Light emitting cryo-cooler

Project Information

COOLED

Grant agreement ID: 101214431

DOI

10.3030/101214431

EC signature date 2 May 2025

Start date 1 June 2025

End date 31 May 2029

Funded under

• The European Innovation Council (EIC)

Total cost

No data

EU contribution

€ 2 729 244,58

Coordinated by

AALTO KORKEAKOULUSAATIO SR
Finland

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - COOLED (Light emitting cryo-cooler)

Reporting period: 2025-06-01 to 2026-05-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

CooLED aims to develop optical coolers based on enhanced light emitting diode technologies. In the first stages this can allow thermal stabilization and compact cooling of sensors and other sensitive electronics with fully solid state technology allowing vibrationless operation and integration with the cooled elements. If successful, The coolers can literally radiate the heat away and function completely without massive integrated heat sinks.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

During the first year the project has focused on improving the optical encapsulation and fabrication work flows of the device prototypes, as well as on deepening the market understanding and relevant IP landscapes. We have, among other activities, redesigned the device masks and layouts, improved the electrical contacting and developed our low temperature measurement capabilities. We have collated market and stakeholder information for future customer and investor relations and created the baseline for the next steps of the project.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

We have validated the first device prototype fabrication work flows and the repeatable and necessary large enhancements in the optical output power of the device prototypes, as part of transitioning the knowhow from the backtround projects of CooLED to the current work. We have also prepared the fabrication processes for the next device generations targeting higher throughput and faster optimization cycles for the device fabrication, as well as various simulation, design and measurement tools for the optical extraction and device performance.