Porotech launches native red LED epiwafer
University of Cambridge spin-out's proprietary technology is said to be robust and flexible enough to be tailored to the needs of different applications
University of Cambridge spin-out Porotech has announced the launch of its first product based on its unique GaN production technique; the world's first commercial native red LED epiwafer for micro-LED applications.
Traditional red LEDs are largely based on AlInGaP materials. They show a drastic efficiency drop as the device size decreases due to their large carrier diffusion lengths and high surface recombination velocity.
Porotech’s production process has enabled the creation of a new class of porous GaN semiconductor materials that the company says is redefining what is possible.
"Micro-LED displays using GaN-based material technology are widely seen as the only technology that can deliver displays bright and efficient enough to meet the requirements of AR," said Porotech CEO and co-founder Tongtong Zhu. "With AR glasses expected to one day replace smartphones – or at least reduce our interaction with the devices in our pockets – development of advanced materials to improve performance is crucial.
"Integration of AlInGaP red and indium InGaN green and blue LED displays in a module with micron-scale pixels is extremely challenging as high surface recombination velocities in AlInGaP devices make this material unsuitable for efficient micro-LEDs. Our breakthrough extends the emission range of InGaN LEDs to meet the performance needs of the red display, whilst delivering the ability to scale wafer size required by micro-LED semiconductor display technology."
Porotech says its product fits within existing industry standards and processes. The proprietary technology is robust but also flexible enough to be tailored to the needs of different applications. Porotech’s native red InGaN micro-LEDs have a wavelength of 640 nm at 10 A/cm2, and improved performance over conventional AlInGaP and colour-converted red at very small pixels and pitches.
Earlier this year, Porotech secured a £1.5 million seed round investment co-led by Cambridge Enterprise, the commercialisation arm of the University of Cambridge, and IQ Capital Partners, with the additional participation of Martlet Capital and a syndicate of angel investors from Cambridge Angels and Cambridge Capital Group.
