UCSB researchers use distributed Bragg reflectors to dramatically increase light output and improve beam convergance in microLED devices

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.

The researchers say that beyond the directional accuracy, the modified microLEDs demonstrated improved power handling, with a reported 35% increase in electrical efficiency and a 46% improvement in wall-plug efficiency.