Improving the luminous efficiency of GaN-based micro-LEDs by integrating micro-nanostructures
Applied Optics
|August 12, 2025
Summary
Integrating micro- and nanolens arrays significantly boosts micro-light-emitting diode (micro-LED) luminous efficiency by reducing sidewall damage and optical losses. Nanostructures offer the greatest improvement, enhancing light extraction for better display performance.
Area of Science:
- Optoelectronics
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Micro-light-emitting diodes (micro-LEDs) suffer from reduced efficiency due to sidewall etching damage and optical losses from refractive index mismatch and metal electrodes.
- Improving luminous efficiency is critical for micro-LED performance in advanced display applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of integrating microlens arrays and nanolens arrays on the luminous efficiency of micro-LEDs.
- To analyze the size effect on micro-LED luminous efficiency.
Main Methods:
- Numerical and experimental investigation of micro-LEDs with integrated micro- and nanolens arrays.
- Comparative analysis of luminance enhancement across different micro-LED configurations.
Main Results:
- Micro-LEDs with nanolens arrays showed a 30.02% increase in luminance compared to conventional micro-LEDs at 100 A/cm².
- Microlens arrays increased luminance by 19.60%, while SiO2 thin-film micro-LEDs showed an 11.87% increase.
- Larger micro-LED sizes were found to correlate with higher luminous efficiency.
Conclusions:
- Integrating micro- and nanostructures is an effective strategy to enhance micro-LED luminous efficiency.
- Nanostructures provide superior light extraction and efficiency gains compared to microlenses.
- Understanding size effects is crucial for optimizing micro-LED design and performance.
