Abstract

Since their inception [1,2], micro-size light emitting diode (µLED) arrays based on III-nitride semiconductors have emerged as a promising technology for a range of applications, including single-chip high voltage AC-LEDs for solid-state lighting [3], self-emissive microdisplays [1,2,4,5] and light sources for optogenetic neuromodulation [6]. This talk provides an overview on recent progresses on single-chip AC-µLEDs that can be plugged directly into standard high AC voltage power outlets. These single-chip AC-LEDs integrate arrays of μLEDs on-chip for high voltage AC operation. We also discuss the successful integration of III-nitride µLED array with Si CMOS to accomplish a high-resolution solid-state self-emissive microdisplay operating in an active driving scheme. The fabricated blue and green video graphics array (VGA) microdisplays (640 x 480 pixels) have a pixel size of 12 µm, a pitch distance of 15 µm and are capable of delivering real time video graphics images [5]. The luminance level of III-nitride microdisplays is much higher than those of liquid crystal and organic-LED displays. The present study indicates that III-nitride microdisplays are a favorable competing technology for ultra-portable products such as next generation pico-projectors, wearable displays, and head-up displays. Other possible future applications of nitride µLED arrays will also be discussed.

© 2012 Optical Society of America