UCSB

Researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara, have designed a microLED with an increased beam spread and efficiency, that could replace traditional lasers in short-range data communication or display applications.

The researchers used distributed Bragg reflectors to laterally enclose the emitting region of the LED, and thus engineer the light emission. This new microLED architecture increased the emission output by 130% from the substrate side and 20% from the air-side, when compared to standard reference devices. The researchers also reported a 30% reduction in beam divergence.

MicroLED-Connect is the microLED industry's top event series, offering a combination of exciting online webinars and a flagship annual on-site event. Our next meeting is on 23-25 September 2025, at the High Tech Campus, Eindhoven, Netherlands. MicroLED-Connect is co-organised by TechBlick and the MicroLED Industry Association and offers the best way to connect with the global MicroLED and AR/VR display industries and markets.

In this article, we will share a few short videos from past events. First up, we have Continental's Kai Hohmann that discusses how the company looks at the four competing display technologies, and the opportunities for microLED technology in the automotive industry.

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. 

US-based Ingantec announced that it has entered into an exclusive patent licensing agreement with the University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB). Under the agreement, Ingantec has acquired the exclusive rights to patents that cover innovative systems and methods for achieving industry-leading devices using Metal-Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition (MOCVD) as well as other growth and fabrication processes.

Ingantec will use the technology developed at UCSB to produce highly-efficient next-generation microLED devices. The company is focused on developing efficient native GaN red devices.

MicroLED-Connect is an upcoming hybrid event series, a year-long program of virtual and onsite events, all focused on the microLED industry. The first MicroLED Connect virtual event is coming up later this month, a 2-day virtual event that will be focused on microLED (and also miniLED) technologies. The event will include over 25 lectures from leading companies, researchers and market analysts. The series is organized by the MicroLED Industry Association together with TechBlick.

In this post we share three online presentations, taken from last year's online microLED event (November 2022). The first video, above, is from the SSLEEC group (led by Prof. Denbaars and Prof. Nakamura) at the University of California, Santa Barbara, that discusses the latest microLED research performed at this world-renowned group. 

The MicroLED Industry Association (MIA) continues to grow and welcome new members from across the MicroLED industry. The MIA offers its members a chance to be a part of a unique community and enjoy resources like participation in white papers, online meetings, webinars, and much more. 

Some of the latest members of the MIA include 3M, University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB) and Fraunhofer FEP, and here is what they have to say:

Minbeom Seo, 3M's Display Materials Business Development & Strategy manager said : "3M joins the MicroLED Industry Association to solve big problems in microLED display technology and market. We believe we can come up with innovative microLED solutions through collaboration with 3M science and world class partners".

On October 25th the MicroLED Industry Association will host a webinar on microLED technologies with the University of California, Santa Barbara. UCSB has a world-leading LED research program, led by Mitsubishi Distinguished Professor Steven DerBaars and Nobel Prize in Physics laureate Professor Shuji Nakamura, professor of materials and of electrical and computer engineering.

During the webinar, Prof. Nakamura and Prof. DenBaars will both give a lecture to update on the latest microLED research done at UCSB, and a few members of the MicroLED Association will also give a lecture to introduce their company technologies. There will also be time for questions, and an open discussion.

Korea-based LED developer Seoul Viosys announced two microLED related breakthroughes developed together with researchers from the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB).

First of all, the researcher succeeded in developing blue and green micro LEDs with 1 μm diameter. Second, they have managed to overcome challenges of decreased EQE in red microLEDs at 70um. The EQE of the 70um red microLEDs have been increased by 150% compared to the company's previous designs.