Singapore team develops ultra-thin LEDs to help future communication technology

Scientists at the National University of Singapore have developed an energy-saving ultra-thin light-emitting diode (Llight Emitting Diode, LED), which is expected to be applied to the next generation of communication technology.

For information processing technology, it is very important to completely convert electrical signals (Electrical) into optical signals (Optical Signals). If a large amount of information is to be transmitted, it is necessary to integrate energy-saving and high-speed LEDs on the chip.

Graphene-like with a two-dimensional structure has only the thickness of carbon atoms, has clear light-emitting properties and can be placed on microchips, and has become a very popular semiconductor material in recent years. At present, research teams have used graphene-like materials to produce LEDs. However, only part of the current is converted into light through the electro-optic effect, and most of it is converted into heat energy dissipation. It is still a big challenge to achieve high efficiency of LEDs.

Goki Eda, a professor of the Department of Physics and Chemistry at the National University of Singapore, led a research team to successfully develop a high-efficiency ultra-thin LED, which contains only a few layers of carbon atoms, which can effectively reduce the energy lost by the LED in the electro-optic effect. The research team found that by preventing the leakage of current from the Emissive Layer (EML) to the metal electrodes (Metal Electrodes), the energy loss can be significantly reduced.

Studies have shown that an insulating layer a few nanometers thick can suppress current leakage without adding additional resistance. By using an extremely thin insulator, the team drastically reduced the current required to trigger the LED’s light, which is 10,000 times lower than that of a two-dimensional semiconductor outdoor led video wall.

Prof. Eda said, “Since our design ensures that the least amount of power is wasted, the device can operate at extremely low currents. This technology will have a great impact on future communication technologies.”