MicroLED
microLED, also known as micro-LED, mLED or µLED, is an emerging flat panel display technology. As the name implies, mLED displays consist of arrays of microscopic LEDs forming the individual pixel elements. Compared to the widespread LCD technology, mLED displays offer far greater contrast, much faster response times, and would use less energy.
Along with OLEDs, mLEDs are primarily aimed at small, low-energy devices such as smartwatches and similar. Unlike OLED, mLED displays are easier to read in direct sunlight, while still significantly reducing energy demands compared to LCD. Unlike OLED, mLED is based on conventional GaN LED technology, which offers far higher total brightness than OLED products, as much as 30 times, as well as higher efficiency in terms of lux/W. It also does not suffer from the shorter lifetimes of OLED, although the multi-year lifespan of modern OLEDs has mitigated this issue in most roles.
As of 2016, no mLED displays have yet been mass produced and commercialized.
References
- Murphy, David (3 May 2014). "Apple Acquires Micro-LED Display Maker LuxVue Technology". PC Mag.
- Campos, Alvaro (13 May 2014). "Why Did Apple Inc Buy This Micro-LED Tech Startup?". Motley Fool.
- US 8552436, Andreas Bibl, "Light emitting diode structure", published 8 October 2013
External links
- "The Long View With John Doerr", John Doerr of KPC&B describes the micro-LED concept, starts around the 5 minute mark.