The world's smallest perovskite LEDs have been developed

A research team from Zhejiang University in east China, led by Di Dawei and Zhao Baodan, has recently developed micro- and nano-perovskite LEDs using an innovative semiconductor technology. These cutting-edge LEDs have achieved a pixel length of just 90 nanometers, breaking through the limitations of traditional LEDs and setting a new record for the smallest known pixel size in the field.

The research paper entitled "Downscaling micro- and nano-perovskite LEDs" was published in academic journal Nature on March 19.

Di stated that, in the field of electronic science, the process of reducing the size of elementary devices is called "downscaling," which has been leading the development of technologies in computing, information display and human-machine interactions. The miniaturization of devices has always been the goal pursued by scientists.

It is possible to achieve ultrahigh-definition and ultrahigh-precision photoelectric displays by reducing the size of LEDs, according to Zhao. However, due to the complex process technology, the manufacturing cost of micro-LEDs is extremely high. Moreover, when the pixel size is reduced to about 10 micrometers or less, the efficiency of micro-LEDs will drop sharply. This is precisely the pixel size needed for ultrahigh-resolution applications in high-end augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). Therefore, the high cost and low light-emitting efficiency have restricted the large-scale commercial application of micro-LEDs.

After the team first introduced the concept of "micro-perovskite LEDs" in 2021, they have effectively ensured the light-emitting efficiency of LEDs through a series of material and process innovations. As a result, they are able to manufacture perovskite LEDs with pixel sizes ranging from hundreds of micrometers to 90 nanometers. Moreover, while downscaling, they have maintained excellent performance.

The researchers noted that traditional micro-LEDs experience a sharp decline in efficiency once their size falls below 10 micrometers. In contrast, the micro- and nano-perovskite LEDs only begin to show downscaling effects at an extremely small size of about 180 nanometers, demonstrating significant advantages.

To realize practical display applications, the LED arrays must be driven by programmable circuits to deliver useful information, which requires further cooperation with the industry. The team is currently actively promoting its application.

(With input from Xinhua; cover via VCG)