Advanced technologies in InGaN micro-LED fabrication to mitigate the sidewall effect

Abstract The size of InGaN micro-LEDs is continuously decreasing to meet the demands of various emerging applications, especially in tiny micro-displays such as AR/VR. However, the conventional pixel definition based on plasma etching significantly damages the mesa sidewalls, leading to a severe red...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Zhiyuan Liu, Haicheng Cao, Xiao Tang, Tingang Liu, Yi Lu, Zixian Jiang, Na Xiao, Xiaohang Li
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Publishing Group 2025-01-01
Series:Light: Science & Applications
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41377-025-01751-y
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Summary:Abstract The size of InGaN micro-LEDs is continuously decreasing to meet the demands of various emerging applications, especially in tiny micro-displays such as AR/VR. However, the conventional pixel definition based on plasma etching significantly damages the mesa sidewalls, leading to a severe reduction in efficiency as the micro-LED size decreases. This seriously impedes the development and application of micro-LEDs. In this work, we comprehensively explain the origin of micro-LED sidewall effects and corresponding physical models. Subsequently, we systematically review recent progress in micro-LED fabrication aiming at suppressing sidewall effects. Furthermore, we discuss advancements in micro-LED fabrication with “damage-free” techniques, which hold the potential to fundamentally address the issue of plasma damage in the micro-LED process. We believe this review will deepen the understanding of micro-LED sidewall effects and provide a better insight into the latest associated fabrication technologies for high-efficient InGaN micro-LEDs.
ISSN:2047-7538