MicroLEDs transform car windows into AR displays
Osram Opto Semiconductors is taking part in this project together with ASM AMICRA and Fraunhofer IISB with the aim to push μLED-based high-resolution visualization solutions into automotive interior applications. μLED technology can produce extremely high luminance in a wide dynamic range, and imaging devices based on direct emitting μLED pixels are considered a disruptive development in the visualization market, with the potential to sideline technologies such as LCD or OLED.
Over the next two and a half years, the SmartVIZ research project aims to provide the basis for future transparent, high-resolution, direct-emitting visualization solutions using μLED technologies.
The envisioned work packages will focus on three key technologies. First, the design of efficient μLED light sources, second, their handling on sub-component level and third, the final assembly. Red, green and blue μLED structures will perform as efficient high luminance image pixels. Implementation of such concepts and applications requires in-depth studies of the underlying physical principles that are in-part entirely different than today’s macro LED chips.
The project will also conduct research addressing the component integration of μLEDs using a novel approach for transparent and flexible image encoders. Transparent substrates based on indium gallium zinc oxide thin-film transistors (IGZO TFTs) will be the researchers’ focus for controlling the individual pixels. This approach allows for quasi-transparent surfaces, which can be filled with content only if the μLEDs are switched to active.
Employing such an active matrix backplane for the driver electronics allows image rendering with μLEDs to produce visualization scenarios with ultra-high resolution. Another work package will target processing concepts to enable rapid transfer of large quantities of μLED chips from a source wafer to the backplane driver electronics via automated parallel assembly. Key requirement here is a positioning accuracy of around 1.5 μm. Researching accurate transfer methods for such small chips (edge length smaller than 40 μm) will require entirely new technological approaches, which will be addressed within the project.
The SmartVIZ project is expected to complete in October 2021 when an initial demonstrator will be presented.
ASM AMICRA is an expert player in the field of production automation, especially in the high-tech area of photonic applications. The company brings its in-depth knowledge of micro assembly of photonic components to the project. The Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Systems and Device Technology IISB specializes in power electronics and technologies for producing semiconductor devices. IISB will design and manufacture transparent electronic circuits for their final installation in micro-pixel visualization components.
Hubert Halbritter, SmartVIZ project leader at Osram Opto Semiconductors, described his company’s role, “as a project partner with in-depth experience in micro-pixel imaging components that will research efficient, high-luminance pixels. Along with our partners, we aim to gain technology leadership in one of the key future technology markets.”
Osram – www.osram-os.com
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