Add BrightSurf on Google Email

LED lets archaeologists see the past in a new light

Researchers from Aarhus University developed a low-cost multispectral imaging system that uses LEDs at 16 different wavelengths to reveal differences in materials. The system was tested at Sorte Muld and Fredbjerg, revealing new layers and changes in the fill that were difficult to distinguish in normal color photographs. This technolo...

SourceAarhus University·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateSep 1, 2026

New low-resistance contacts pave way for improved gallium nitride semiconductor devices

Researchers at Nagoya University developed a new way to lower the resistance of p-type GaN contacts by depositing an ultrathin magnesium layer and applying a brief heat treatment. This approach achieves a contact resistivity of (1–3) × 10⁻⁴ Ω cm², a significant improvement over existing methods. The new process has promise for accelera...

SourceNagoya University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2026

Professor Tae-Woo Lee’s research team achieves world-leading efficiency in vapor-deposited perovskite LEDs

The research team developed a novel X-type quasi-two-dimensional perovskite emitter that enables thermodynamically controlled crystal growth and precise crystallization control in vacuum deposition. This enabled the creation of highly uniform, high-efficiency, and high-color purity PeLEDs.

SourceSeoul National University College of Engineering·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2026

A collaborative research team led by professor Yongtaek Hong develops ‘high-performance transparent top electrode technology for OLEDs’

A research team led by Prof. Yongtaek Hong developed a high-performance transparent organic light-emitting diode (OLED) incorporating highly conductive transparent metal mesh top electrodes fabricated using a selective metal deposition technique. The electrodes achieved high optical transparency of 93-99% and low sheet resistance, maki...

SourceSeoul National University College of Engineering·JournalMaterials Horizons·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2026

Narrower, brighter, better

Researchers at Kyoto University developed a new organic molecule with an ultranarrow emission spectrum, achieving monochromatic light without strong excitation. The breakthrough opens up possibilities for OLEDs with extremely high color purity and advanced functionality.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2026

"Breaking the limits of OLED: Postech achieves low-votage freely color tunable ultra-pure laser emission"

A research team at Postech has developed a next-generation laser emission platform capable of precise color control under battery-level low voltage. The technology achieves ultra-high color purity and continuous spectral tunability within a single device, overcoming limitations of conventional display light sources.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalLaser & Photonics Review·DateMay 12, 2026

An advance in single-chip, energy-efficient LEDs

Researchers at The University of Osaka developed a new LED structure that generates circularly polarized light from a single chip, reducing energy-conversion loss. This advancement could support smaller and more energy-efficient optical devices for next-generation technologies.

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalOptical Materials Express·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 14, 2026

Professor Tae-Woo Lee's research team develops mass production technology for ultra-high color purity perovskite emitters

Professor Tae-Woo Lee's research team has developed a 'Cold-injection' method to synthesize high-quality perovskite nanocrystals at room temperature, overcoming safety risks and production costs. The technology achieved near-unity photoluminescence quantum yield in a large-scale synthesis of 20 liters.

SourceSeoul National University College of Engineering·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2026

Physicists employ AI labmates to supercharge LED light control

Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have successfully employed artificial intelligence labmates to improve the control of LED lights, leading to a fourfold increase in steering efficiency. The AI platform uses a combination of machine learning and equation-learning techniques to optimize experiments and achieve new insights int...

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2026

Optics research uses dim light to produce bright LEDs

Researchers at Princeton University have developed a new technique to convert low-energy light into high-energy LEDs, improving the ability to upconvert green light to blue or ultraviolet light. The method uses plasmonics to boost upconversion on a thin metal film, reducing the power needed by 19 times compared to previous setups.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 7, 2026

Spin textures and multi-periodic spin tunnel junction enable record polarization in semiconductor light emitting

Researchers develop record-high circular polarization of 25.3% in GaN-based spin-LEDs using multi-periodic spin tunnel junction, enabling zero-field spin-LED performance. The design harnesses topological spin textures for controlling electrons and filtering, achieving a breakthrough in device operation.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 31, 2025

Stable and versatile optical wireless power transmission for sustainable IoT

Scientists at Institute of Science Tokyo developed an automatic and adaptive LED-based optical wireless power transmission system that can efficiently power multiple devices without interruption. The system overcomes limitations of traditional OWPT systems by adapting to varying lighting conditions and ensuring stable power delivery.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalOptics Express·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 14, 2025

Year-round edamame: hydroponic LED plant factories redefine sustainable cultivation

Researchers at Hosei University developed a hydroponic cultivation system using LED lighting to produce high-quality edamame consistently throughout the year. The nutrient film technique (NFT) method resulted in higher yields, better nutritional value, and increased productivity compared to traditional open-field cultivation.

SourceHosei University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 12, 2025

Korean researchers’ single memristor replaces both the driving transistor and storage capacitor in micro-LED

A team of Korean researchers has successfully integrated a single memristor into micro-LED pixels, replacing the traditional driving transistor and storage capacitor. This innovation enables more efficient and easier-to-build displays with improved brightness and color accuracy.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateNov 6, 2025

Deep blue organic light-emitting diode breakthrough operates at just 1.5 V

Researchers developed a deep blue organic light-emitting diode (OLED) capable of producing sharp blue emission meeting BT.2020 standards with just a single 1.5 V battery. The device operates by introducing a new molecular dopant that prevents charge trapping, a problem that previously hampered the performance of low-voltage OLEDs.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2025

Spinel-type sulfide semiconductors to operate the next-generation LEDs and solar cells For solar-cell absorbers and green-LED sources

A new spinel-type sulfide semiconductor, (Zn,Mg)Sc2S4, has been developed by researchers at Science Tokyo. The material can be chemically tuned to switch between n-type and p-type conduction, making it suitable for pn homojunction devices in next-generation LEDs and solar cells.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 3, 2025

Micro-LEDs could power next-gen screens

Researchers at Texas A&M University are working to overcome manufacturing hurdles for micro-LED displays, which use inorganic materials to create more robust and longer-lasting screens. The technology has potential for applications in virtual reality, augmented reality, and flexible displays.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateSep 25, 2025

New Science Bulletin review: Beijing Jiaotong University and Sichuan University explore AI-powered OLED material design

The review proposes a systematic AI-driven framework for OLED material design, offering theoretical guidance and practical pathways for intelligent materials development. Machine learning models are used to predict core optoelectronic properties, enabling rapid and accurate property prediction while providing structural insights that g...

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 18, 2025

World’s first: Lithuanian scientists’ discovery may transform OLED technology and explosives detection

Researchers have observed the luminescence of an excited complex formed by two donor molecules, opening possibilities for developing simpler, more efficient OLED devices. The discovery also enables the creation of sensitive sensors capable of detecting low concentrations of explosive substances.

SourceKaunas University of Technology·JournalACS Applied Electronic Materials·DateJul 8, 2025

New LED-based imaging system could transform cancer detection in endoscopy

A new prototype imaging system combines light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with hyperspectral imaging technology to create detailed maps of tissue properties invisible to conventional cameras. The system shows promise for cancer detection during endoscopy, achieving real-time speeds and high-quality data comparable to reference systems.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Medical Imaging·DateJul 8, 2025

Shape memory polymer dry adhesive technology paves the way for micro-LED innovation

Researchers at Pohang University of Science and Technology developed a novel dry adhesive technology using shape memory polymers, allowing for precise micro-LED chip transfer with minimal residue. The technology offers significant advantages over conventional methods, including high adhesion strength and easy release.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 30, 2025

One needle, infinite paths: Reinventing 3D printing for flexible circuits

The team developed a tension-driven fluid drawing technique that enables the creation of freestanding, conductive architectures with miniaturization and mechanical resilience. The method achieved sub-10 μm resolution and demonstrated promising results in LED arrays, thermal sensors, and oscillating circuits.

A new model to accurately develop better OLEDs

A new model details the kinetics of exciton dynamics in OLED materials, enhancing lifetime and accelerating material development. The findings have potential to improve fluorescence efficiency, leading to more advanced OLED devices.

SourceKyushu University·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 30, 2025

Ultrathin interlayer empowers green ZnSeTe QD-LEDs: brighter, more efficient, driving eco-friendly displays forward

Researchers developed bright and efficient green-emitting ZnSeTe-based QD-LEDs by introducing an ultrathin ZnSeS alloy interlayer, enhancing radiative recombination efficiency and optical stability. The devices showed a peak external quantum efficiency of 20.6% and luminance exceeding 100,000 cd m−2.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2025

POSTECH unveils world’s first dynamic shape-morphing OLED panel with built-in speaker — all while maintaining ultra-thin flexibility

The POSTECH research team developed a smartphone-type OLED panel that can transform its shape while functioning as a speaker, maintaining ultra-thin flexibility. The panel uses electrically driven piezoelectric polymer actuators to achieve complex forms without mechanical hinges or motors.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·Journalnpj Flexible Electronics·DateMar 25, 2025

Low-threshold anisotropic polychromatic emission from monodisperse quantum-dots

Researchers have successfully achieved low-threshold anisotropic polychromatic emission from monodisperse quantum dots by coupling them with microcavities, overcame technical bottlenecks for practical applications. This enables broadband gain, amplification, and even lasing, as well as full-color display and patterning.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2025

USTC proposes a new strategy for designing pure-red OLED materials

Researchers have designed a new strategy for creating pure-red organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) with improved efficiency and color purity. The molecule BNTPA achieves record-breaking external quantum efficiency, making it suitable for next-generation high-definition displays and energy-efficient lighting systems.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 8, 2024

Photodynamic therapy with annatto colorant found to be effective against bad breath

A study published in PLOS ONE found that antimicrobial photodynamic therapy using annatto colorant was effective in treating halitosis in mouth-breathing children. The researchers used a LED light source to target the annatto, which generated reactive oxygen species that killed bacteria on the tongue, leading to improved oral health.

Brighter and more efficient LEDs that don’t droop

A team of researchers at Nagoya University has developed a way to make LEDs brighter while maintaining their efficiency. By tilting the InGaN layers and cutting the wafer into different orientations, they have found that LEDs with lower polarization but in the same direction as standard LEDs show greater efficiency at higher power.

SourceNagoya University·JournalLaser & Photonics Review·DateNov 25, 2024