July 2023

Researchers from Seoul National University, in collaboration with LG Electronics, developed a new transfer process for microLED displays, based on a fluidic process.

The new process, called Fluidic Self‑Assembly (FSA), starts with a collection of microLEDs (chiplets) dispersed in an assembly solution, and a display substrate in which the binding targets are coated with molten solder. The substrate is immersed in the fluid, and then the fluid is set in motion (is shaken), which causes the microLED chiplets to make repeated contact with a binding targets. When a microLED chiplet meets the binding target, surface tension induces an irreversible bond between the solder and a metal electrode on the chiplet.

In March 2020, Facebook (now Meta) signed a deal with UK-based MicroLED microdisplay developer Plessey Semiconductor to dedicate all of Plessey's microLED manufacturing operations to support Facebook with its own product development. Facebook pretty much acquired Plessey's microLED operations with this exclusive deal.

Facebook hoped to utilize microLED microdisplays in future AR headsets. According to a new report, the company has decided to use LCoS microdisplays for its first consumer AR device, codenamed Artemis, which will be released (if all goes according to plan) in 2027. It seems as if the development based on Plessey's technology and processes did not progress as expected, and Meta did not manage to develop high brightness microLEDs or a process with satisfactory yields.

Samsung Electronics launched a new microLED TV in Korea, a 89-inch TV that costs 130 million Won (around $100,000). This TV was launched a few months ago in China, and it now brings it to South Korea as well. 

Samsung says that this is the first TV in its new MicroLED lineup, which will include 76-, 101-, and 114-inch models. Interestingly, this is only a part of the MicroLED CX lineup that Samsung announced in January 2023.

Toray Industries announced that it has developed a new conductive bonding material that works at lower temperatures (110 degrees Celsius) and pressures (5 megapascals) compared to existing materials, and is suitable for microLED processes. 

Toray's new material is based on the company's RAYBRID photodefinable conductive material (produced from metals, glass, ceramics and other materials), combined with nanocarbon and adhesives. The company plans to start producing the new material by early 2025.

Researchers from the UK-based University of Strathclyde, led by Dr. Eleni Margariti, developed a new microLED transfer process, based on a continuous, single shot roller transfer printing process.

The researchers say that this process can enable large-scale integration of microLEDs. The system they developed can transfer an array of 320x240 pixels (over 75,000 microLEDs) in a single shot, with sub-micron relative position accuracy. The transfer printing process preserves the array geometry with pixel spatial location error less than 1 µm deviation from the as-designed layout. 

The researchers also employed an automated sub-micron precision metrology system based on simple optical microscopy, to asses such large device populations and allow the assessment of yield.

Samsung Electronics is displaying an art masterpiece by contemporary Korean artist Park Seo-Bo, at New York's Rockefeller Center, using its Wall mnicroLED display.

The installation is a 146" 4K Wall All-in-One display (model IAB). 

Researchers at MIT have developed a bottom-up approach for precise and scalable formation of perovskite nanocrystal arrays with deterministic control over size, number, and position. This new technology enables the deposition of halide perovskite nanocrystals with precise control over the location and size of each individual crystal, integrating them into nanoscale light-emitting diodes.

The researchers demonstrated deterministic arrays of CsPbBr3 nanocrystals with tunable dimensions down to <50 nm and positional accuracy <50 nm.

Apple has been developing microLED displays for wearable devices for many years, but the company and its production partners are not yet ready to initiate mass production. It was reported before that the company planned to launch the first microLED-powered watch in 2023, but this was delayed several times.

According to a new report by TrendForce, Apple delayed its microLED plans again, now hoping to introduce the first device in 2026. The main problem, as always, is the high production costs.

The MicroLED Industry Association (MIA) is happy to announce its 40th member,  New Silicon Corporation (NSC), an integrated circuit company based out of Singapore.

The MicroLED Industry Association was established in July 2022, to promote microLED technologies, foster industry collaboration and initiate educational and marketing campaigns for its members. NSC joins a wide range of members including microLED display makers, component suppliers, technology developers, established companies, early stage startups and leading research institutes. You can see the full member list online.

We're happy to interview 3D Micromac, as part of our series of interviews with MicroLED Industry Association members. Germany-based 3D-Micromac is the industry leader in laser micromachining and roll-to-roll laser systems. The company offers laser equipment for µLED forward transfer, lift-off and repair process steps - ready for high volume production.

Hello, can you introduce your company and technology?

Frank Richter (Head of Sales at 3D Micromac): 3D-Micromac has established itself as a leader in laser micromachining and a pioneer of new production technologies for various industries for the last 20 years. This especially applies to the excimer and ultra-short pulse laser technology.

We have extensive experience applying innovative laser technology to new and emerging applications to support their volume-production requirements. For MicroLED production, ultra-high precision in combination with the highest reliability and stability is needed. These are core competencies of 3D-Micromac.

Our product portfolio includes several laser-based system solutions for various manufacturing steps in the MicroLED production process. All systems offer integrated process control and monitoring to assure stable and reliable operation, thus enabling high throughput and low yield losses.