The U.S. Department of Energy has announced the competitive selection of 11 projects for solid-state lighting (SSL) R&D, in response to the funding opportunity announcement (FOA) DE-FOA-0001823. These projects will support key scientific advancements in SSL technology and help to accelerate the development of high-quality light-emitting diode (LED) and organic light-emitting diode (OLED) lighting products that can significantly improve energy affordability for American families and businesses, and ensure that the U.S. remains a global leader in SSL innovation.
Department-funded R&D will drive U.S. technology leadership in SSL by supporting innovative research. In total, the 11 selected projects will receive $11 million and will make a cost-share contribution for a total public-private investment of over $15 million, as they help to further reduce the cost and improve the quality of SSL products. This is the thirteenth round of DOE investments in SSL R&D. The selections are listed below (final details are subject to negotiations).
Recipient: Arizona State University (Tempe, AZ)
Title: Improved Light Extraction By Engineering Molecular Properties of Square Planar Phosphorescent Emissive Materials
Summary: This project investigates methods to improve light extraction efficiency in OLEDs through better control and alignment of the phosphorescent emitter materials.
DOE Share: $700,000; Cost Share: $175,000
Recipient: Columbia University (New York, NY)
Title: Environmentally Robust Quantum Dot Downconverters for Highly Efficient Solid-State Lighting
Summary: For phosphor-converted approaches, the project seeks to develop improved cadmium-free quantum dots with greater efficacy and improved stability to flux and temperature.
DOE Share: $1,250,914; Cost Share: $741,406
Recipient: Eaton Corporation (Menomonee Falls, WI)
Title: Additively Manufactured Solid-State Luminaire
Summary: This project seeks development of an additive manufacturing process for LED luminaires that includes mechanical and thermal management structures, electrical and electronic structures and optical and light reflector structures.
DOE Share: $1,500,000; Cost Share: $706,890
Recipient: Iowa State University (Ames, IA)
Title: Enhanced Light Outcoupling from OLEDs Fabricated on Novel Low-Cost Patterned Plastic Substrates of Varying Periodicity
Summary: This project investigates fabrication methods of shallow corrugated plastic substrates for increased light extraction in OLEDs. The approach includes development of a buried metal mesh to improve conductivity into the OLED device.
DOE Share: $1,430,923; Cost Share: $488,214
Recipient: LED Specialists, Inc. (Holbrook, NY)
Title: High Efficiency OLED Light Engine
Summary: This project seeks to develop high efficiency, long-life electronic drivers designed to meet the specific requirements of OLED light engines.
DOE Share: $143,155; Cost Share: $47,718
Recipient: Lumileds, LLC (Santa Clara, CA)
Title: High-Luminance LED Platform for Improved Efficacy in Directional Lighting
Summary: This project seeks to develop high-luminance (HL) LEDs and light engines that increase efficacy of directional lighting applications based on LED-level efficacy improvement, LED package development, and LED platform development.
DOE Share: $1,494,075; Cost Share: $498,025
Recipient: North Carolina State University (Raleigh, NC)
Title: Corrugated OLEDs for High Efficiency White OLEDs
Summary: This project pursues laboratory development of a continuous roll-to-roll process to fabricate corrugated substrates for OLEDs with emphasis of light extraction.
DOE Share: $1,135,986; Cost Share: $379,082
Recipient: The Ohio State University (Columbus, OH)
Title: High Efficiency InGaN LEDs Emitting in Green, Amber and Beyond
Summary: This project addresses improved green and amber emitters based on nitride materials through an investigation of growth parameters such as temperature, pressure, and molecular ratios.
DOE Share: $590,827; Cost Share: $147,727
Recipient: Pennsylvania State University (University Park, PA)
Title: Low Refractive Index OLEDs for Practical High Efficiency Outcoupling
Summary: This project investigates methods to extract light that is trapped in OLEDs through several techniques including methods to reduce the refractive index in OLEDs, effectively eliminating internal reflection with the glass substrate.
DOE Share: $1,150,345; Cost Share: $383,449
Recipient: University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI)
Title: From Deposition to Encapsulation: Roll-to-Roll Manufacturing of Organic Light Emitting Devices for Lighting
Summary: This project seeks to integrate batch vacuum processes and continuous roll-to-roll fabrication and encapsulation processes for OLEDs into a single processing line.
DOE Share: $1,201,526; Cost Share: $408,395
Recipient: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Blacksburg, VA)
Title: Adaptive Lighting for Streets and Residential Areas
Summary: This project seeks to maximize energy savings through better understanding of application needs (visual safety and security) allowing for informed decision-making related to lighting and control systems.
DOE Share: $718,028; Cost Share: $179,507