Peidong Yang

Next-Generation RGB Emitters with Unity Quantum Efficiency for AR/VR Displays

The transition to the AI era demands a new paradigm for human-computer interaction, with wearable systems like augmented reality (AR) glasses and autonomous vehicles requiring advanced display technologies. MicroLED (μLED) displays are a leading candidate for near-eye AR/VR applications due to their high brightness, energy efficiency, and compact form factor. However, current μLED technologies face significant challenges: poor red efficiency, color non-uniformity, high production costs, and lifetime limitations. This proposal addresses these challenges by developing next-generation RGB emitters based on supramolecular emitters recently invented in PI’s Berkeley lab. This is a unique class of Coordination Assembly Lattices, which the team has named the CAL family lattice. These new emitters are based on a supramolecular assembly chemistry using earth-abundant elements and mild reaction conditions. They offer near-unity photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY), tunable emission wavelengths, and scalable synthesis, enabling high-efficiency, fullcolor displays in a single panel. A new startup MaxiVio Inc. was incorporated in January 2025 to commercialize this technology. Central to any AR/VR display technology is a CMOScontrolled light engine that can deliver photons in specific wavelengths at high photon flux. A critical mission for MaxiVio Inc. is to deliver such powerful miniaturized RGB light engines to the display and photonic interconnect industry. There are two primary aims for this Bakar Fellowship efforts so that these novel emitters can be incorporated into MaxiVio’s μLED RGB light engine: 1. Development of a supramolecular ink photoresist formulation that is patternable with the state-of-the-art lithographical techniques; 2. Improve the lifetime of this supramolecular formulation under high photon flux.