Solid State Lighting

From the early red LEDs to the groundbreaking blue LEDs that earned a Nobel Prize, most light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are made from direct-bandgap compounds derived from elements in groups III and V of the periodic table. What makes the crystal structure of III-V compounds so special and efficient in converting electrical energy into light? The advent of high-efficiency blue LEDs has sparked a technological revolution, transforming the lighting and display industries. How do III-V compounds for blue LEDs differ from other III-V compounds, and why was it so challenging to develop them? How are white LEDs created? What needs to be done to achieve efficient light emission from silicon? How do organic LEDs function? And how can modern LEDs be made even more efficient? All these questions and more, including those you were hesitant to ask, will be explored. Experiments will focus on measuring LED emission spectra, power conversion efficiencies, mixing various LED colors to create white light, understanding the concept of cool and warm colors, and fabricating and testing organic LEDs!