Lead Performer: Lumisyn, LLC – Rochester, NY
DOE Total Funding: $150,000
Project Term: February 21, 2017 – November 20, 2017
Funding Type: SBIR

PROJECT OBJECTIVE

This project will seek to form unique nanocrystal-based silicone films with high quantum efficiencies and low optical scattering losses that will maintain those critical properties under LED operation and with optically dense films. Novel nanocrystal surface region materials will be synthesized, analyzed for performance, and then optimized accordingly in order to enable maximum efficiency with minimal scattering loss for the proposed silicone-based films. The main goal for the Phase I effort is to develop stable, silicone-based films that will demonstrate high-performance optical properties and will maintain those properties under the harsh operating conditions of production LEDs.

PROJECT IMPACT

The resulting nanocrystal-based silicone films can be placed directly on blue LEDs, replacing other conventional downconverter systems without compromise in overall efficiency and with improved color, stability, and life. Also, when used in conjunction with downconverting systems containing conventional green-yellow-emitting bulk phosphors in phosphor-converted LED (pcLED) device designs, the resulting phosphor blends may create warm-white pcLEDs with an increase of as much as a factor of 1.3 in efficacy while enabling high-quality white light with high color rendering. By adding green- and yellow-emitting nanocrystals to the silicone films, further LED system efficacy gains can be made, also enabling custom light sources to be created.

CONTACTS

DOE Technology Manager: James Brodrick, James.Brodrick@ee.doe.gov
Lead Performer: Keith Kahen, Lumisyn, LLC