Manchester-based Nanoco has signed a new deal which could mean smaller, higher resolution microLED displays – which are used in AR and VR devices, watches and mobiles.
The displays would also be more energy efficient.
It’s signed a partnership with Plessey Semiconductors, with Plessey integrating Nanoco’s quantum dot technology into selected regions of blue LED wafers, to add red and green light.
What this means is that it can shrink the smallest practical pixel size from 30µm to 4µm, a reduction of 87%. Currently the smallest phosphor particle is around 30µm, because the efficiency of colour conversion deteriorates as the pixel size shrinks. The Nanoco technology overcomes this limitation.
“Quantum dots offer the best solution for today’s emerging display requirements. The nano-sized emitters with narrow band emission make them a suitable solution for Plessey’s microLED display roadmap, which will see pixels being driven down to 4µm in size by 2019,” said Mike Lee, president of corporate and business development at Plessey.
microLEDs are often used in AR/VR goggles and head-up displays, because they are brighter, smaller, lighter and more energy-efficient than OLEDs (organic light-emitting diodes).
“We are thrilled to be working in close collaboration with Plessey, who lead the global field in the development and production of microLED arrays. The combination of Plessey’s blue microLEDs with Nanoco’s red and green cadmium free quantum dots gives display customers the performance they require to rapidly commercialise products,” added Dr. Brian Gally, Nanoco’s head of product.
