Applied Sciences: Mini-LED and Micro-LED: Promising Candidates For The Next Generation Display Technology

applied
sciences
Review
Mini-LED and Micro-LED: Promising Candidates for
the Next Generation Display Technology
Tingzhu Wu 1 ID , Chin-Wei Sher 2,3 , Yue Lin 1 , Chun-Fu Lee 2 , Shijie Liang 1 , Yijun Lu 1 ,
Sung-Wen Huang Chen 2 , Weijie Guo 1 ID , Hao-Chung Kuo 2,4, * and Zhong Chen 1, *
1 Department of Electronic Science, Fujian Engineering Research Center for Solid-State Lighting, Xiamen
University, Xiamen 361005, China; [email protected] (T.W.); [email protected] (Y.L.);
[email protected] (S.L.); [email protected] (Y.L.); [email protected] (W.G.)
2 Institute of Electro-Optical Engineering, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan;
[email protected] (C.-W.S.); [email protected] (C.-F.L.);
[email protected] (S.-W.H.C.)
3 HKUST Fok Ying Tung Research Institute, Nansha District, Guangzhou 511458, China
4 Department of Electronic Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
* Correspondence: [email protected] (H.-C.K.); [email protected] (Z.C.);
Tel.: +86-592-2181712 (H.-C.K. & Z.C.)

Received: 31 July 2018; Accepted: 30 August 2018; Published: 5 September 2018
Abstract: Displays based on inorganic light-emitting diodes (LED) are considered as the most
promising one among the display technologies for the next-generation. The chip for LED display
bears similar features to those currently in use for general lighting, but it size is shrunk to below
200 microns. Thus, the advantages of high efficiency and long life span of conventional LED chips
are inherited by miniaturized ones. As the size gets smaller, the resolution enhances, but at the
expense of elevating the complexity of fabrication. In this review, we introduce two sorts of inorganic
LED displays, namely relatively large and small varieties. The mini-LEDs with chip sizes ranging
from 100 to 200 µm have already been commercialized for backlight sources in consumer electronics
applications. The realized local diming can greatly improve the contrast ratio at relatively low
energy consumptions. The micro-LEDs with chip size less than 100 µm, still remain in the laboratory.
The full-color solution, one of the key technologies along with its three main components, red, green,
and blue chips, as well color conversion, and optical lens synthesis, are introduced in detail. Moreover,
this review provides an account for contemporary technologies as well as a clear view of inorganic
and miniaturized LED displays for the display community.
Keywords: mini-LED; micro-LED; full-color display; quantum dot
1. Introduction
The traditional display technology features a cathode ray tube (CRT) based on the principle of a
steered electron beam excitation of a fluorescent screen [1]. The structure of CRT is basically a vacuum
tube with one or more built-in electron guns, which produce the electrons to be accelerated and steered.
The steered electron beam excites one or more of the pixels on the screen designed to emit red, green,
and blue (RGB), primary colors. By appropriate scanning, an image is produced on the phosphor
pixelated screen. Since the invention of the first color CRT television (TV) in 1950, the CRT TV has
dominated the display market for many decades because of its outstanding characteristics, such as
excellent visual depth of field and high response rate. This dominance of CRT displays remained for a
remarkably long time until the year of 2000, when two new display technologies, liquid-crystal display
(LCD) and plasma display panel, were demonstrated [2–4]. Because of portability and power efficiency
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, 1557; doi:10.3390/app8091557 www.mdpi.com/journal/applsci

Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, 1557 2 of 17
features, they are very popular with consumers. Later, owing to the continuous improvement in
reducing the cost and performance improvements in the LCD technology, the plasma display shortly
thereafter became uncompetitive. However, because LCD displays have major disadvantages, such
as slow response time, poor conversion efficiency and low color saturation, the technology had been
repeatedly criticized by consumers [5]. Consequently, the LCD manufacturers have taken steps to
improve LCD displays, such as replacing the common liquid crystal materials with high response
materials, using relatively larger conversion efficiency backlight modules, and utilizing high color
saturation fluorescent materials. As a result, some high performance LCDs possess extremely short
response times and thus are used in several virtual reality (VR) devices [6,7]. In recent years, new
display technologies have become more mature, such as organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display
and light-emitting diode (LED) displays [8]. The OLED display technology was developed in the 1990s.
Compared with LCD displays, OLED displays have advantages, among which are self-luminous, wide
viewing angle, high contrast, power saving, fast response, etc. [9,10]. However, due to limitations
in material science and mass production capabilities, OLEDs are not as widely used in consumer
electronics market as LCDs [11]. The LED-pixel based displays are mainly applied to large outdoor
screens with the advantages of power saving, high color saturation and high brightness [12]. If LEDs
are used as pixels of the display, the size of LEDs would need to be reduced according to the desired
resolution. Because a growing number of manufacturers regard the LED display as the next- generation
display technology, the onset of mini-LED and micro-LED has been triggered [13]. The comparison
between mini-LED and micro-LED is shown in Table 1. The size of mini-LEDs is about 100~200 µm,
which is between the size of conventional LEDs (>200 µm) and micro-LEDs (<100 µm).
Table 1. Comparison between mini-LED and micro-LED.
Mini-LED Micro-LED
Size (µm) 100~200 <100
Purpose Backlight for LCD Self-emitting display
Features High dynamic range, power saving, thin High contrast, high efficiency, high resolution, high response time
Yield >80% Hard to estimate
Application LCD backlight—From small to large LCD panel Micro-projection display, display from small to large size
According to the Research and Markets, a market research institution, the global micro-LED
display market is predicted to soar from USD 0.6 billion in 2019 to USD 20.5 billion in 2025, with a
compound annual growth rate of about 80% [14]. The main reason for the market outbreak is the sharp
increase in demand for brighter and more energy-efficient display panels, needed for surging devices
such as smart watches, mobile phones, TVs, laptops, augmented reality (AR) and VR. According to
Yole’s optimistic estimate, the market of micro-LED display will reach 330 million units by 2025
(Figure 1) [15]. Although the prospects of market are highly optimistic at present, micro-LED displays
still face technological challenges, especially in the cases for which some key technologies and process
equipment have not yet been made sufficiently developed. Therefore, the relatively mature mini-LED
is expected to be the first commercialized variety while the micro-LED display technology is still in its
nascent state.
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, 1557 3 of 17
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, x FOR PEER REVIEW 3 of 17
Figure 1. Forecast about the development of micro-LED displays.

Figure 1. Forecast about the development of micro-LED displays.
2. Mini-LED
2. Mini-LED Figure 1. Forecast about the development of micro-LED displays.
High dynamic range (HDR) is one of the important features for next generation displays [16].
High
To dynamic
achieve
2. Mini-LED HDR range (HDR)ratio
with contrast is one of higher
(CR) the important features
than 100000:1, high forpeak
nextbrightness
generation anddisplays
excellent[16].
To achieve
dark state HDR of thewith contrast
display system ratio
are(CR) higher than
simultaneously 100000:1,
required [17]. high
Although peakthebrightness and excellent
best requirement for
darkHDR High
state dynamic range (HDR)areis one of the important features for Although
next generation displays [16].
isofpixel
the display system
level dimming, which simultaneously
is described asrequired
micro-LED [17].technology, there the best requirement
are still some
To achieve HDR with contrast ratio (CR) higher than 100000:1, high peak brightness and excellent
technological
for HDR is pixel bottlenecks
level dimming, that make
which micro-LED harderas
is described to micro-LED
realize quicktechnology,
commercialization. Therefore,
there are still some
dark state of the display system are simultaneously required [17]. Although the best requirement for
a compromising way to realize multi-zone local dimming for
technological bottlenecks that make micro-LED harder to realize quick commercialization. LCD is direct-lit mini-LED backlight.
Therefore,
HDR is pixel level dimming, which is described as micro-LED technology, there are still some
Mini-LED technology
a compromising way to has
realizemuch smaller sizelocal
multi-zone of LED, which means
dimming for LCDit can divide more dimming backlight.
blocks
technological bottlenecks that make micro-LED harder to realize quick is direct-lit mini-LED
commercialization. Therefore,
in
Mini-LED a certain size
technology LED backlight.
hastomuch Recently, LED manufacturers have turned to research and develop
a compromising way realizesmaller size of
multi-zone LED,
local whichfor
dimming means
LCDitiscan dividemini-LED
direct-lit more dimming
backlight.blocks
mini-LED. Most of existing processes and equipment for conventional LED can be used continuously
in a Mini-LED
certain size LED backlight. Recently, LED manufacturers have turned
technology has much smaller size of LED, which means it can divide more dimming blocks to research and develop
for fabrication of mini-LED.
mini-LED.
in a certainMostsizeof existing processes
LED backlight. and equipment
Recently, for conventional
LED manufacturers have turned LEDtocan be used
research andcontinuously
develop
Tan et al. discussed the system modeling and performance evaluation of LCDs with mini-LED
for fabrication
mini-LED. Most of mini-LED.
of existing processes and equipment for conventional LED can be used continuously
backlight [18]. First, a model of LCD system with a direct-lit mini-LED backlight is set up for
for
Tanfabrication of mini-LED.
et al. discussed the system
simulation (Figure 2). The backlightmodeling
unit consistsandofperformance
square-shaped evaluation
mini-LED of LCDs
array. with mini-LED
A diffuser plate
backlight Tan et
[18]. to al. discussed
First, a model the system
of LCD modeling
system with and performance
a direct-lit mini-LEDevaluation of
backlight LCDs with
is setpanel mini-LED
up for simulation
is utilized widen both spatial and angular distributions, and a liquid crystal (LC) is applied
backlight
(Figure 2). The [18]. First, a unit
backlight model of LCD
consists of system with a direct-lit mini-LED
square-shaped Abacklight is set up for
to control the output light. The parameters of the model,mini-LED
such as p,array.
s, H1, and diffuser
H2, are plate
based isonutilized
the
simulation
to widen (Figure 2). The backlight unit consists of square-shaped mini-LED array. A diffuser plate
deviceboth spatial and
configuration angularindistributions,
reported Reference [19].and To avalidate
liquid crystal
the model, (LC)four
panel is applied
patterns to control
are used to
is utilized to widen both spatial and angular distributions, and a liquid crystal (LC) panel is applied
simulatelight.
the output the dynamic CR of the model,
The parameters of the and the simulated
model, such as p, results
s, H1can
, and agree
H2 ,with
are the measured
based on thedatadevice
to control the output light. The parameters of the model, such as p, s, H1, and H2, are based on the
from Reference
configuration [19] reasonably
reported in Reference well.[19]. To validate the model, four patterns are used to simulate
device configuration reported in Reference [19]. To validate the model, four patterns are used to
the simulate
dynamicthe CRdynamic
of the model, and the simulated results can agree with the measured data from
CR of the model, and the simulated results can agree with the measured data
Reference [19] reasonably
from Reference well. well.
[19] reasonably
Figure 2. Schematic diagram of the model for the LCD with a mini-LED backlight [18]. Figure
reproduced with permission from Optical Society of America.
Figure
FigureNext, 2. Schematic
the proved
2. Schematic diagram
model
diagram ofmodel
ofisthe the model
utilized thefor
to find
for thethe
out
LCD LCD
with a with a mini-LED
relationship
mini-LED between backlight
backlight [18].reproduced
the device
[18]. Figure Figure
structure to
the reproduced
final HDR with permission
display from Optical
performance, Society
especially theofhalo
America.
effect (Figure 3). Final HDR performance of
with permission from Optical Society of America.
displayed images are calculated via independently adjusting two key parameters of the device
Next, the proved model is utilized to find out the relationship between the device structure to
structure, the local dimming zone number and the LCD contrast ratio. According to simulation
Next,
the finalthe
HDRproved model
display is utilized
performance, to find the
especially outhalo
the relationship
effect (Figure between the device
3). Final HDR structure
performance of to
the final HDRimages
displayed display areperformance,
calculated viaespecially
independentlythe halo effect two
adjusting (Figure
key 3). Final HDR
parameters performance
of the device
of displayed
structure, images
the localare calculated
dimming zonevia independently
number and the LCD adjusting
contrasttwo key
ratio. parameters
According of the device
to simulation
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, 1557 4 of 17

structure, the local dimming zone number and the LCD contrast ratio. According to simulation results,
the dimming
Appl.results, zone
Sci. 2018, number
8, xdimming
the FOR mainly affects the halo area, while LCD contrast ratio influences 4the
PEER REVIEW of 17local
zone number mainly affects the halo area, while LCD contrast ratio influences
image distortion,
the local image anddistortion,
more local dimming
and zones
more local and higher
dimming LC higher
zones and contrast
LCratio can ratio
contrast reducecanthe halo
reduce
results,
effect and the
improvedimmingthe zone number
display mainly
performance. affects
the halo effect and improve the display performance. the halo area, while LCD contrast ratio influences
the local image distortion, and more local dimming zones and higher LC contrast ratio can reduce
the halo effect and improve the display performance.
Figure 3. Displayed image simulation: (a) Mini-LED backlight modulation; (b) luminance distribution
Figure 3. Displayed image simulation: (a) Mini-LED backlight modulation; (b) luminance distribution
of the light incident on LC layer; and (c) displayed image after LCD modulation [18]. Figure
of the light3.
Figure incident on LC layer;
Displayed and (c) displayed image after LCD modulation [18]. Figure reproduced
reproduced withimage simulation:
permission (a) Mini-LED
from Optical backlight
Society modulation;
of America. (b) luminance distribution
withofpermission from Optical
the light incident on LCSociety
layer; of
andAmerica.
(c) displayed image after LCD modulation [18]. Figure
reproduced
Then, awith permission
subjective from Optical
experiment is Society
designedof America.
and carried out to determine the human visual
perception
Then, limit of experiment
a subjective halo effect. The LabPSNR, and
is designed an evaluation
carried outmetric
to used to quantify
determine the difference
the human visual
Then, adisplayed
between subjectiveimage
experiment
and is designed and carried outthan
to determine the human visual
perception limit of halo effect. The target image,
LabPSNR, anshould be larger
evaluation metric 47.4 dB.
used Based
to quantify on the
thisdifference
limit, the
perception limit oflocal
requirement halodimming
effect. The LabPSNR, an
canevaluation metric
overused to quantify thezones
difference
between displayedofimage and targetzone number
image, should bebe
proposed:
larger than 200 local
47.4 dimming
dB. Based for high
on this limit, the
between
CR ≈ displayed
5000:1 LCD image
panelsand
and target
more image,
than should
3000 be
dimming larger than
zones for 47.4
CR ≈dB. Based
2000:1 on
LCDs this limit,
(Figure 4). the
requirement of local dimming zone number can be proposed: over 200 local dimming
requirement of local dimming zone number can be proposed: over 200 local dimming zones for high zones for high
CR ≈CR5000:1
≈ 5000:1LCDLCDpanels
panelsand
andmore
morethan
than 3000 dimmingzones
3000 dimming zonesforforCR
CR ≈ 2000:1
≈ 2000:1 LCDsLCDs (Figure
(Figure 4). 4).
Figure 4. Simulated LabPSNR for different HDR display systems with various local dimming zone
numbers and LC contrast ratios [18]. Figure reproduced with permission from Optical Society of
America.
numbers and LC contrast ratios [18]. Figure reproduced with permission from Optical Society of
numbers and LC contrast ratios [18]. Figure reproduced with permission from Optical Society
America.
Although the above simulations and experiments are all based on the small-size smartphone
of America.
displays with viewing distance at 25 cm, the analysis and conclusion can also be applied to display
Although
devices withthe above sizes
different simulations and experiments
and resolutions are allthe
via converting based onfrom
results the small-size smartphone
spatial domain to angular
displays
Although with viewing
the above
domain (Figure distance at
5). Insimulations 25
summary, Tan cm,
and the analysis
experiments
et al. and
demonstrated conclusion
arethe can
allrequired
based on also be applied
thedimming
local small-size tosmartphone
zone display
number to
devices
displays with
with
exhibit differentdistance
viewing
comparable sizes
HDRand atresolutions
25 cm, the
performance via
with converting
analysis andthe
OLED, and results
conclusion
the fromcanspatial
HDR performance also bedomain tobe
applied
could not angular
to display
achieved
domain
devicesby (Figure 5).
conventional
with In summary,
segmented
different sizes Tan et al. demonstrated
LED backlight.
and resolutions the
The simulation
via converting required local
model can
the results from dimming
provide zone
spatialuseful number
domain to to
guidelines
to angular
exhibit comparable HDR performance with OLED, and the HDR performance could not be achieved
domaintheoretically
(Figure 5). optimize
In summary,the mini-LED
Tan et al.backlit LCDs for achieving
demonstrated the requiredexcellent
local HDR
dimmingdisplay.
zone number to
by conventional segmented LED backlight. The simulation model can provide useful guidelines to
exhibit comparable HDR performance with OLED, and the HDR performance could not be achieved
theoretically optimize the mini-LED backlit LCDs for achieving excellent HDR display.
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, 1557 5 of 17
by conventional segmented LED backlight. The simulation model can provide useful guidelines to
theoretically optimize
Appl. Sci. 2018, the mini-LED
8, x FOR PEER REVIEW backlit LCDs for achieving excellent HDR display. 5 of 17
Figure 5. Conceptual diagram of scaling up display size based on same angular size [18]. Figure
Figure 5. Conceptual diagram of scaling up display size based on same angular size [18].
reproduced
Figure with permission
5. Conceptual from
diagram of Optical
scaling Society of America.
up display sizeofbased on same angular size [18]. Figure
Figure reproduced with permission from Optical Society America.
reproduced with permission from Optical Society of America.
While mini-LED, an ideal backlight candidate for local dimming LCDs, is ready to be produced
inWhile mini-LED,
volume
While an an
at present,
mini-LED, ideal backlight
micro-LED
ideal stillcandidate
backlight has to be for
candidate forlocal
localdimming
processed LCDs, is ready
inside laboratories
dimming LCDs, is ready
andtoto beproduced
needs
be produced
further in
preparation
volume at before
present, entering
micro-LED the
still mass
has to production.
be processed Many
insidecompanies
laboratorieshave joined
and
in volume at present, micro-LED still has to be processed inside laboratories and needs furtherneeds the competition
further of
preparation
mini-LED
before
preparation and tried
entering before
the mass to develop
production.
entering the
the mass mini-LED
Many backlight
companies
production. Many technology
have joined the
companies to replace
have the
competition traditional
of mini-LED
joined the competition LCDof and
triedbacklight
mini-LED recently.
to developandthe mini-LED
tried backlight
to develop technology
the mini-LED to replace
backlight the traditional
technology to replace LCD backlight LCD
the traditional recently.
AU AU
backlight Optronics
recently.
Optronics Corporation
Corporation (AUO) (AUO) demonstrated
demonstrated several
several high-end
high-end mini-LED
mini-LED backlit
backlit LCD
LCD displays,
displays, including aCorporation
27” 4K 144 Hz gaming monitor andseveral
a 1000 PPI 2” LTPS VR display (Figure
including a 27” 4K 144 Hz gaming monitor and a 1000 PPI 2” LTPS VR display (FigureLCD
AU Optronics (AUO) demonstrated high-end mini-LED backlit 6)6)[20].
[20]. The gaming monitor used a straight down type mini-LED backlight to provide accurate local
The displays, including
gaming monitor a 27”
used 4K 144 Hz
a straight gaming
down typemonitor
mini-LED andbacklight
a 1000 PPIto2” LTPS VR
provide displaylocal
accurate (Figure 6)
dimming
dimming
[20]. The with ultra-high
gaming monitor brightness,
used a creating
straight down a more
type realisticbacklight
mini-LED visual enjoyment
to provide for customer.
accurate local
with ultra-high brightness, creating a more realistic visual enjoyment for customer. However, the
However,
dimming the withcost of mini-LEDs
ultra-high is still several
brightness, creatingtimes
a morehigher than traditional
realistic backlight for
visual enjoyment technology
customer.at
costpresent.
of mini-LEDs
For is still several
head-mounted VR times AUO
display, higher thana 2-inch
shows traditional
panel backlight
equipped technology
with an active at present.
matrix
However, the cost of mini-LEDs is still several times higher than traditional backlight technology at
For (AM)
head-mounted
driver VRwhich
display, AUO shows a 2-inch panel equipped
vividwith an active matrix (AM)
present. For circuit
head-mounted can
VRachieve
display, 1024
AUOlocal dimming
shows zones
a 2-inch for equipped
panel images.with an active matrix
driver circuit which can achieve 1024 local dimming zones for vivid images.
(AM) driver circuit which can achieve 1024 local dimming zones for vivid images.
Figure 6. The 27” gaming monitor and the 2” VR display of AUO.

Figure 6. The 27” gaming monitor and the 2” VR display of AUO.
JDI, a Japanese 6. The 27”demonstrated
manufacturer,
Figure gaming monitor an and the 2” VR
automotive display
central of AUO.
control panel based on a 16.7
inch JDI,
curved screen with a straight down type mini-LED backlight at 2018 SID
a Japanese manufacturer, demonstrated an automotive central control panel based Display Week, onshown
a 16.7
in Figure
inch
JDI,curved7a [21]. The contrast
screenmanufacturer,
a Japanese and
with a straight down color of the screen
type mini-LED
demonstrated can be presented
backlight atcentral
an automotive perfectly
2018 SIDcontrol even
Displaypanelin
Week, complex
shownon a
based
situations because of the local dimming with
of 104 dimming canzones in the screen. BOE, one ofinthe largest
16.7 in Figure
inch 7a
curved [21]. The
screen contrast
with and color
a straight down thetype
screen
mini-LEDbe presented
backlightperfectly
at 2018 even complex
SID Display Week,
display makers
situations becausein China,
of the exhibited
local dimminga 27-inch
with ultra-high-definition
104 dimming zones in (UHD)
the panel,
screen. which
BOE, one used
of the a mini-
largest
shown in Figure 7a [21]. The contrast and color of the screen can be presented perfectly even in
LED backlight
display makerswith
in 1000 local
China, dimming
exhibited zones.ultra-high-definition
a 27-inch Its brightness is up to 600 nits
(UHD) andwhich
panel, its contrast is
usedBOE, up to
a mini-
complex situations because of the local dimming with 104 dimming zones in the screen. one of
1,000,000:1.
LED backlight with 1000 local dimming zones. Its brightness is up to 600 nits and its contrast is up in
In addition, BOE also showed a 5.9-inch mobile phone panel which was only 1.4 mm to
the largest display makers
thickness, in China, exhibited a 27-inch ultra-high-definition (UHD) panel, which used
1,000,000:1.shown in Figure
In addition, BOE 7balso
[21].showed a 5.9-inch mobile phone panel which was only 1.4 mm in
a mini-LED backlight with 1000 local dimming zones. Its brightness is up to 600 nits and its contrast is
thickness, shown in Figure 7b [21].
up to 1,000,000:1. In addition, BOE also showed a 5.9-inch mobile phone panel which was only 1.4 mm
in thickness, shown in Figure 7b [21].
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, 1557 6 of 17
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Figure 7. (a) The 16.7 inch curved automotive display with direct backlight solution of JDI. (b) Ultra-
Figure 7. (a) The 16.7 inch curved automotive display with direct backlight solution of JDI.
High Contrast UHD Display of BOE.
(b) Ultra-High
Figure
Figure
Figure 7.
7.7.(a) (a)
(a)The Contrast
The
The 16.7
16.7
16.7 UHD
inch
inch
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curved
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automotive display
display with
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As H. X. Jiang’s group in Texas Technique University reported the first fabrication of micro-LED
3.Micro-LED
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3.3.Micro-LED
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H. X. Jiang’sof
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12 μm ininTexasthe yearTechnique University
of 2000 [22–24], reportedhas
micro-LED thebecome
first fabrication
a hot topicofsoon micro-LED
after
chip AsAs
withAs
H.
H. H.
X.
the inception. X. X. Jiang’s
Jiang’s
Jiang’s
diameter group
of 12group
group µm in in in
Texas
in Texas
Texas
the Technique
Technique
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year of 2000 University
University
University
[22–24], reported
reported
reported
micro-LED thethe
has the
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first
become fabrication
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fabrication
a hot of
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micro-LED
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soon after
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3.
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with diameter of 12 μm in the year of 2000 [22–24], micro-LED has become a hot topic soon after
chip
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with diameterofof12
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The application field of LEDs varies depending on the chip size. Due to the size difference,
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[25–27]
[25–27]
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and
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(Table mobile
mobile
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display
display phones,
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2). backlight like
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module head-
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[28].
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upup
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mini-LED
displays,
be combinedmicro-LED
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isis applied
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realize tosuch
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the match
such
asasHDRorcharacteristics
televisions
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as
televisions
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and
[29] [29]
and today’s
flexible(Table
(Table
flexible
(Tableflexible OLED
2). 2).
displays
2).
like displays displays,
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[30]. [18], with
while
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have power
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characteristics
phones,
phones,
characteristics
displays, phones, life-span
with like
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automotive [31].
automotive
like
its OLED
high OLED
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head-[30].
[30].
head-
[30].
contrast,
upup Therefore,
Therefore,
up
displays,
displays,
Therefore,
low displays,
power micro-LED
micro-LED
AR/VR,
AR/VR,
micro-LED AR/VR,
consumption, micro
micro displays
displays
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displays
highprojectors,
projectors,
have have
havethe
projectors,
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and
and andpotential
potential
high-end
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potential
and high-end
especially to match
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televisions
match televisions
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exceed
[29]
[29] [29]
(Table
life-span(Tabletoday’s
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2).OLED
[31]. OLED
Additionally,
2).
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displays,
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displays, micro-
micro-with
with
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with
Table 2. Requirements for mini-LED and micro-LED in typical applications.
LED
LED
its its
itshigh
LED high
high
can
cancan
be contrast,
contrast,
be combined
be
combined
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low low
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power power
power
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flexible
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high
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realize
to
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the and
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and and
flexible
flexible especially
especially
flexible
especially the
characteristicsthe
characteristics
characteristics
the high high
high likelife-span
life-span
like
life-spanlike
OLED
OLED
OLED [31].
[31].
[30].
[31]. [30].
[30].
Therefore,
Therefore,
Therefore, micro-LED
micro-LED
micro-LED Requirements
Table 2.displays
displays
displays Auto
have
havehavefor
themini-LED
Display
the the
potential
potential
potentialand micro-LED
totomatch
to
matchTV or
match in
orexceed
or typical
exceed
exceed applications.
Digital
today’s
today’s
today’s Display
OLED
OLEDOLED displays,
displays,
displays,with
withwith
its
itshigh
its
high
high
contrast,
contrast,
contrast, Table
low Table
Table
low 2.power
low
power 2. Requirements
2.Requirements
Requirements
power consumption,
consumption, for
consumption,forfor mini-LED
mini-LED
mini-LED
high
highhigh andandand
brightness,
brightness, micro-LED
micro-LED
micro-LED
brightness, and
and in
and in
intypical
especially typical
typical
especially
especially theapplications.
applications.
applications.
the the
high
high high
life-span
life-span
life-span[31].
[31].
[31].
Application Auto Display TV Digital Display
AutoAuto
Auto Display
Display
Display TVTVTV Digital
Digital
Digital Display
Display
Display
Table
Table
Table
2.2.Requirements
Requirements
2. Requirements
for
formini-LED
for
mini-LED
mini-LED
and
and
and
micro-LED
micro-LED
micro-LED
inintypical
in
typical
typical
applications.
applications.
applications.
Application Auto
Auto
Auto
Display
Display
Display TV TVTV Digital
Digital
DigitalDisplay
Display
Display
Application
Application
Application
Panel Size (inch) 6~12 32~100 150~220
PPI 150~250 40~80 20~30
Application
Application
Application
Chip volume (M) 4.1 24.9 24.9
Panel
Panel Size
Size
Panel
Chip Size
Size (inch)
(inch)
(inch)
(μm) 6~12
6~12
50~1006~12 32~100
32~100
50~8032~100 150~220
150~220
80~100 150~220
Panel
PPISize (inch) 6~12
150~250 32~100
40~80 150~220
20~30
PPI PPI 150~250
150~250
AR 40~80
Watch 40~80 20~30
Mobile 20~30
Chip
Chip
Panelvolume
Chip
Panel
Panel
Size
SizePPI
volume
volume
Size
(inch)(M)
(M)
(inch)(M)
(inch) 150~250
6~124.1
4.1
6~12 4.1
6~12 40~80
24.9
24.9
32~100 24.9
32~100
32~100 20~30
24.9
24.9
150~220 24.9
150~220
150~220
Chip
Chip
ChipSize
Size
PPI
Chip Size
PPIPPI
volume(μm)
(μm) (μm)(M) 50~100
50~100
50~100
150~250
150~250
150~250
4.1 50~80
50~80
40~8050~80
40~80
40~80
24.9 80~100
80~10080~100
20~30
20~30
24.920~30
Application AR AR Watch
Watch Mobile
Mobile
Chip
Chip
Chip
volume
volume
volume (M)
(M)
Chip Size (µm) (M) 4.1
4.1AR
4.1
50~100 24.9Watch
24.9
50~8024.9 Mobile
24.9
24.9
80~100 24.9
Chip
Chip
Chip
Size
Size
Size
(μm)
(μm)(μm) 50~100
50~100
50~100 50~80
50~80
50~80 80~100
80~100
80~100
AR Watch Mobile
ARARAR Watch
Watch
Watch Mobile
Mobile
Mobile
Application
Application
Application
Panel Size (inch) 0.5~1 1~1.5 4~6
PPI
Application 450~2000 200~300 300~800
Application
Application
ChipApplication
volume (M) 49.8 0.4 6.2
Chip
Panel
Panel Size
Size
Size (μm)
(inch)
(inch) 1~5
0.5~1
0.5~1 10~30
1~1.5
1~1.5 30~50
4~64~6
Panel Size (inch) 0.5~1 1~1.5 4~6
PPIPPI
PPI 450~2000
450~2000
450~2000 200~300
200~300
200~300 300~800
300~800
300~800
At present,
Chip
Chip
Panel
Panel volume
volume
Panel
Size
Size
Size the
(inch)(M)micro-LED 0.5~1
(M)
(inch)
(inch) display
49.8
49.8
0.5~1
0.5~1 technology still1~1.5faces
0.40.4
1~1.5
1~1.5some challenges, 4~6 like
6.24~6the transfer
6.2
4~6
Chip
Panel volume
Size (M)
(inch) 49.8
0.5~1 1~1.50.4 4~6 6.2
printing
ChipofSize
Chip PPImicro-LED
Size
PPI (μm)
(μm)
PPI (μm) chips for mass
1~51~5
450~2000
450~2000
450~2000 production [32–34]
10~30
200~300 and
10~30
200~300
200~300 the full-color method
30~50
30~50
300~800
300~800
300~800for display
Chip Size 1~5 10~30 30~50
applications
Chip
Chip
Chip [35–37].
volume
volumePPI
volume(M)
(M) With
(M) the rapid49.8 development
450~2000
49.849.8 of some transfer
200~300
0.4
0.40.4 printing approaches
300~800
6.2 summarized
6.26.2
AtChip
in At
Tablepresent,
3,
Chip the
present,
Chip
Size
Chip Size
Size
(μm)the
first
the
(μm)
volume micro-LED
problem
micro-LED
(μm)(M) display
is expected
display
1~5
1~5 1~5
49.8 technology
totechnology
be effectivelystill
still facesThus,
solved.
faces
10~30
10~30
10~30
0.4 some
some we challenges,
will focus
challenges, 30~50 onlike
like
30~50
6.230~50 thetransfer
methods
the transfer
of
At present, the micro-LED display technology still faces some challenges, like the transfer
fabricating
printing
printing the full-color chips
ofofmicro-LED
micro-LED display forfor micro-LEDs.
mass production[32–34]
[32–34] andthethefull-color
full-color30~50
methodfor fordisplay
display
printingChip Size (µm)chips
of micro-LED
for mass
chips for 1~5
production
mass production [32–34]
and
10~30 and the full-color
method
method for display
applications
At
AtAt
present,
applicationspresent,[35–37].
present, the
[35–37].thetheWith
With therapid
micro-LED
micro-LED
micro-LED
the rapid development
display
display
display
development ofofsome
technology
technology
technology some
still
still transfer
still
faces
faces
faces
transfer someprinting
some
some approaches
challenges,
challenges,
printing challenges,
like
approaches like summarized
like
the
thethe
transfer
transfer
summarized transfer
applications [35–37]. With the rapid development of some transfer printing approaches summarized
inTable
Table3,
printing
inprinting of3,
printing the
ofthe firstproblem
micro-LED
ofmicro-LED
first problem
micro-LED chips
chipsisis
chipsfor expected
for for
mass
mass
expected mass tobebeeffectively
effectively
production
toproduction
production [32–34]
[32–34] solved.
[32–34]and
and
solved. andThus,
the
thethe
Thus, we willfocus
full-color
full-color
we focus
full-color
will method
method onmethods
method
on methods
for
forfor ofof
display
display
display
in Table 3, the first problem is expected to be effectively solved. Thus, we will focus on methods of
fabricating
applications
applications
applications
fabricating thethe full-color
[35–37].
[35–37].
[35–37].With
full-colorWith display
With
the
thethe
display rapid
rapidfordevelopment
rapid
for micro-LEDs.
development
development
micro-LEDs. ofofsome
of
some
sometransfer
transfer
transfer
printing
printing
printing
approaches
approaches
approaches summarized
summarized
summarized
fabricating the full-color display for micro-LEDs.
ininTable
in
Table
Table
3,3,the
3,
thethe
first
first
first
problem
problem
problemisisexpected
is
expected
expected
totobe
to
beeffectively
be
effectively
effectivelysolved.
solved.
solved.
Thus,
Thus,
Thus,
we
wewe
will
will
will
focus
focus
focuson
onmethods
onmethods
methodsofof of
fabricating
fabricating
fabricating
the
thethe
full-color
full-color
full-color
display
display
display for
forfor
micro-LEDs.
micro-LEDs.
micro-LEDs.
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, 1557 7 of 17
At present, the micro-LED display technology still faces some challenges, like the transfer
printing of micro-LED chips for mass production [32–34] and the full-color method for display
applications [35–37]. With the rapid development of some transfer printing approaches summarized
in Table 3, the first problem is expected to be effectively solved. Thus, we will focus on methods of
fabricating the full-color display for micro-LEDs.
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, x FOR PEER REVIEW
Table 3. Massively selective transfer printing methods. 7 of 17
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, x FOR PEER REVIEW Table 3. Massively selective transfer printing methods. 7 of 17
Company Table Principle
3. Massively selective transfer printingDescription
methods.
Company
TableTable
3. 3. Massively
Principle
Massively selective
selective transfertransfer printing
printing methods.methods.
Description
Company Table Principle
3. Massively selective transfer printing methods. Description
Company Principle The transfer headsDescription Description
are divided by the dielectric layer
Company
Company Principle
Principle The transfer heads are divided by the dielectric layer to form a
Description
Electrostatic
Electrostatic to
The form
transfera pair of
heads silicon
are electrodes,
divided by the which layer
dielectric are to form a
Electrostatic LuxVue
LuxVue pair of silicon electrodes, which are positively and negatively
array array LuxVue positively
The
pair transfer
ofheads
siliconand negatively
heads are
electrodes,divided
which charged,
by the respectively,
dielectric
are positively layer
and to form a
negatively
Electrostatic
array charged,
The transfer
The respectively,
transfer are divided
heads before
arethe by
dividedpicking
the up the
dielectric
by the target
layer
dielectric to LED.
form
layer toaform a
Electrostatic
Electrostatic LuxVue before
pair of
charged, picking
silicon up
electrodes,
respectively, target
which
before LED.
are
pickingpositively
up the and
target negatively
LED.
array LuxVue
LuxVue pair ofpair
silicon electrodes,
of silicon whichwhich
electrodes, are positively and negatively
are positively and LED.
negatively
array array charged, respectively, before picking up the target
charged, respectively, before picking up the target LED. LED.
charged, respectively, before picking up the target
Magnetic Micro-LEDs are adsorbed and placed by the electromagnetic
Magnetic ITRI Micro-LEDs areare adsorbed
Magnetic
array ITRI
ITRI
Micro-LEDs
force generated by the coil.and and
adsorbed placed
placed by theby the
electromagnetic
Magnetic
array array Micro-LEDs
force are by
generated
electromagnetic adsorbed
the and placedby
coil.
force generated by the
the electromagnetic
coil.
Magnetic
Magnetic ITRI Micro-LEDs are
Micro-LEDs adsorbed
are by and
adsorbed placed by the electromagnetic
array ITRI ITRI force generated the coil.and placed by the electromagnetic
array array force generated by theby
force generated coil.
the coil.
The pick-up and transfer processes are aided by the Van der
Elastomer X- The pick-up
Elastomer X- Waals forces and transfer
between the processes
viscoelasticareelastomer
aided by stamp
the Van derthe
and
stamp Celeprint Thepick-up
The
Waals pick-up
forces andand transfer
transfer
between the processes
processes
viscoelastic are aided
areelastomer
aided theby
by stampVanthe
derthe
and
Elastomer
Elastomer X-
stamp X-Celeprint
Celeprint solidpick-up
The pick-up
The micro-LEDs.
and transfer
and processes
transfer are aided
processes by theby
areelastomer
aided Van
theder
Van derthe
Elastomer
Elastomer X- X- Waals
Van forces
der between
Waals
solid micro-LEDs. the
forces viscoelastic
between the stamp
viscoelastic and
stamp stamp Celeprint WaalsWaals
forces forces
between the viscoelastic
between thethe elastomer
viscoelastic stampstamp
elastomer and the
and the
stampstamp Celeprint
Celeprint solid micro-LEDs.
elastomer stamp and solid micro-LEDs.
solid micro-LEDs.
solid micro-LEDs.
A roll-based transfer technology for transferring nanoscale
Roll to plate KIMM A roll-based
objects from transfer
a donor technology
substrate tofor transferring
a target nanoscale
substrate with high
Roll to plate KIMM A roll-based
objects from transfer
a donor technology
substrate tofor transferring
a target nanoscale
substrate with high
yields
A roll-based and productivity.
transfer
AAroll-based technology for transferring nanoscale
Roll to plate KIMM roll-based
objects
yields from
and transfer
transfer
a donor technology
technology
substrate
productivity. tofor for substrate
a target transferring
transferring nanoscale
with high
Roll to
Roll toRoll
plate
to plateKIMM
plate KIMM
KIMM objectsobjects
from and
afrom
nanoscale
yields donor substrate
a donor
objects toaa donor
substrate
from
productivity. target substrate
to a target with
to ahigh
substrate
substrate with high
target
yieldsyields
and productivity.
and productivity.
substrate with high yields and productivity.
3.1. RGB Micro-LED Full-Color Display
3.1. RGB Micro-LED Full-Color Display
3.1. RGB
The Micro-LED
principle ofFull-Color Displaydisplay is based on the law of three primary colors that can be
RGB full-color
3.1. RGB Micro-LED
3.1. RGB
The Full-Color
Micro-LED
principle of Display
Full-Color
RGB Displaydisplay is based on the law of three primary colors that can be
full-color
3.1. RGB Micro-LED
combined Full-Color
to create allRGB Display
colors in nature via a certain ratio setting (Figure 8). Therefore, for RGB LEDs,
The
combined principle
to create of
allRGB
colorsfull-color
in nature display
via is based on setting
the law(Figure
of three 8).primary colors that can be
The principle
The
different of RGB
principle
currents of
are full-color
applied to display
full-color
control is abased
display
the
certain
is onratio
based
brightness the
on
of law
the
eachof three
law
LED ofto primary
three Therefore,
colors
primary
realize the
for can
that
colors
combination
RGB
thatof
LEDs,
be
can be
three
combined
The principle
different to create
of RGB
currents allapplied
are colors in
full-color tonature
displayvia
control is abased
the certainonratio
brightness the setting
oflaw
eachofLED(Figure
three to 8). Therefore,
primary colors for can
that RGBof LEDs,
be
combined
primaryto create
combined to
colors all
create
andcolors
all
achievein nature
colors in
the via a via
nature certain
full-color a ratio
certain
display. It setting
ratio
is the (Figure
setting
method 8).realize
(Figure
that is 8). the
Therefore, combination
for RGB
Therefore,
usually for
employed LEDs,
RGB
in
three
LEDs,
outdoor
different
combined
primary currents
to create
colors are applied
all colors theto
in nature control the
via a certainbrightness
ratio of each
setting LED
(Figure to
8).realize theemployed
isTherefore, combination
for RGB LEDs, of three
different currents
different
LED large areand
currents
screens.
achieve
applied
are applied tofull-color
to controlcontrol display.
the brightness
the It
ofiseach
brightness the method
LED LED
of each that
to realize usually
the
to realize combination
theemployed ofin
combination outdoor
three
of three
primary
different
LED colors
currents
large and achieve the full-color display. It is the method that is usually
are applied to control the brightness of each LED to realize the combination of three
screens. in outdoor
primary colors
primary and
colors achieve the full-color display. It is the method that is usually employed
and achieve the full-color display. It is the method that is usually employed in outdoor in outdoor
LEDcolors
primary large screens.
and achieve the full-color display. It is the method that is usually employed in outdoor
LED LED
largelarge
screens.
screens.
LED large screens.
Figure 8. Mechanism of RGB micro-LED full-color display.

In the RGB full-color
Figure 8.display method,
Mechanism
Figure each
of RGB
8. Mechanism of RGBpixel
micro-LEDcontains
full-color
micro-LED adisplay.
set of
full-color RGB micro-LEDs. Generally,
display.
In the RGB full-color Mechanism
Figure 8.display of RGB
method, micro-LED
each full-colora display.
pixel contains set of RGB micro-LEDs. Generally,
the PInandtheN NRGBelectrodes of the
full-color three-color
display method, micro-LEDs
each pixelare are connected
contains to
a setto the
ofthe
RGB circuit substrateGenerally,
micro-LEDs. by means
thethe
In PInand
RGB
the electrodes
full-color
RGB of the
display
full-color three-color
method,
display method, micro-LEDs
each pixelpixel
each contains connected
a set aofset
contains RGBof circuit
micro-LEDs.
RGB substrate
micro-LEDs. by means
Generally,
Generally,
of
thebonding
P and or flip-chip.
Nfull-color
electrodes of themethod,
three-color
In
the Pof the RGB
bonding
and N or
electrodes of display
flip-chip.
theofthree-color eachmicro-LEDs
pixel contains
micro-LEDs are
areaconnected
set oftoRGB
connected the
tomicro-LEDs.
the circuit substrate
circuit Generally,
substrate
bythe
by means
means
the P and
After
ofNbonding N electrodes
that, a dedicated
or flip-chip. the three-color
full-color micro-LEDs
driver chip is are
used connected
to drive to
eachthe circuit
color of substrate
micro-LEDs by means
via the
P and
of bondingelectrodes
After that,
or flip-chip. of
a the three-color
dedicated micro-LEDs
full-color driver are
chip connected
is used to to the
drive circuit
each substrate
color of by means
micro-LEDs of
via the
of bonding
pulse width
After or
that, flip-chip.
modulation (PWM)
a dedicated(PWM) current.
full-color driverTheThe PWM
chipPWM current
is usedcurrent
to drive drive method
eachmethod can
color of can achieve
micro-LEDs digital
via the
bonding
pulse
Afteror flip-chip.
width
that, modulation
a dedicated current. drive achieve digital
After
dimming
pulse width that,
by setting thefull-color
a dedicated
modulation duty driver
full-color
cycle
(PWM) of thechip
driver
current.
is used
chip
current.
The is
For
PWM
toexample,
useddrive
current
each
to drivean color
each of micro-LEDs
color
8-bitmethod
drive PWM offull-color
micro-LEDs
can
via the
via
driver
achieve the
chip
digital
After
pulsedimming
width that, bya dedicated
setting
modulation the full-color
duty
(PWM) driver
cycle of
current. thechip
The is used
current.
PWM For toexample,
drive
current each
drive an color
8-bit
method of can
PWMmicro-LEDs
full-color
achieve via the chip
driver
digital
pulse
dimming width
can achieve 8modulation
by22setting
= 256 kinds
the duty (PWM)
of cycle current.
dimming of effects
the The
of a PWM
current. current
single-color
Fordrive
example, drive
micro-LED,
an 8-bitmethod
then for
PWM can achieve
a pixel
full-color digital
containing
driver chip
pulse width
can
dimming bymodulation
achieve
setting
8 = 256(PWM)
the kinds
duty ofcurrent.
cycledimming
of theThe PWM
effects
current. ofcurrent
3For
a single-color
example, method can
anmicro-LED,
8-bit PWM achieve
then digital
for
full-color dimming
a pixel
drivercontaining
chip chip
dimming
three-color
can achieve byLED
2 setting
8 = 256 the
kinds duty
theoreticallyof cycle
can
dimming of the
achieve current.
256
effects of= a For
16,777,216example,
single-color kinds an
of 8-bit
dimming
micro-LED, PWM
then full-color
effect
for awhich
pixeldriver
means the
containing
by setting
can achieve the
three-color
2 8 duty
= LED
256 cycle
8 =kinds
ofofthe
theoreticallycurrent.
dimming For example,
can achieve
effects of256
a an 8-bit PWM
3 = 16,777,216
single-color kindsfull-color
micro-LED,of dimming
thendriver
for chip
effect
a pixel can
whichachieve
means the
containing
can achieve
same number
three-color 2
LED 256 kinds of dimming
of colors can be can displayed.effects
Figureof a single-color
2563 = 9916,777,216
demonstrates micro-LED,
the specific then for
full-colora pixel containing
display driving
same
three-color number
LED
three-color LED of theoretically
colors can
theoretically can
theoretically can
achieveFigure
beachieve
displayed.
2563 =256
achieve demonstrates
16,777,216
kindsthe
kindskinds
3 = 16,777,216
of specific
of dimming
of
dimming
effect
dimming
effect which
full-color
which
effect means
which
means
display the
means
the
driving
the
principle
same number [38]. of colors can be displayed. Figure 9 demonstrates the specific full-color display driving
sameprinciple
number
same number [38].
of colors
of can be
colors displayed.
can be Figure
displayed. 9 demonstrates
Figure 9 demonstrates the specific
the full-color
specific display
full-color driving
display driving
principle [38].
principle [38]. [38].
principle
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, 1557 8 of 17
28 = 256 kinds of dimming effects of a single-color micro-LED, then for a pixel containing three-color
LED theoretically can achieve 2563 = 16,777,216 kinds of dimming effect which means the same number
of colors
Appl. can8,be
Sci. 2018, displayed.
x FOR Figure 9 demonstrates the specific full-color display driving principle8 [38].
PEER REVIEW of 17
Brightness adjustment
Brightness adjustment …
& constant current driving unit …
& constant current driving unit
…
Process & control …
Image data Process & control
Image data unit
unit
……
……
……
Array
Array
Addressing unit …
Addressing unit …
Figure 9. Substituted scheme of the driving circuit for micro-LED display.

Figure
Figure9.9.Substituted
Substitutedscheme
schemeof
ofthe
thedriving
drivingcircuit
circuitfor
formicro-LED
micro-LEDdisplay.
display.
However, the RGB micro-LED based technology suffers from a severe disadvantage in mass
However, the RGB
RGB micro-LED based technology suffers from aa severe disadvantage in mass
production. Forthe
However, example, micro-LED
in order tobased technology
manufacture a 4Ksuffers
resolutionfromdisplay,
severe disadvantage
nearly 25 millioninmicro- mass
production.
production. For
For example,
example, in
in order
order toto manufacture
manufacture a a
4K 4K resolution
resolution display,
display, nearly
nearly 25 25 million
million micro-
micro-LEDs
LEDs are needed to be assembled and connected without a single error in an economical and efficient
LEDs
are are needed
needed to be to be assembled
assembled and connected
andofconnected without without
a single a single error
anineconomical
an economical and efficient
way, with placement accuracy 1 μm or less. Obviously, it error
is veryin difficult to transferand or efficient
grow suchway,
way,
with with placement
placement accuracy of 1 μm or less. Obviously, it is very difficult to transfer or grow such
a huge number accuracy of 1 µm or
of three different less. Obviously,
micro-LEDs on theitsame is very difficult to transfer or grow such a huge
substrate.
anumber
huge number
of three ofdifferent
three different
micro-LEDsmicro-LEDs
on the on thesubstrate.
same same substrate.
As an ideal solution, all RGB micro-LEDs would be composed of the same material with the
As an ideal solution,
solution,all allRGB
RGBmicro-LEDs
micro-LEDs would beisbe composed of the same material with the
sameAs an ideal
behaviors and driving conditions. would
The challenge composed
to find one ofmaterial
the same material
capable ofwith the same
spanning the
same behaviors
behaviors and and
driving driving conditions.
conditions. The The
challengechallenge
is to is
find to find
one one
material material
capable capable
of of
spanning spanning
the the
blue to
blue to red spectrum. Theoretically, the InGaN alloy can cover the entire visible range by adjusting
blue
red to red spectrum.
spectrum. Theoretically,
Theoretically, the InGaN thealloy
InGaN can alloy
cover can
the cover
entire the entire
visible visible
range by range bythe
adjusting adjusting
indium
the indium content to fine tune the peak emission wavelength. Unfortunately, high indium content
the indium
content content
to fine tune to fine tune the peak emission wavelength. Unfortunately, high indium content
in GaN-based LEDsthe peak
results emission
in wavelength.
poor quality because Unfortunately, high indium
of lattice mismatches content
between thein GaN
GaN-based
buffer
in GaN-based
LEDs results LEDs
in poor results
quality in poor
because quality
of because
lattice of
mismatches lattice mismatches
between the between
GaN buffer the GaN
layers buffer
and the
layers and the InGaN quantum wells.
layers
InGaN and the InGaN
quantum wells. quantum wells.
To address these issues, A. Even et al. developed an innovative substrate called InGaNOS
To address thesetheseissues,
issues,A.A. Even et developed
al. developed an innovative substrate called InGaNOS
(InGaNaddress
To pseudo-substrates) thatEven et al.
overcomes an innovative
lattice mismatch [39]. substrate called has
The substrate InGaNOS
a top (InGaN
relaxed
(InGaN pseudo-substrates)
pseudo-substrates) that overcomes lattice mismatch [39]. The substrate has a InGaN
top relaxed
InGaN layer that can be used as a seed layer for full InGaN LED growth, as shown in Figure 10a.layer
that overcomes lattice mismatch [39]. The substrate has a top relaxed The
InGaN
that canlayer that as
be used can be used
a seed layeras for
a seed layer forLEDfull growth,
InGaN LED growth, as shown 10a.inThe
Figure 10a. The
experimental results illustrate thatfull InGaN
InGaN structures grown as shown in Figure
on InGaNOS substrates experimental
can span the
experimental
results results
illustrate illustrate
that(482nm) that InGaN
InGaN structures grownstructures
on as InGaNOSgrown substrates
on InGaNOS substrates
canInGaNOS can spanfrom
span the technology
spectrum the
spectrum from blue to red (617nm) [40], shown in Figure 10b. can
spectrum
blue from
(482nm) blue
to red (482nm)
(617nm) to red
[40], (617nm)
as shown [40], as shown in Figure 10b. InGaNOS technology can
be used to create substrates with mixed latticeinparameters,
Figure 10b.enabling InGaNOS technology
growth can color
of different be usedLEDsto
be used
create to create substrates with mixed lattice parameters, enabling growth of different color LEDs
on the substrates
same substrate. with mixed
This couldlattice parameters,
drastically enabling
reduce the cost growth of different
of micro-LED mass color LEDsfor
transfer on full-color
the same
on the sameThis
substrate. substrate.
could This could drastically
drastically reduce the reduce
cost ofthe cost of micro-LED
micro-LED mass mass transfer
transfer for for full-color
full-color display
display fabrication in the future.
display fabrication
fabrication in the future. in the future.
Figure 10. (a) Schematic diagram of InGaNOS substrate, (b) photoluminescence spectra at room
Figure 10.
10. (a)
(a) Schematic diagram of InGaNOS substrate,
substrate, (b)
(b) photoluminescence
photoluminescence spectra
spectra at
at room
Figure
temperature of Schematic
full InGaNdiagram ofgrown
structures InGaNOS
on InGaNOS. room
temperature of full InGaN structures grown on InGaNOS.
temperature of full InGaN structures grown on InGaNOS.
3.2. Color Conversion Full-Color Display
The full-color display can be achieved by employing excitation sources, such as ultraviolet (UV)
micro-LED or blue micro-LED, with color-conversion materials. RGB color-conversion materials are
micro-LED or blue micro-LED, with color-conversion materials. RGB color-conversion materials are
needed to achieve RGB three primary colors if UV micro-LEDs are used, while only red and green
needed to achieve RGB three primary colors if UV micro-LEDs are used, while only red and green
color-conversion materials are required if blue micro-LEDs are used (Figure 11). Generally, color-
color-conversion materials are required if blue micro-LEDs are used (Figure 11). Generally, color-
conversion materials can be divided into the phosphor and the quantum dots (QDs).
conversion materials can be divided into the phosphor and the quantum dots (QDs).
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, 1557 9 of 17

micro-LED or blue micro-LED, with color-conversion materials. RGB color-conversion materials
are needed to achieve RGB three primary colors if UV micro-LEDs are used, while only red and
green color-conversion materials are required if blue micro-LEDs are used (Figure 11). Generally,
color-conversion
Appl. materials
Sci. 2018, 8, x FOR can be divided into the phosphor and the quantum dots (QDs).
PEER REVIEW 9 of 17
Figure 11. Mechanism of color conversion full-color display.

Figure 11.Mechanism
Figure11. Mechanismofofcolor
colorconversion
conversionfull-color
full-colordisplay.
display.
3.2.1. Phosphor
3.2.1.
3.2.1.Phosphor
Phosphor
The phosphor can emit the light of a specific wavelength under the excitation of blue or UV
Thephosphor
The phosphor cancan emit
emit thethe light
light of aof a specific
specific wavelength
wavelength underunder the excitation
the excitation of blueoforblue or UV
UV LEDs.
LEDs. The color of the phosphor is determined by its material, and the production method is simple
LEDs.
The The
color ofcolor of the phosphor
the phosphor is determined
is determined by its material,
by its material, and the and the production
production method method is simple
is simple and
and easy to implement. After LEDs are integrated with the substrate of the drive circuit, the phosphor
andto
easy easy to implement.
implement. AfterAfter
LEDsLEDs are integrated
are integrated withwith the substrate
the substrate of drive
of the the drive circuit,
circuit, the the phosphor
phosphor is
is deposited on the surface of LEDs via spin coating or pulse-spray coating [41]. Figure 12 shows an
is deposited
deposited on on
thethe surface
surface of LEDs
of LEDs viavia spin
spin coating
coating or or pulse-spray
pulse-spray coating
coating [41].Figure
[41]. Figure1212shows
showsan an
example of the deposition of phosphors.
exampleofofthe
example thedeposition
depositionofofphosphors.
phosphors.
Figure 12. (a) One colorful pixel includes four sub-pixels in combination of RGGB and (b) a full-color
Figure 12. (a) One colorful pixel includes four sub-pixels in combination of RGGB and (b) a full-color
display by (a)
Figure 12. excitation of RGB
One colorful phosphors
pixel includesby UVsub-pixels
four LEDs [41].
in Figure reproduced
combination with
of RGGB permission
and from
(b) a full-color
display by excitation of RGB phosphors by UV LEDs [41]. Figure reproduced with permission from
John Wiley
display and Sons. of RGB phosphors by UV LEDs [41]. Figure reproduced with permission from
by excitation
John Wiley and Sons.
John Wiley and Sons.
However, this method still has some shortcomings. The layer of phosphor will absorb part of
However, this method still has some shortcomings. The layer of phosphor will absorb part of
the energy andthisreduce thestill
conversion
has someefficiency. Moreover, theofoptimized size absorb
of the phosphor
the However,
energy and method
reduce the conversion shortcomings. The layer
efficiency. Moreover, the phosphor
optimizedwill size of thepart of the
phosphor
particles
energy for
andfor lighting
reduce and
theand display,
conversion which is about 1–10 micrometers, is still relatively large [42,43]. As
particles lighting display, efficiency.
which is aboutMoreover, the optimized
1–10 micrometers, is size
still of the phosphor
relatively particles
large [42,43]. As
sizes
for of micro-LED
lighting and pixels
display, continually
which is decrease,
about 1–10 the layer
micrometers, of phosphor
is still will
relativelybecome
large uneven
[42,43]. and
As reduce
sizes of
sizes of micro-LED pixels continually decrease, the layer of phosphor will become uneven and reduce
the luminance
micro-LED pixelshomogeneity.
continually The disadvantages
decrease, the layer ofmentioned
phosphorabove give theuneven
will become technology of QDsthe
and reduce a
the luminance homogeneity. The disadvantages mentioned above give the technology of QDs a
chance
luminance to shine.
homogeneity. The disadvantages mentioned above give the technology of QDs a chance
chance to shine.
to shine.
3.2.2. Quantum Dots
3.2.2. Quantum Dots
3.2.2.ToQuantum
realize Dotsfull-color display, colloidal QDs can be a great choice. The QDs are usually
To realize full-color display, colloidal QDs can be a great choice. The QDs are usually
synthesized by chemical solutioncolloidal
To realize full-color display, process QDs[44] can
and bepossess
a greatunique
choice.properties
The QDs are such as high
usually quantum
synthesized
synthesized by chemical solution process [44] and possess unique properties such as high quantum
yield, size-dependent
by chemical solutionemission
process wavelength,
[44] and possess and narrow
uniqueemission
propertieslinewidth
such as [45,46].
high quantum yield,
yield, size-dependent emission wavelength, and narrow emission linewidth [45,46].
Combiningemission
size-dependent UV micro-LEDs and RGB
wavelength, QDs together,
and narrow emission Prof. Kuo et [45,46].
linewidth al. demonstrated a method to
Combining UV micro-LEDs and RGB QDs together, Prof. Kuo et al. demonstrated a method to
achieve full-colorUVhigh-quality
Combining micro-LEDsmicro-LED
and RGB QDs displays via Prof.
together, the aerosol
Kuo et al. jet demonstrated
(AJ) techniquea method
[47,48].
achieve full-color high-quality micro-LED displays via the aerosol jet (AJ) technique [47,48].
Additionally, a photoresist
to achieve full-color (PR) mold
high-quality is fabricated
micro-LED to limit
displays viathethe
optical cross-talk
aerosol jet (AJ)effect, and the
technique QDs
[47,48].
Additionally, a photoresist (PR) mold is fabricated to limit the optical cross-talk effect, and the QDs
are deposited into the PR mold with clear separation between each other. Furthermore,
Additionally, a photoresist (PR) mold is fabricated to limit the optical cross-talk effect, and the QDs a distributed
are deposited into the PR mold with clear separation between each other. Furthermore, a distributed
Bragg reflectorinto
are deposited (DBR) covered
the PR mold above the PR
with clear mold can
separation significantly
between enhance
each other. both the utilization
Furthermore, a distributedof
Bragg reflector (DBR) covered above the PR mold can significantly enhance both the utilization of
UV light and the emission intensity of RGB QDs.
UV light and the emission intensity of RGB QDs.
As the core-shell type with ligands attached to the outer shells, RGB QDs in the experiment have
the average particle sizes about 9.3 nm, 6.2 nm and 2.5 nm, and the emission spectra of them are 630
the average particle sizes about 9.3 nm, 6.2 nm and 2.5 nm, and the emission spectra of them are 630
nm, 520 nm and 450 nm, respectively. Figure 13 shows the absorption and emission spectra as well
nm, 520 nm and 450 nm, respectively. Figure 13 shows the absorption and emission spectra as well
as images of blue, green, and red QDs solution, respectively. Moreover, due to the narrow emission
linewidths of RGB QDs, large color gamut can be readily achieved.
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, 1557 10 of 17
Bragg reflector (DBR) covered above the PR mold can significantly enhance both the utilization of UV
light and the emission intensity of RGB QDs.
the average particle sizes about 9.3 nm, 6.2 nm and 2.5 nm, and the emission spectra of them are
630 nm, 520 nm and 450 nm, respectively. Figure 13 shows the absorption and emission spectra as well
linewidths
Appl. Sci. 2018,of8,RGB
x FORQDs,
PEER large
REVIEWcolor gamut can be readily achieved. 10 of 17
Figure 13.
Figure 13. Absorption
Absorption and
and emission
emission spectra
spectra of
of (a)
(a) blue,
blue, (c)
(c) green
green and
and (e)
(e) red
red QDs
QDs as
as well
well as
as solution
solution
photos of (b) blue, (d) green and (f) red QDs [47]. Figure reproduced with permission from
photos of (b) blue, (d) green and (f) red QDs [47]. Figure reproduced with permission from Optical Optical
Society of America.
Society of America.
In order to fully excite RGB QDs and greatly raise color quality, an UV micro-LED array is
In order to fully excite RGB QDs and greatly raise color quality, an UV micro-LED array is prepared
prepared as an excitation source on an UV epitaxial wafer. The emission wavelength of the excitation
as an excitation source on an UV epitaxial wafer. The emission wavelength of the excitation source is
source is 395 nm, while the size of micro-LED chip is 35 μm × 35 μm, as shown in Figure 14a. For
395 nm, while the size of micro-LED chip is 35 µm × 35 µm, as shown in Figure 14a. For reducing
reducing the cross-talk effect of QDs, a PR mold with open windows and blocking walls is fabricated
the cross-talk effect of QDs, a PR mold with open windows and blocking walls is fabricated via the
via the simple lithography technique. The definition of the mask for the PR mold fabrication is
simple lithography technique. The definition of the mask for the PR mold fabrication is adopted with
adopted with the pitch size of 40 μm as the same as the micro-LED array. By aligning the mold
the pitch size of 40 µm as the same as the micro-LED array. By aligning the mold windows to the
windows to the micro-LED mesa, as shown in Figure 14b–e, UV micro-LEDs can accurately excite
micro-LED mesa, as shown in Figure 14b–e, UV micro-LEDs can accurately excite RGB QDs without
RGB QDs without the cross-talk effect.
the cross-talk effect.
The AJ system consists primarily of an ultrasonic atomizer and a spraying chamber (Figure 15).
Inside the ultrasonic atomizer, ultrasonic vibrations first atomize the RGB QD suspension. Then,
a nitrogen gas flow transfers the AJ to the nozzle to becoming small drops. Ultimately, QDs are
deposited on the substrate with high resolution and narrow linewidth.
Table 4 lists the optimized parameters of the AJ system. The working distance and stage speed
are fixed according to the experimental experience. Different sizes of the QDs will affect the deposition
conditions. Therefore, different flow rates are required to control the AJ system. Generally, as the
particle size of QDs increases, both the carrier gas flow rate and the sheath gas flow rate need to be
increased to maintain the linewidth of the deposited QDs, which is about 35 µm in the study.
Figure 14. Process flow of the full-color micro-LED display. (a) The structure of the UV micro-LED
array. (b) Aligning the PR mold to the micro-LED array. (c–e) Consequently jetting the RGB QDs
inside the PR mold window to form full-color pixels [48]. Figure reproduced with permission from
Optical Society of America.
source is 395 nm, while the size of micro-LED chip is 35 μm × 35 μm, as shown in Figure 14a. For
reducing the cross-talk effect of QDs, a PR mold with open windows and blocking walls is fabricated
via the simple lithography technique. The definition of the mask for the PR mold fabrication is
adopted with the pitch size of 40 μm as the same as the micro-LED array. By aligning the mold
windows to 8,
Appl. Sci. 2018, the micro-LED mesa, as shown in Figure 14b–e, UV micro-LEDs can accurately excite
1557 11 of 17
RGB QDs without the cross-talk effect.
Figure
Figure 14.
14. Process
Processflow
flow of
of the
the full-color
full-color micro-LED
micro-LEDdisplay.
display. (a)
(a)The
Thestructure
structureof
of the
the UV
UV micro-LED
micro-LED
array. (b) Aligning the PR mold to the micro-LED array. (c–e) Consequently jetting
array. (b) Aligning the PR mold to the micro-LED array. (c–e) Consequently jetting the RGB the QDs
RGBinside
QDs
inside the PR mold window to form full-color pixels [48]. Figure reproduced with permission
the PR mold window to form full-color pixels [48]. Figure reproduced with permission from Optical from
Optical
Society Society of America.
of America.
The AJ system consists primarily of an ultrasonic atomizer and a spraying chamber (Figure 15).
Inside the ultrasonic atomizer, ultrasonic vibrations first atomize the RGB QD suspension. Then, a
nitrogen gas flow transfers the AJ to the nozzle to becoming small drops. Ultimately, QDs are
deposited on the substrate with high resolution and narrow linewidth.
Figure 15.
Figure 15. The
The image and the
image and the schematic
schematic illustration
illustration of
of the
the AJ
AJ system
system [47,48].
[47,48]. Figure
Figure reproduced with
reproduced with
permission from Optical Society of America.
permission from Optical Society of America.
Table4.4 Parameters
Table lists the optimized parameters
of the AJ system for RGBof the[48].
QDs AJ system. The working
Table reproduced distance and
with permission from stage
Opticalspeed
are fixed
Societyaccording
of America.to the experimental experience. Different sizes of the QDs will affect the
deposition conditions. Therefore, different flow rates are required to control the AJ system. Generally,
as the particle size Working
of QDs increases,
Distance both the Gas
Carrier carrier
Flowgas flow Sheath
Rate rate and theFlow
Gas sheath
Rategas Stage
flow rate need
Speed
Color of QD
(mm) (sccm) (sccm) (mm/s)
to be increased to maintain the linewidth of the deposited QDs, which is about 35 μm in the study.
Red 1 83 17 10
Table
Green4. Parameters of 1the AJ system for RGB72
QDs [48]. Table reproduced
15 with permission 10
from
Blue Society of America.
Optical 1 66 11 10
Carrier Gas Sheath Gas

Figure 16a demonstrates Working
the RGB pixel of the micro-LED display Stage Speed
Color of QD Flow Rate Flow after
Rate the deposition of QDs on
Distance (mm)
the PR mold lying above micro-LEDs. In this manner, (mm/s)between
(sccm)RGB pixels have very clear boundaries
(sccm)
one another
RedFigure 16b, compared1 with the previous
83 case where cross-talk
17 effect is observed
10 without
any PR mold
GreenFigure 16c. Therefore,
1 the blocking 72
walls in the PR mold 15can efficiently confine
10 QDs to
avoid theBlue
cross-talk effect. 1 66 11 10
Figure 16a demonstrates the RGB pixel of the micro-LED display after the deposition of QDs on
the PR mold lying above micro-LEDs. In this manner, RGB pixels have very clear boundaries between
one another Figure 16b, compared with the previous case where cross-talk effect is observed without
any PR mold Figure 16c. Therefore, the blocking walls in the PR mold can efficiently confine QDs to
Figure 16a demonstrates the RGB pixel of the micro-LED display after the deposition of QDs on
the PR mold lying above micro-LEDs. In this manner, RGB pixels have very clear boundaries between
one another Figure 16b, compared with the previous case where cross-talk effect is observed without
any
Appl. PR
Sci. mold
2018, 8,Figure
1557 16c. Therefore, the blocking walls in the PR mold can efficiently confine QDs
12 of to
17
avoid the cross-talk effect.
Figure 16. (a) Microscope image and (b) fluorescence microscopy image of the RGB QDs on the PR
Figure 16. (a) Microscope image and (b) fluorescence microscopy image of the RGB QDs on the PR
mold that is above micro-LEDs. (c) The cross-talk effect of the QD pixels without the PR mold [48].
mold that is above micro-LEDs. (c) The cross-talk effect of the QD pixels without the PR mold [48].
Figure reproduced with permission from Optical Society of America.
Figure reproduced with permission from Optical Society of America.
Moreover,
Appl. Sci. the PEER
2018, 8, x FOR coffee ring effect
REVIEW Figure 17a [49] that the suspended particles are driven 12 to ofthe
17
Moreover, the coffee ring effect Figure 17a [49] that the suspended particles
edge and deposited in a ring-like pattern can also be resolved by the PR mold. Figure 17c are driven to the edge
and depositedthe
demonstrates in aimage
ring-like
of pattern canring
the coffee also effect
be resolved
when by QDthe PR mold.
drops Figure
directly 17c demonstrates
deposited on a GaN
the imagewithout
substrate of the coffee
the PRring effectThe
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are shown in and the17b,d,
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With eliminate
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liquid 17b,d, respectively.
a cell would With
be the help of the
equalized, PR mold,
which leads the
to athickness of the liquid
similar speed within
at which thealiquid
cell would
will
be equalized,
evaporate, which leads
preventing the to
QD a similar speed
particles fromatbeing
whichdriven
the liquid will
to the evaporate,
perimeter or preventing
middle site theby QD
the
particles from being driven to the perimeter or middle site by the solution.
solution.
Figure
Figure 17.
17. (a)
(a) Principle
Principle of
of the
the coffee
coffee ring
ring effect.
effect. (b)
(b) Principle
Principle of
of reducing
reducing the
the coffee
coffee ring
ring effect
effect via
via the
the
PR mold. (c) The coffee ring effect can be observed without the PR mold. (d)The PR mold
PR mold. (c) The coffee ring effect can be observed without the PR mold. (d)The PR mold confines confines the
QD drops
the QD andand
drops resolve thethe
resolve coffee ring
coffee effect
ring effect[48].
[48].Figure
Figurereproduced
reproducedwith
withpermission
permission from
from Optical
Optical
Society
Society of
of America.
America.
The UV micro-LED array emits the 395 nm light which can excite the RGB QDs deposited on the
PR mold. However, due to the thin thickness of the QD layer, the UV photons from the underneath
LED cannot be absorbed completely [50]. Therefore, in order to increase the UV light utilization, and
avoid bio-logical damage, a DBR structure has been designed for the micro-display. As shown in
Figure 18a, the DBR provides 90% of reflectance at 395 nm and high transmission (around 90%) at
Figure 18a, the DBR provides 90% of reflectance at 395 nm and high transmission (around 90%) at
RGB bands. as shown in Figure 18b, a pronounced UV peak (at 395 nm) is an indicator of less-efficient
pumping, while the RGB signals are weak without the DBR. After the DBR is added, the strong
reflection at UV band successfully suppressed the 395 nm peak and increase the visible intensities by
194% (blue), 173% (green) and 183% (red).
Figure
Appl. Sci. 18a, the
2018, 8, DBR provides 90% of reflectance at 395 nm and high transmission (around 90%)
1557 at
13 of 17
reflection
reflectionat atUVUV band
band successfully
successfully suppressed
suppressedthe
the 395
395 nm
nm peak
peak and
and increase
increase the
the visible
visible intensities
intensities by
by
194% (blue), 173% (green) and 183%
194% (blue), 173% (green) and 183% (red). (red).
Figure 18. (a) Measured reflectance spectrum of the DBR. (b) The emission spectra with and without
Figure 18. (a) Measured reflectance spectrum of the DBR. (b) The emission spectra with and without
the DBR structure [47]. Figure reproduced with permission from Optical Society of America.
the DBR structure [47]. Figure reproduced with permission from Optical Society of America.
In addition to exciting QDs for full-color display via UV micro-LEDs, Chen G.S. et al. fabricated
monolithic RGB micro-LEDs, using GaN-based 451 nm blue micro-LEDs to individually excite red and
green QDs [50]. A black matrix photoresist with light-blocking capability is spun onto the micro-LEDs
to improve the pixel CR and color purity by suppressing the crosstalk among the RGB light. A hybrid
Bragg reflector (HBR) is deposited on the bottom side of the substrate to reflect the RGB light and the
light output intensity, while a DBR with high reflection for the blue light is deposited on the top side of
the QDs to further improve the color purity of the red and green light. Finally, the output intensities of
red and green lights of the micro LEDs with HBR and DBR can be enhanced by about 27%.
These researches above achieve remarkable performance in full-color displays based on
photoluminescence performance of QDs. Moreover, fast development and great enhancement in
electroluminescence performance have been obtained for red, green and blue QD-LED whose external
quantum efficiencies reach up to 20.5%, 23.68% and 19.8%, respectively [51–53]. In these applications,
QDs are inserted between the p- and n-type of semiconductor layers, functioning as the active region,
which excited by electrons and holes instead of photons. Therefore, QD-LEDs have become one of the
most interesting research hotspots in high-end display fields [54]. However, some problems in the QD
technology still require in-depth research currently, such as high cost, toxicity of certain types, high
requirements for the heat dissipation as well as the encapsulation to ensure the stability.
3.3. Optical Lens Synthesis Full-Color Display

Optical lens synthesis refers to a method of synthesizing full-color display from RGB micro-LEDs
using a trichroic prism. Liu et al. did a lot of comprehensive studies on fabricating a novel
backlight-unit (BLU)-free full-color micro-LED based projector via this method [55,56]. After flip-chip
bonding of the micro-LED arrays onto the AM panels, the RGB LED on silicon (LEDoS) chips are
die-attached and wire-bonded onto individual packaging boards, which are connected to a control
board. Then the packaging boards are mounted to a trichroic prism to form a full-color projection
source, as shown in Figure 19a,b. Finally, the result of the 3-LEDoS projector prototype is illustrated
in Figure 19c,d. Via the exiting projector lens, a 15-inch HKUST full-color logo is projected on a wall
2 m away.
backlight-unit (BLU)-free full-color micro-LED based projector via this method [55,56]. After flip-chip
bonding of the micro-LED arrays onto the AM panels, the RGB LED on silicon (LEDoS) chips are die-
attached and wire-bonded onto individual packaging boards, which are connected to a control board.
Then the packaging boards are mounted to a trichroic prism to form a full-color projection source, as
shown
Appl. Sci.in Figure
2018, 8, 155719a,b. Finally, the result of the 3-LEDoS projector prototype is illustrated in Figure
14 of 17
19c,d. Via the exiting projector lens, a 15-inch HKUST full-color logo is projected on a wall 2 m away.
Figure 19. (a) The schematic of the optical architecture, (b) the 3-LEDoS projector prototype, (c) the
Figure 19. (a) The schematic of the optical architecture, (b) the 3-LEDoS projector prototype, (c) the
HKUST logo from the lens of the projector (d) A 15-inch HKUST full-color logo is projected on a wall
HKUST logo from the lens of the projector (d) A 15-inch HKUST full-color logo is projected on a
[56].
wall Figure reproduced
[56]. Figure with with
reproduced permission from from
permission John John
WileyWiley
and Sons.
and Sons.
4. Conclusions
4. Conclusions
This paper reviews the developments in mini-LEDs and micro-LEDs, while mainly focusing on
This paper reviews the developments in mini-LEDs and micro-LEDs, while mainly focusing
the colorization method of the micro-LED displays. In general, micro-LEDs have the potential to
on the colorization method of the micro-LED displays. In general, micro-LEDs have the potential
to improve the properties of miniature display systems such as LCDs and OLEDs displays, but
the imperative mass production technology for micro-LEDs has still not yet been fully developed.
A Mini-LED backlight significantly improves the performance of present LED backlight and the
cost of the mini-LED is relatively easy to control. Due to the above advantages, the mini-LED runs
ahead on the road towards commercialization, compared with micro-LEDs. For the latter, micro-LED,
there are two major challenges before insertion in the market, the mass transfer printing, and the
full-color solution, which, as introduced in this article, which have been under extensive research. It is
reasonable to expect breakthroughs in these areas within a few years, as well as a bright future for
micro-LED displays.
Author Contributions: Supervision, H.-C.K. and Z.C.; Writing-Original Draft Preparation, T.W. and S.L.;
Project Administration, C.-W.S.; Writing-Review & Editing, Y.L. and C.-F.L.; Resources, Y.L., S.-W.H.C. and W.G.
Funding: This research was funded by the Strait Postdoctoral Foundation of Fujian Province, the National
Natural Science Foundation of China (61504112, 11604285, and 51605404), the Science and Technology Project
between University–Industry Cooperation in Fujian Province (2018H6022), the Technological Innovation Project
of Economic and Information Commission of Fujian Province, and the Natural Science Foundation of Fujian
Province (2018J01103).
Acknowledgments: The authors would like to thank Kei May Lau from HKUST and Zhaojun Liu from SUSTC
for the technical support on micro-LED array.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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Keywords: mini-LED; micro-LED; full-color display; quantum dot

Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, 1557; doi:10.3390/app8091557 www.mdpi.com/journal/applsci

Table 1. Comparison between mini-LED and micro-LED.

Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, x FOR PEER REVIEW 3 of 17

Figure 1. Forecast about the development of micro-LED displays.

Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, x FOR PEER REVIEW 4 of 17

Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, x FOR PEER REVIEW 5 of 17

Figure 6. The 27” gaming monitor and the 2” VR display of AUO.

Figure 8. Mechanism of RGB micro-LED full-color display.

Figure 9. Substituted scheme of the driving circuit for micro-LED display.

3.2. Color Conversion Full-Color Display

Figure 11. Mechanism of color conversion full-color display.

Carrier Gas Sheath Gas

3.3. Optical Lens Synthesis Full-Color Display

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