mLED Ltd will specialise in micro light-emitting diodes (microLEDs), devices made up of thousands of tiny emitters producing light in a compact, integrated package. Unlike other micro-display technologies, microLEDs are dense arrays of miniature light sources that are pattern programmable and do not require a plethora of external components, such as optics and switching matrices, to modulate the light pattern, thereby making them compact and efficient.   

“This is a very exciting international area of technology but there are only a few companies in the world which have recognised the opportunity and demonstrated capability in this area,” says Dr Jim Bonar, Chief Executive of mLED. “MicroLEDs have particularly strong potential for evolving life science markets such as neuroscience [...] as well as for printing, microscopy and next-generation general lighting arrangements,” he adds. “The power density, versatility and compactness of microLEDs makes them ideally suited for these applications. Each of the microLEDs has enough light output to affect other materials, allowing actions such as the active illumination and stimulation of cells.” 

The spin-out of mLED follows the launch of SU2P, a Strathclyde-led partnership between academic institutions in Scotland and California, capitalising on the academic and commercial strengths of the photonics sector. 

More information on the research is available from the University of Strathcyde.