3 May 2018

US DOE announces up to $15m for early-stage solid-state lighting research

© Semiconductor Today Magazine / Juno PublishiPicture: Disco’s DAL7440 KABRA laser saw.

The US Department of Energy (DOE) has announced up to $15m in funding to conduct early-stage research to drive further breakthroughs in solid-state lighting (SSL) technology. The funding aims to accelerate the development of high-quality light-emitting diode (LED) and organic light-emitting diode (OLED) products with the potential to reduce lighting energy costs for American families and businesses and to enhance US global competitiveness.

The funding announcement is intended to further the administration’s goal to drive US technology leadership in solid-state lighting by supporting research in four areas:

Topic 1: Core technology research for LEDs, OLEDs, and cross-cutting lighting research

These projects will develop advancs in the underlying science for SSL technology, demonstrating scientific principles, technical application, and application benefits related to physiological impacts of light and light utilization efficiency.

Topic 2: Proof-of-concept and prototype development for LEDs and OLEDs

These projects will pursue early-stage research to contribute to the development of SSL prototypes as well as advanced proof-of-concept SSL materials, devices and luminaires. Research in this area will focus on high-efficacy LED prototypes, advanced LED lighting, LED power electronics, OLED light engines, OLED prototype lighting platforms, and OLED panel light extraction and utilization.

Topic 3: Advanced fabrication R&D

These projects will focus on the underlying chemical and physical aspects of SSL fabrication, exploring advanced LED fabrication approaches, OLED substrate and encapsulation fabrication, and OLED panel fabrication.

Topic 4: Innovative lighting in a limited mock field application

These projects will assess innovative lighting system solutions in a limited mock field application setting. The technical resources and data sets developed will ultimately help researchers refine or refocus early-stage R&D of SSL-based devices, luminaires, and systems.

In total, the DOE will fund 10-15 cost-shared projects from industry, academia and national laboratories.

Tags: DOE SSL funding LEDs

Visit: https://eere-exchange.energy.gov