Introduction to Silicon-Based Micro LED Technology
Recently, a senior executive from Samsung Display stated that the silicon-based LED (LEDoS) technology used in augmented reality (AR) devices is expected to gradually evolve into a monolithic LED structure. A monolithic panel refers to a setup that employs only one CMOS panel, where RGB LEDs are either vertically stacked or horizontally aligned.
Transition from OLED to LEDoS
In July 2023, Samsung announced that LEDoS would replace silicon-based OLED (OLEDoS) as the dominant display for AR devices, while also developing LEDoS with sizes less than 10 microns and 5 microns. Notably, Samsung’s OLEDoS technology has been supplied to Apple’s Vision Pro.
Advantages of Silicon-Based LED Technology
Silicon-based LED technology generates countless micro-scale LEDs on a silicon substrate, which is regarded as the future of micro-displays for VR, XR, and MR devices due to its superior brightness.
Currently, the blue quantum dot silicon-based LED technology forms a blue LED light-emitting layer on the CMOS panel or its backside, then overlays various quantum dot materials to convert blue light into red and green light. At the topmost pixel, micro-lenses enhance brightness.
Alternative Technologies and Their Challenges
Another approach involves a tri-color combination using separate silicon-based red, green, and blue emitters arranged in a perpendicular configuration, which requires waveguide components to control light direction.
The ideal method involves a monolithic silicon-based LED panel where RGB emitters can be co-deposited on the surface of a CMOS or glass substrate. However, this necessitates high-temperature epitaxial processes for manufacturing.
Samsung Display’s executive added that RGB LEDs must be manufactured individually before installation on the CMOS substrate, presenting challenges and cost issues. This indicates that the LEDoS technology on micro-displays is not merely an extension of OLED but also requires new technologies in optics, panels, processes, and materials, potentially creating new value for the display industry.
Project M and Future Developments
In 2022, Samsung Display launched Project M to develop silicon-based micro-displays with both LEDoS and OLED for real-world devices. However, the virtual reality and mixed display market has been slow to develop, hindering the growth of the micro-display market, indicating that further advancements will require time to mature.
Recent years have seen technological iterations of Micro LED micro-displays utilizing these three techniques, with research into monolithic Micro LED structures, particularly vertical stacking, gradually advancing.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the original authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of MiniMicroLED Insights . While we strive to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information provided, the content on this website may include translations, re-edited versions of second-hand information, or information derived from unverifiable sources. MiniMicroLED Insights makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of such content. The information in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. To the fullest extent permitted by law, MiniMicroLED Insights disclaims all liability for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages arising out of your use of, or reliance on, the information contained in this article.
Copyright Notice: This article may include translated and re-edited content derived from various online sources, including websites and social media platforms. While we strive to credit the original authors and sources to the best of our ability, we may not always be able to verify the original source of the content. All rights to the original content remain with the original author or source publication. Where applicable, this content is reproduced for educational and informational purposes under the fair use doctrine. If you believe any content on this site infringes upon your intellectual property rights, or if you are the copyright owner and believe we have not credited you correctly, please contact us at minimicroled.business@gmail.com. We will investigate and take corrective action, including removing or properly crediting the content if necessary.
Content sourced and adapted by MiniMicroLED Insights (Doris).