New, Efficient Nanophase Materials for Blue and Deep Green Light-Emitting Diodes

76010-For general illumination applications, the prospects for energy efficient solutions based on existing III-Nitride semiconductors appears to be constrained to less than 90 lumens. Further development of III-Nitride light-emitting diodes, both in device efficiency and in cost, are limited by difficulties in growing single crystal and high-quality thin films, and by the lack of p-type III-Nitride semiconductors. This project will develop new nanomaterials that exhibit strong emissions in blue (435 nm) and deep green (555-585 nm), and would be complementary to, or even replace, existing GaN-based and InP(As)-based materials for illumination and full-color displays. Phase I will: (1) demonstrate a new type of blue emission material, with high photoluminescence quantum yield (greater than 40 percent), high stability, and low-cost; (2) demonstrate II-VI semiconductor nanoparticle LEDs with efficient deep green emission (555-585 nm), low-power, and high stability; and (3) demonstrate an all-inorganic semiconductor nanoparticle LED with much better performances in electroluminescence efficiency, brightness, stability, and longevity compared with organic/inorganic nanoparticle LEDs. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: In addition to general illumination, potential LED applications include indicator lights, numeric displays on consumer electronic devices, flat panel displays, biological/biomedical imaging and detection, and bacterial disinfection.