Project description
MicroLED arrays could be lighting the way to novel commercial applications in many fields
Light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, have been around for more than half a century. Starting out in infrared communication devices, LEDs soon found use in indicator lights, displays, and even general lighting thanks to their compact size, low energy consumption, extended lifetimes and flexibility of use. In standard LED arrays, each pixel is a separate LED chip. MicroLED arrays can be fabricated with multiple individual pixels per LED chip, resulting in high pixel densities, light intensities and control within a small area. The EU-funded SMILE project is building on the vast microLED array technology to develop novel microLED platforms to be demonstrated in several important applications of high commercial relevance, from DNA chip fabrication to high-tech microscopy.
Objective
The SMILE idea is based on the results of FET-Open “ChipScope”, which gave us unique technology skills in the processing of nanoLED arrays. In contrast to the ChipScope’s nanoLEDs for superresolution microscopy, larger SMILE microLEDs arrays can also be used for activating and manipulating chemical or biological reactions. With microLEDs, light intensities can be orders of magnitude higher. Larger dimensions enable hybrid integration with CMOS microelectronics, leading to a full scalability of the microLED platform in terms of number of pixels, intensity, switching speed and cost in a mass production situation. MicroLEDs can also be combined with existing colour converter technology, resulting in substantial flexibility concerning wavelength control. SMILE will develop microLED platforms giving access to an enormous variety of novel applications, when used as “Scalable Structured Micro-Illumination Light Engines” (SMILE). The approach is completely different to conventional structured illumination strategies used today. SMILE workplan includes GaN chip technology, CMOS design, chip-chip hybrid integration and system integration (housing and software). SMILE gives very high priority to market replication, preparing for discussions with future investors by the following approach: an “End-User Board” (EUB) of experts from various applications will discuss requirements to be met and perform SMILE test experiments. Therefore, SMILE prototypes will be made available to the EUB for testing and market validation in at least 5 different Pilot Applications (PA), which have already been chosen for analysing importance, relevance and high market potential: (1) DNA chip fabrication; (2) Maskless photolithography; (3) Optogenetics; (4) High-throughput fluorescence microscopy; (5) Chip-based holographic microscopy. All PA are addressing quickly increasing markets. The direct participation of a dedicated start-up company secures the long-term exploitation of SMILE technology.
Fields of science
- natural sciencescomputer and information sciencessoftware
- engineering and technologymaterials engineeringcolors
- natural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsDNA
- natural sciencesphysical sciencesopticsmicroscopysuper resolution microscopy
- natural sciencesphysical scienceselectromagnetism and electronicsmicroelectronics
Keywords
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
RIA - Research and Innovation actionCoordinator
08007 Barcelona
Spain