LEDs and Lasers – New Understanding of Perovskites Could Upend Performance Metrics

Scientists are taking a deeper dive into perovskite to better understand this material, which has vast applications covering electronics, energy storage, lasers, optoelectronics, glucose sensors, and more. But what is it exactly?

Perovskite is a natural mineral made of calcium, titanium, and oxygen with the crystal structure of CaTiO₃ or having the formula ABX3. It was first discovered in 1839 in Russia. A class of materials with the same crystal structure as the mineral perovskite are also known as perovskite materials.

The exceptional physical properties such as ferroelectric, dielectric, piezoelectric, and pyroelectric behavior and chemical properties, including catalytic activity and oxygen transport capability of perovskite, make them one of the most important structure classes in material science. This makes them a potential candidate for applications in fuel cells, memory devices, and photovoltaics.

They can also be used in solar cells to convert sunlight into electricity, as well as for the acquisition of clean energy and the degradation of organic pollutants.

Given all kinds of different industries, perovskite can potentially help advance, it makes sense that scientists are trying to understand it better.

Click here to learn all about piezoelectric materials.

Understanding Perovskite at Atomic Level for Better Control

Researchers from North Carolina State University, with support from the National Science Foundation, have discovered a way to create layered hybrid perovskites (LHPs) by studying them at the molecular level.

This breakthrough allows for unprecedented control over LHPs’ light-emitting properties and can lead to significant advancements in laser and LED technologies. It also holds promise for engineering other materials for use in photovoltaic devices.

Layered hybrid perovskites (LHPs), according to the research, have emerged as promising semiconductors for next-generation energy and photonic applications. Here, controlling the distribution, size, and orientation of quantum wells (QWs) is extremely important.

LHPs are made up of very thin sheets of perovskite semiconductor material. These sheets are separated from each other by thin organic “spacer” layers.

Given that these thin films of multiple sheets of perovskite and “spacer” layers can efficiently convert electrical charge into light, LHPs have been of considerable interest to the research community for years. However, there is still limited understanding of how to engineer them to control their performance characteristics.

To understand them, we have to start with quantum wells, which are sheets of semiconductor material jammed between ‘spacer’ layers.

They are the layers that form in LHPs. And a two-atom thick quantum well has higher energy than the one that is five atoms thick.

Because energy flows from high-energy structures to low-energy structures at the molecular level, we need to have three and four atoms-thick quantum wells between the two and five atoms-thick quantum wells, allowing the energy to flow efficiently.

“You basically want to have a gradual slope that the energy can cascade down.”

– Kenan Gundogdu, co-author of the paper and a professor of physics at NC State

However, people kept running into an anomaly when studying LHPs. The anomaly is the size distribution of quantum wells in an LHP sample observed through X-ray diffraction, which is different from what’s detected using optical spectroscopy.

Aram Amassian, the paper’s corresponding author and a professor of materials science and engineering at NC State University, illustrated how diffraction can indicate that quantum wells have a two-atom thickness and are part of a 3D bulk crystal. Meanwhile, spectroscopy can reveal that the quantum wells are two, three, and four atoms thick, in addition to the presence of the three-dimensional bulk phase.

So, the team went to look for answers: Why is there this disconnect between the two, and how can quantum wells’ size and distribution in LHPs be controlled?

Through experiments, the team discovered nanoplatelets (NPLs) to be the key player. NPLs are individual sheets of perovskite material that form spontaneously on the surface of the solution the researchers used to create LHPs.

“We found that these nanoplatelets essentially serve as templates for layered materials that form under them,” said Amassian, noting that the atomic thickness of nanoplatelets dictates the thickness of LHP beneath it.

However, the nanoplatelets aren’t stable, and their thickness keeps on growing, adding new layers of atoms over time.

“Eventually, the nanoplatelet grows so thick that it becomes a three-dimensional crystal.”

– Amassian

So, the anomaly was due to diffraction detecting the stacking of sheets but not nanoplatelets, while optical spectroscopy detects isolated sheets. He added:

“What’s exciting is that we found we can essentially stop the growth of nanoplatelets in a controlled way, essentially tuning the size and distribution of quantum wells in LHP films.”

By doing so, researchers can attain superb energy cascades, which are essential for high reproducibility, low threshold, and ambient photostability.

This translates to the material being fast and highly efficient at funneling charges and energy for the purposes of laser and LED applications.

With nanoplatelets playing a critical role in the formation of perovskite layers in LHPs, the researchers went to see if NPLs can be used to engineer the structure and properties of other perovskite materials, including those used in solar cells and other photovoltaic technologies.

“We found that the nanoplatelets play a similar role in other perovskite materials and can be used to engineer those materials to enhance the desired structure, improving their photovoltaic performance and stability.”

– Milad Abolhasani, Co-author and ALCOA Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at NC State

So, the team leveraged the NLPs to control 3D perovskites’ facet orientation and enhance the stability and efficiency of wide-bandgap solar cells.

Using Computer Simulations for Detailed Insight into Perovskites

Solar cells, or photovoltaic (PV) cells, are gaining a lot of popularity thanks to their environmental benefits. Solar energy, after all, is clean, renewable, and doesn’t produce greenhouse gas emissions. Sunlight is also available in unlimited quantities, making it easy to harness with solar cells.

Additionally, their costs have dropped significantly, as much as 70% since 2010, which makes them affordable. Advancements in technology have further improved their performance and lifespan.

With that, the global solar cell market is expected to reach $730.74 billion over the next decade.

A solar cell is basically a device that converts sunlight directly into electricity. For this, it uses materials like silicon, but scientists are looking for more efficient and stable materials, and perovskites are being seen as a promising alternative.

Scientists have been working on perovskite solar technology for some time now, and advancements have led to its breaking efficiency records. In solar cells, perovskites work together with silicon to utilize more of the solar spectrum and, in turn, generate more electricity per cell.

Now, by using computer simulations and machine learning, researchers at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden have been able to gain new insights into just how perovskite materials function in order to design efficient and stable optoelectronic devices.

Machine learning has been gaining a lot of traction in the scientific community as researchers use it to study larger systems than was previously possible with the standard methods and over a longer period.

So, the research team studied a series of 2D perovskite materials, which are more stable than 3D ones.

They mapped out the material in computer simulations and then subjected it to different scenarios to get a detailed idea of exactly what led to the results in an experiment. The team was able to get a much broader and more detailed overview than before, which is especially important here because, in the very thin layers of this material, each layer behaves differently, which is extremely difficult to detect experimentally.

Professor Paul Erhart, a member of the research team, helped them get a “much greater insight into how 2D perovskites work.”

In 2D perovskite materials, there are inorganic layers that are stacked on top of each other and separated by organic molecules.

“What we have discovered is that you can directly control how atoms in the surface layers move through the choice of the organic linkers and how this affects the atomic movements deep inside the perovskite layers. Since that movement is so crucial to the optical properties, it’s like a domino effect.”

– Paul Erhart

The considerable insight, according to the co-author, gives the opportunity to understand where the stability of 2D perovskite materials comes from.

“(This can help predict) which linkers and dimensions can make the material both more stable and more efficient at the same time.”

– Co-author Julia Wiktor

In the next step, the team will “move to even more complex systems and, in particular, interfaces that are fundamental for the function of devices,” added Wiktor.

Advancements in Laser and LED Technologies

There has been a lot of development being made in perovskites thanks to their vast potential across several high-tech fields, including clean energy generation via solar cells, optoelectronic devices such as photodetectors and sensors, and memory devices.

More importantly, advancement in understanding perovskite materials and research into LHPs can be a game-changer for next-generation laser devices, where precision and efficiency are most important, and LED technology, which has implications for screens, lighting, and advanced display technologies.

By fine-tuning these materials, we can get more efficient lasers with increased photostability and high-brightness LEDs with reduced energy consumption.

In the rapidly evolving world of technology, lasers and LEDs have become foundational components across a diverse range of industries: communications, medical devices, manufacturing, and energy-efficient lighting.

To put it simply, these technologies have transformed how we interact with the modern world. The latest breakthroughs in the use of perovskites and quantum well structures are just one of many areas scientists are exploring to advance laser and LED technology.

Here are some recent advancements in laser and LED technologies:

Laser diodes promise reduced cost, higher light output, better beam distance, and efficiency. Due to these benefits, they are becoming a crucial component of optical data storage. The miniaturization of laser diodes has also led to advancements in LiDAR systems for autonomous vehicles.

Ultrafast lasers, meanwhile, emit pulses in the femtosecond range, which is one quadrillionth of a second. This allows for precise material processing without causing heat damage and, as such, is being increasingly used in medical surgeries and scientific research, particularly to study molecular and atomic-level phenomena.

By incorporating machine learning, AI, and sensors, more advanced lasers are being created that operate autonomously, increase efficiency, and are more precise.

Laser-enabled 3D printing, in which a laser source is used to selectively fuse materials together and create complex objects, is another leading trend in the field of laser technology. In additive manufacturing, fiber lasers, in particular, are gaining popularity thanks to their high power, efficiency, and ability to deliver a beam over long distances with minimal loss.

Lasers are also being used increasingly for etching. For this purpose, all kinds of lasers, from fiber, CO2, and crystal to diode lasers and diode-pumped solid-state lasers, are being used. In one instance, researchers from Flinders University modified surfaces with low-power lasers — which usually require expensive, high-power lasers for data storage.

In another study, we reported that researchers exposed a non-magnetic material to high-frequency laser radiation to produce a magnetic effect at room temperature, which has the potential to pave the way for more energy-efficient and faster computers and revolutionizing electronics.

New laser devices have become so advanced that they can now even analyze the skin of a person in real-time. They further allow for precise targeting of specific areas. The holmium (YAG) laser, which is one of the most notable lasers in the field of urology, has recently been improved with pulse-modulating technology. This new technology allows both pulsed and continuous wave modes.

The evolution of lasers has also given us microlasers, which are highly customizable and offer strong optical confinement and enhanced light-matter interactions.

In the LED arena, the lifespan has increased dramatically, which contributes to energy savings.

The application of LED technology is particularly gaining momentum in automotive lighting, where their improved visibility, energy efficiency, and durability enhance safety. Meanwhile, in street lighting, LEDs are offering brighter illumination and significant energy savings.

Here, nanotechnology is showing the potential to significantly impact LED efficiency. Quantum dots are extremely small crystals that contain unique properties that can be tuned to emit light throughout the visibility spectrum, providing more options for color. QD-LEDs offer enhanced color accuracy and brightness and, as such, are becoming prevalent in TVs and monitors.

Smaller versions of traditional LEDs, mini and micro-LEDs, meanwhile, allow for higher resolution, better contrast, and energy efficiency in displays. They are being integrated into next-gen TVs, AR/VR devices, and mobile phones to offer far better brightness and response times than OLEDs.

By integrating sensors and connectivity features into LEDs, researchers are also making ‘smart lighting’ systems that adjust brightness, color, and timing based on user preferences or environmental conditions.

Companies Leading the Charge

Now, let’s take a look at potential investment opportunities in the rapidly advancing fields of lasers, LEDs, and clean energy, all of which could benefit from the breakthroughs in perovskite materials.

First Solar (FSLR -1.09%) is a leader in solar technology whose focus is on thin-film photovoltaic (PV) solutions. With its shares trading at $207.75, up 19.35% YTD, its market cap is at $22 bln. For 2Q24, the company reported $1.01 billion in sales while net income more than doubled to $349.4 million. At the time, CEO Mark Widmar said solar companies were facing restrictions on access to capital as investors were waiting for the policy to become clearer in order to make financing decisions.

Meanwhile, Lumentum Holdings (LITE +1.22%) is involved in the designing and manufacturing of lasers for communications, commercial, and industrial applications. This $4.7 bln market cap company’s shares are up 31.21% YTD as they trade at $69.43.

Then there’s Acuity Brands, Inc. (AYI +0.52%), which is a leader in LED lighting systems. This $9.38 bln market cap company’s shares have gone up 48.9% and are currently trading at $305.

Now, let’s take a deeper dive into one of the top performers in the field.

Coherent, Inc. (COHR +0.98%)

A key player in the field of laser-based technology, Coherent provides lasers for a wide range of applications, including materials processing, electronics, and biomedicine. Its shares have rallied more than 132% this year; so far, it has traded at $105.10, which puts its market cap at $15.6 billion. Its EPS (TTM) is -1.85, and its P/E (TTM) is -54.79.

For its fiscal fourth quarter, the company reported $1.314 billion in revenue and $4.708 bln for the full year ended June 30, 2024, with GAAP gross margins of 32.9% and 30.9%, respectively. The growth, according to Rich Martucci, Interim CFO, was “primarily driven by ongoing AI-related strength in our Datacom transceiver business.”

Recently, the company introduced a new series of highly efficient continuous wave (CW) distributed feedback (DFB) lasers, which are designed to offer 15% greater power efficiency than industry standards. These lasers address the demand for the growing bandwidth required by AI-focused data centers. Earlier this year, Coherent also launched a HyperRapid NXT industrial picosecond laser that enables ultraprecision manufacturing of thin-film solar cells.

Conclusion

Perovskite materials are extremely valuable thanks to their efficiency, cost-effectiveness, flexibility, thinness, mobility, and light-absorbing capabilities. As such, gaining a better and more in-depth understanding of these materials, which is advancing at a rapid pace, can help us unlock new possibilities for next-generation laser and LED technologies.

By controlling the structure and behavior of quantum wells, researchers are further paving the way for more efficient energy transfer, greater stability, and enhanced light-emitting properties. These breakthroughs can position perovskites as game-changers in a variety of industries, and as research continues, they have the potential to revolutionize clean energy, display technologies, and laser applications, making them the focus of material science.

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