Lam Research signed a multi-year research agreement with CEA-Leti, to advanced the fabrication of next-generation specialty semiconductor technologies. One of the focus areas is microLED displays.
CEA‑Leti said its role will center on rapid materials analysis and device characterization to support faster process optimization.
Researchers from Huazhong University of Science and Technology have reported a self-aligned laser transfer (SALT) based on directional photothermal regulation strategies that enables high-precision, programmable transfer of microchips or microLEDs without the need of precise laser-to-die alignment.
The researchers demonstrated multiple transfer printings of RGB MicroLED chips from different donor wafers highlight SALT’s self-aligned and batch-selective capabilities, which are crucial for efficient full-color MicroLED display assembly.
Researchers from Korea's KAIST, Inha University, QSI and Raontech have jointly developed a high-density high-efficiency red microLED microdisplay, achieving a pixel density of 1700 PPI.
The researchers used Aluminum Indium Phosphide/Gallium Indium Phosphide (AlInP/GaInP) quantum-well microLEDs, and applied a monolithic 3D integration process to stack the microLED array directly on top of the backplane.
IC designer Sapien Semiconductors announced that it has successfully completed the development of its first microLED driver IC. The S25LM81 IC utilizes Sapien's Memory-inside-Pixel (MiP) that stores image data inside each pixel and a partial update technique that refreshes only portions of the screen, and can be used to drive microLED chips ranging in size from 15 to 30 μm.
The Sapien S25LM81 can drive a 10x10 RGB microLED module (300 microLED chips), where each pixel can be controlled individually. The company presented a 2.9-inch tile, branded as Micro-Tile, that supports resolutions ranging from 100 to 500 PPI. Multiple tiles can be seamlessly connected, allowing to scale the screen size and resolution.
CEA-Leti has developed a new optical sending architecture that combines a microLED and an organic photodetector (OPD). This system-level approach, that combines device design, electronics, and modeling allows for multifunctional display applications, without compromising display performance.
The researchers have optimized both devices to a green wavelength, that is relevant to photoplethysmography (PPG) signal extraction.
In September 2024, OTFT developer Smartkem, a MicroLED Industry Association member, announced that it has entered into a 12-month paid proof-of-concept agreement with a global consumer electronics leader to develop next-generation smart wearables that incorporate a conformable microLED display utilizing Smartkem’s proprietary OTFT backplane technology and its "Chip-first" architecture.
Smartkem says that the collaboration is expected addresses some of the most difficult challenges in wearables: extreme miniaturization, low power consumption, outdoor visibility and high impact resistance.
Researchers from China's Xiamen University, Singapore's Nanyang Technological University, Xiamen University Malaysia , Birkenau University (Turkey), and Lattice Optoelectronics have developed a new red InGaN LED device that achieved high efficiency - 11.78% EQE, and 1.1% EQE at microLED sizes (10 micron).
To achieve this high efficiency, the researchers have optimized the device V-pit to promote the effectiveness of three-dimensional current pathways and facilitate localized electric field redistribution. The researchers explain that this improvement enhances hole injection while suppressing nonradiative recombination, this work contributes to the microstructure design in InGaN-based red LEDs.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a flexible wireless brain implant, that uses microLEDs to emit patterned light through the skull to activate neurons and deliver information directly to the brain.
This new device is less invasive than previous designs, and its flexibility means that it can conform to the surface of the skull and shine light through the bone, to the brain.
Researchers from Korea's KAIST institute, in collaboration with colleagues from UNIST, have utilized microLEDs to created a new photodynamic therapy for pancreatic cancer treatments based on microLEDs, that may overcome a critical hurdle in current treatment options.
The researchers explain that pancreatic tumors have a biological barrier due to the dense tumor microenvironment (TME). This barrier surrounds the tumor, severely limiting the infiltration of chemotherapy agents and immune cells. Current photodynamic therapy methods are promising, but the currently used light sources fail to penetrate deep tissues.
Researchers at Korea University led by Prof. Tae-Geun Kim have developed an active-matrix microLED driving circuit, powered by a single memristor. The idea is that each sub-pixel is powered by the germanium-based memristor, without the need for any storage capacitor.
The researchers built a 12x12 microLED array, powered by the memristor. The memristor's resistance directly controlled LED brightness with excellent stability. The process, which is compatible with existing display manufacturing processes, is the first experimental demonstration of a capacitor-free active-matrix microLED pixel.
