Plessey to integrate Nanoco's quantum-dots into its micro-LED displays

UK-based GaN-on-Si MicroLED developer Plessey Semiconductor announced a partnership with Quantum Dots developer Nanoco. Plessey aims to integrate Nanoco's cadmium-free quantum dots into its micro-LED displays.

Using a quantum-dot coating, Plessey will be able to use only blue micro-LEDs in its microdisplays, and convert the blue light to red and green to create full-color displays (in a similar way to today's QD-enhanced LCD displays). Plessey says that this design will enable it reduce its pixel pitch from 30 μm to just 4 μm, a reduction of 87%. The QD-enhanced micro-LEDs will also have a wide color gamut and will be more energy efficient compared to Plessey's current phosphor-based architecture.

Plessey developed a unique monolithic micro-LED process technology that can be used to produce Micro-LED displays without a pick-and-place stage. Plessey develops two generations of micro-LED displays. The first-gen Quanta-Brite are either LCoS or DMR display that are lit by an array of micro-LEDs, which Plessey says provide a more efficient and uniform display compared to current larger-LED lit displays.

The second-generation Quanta-Ray is a real direct-emission micro-LED based micro-display. It is not clear which technology is under development with JDC. Click here for an explanation of Plessey's micro-LED technologies.

Plessey recently announced a strategic partnership with Jasper Display, and a co-development agreement with AR supplier Vuzix. In September 2018 Plessey acquired an Aixtron's AIX G5+ C MOCVD reactor.

Posted: Jan 03,2019 by Ron Mertens