Doing Business with DOE's Solid-State Lighting Program
Provides an overview of funding mechanisms for research partners and projects that align with the SSL R&D plan.
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Provides an overview of funding mechanisms for research partners and projects that align with the SSL R&D plan.
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This fact sheet provides an overview of funding mechanisms for research partners and projects that align with the SSL R&D Plan.
Fact sheet that lists the primary research organizations and patent applications both submitted to and granted by DOE.
Fact sheet that lists the primary research organizations and patent applications both submitted to and granted by DOE.
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As part of the Cyclotron Road program, Helux Lighting aimed to develop a highly adaptive illumination source based on microelectromechanical system (MEMS) technology and next-generation solid state lighting. Solid state lighting has caused a paradigm shift in the industry. Developing systems that put light only where it is needed can reduce energy consumption and have an impact on the well-being of the population by eliminating glare and wasted light. Full control could also reduce the disruption of sensitive ecosystems caused by light pollution. The most advanced fixtures available today are based on mechanical components that are bulky and expensive. The track light is the only inexpensive lighting system that permits redirection and, in some cases, spot size by motorized optical components. The most advanced light fixtures today are composed of a strategically arranged array of LEDs. More recent developments in the research community include dynamic liquid crystal lenses but fail to realize simultaneous dynamic steering and spot size. In this project, Helux worked on the capability development of their controllable micromirror combined with state-of-the-art solid state lighting to electronically adjusting light position, brightness, and illumination area.
Realizing the maximum energy- and cost-saving potential of SSL hinges on broad market acceptance—and, in turn, on ensuring a good match between consumer expectations and product performance.
Overview of SSL projects currently funded by DOE, and those previously funded but since completed. Each profile includes a brief technical description, as well as information about project partners, funding, and the research period. This report is updated annually.
Sandia National Laboratories received an R&D 100 Award from R&D Magazine for development of a new process for growing gallium nitride on an etched sapphire substrate. The process, called cantilever epitaxy, promises to make brighter and more efficient green, blue, and white LEDs.
Provides analysis and direction for ongoing R&D activities to advance SSL technology and increase energy savings, reviewing SSL technology status and trends for both LEDs and OLEDs and offering an overview of the current DOE SSL R&D project portfolio.
Abstract Semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs) possess high photoluminescence (PL) typically in the solution phase. In contrary, PL rapidly quenches in the solid state. Efficient solid state luminescence can be achieved by inducing a large Stokes shift. Here we report on a novel synthesis of compositionally controlled CuCdS NCs in air avoiding the usual complexity of using inert atmosphere. These NCs show long‐range color tunability over the entire visible range with a remarkable Stokes shift up to about 1.25 eV. Overcoating the NCs leads to a high solid‐state PL quantum yield (QY) of ca. 55 % measured by using an integrating sphere. Unique charge carrier recombination mechanisms have been recognized from the NCs, which are correlated to the internal NC structure probed by using extended X‐ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy. EXAFS measurements show a Cu‐rich surface and Cd‐rich interior with 46 % Cu I being randomly distributed within 84 % of the NC volume creating additional transition states for PL. Color‐tunable solid‐state luminescence remains stable in air enabling fabrication of light‐emitting diodes (LEDs).
The low thermal conductivity of state-of-the-art polymer encapsulants (k ~ 0.15 Wm-1K-1) limits the efficiency and power density of current phosphor conversion light emitting diodes (pc-LEDs). The technical objective of this project was to demonstrate synthesis and processing schemes for the fabrication of polymer hybrid encapsulants with a thermal conductivity exceeding k = 0.4 Wm-1K-1 for LED applications. The ‘hybrid polymer’ approach encompasses the dispersion of high thermal conductivity particle fillers (zinc oxide, ZnO as well as the alpha-polymorph of alumina, Al2O3) within a polysiloxane matrix (poly(dimethylsiloxane), PDMS as well as poly(phenyl methyl siloxane), PPMS) to increase the thermal conductivity while maintaining optical transparency and photothermal stability at levels consistent with LED applications. To accomplish this goal, a novel synthesis method for the fabrication of nanosized ZnO particles was developed and a novel surface chemistry was established to modify the surface of zinc oxide particle fillers and thus to enable their dispersion in poly(dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS) matrix polymers. Molecular dynamics and Mie simulations were used to optimize ligand structure and to enable the concurrent mixing of particles in PDMS/PPMS embedding media while also minimizing the thermal boundary resistance as well as optical scattering of particle fillers. Using this approach the synthesis of PDMS/ZnO hybrid encapsulants exhibiting a thermal conductivity of 0.64 Wm-1K-1 and optical transparency > 0.7 mm-1 was demonstrated. A forming process based on micromolding was developed to demonstrate the forming of particle filled PDMS into film and lens shapes. Photothermal stability testing revealed stability of the materials for approximately 4000 min when exposed to blue light LED (450 nm, 30 W/cm2). One postgraduate and seven graduate students were supported by the project. The research performed within this project led to fifteen publications in peer-reviewed journals and one patent application. The grant stimulated a multi-investigator research collaborations among seven investigators at Carnegie Mellon University to address the challenge of encapsulants in pc-LED applications. The grant also catalyzed the future collaboration between researchers at Carnegie Mellon University and OSRAM Sylvania to address challenges associated with the use if polymers in LED applications.
Li{sub 3}Gd{sub 3−3x}Eu{sub 3x}Te{sub 2}O{sub 12} (x=0.05−1.0) phases with garnet structure were synthesized by high temperature solid state reaction and the photoluminescence properties were investigated. The appearance of bands due to intra 4 f transitions of Gd{sup 3+} in the excitation spectra recorded by monitoring the 612 nm emission line of the activator indicates Gd{sup 3+}→Eu{sup 3+} energy transfer in this host lattice. Under 395 nm excitation, the electric dipole transition is predominant in the emission spectrum of Eu{sup 3+} and is in agreement with the C{sub 2} point group (noncentrosymmetric) of the EuO{sub 8} polyhedron. The critical concentration of the Eu{sup 3+} activator in this series was found to be 0.6 (x=0.2) above which, concentration quenching occurs. The emission intensity of the phosphor composition, Li{sub 3}Gd{sub 2.4}Eu{sub 0.6}Te{sub 2}O{sub 12} is ~4 times that of the commercial sample of Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}:Eu{sup 3+} phosphor. - Highlights: • New Eu{sup 3+} doped garnet. • Intense electric dipole emission. • Gd{sup 3+}→Eu{sup 3+} energy transfer.
Novel phosphors of Na{sub 2}Y{sub 2}B{sub 2}O{sub 7}:Ce{sup 3+} and Na{sub 2}Y{sub 2}B{sub 2}O{sub 7}:Ce{sup 3+},Tb{sup 3+} were synthesized by a solid-state process and characterized with X-ray diffraction, photoluminescence (PL), PL excitation (PLE), and fluorescence decay time. The relationship between the observed Ce{sup 3+} emission properties and the crystal structure of Na{sub 2}Y{sub 2}B{sub 2}O{sub 7} is built and the result shows that Ce{sup 3+} ions occupy two non-equivalent Y{sup 3+} sites in the host. The codoping of Tb{sup 3+} in Na{sub 2}Y{sub 2}B{sub 2}O{sub 7}:Ce{sup 3+} can tune the emitting colour from blue to green and increase the luminescence quantum efficiency to 75.2% by the energy transfer of Ce{sup 3+}→Tb{sup 3+}. The energy transfer processes of Ce{sup 3+}–Ce{sup 3+} and Ce{sup 3+}–Tb{sup 3+} are analysed and determined to be electric dipole–dipole and dipole–quadrupole, respectively. The broad PLE spectra of Na{sub 2}Y{sub 2}B{sub 2}O{sub 7}:Ce{sup 3+} and Na{sub 2}Y{sub 2}B{sub 2}O{sub 7}:Ce{sup 3+},Tb{sup 3+} are well matched with the emission from near UV LED chips, which indicates that they are promising blue and green phosphors for phosphor-converted white LEDs. - Graphical abstract: Colour-tunable phosphors Na{sub 2}Y{sub 2}B{sub 2}O{sub 7}:Ce{sup 3+},Tb{sup 3+} with optimal quantum yield of 75.2% are synthesized and the phosphors can be served as n-UV pumped materials for LEDs. - Highlights: • Green phosphor Na{sub 2}Y{sub 2}B{sub 2}O{sub 7}:Ce{sup 3+},Tb{sup 3+} with quantum efficiency of 75.2% for n-UV application is synthesized. • The site occupation of Ce{sup 3+} in Na{sub 2}Y{sub 2}B{sub 2}O{sub 7} is investigated with the crystal structure and photoluminescence spectra. • The energy transfer of Ce{sup 3+}–Ce{sup 3+} and Ce{sup 3+}–Tb{sup 3+}, which is responsible to the tunable emitting colour of the phosphor, is demonstrated and the mechanism is studied.
Graphical abstract: The emission spectra of Lu{sub 2}MoO{sub 6}:3%Eu{sup 3+}, x%Li{sup +} phosphors under 365 nm excitation. The inset represents emission intensity of 610 nm as a function of Li{sup +} molar concentration. - Highlights: • Lu{sub 2}MoO{sub 6}:3%Eu{sup 3+}, x%Li{sup +} phosphors were synthesized by solid-state reaction method. • All the prepared phosphors can be assigned to its monoclinic phase. • The optimal concentration of Li{sup +} ions is 30mol%. • The luminescent intensity of Lu{sub 2}MoO{sub 6}:Eu{sup 3+} phosphors has been greatly enhanced by codoping Li{sup +} ions. - Abstract: Lu{sub 2}MoO{sub 6}: 3% Eu{sup 3+} co-doped with x% Li{sup +} (x = 0–40 mol) phosphors were synthesized by high-temperature solid-state reaction method. The structure and luminescent properties of these phosphors were investigated. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) results show that all prepared phosphors can be assigned to monoclinic phase and codoping with Li{sup +} ions does not change their crystallographic structure. The excitation and emission spectra show that the samples can be effectively excited by the near ultraviolet light at 365 nm and exhibit strong red emission centered at 610 nm. The experimental results indicate the red luminescent intensity of Lu{sub 2}MoO{sub 6}:Eu{sup 3+} phosphors has been greatly enhanced by codoping with Li{sup +} ions. The enhancement of the luminescent intensity can be the consequence of the modification of the local field symmetry around the Eu{sup 3+} ion, improved crystallization, and the enlarged grain size induced by the Li{sup +} ions.
Abstract not provided
III-nitride light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and laser diodes (LDs) are ultimately limited in performance due to parasitic Auger recombination. For LEDs, the consequences are poor efficiencies at high current densities; for LDs, the consequences are high thresholds and limited efficiencies. Here, we present arguments for III-nitride quantum dots (QDs) as active regions for both LEDs and LDs, to circumvent Auger recombination and achieve efficiencies at higher current densities that are not possible with quantum wells. QD-based LDs achieve gain and thresholds at lower carrier densities before Auger recombination becomes appreciable. QD-based LEDs achieve higher efficiencies at higher currents because of higher spontaneous emission rates and reduced Auger recombination. The technical challenge is to control the size distribution and volume of the QDs to realize these benefits. In conclusion, if constructed properly, III-nitride light-emitting devices with QD active regions have the potential to outperform quantum well light-emitting devices, and enable an era of ultra-efficient solidstate lighting.