planned.

The MicroLED Industry Association published a new white paper that provides a discussion on microLED device efficiency. It focuses on the LED device itself, and does not discuss the efficiency of backplanes, added layers or the complete display system. The main goal is to help those that seek to use microLED devices understand what kind of performance can be expected of the microLEDs. The open summary edition can be downloaded here.

MicroLED Industry Association members can access the full document, which includes an in-depth discussion into device and usage efficiency aspects, sidewall defects, LED design, EQE of standard and state-of-the-art LED devices, color conversion, and more.

Earlier this year, TCL launched its RayNeo X3 Pro, powered by full color microLED displays, and a few days ago we posted that these are now shipping for around $1,050 with subsidies. The X3 Pro has an ultra-compact 2,500 nits full-color microLED display engine, based on 3 monochrome microLED panels. 

We assumed that these microLEDs are produced by JBD, and the company indeed confirmed that today. JBD also revealed that this is the first time that its proprietary, system-level image-quality engine for waveguide AR glasses (branded as ARTCs-WG) has been fully integrated into an AR product.

Researchers from the University of California, Santa Barbara, led by Prof. Nakamura and Prof. DenBaars, developed a new quantum random number generator (QRNGs) based on microLEDs. This QRNG offers a small footprint, scalable design, and high generation rates.

The researchers explain that the the performance of many QRNGs is hindered by limitations such as low generation rates and the bulkiness of systems utilizing single-photon detectors (SPDs). The researchers from UCSB developed a 5 × 5 µm2 micro-LED-based system that addresses these challenges, utilizing the intensity fluctuations of spontaneous emissions. 

We're happy to introduce Innovation Semiconductor, a US-based company that develops a patented monolithic vertical architecture for the production of MicroLED microdisplays, based on a 3D nanowire structure, a single material system and a straightforward and conventional integration between LEDs and GaN transistor. We’re excited to feature Matthew Hartensveld, PhD, CTO and co-founder of Innovation Semiconductor, specializing in GaN micro-LEDs, transistors, and semiconductor device innovation, who shares his insights and vision in this exclusive Q&A:

Fabricated sub-pixel circuit with vertical LED-driver transistor, pass transistor, and charge storage capacitor.

Can you introduce your company and technology?

Innovation Semiconductor is a startup dedicated to advancing monolithic solutions for microLED displays. We recognize that one of the main barriers to large-scale microLED production has been the difficulty of integrating separate components into a unified, scalable solution. As such this has been our focus, where we are pioneering LED-FET technologies pairing GaN MOSFETs with LEDs to address the issue of controlling logic, smarter flip-chip bonding with NMOS circuitry offered by independent cathodes, and color tunable LEDs to have a single LED act as a complete pixel emitting native color. Notably, each of these technologies can operate independently and are designed to be fabricated using only standard semiconductor toolsets, ensuring compatibility with existing manufacturing infrastructure.

China-based MicroLED microdisplay developer Jade Bird Display announced that it has implemented new technologies that enabled it to reduce the average number of defective pixels in its microdisplays from around 100 to around 3 per panel. This increased the company's panel yields quite dramatically.

In addition to the improvement in defective pixels, the company also reduced the rate of its 'dark pixels' (which means pixels with reduced brightness) from around 0.4% a few years ago to only 0.03% today. This, in addition to the company's proprietary demura pixel-level luminance-compensation algorithm has greatly enhanced pixel-brightness uniformity.

Earlier this year, TCL launched its RayNeo X3 Pro, powered by full color microLED displays. TCL now says that the glasses are available, in China only, with a recommended retail price of 8,999 yuan ( about $1,250). TCL says that with subsidies, the price comes down to 7,649 yuan (or around $1,050).

The new optical engine in the RayNeo X3 Pro is ultra compact - and is (according to TCL) the world's smallest "mass-producible" full-color micro-LED optical engine. It is based on three monochrome microLEDs and can deliver up to 2,500 nits of brightness. The microLEDs are likely supplied by JBD.

Here are some of our top MicroLED stories and updates featured at MicroLED-Info, in case you missed it:

• Aledia to start sampling 3D Nanowire microLED wafers in H2 2025
• Avicena raised $65 million to bring its microLED-based chip-to-chip interconnects to market
• PlayNitride reports increased revenues in Q1 2025
• Does it make sense for AUO and Innolux to merge to accelerate their microLED development?
• The MicroLED Association launches a yearly plan of activities
• Polar Light raises $3.4 million to commercialize its pyramidical GaN microLED technology
• Innovision starts producing VSP microLED microdisplays at its production line
• BOE HC Semitek starts mass producing microLED wafers
• VueReal announced its Series C funding round, raising $40.5 million
• Sony Honda's AFEELA 1 car uses an external microLED display produced by AUO
• Samsung Display unveils its first microLED wearable display prototype
• Meta announces $10,000 AR glasses powered by microLED microdisplays
• Google shows AR glasses powered by Raxium microLED microdisplays
• Apple cancels its microLED wearable project
• The MicroLED Association and Techblick conclude a highly successful MicroLED Connect 2024
• PlayNitride to build a microLED production line for AUO, in a $21 million deal
• Samsung Electronics launches a $100,000 89-inch microLED TV in Korea

We would like to update you on the latest program announcements at the MicroLED Connect and AR/VR Connect events taking place onsite at the High Tech Campus in Eindhoven, Netherlands, on 24 and 25 Sept.

• 24 & 25 Sept 2025
• High Tech Campus, Eindhoven, Netherlands
• Co-organised by TechBlick and the MicroLED Industry Association
• Supported by Optica, EPIC Photonics and Karl Guttag
• Where the global MicroLED and AR/VR display industry connects!
• Learn more here register before 30 May!

World-Class and Global Agenda

The agenda includes world-class speakers including Google, Meta, Intel, Aledia, VueReal, Mojo Vision, Lam Research, Jade Bird Display, PlayNitride, Instrument Systems, Coherent, Panasonic Production Engineering, Avicena Tech, EV Group (EVG), SCIL Nanoimprint, Veeco, Metalenz, Delo, Nanoscribe, Haylo VC, , Coherent Corp, CREAL, Brilliance RGB, Swave Photonics, Ingantec, Raysolve Optoelectronics Company Limited, Innovation Semiconductor, and many others. Explore the full program here!