VerLase has patented technology it hopes will replace phosphors and quantum dots in multiple LED applications.

Described in U.S. Patent No. 8,859,412, Versulite G incorporates wurtzite ZnCdSe quantum wells on 2-D layered semiconductor crystal.

These II-VI materials can directly emit colors in the visible spectrum where conventional GaN LEDs cannot.

In conventional LEDs, the emitted blue light must be shifted to longer wavelengths by phosphors like quantum dots (QDs) to achieve green, yellow, and red colors, or to mix them for white. The conversion process results in some loss in efficiency and increased thermal effects, leading to changes in color and brightness and shorter lifetimes.

Earlier fabrication methods yielded short lifetimes for II-VI materials as well, but growing them in the wurtzite phase on 2-D templates gets around this problem, according to VerLase.

Meanwhile, sister company VersufleX Technologies is developing a method for depositing exfoliated 2-D materials that act as phosphors or monolayer quantum wells.

For more information, visit www.verlase.com.