Dr. Chen Chen

Full-Color Micro-LED Near-Eye Display Technology Based on Quantum Dot

In the category of near-eye displays used in AR/XR devices, the Micro-LED technology pathway is widely regarded as the ultimate display solution due to its advantages such as high efficiency, brightness, and energy savings. However, at the current stage of development, achieving full colorization of Micro-LEDs is a challenge that the industry generally cannot overcome. Addressing the production bottleneck of Micro-LED micro-displays, we have developed a solution based on Nano-Porous Quantum Dot (NPQD®) technology, which enables direct integration of red, green, and blue colors at the wafer level on low-cost blue LED substrates.

Through electro-chemical etching, nanometer-sized pores are etched into gallium nitride material, in which quantum dot materials are then injected. This structure serves as a natural container to help quantum dots perform color conversion, with highlights including high conversion efficiency and reliability. Simultaneously, the team has independently developed a complete set of technologies from epitaxy to module, making it possible to mass-produce new full-color Micro-LED display chips and micro-display modules that are high-efficiency, low-cost, small-sized, and highly reliable.

Micro-LED Chips for Other Applications

Leveraging the exclusive Nanoporous Quantum Dot (NPQD®) technology, Saphlux has achieved a breakthrough in quantum dot direct-view display products. We integrated Mini/Micro-LED chips with an in-situ quantum dot color conversion layer, leading to the mass production of the R-series QD LED chips in 2023. The nanoporous GaN structure serves as a natural container for the quantum dot materials, extending the light path for optimal conversion efficiency while protecting the materials to ensure reliability at high flux density. This approach represents one of the most efficient and scalable quantum dot color conversion solution available.

Building on the R-series quantum dot chips, Saphlux, in collaboration with Leyard, has jointly developed a series of QD COB display products for applications including commercial displays, XR filming, and home theater. By replacing traditional AlInGaP red chips, we have unified the material of the three-color chips, resulting in unified light pattern, great color accuracy, large viewing angles, consistent color performance, and multiple other benefits. Additionally, leveraging the characteristic that the wavelength of quantum dots is determined by their size, we offer the capability to customize wavelengths for Mini/MicroLED chips to meet specific requirements.

Dr. Chen Chen is the CEO and co-founder of Saphlux, Inc., an industry leader in quantum dot micro-LED solutions. He has led the company’s efforts in the development and commercialization of three industry-first products: the 4-inch semi-polar (20-21) template for next-generation GaN devices, NPQD mini-LEDs for commercial displays, and NPQD micro-LED displays for all-day wearable AR glasses.

Prior to establishing Saphlux, Dr. Chen was an R&D engineer at Schlumberger, where he successfully developed the ONYX360 rolling cutter, which achieved sales exceeding $1 billion and received both the World Oil Award and the E&P Meritorious Award. Holding over 60 patents, Dr. Chen earned his B.S. and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering and received his MBA from Yale University.