New University of Sheffield spin-out company developing game-changing micro-LED technology

*EpiPix a University of Sheffield spin-out company – is developing the next generation of micro-LED technology
* New spin-out is developing and commercialising game-changing micro-LED technology for photonics applications in micro-displays for smart devices, AR, VR, 3D sensing and Li-Fi communications
*Company is harnessing research from the University’s Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering – a world in semiconductor materials and devices
* Spin-out is collaborating with around the world on next generation micro-LED product developments

A new spin-out company from the University of Sheffield that is developing the next generation of micro-LED technology has officially launched this week (4 February 2020).

The company, named EpiPix is developing and commercialising game-changing micro-LED technology for photonics applications, such as micro-displays for portable smart devices, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), 3D sensing and visible light communications (Li-Fi).

Underpinned by research from Professor Tao Wang and his team at the University of Sheffield’s Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering – renowned around the world for their research and expertise in semiconductor materials and devices – the company is collaborating with global on next generation micro-LED product developments.

This pre-production technology has already been demonstrated for multi-colour micro-LED arrays on single wafers with high light efficiency and uniformity. EpiPix is developing robust micro-LED epiwafers and product solutions for red, green and blue wavelengths with micro-LED pixel size ranging from 30 microns down to 10 microns and with less than five microns diameter prototypes demonstrated successfully.

EpiPix operates as a commercially-driven technology centre with worldwide exclusive commercial rights to all the micro-LED IP that has been licensed by the company from the University.

Professor Tao Wang from the University of Sheffield’s Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering said: “Currently, there are a number of fundamental challenges in fabricating high performance micro-LEDs with a diameter below 5 µm, which are particularly important for AR and VR micro-display. Very recently, we have developed a novel but cost-effective approach, achieving ultra-small and ultra-bright micro-LEDs with record efficiency. These results have also been published in a high profile journal, ACS Photonics. The vision of EpiPix aims to turn the major technological breakthrough into world products, eventually becoming a global manufacturer in this area in the next five years.”

Dennis Camilleri, CEO and Director of EpiPix, said: “This is an exciting opportunity, and great timing in the micro-LED markets, for turning excellent science into profitable micro-LED products. We are already engaged with industry customers to ensure that EpiPix aligns with their short-term product requirements and future technology roadmaps.”

Dennis Camilleri will be in San Francisco at the Photonics West Conference and Exhibition between 3-6 February 2020.