Scientists report breakthrough efficiency and brightness of LEDs

Researchers at Princeton University have developed a method that they say significantly improves the brightness and efficiency of LEDs. The innovation could reduce the costs of LEDs in the long run.

LEDs are seen as efficient and compact light sources. However, the Princeton researchers have reservations about this. Regular LEDs would actually emit only two to four percent of the light produced. According to the researchers, the majority of the light is reflected within the LED by the structure of the diode. This would shorten the life of an LED, because more heat is generated. Researchers have made several attempts to solve that problem, but all techniques would reduce the final light quality.

The researchers have developed PlaCSH nanotechnology, which is suitable for LEDs made from organic materials. The nanotechnology can also be used for LEDs based on inorganic materials. The redesigned minimal and metallic structure of the design would be able to better guide the light outwards. The scientists claim that LEDs emit up to 60 percent of the light produced using this technology. More heat also escapes, which largely solves the heat problem. The brightness of the LEDs could be improved by up to 400 percent thanks to the PlaCSH technology.

Project leader Stephen Chou used a similar design for solar cells a few years ago. His technique was able to absorb 96 percent of the sun’s rays that came into contact with the cells and thereby become 175 percent more efficient.