Near-infrared micro-light emitting diodes for biomedical applications

Smart phones have become an integral part of modern society, providing users with a range of functions such as communication, entertainment, and photo/video capture. However, they currently lack the ability to perform biomedical sensing and health-related functions. By integrating near-infrared (NIR) light sources and detectors into smart phone displays, it may be possible to add such functions and transform the devices into powerful tools for monitoring health and diagnosing diseases. NIR light with a wavelength of around 950 nm has been found to have important biomedical and health applications. Incorporating NIR light sources and detectors into smart phone displays could allow for non-invasive monitoring of various biomarkers in the body, such as oxygen saturation, glucose levels, and blood pressure.
In this project, we will work closely with our industry partner – VueReal Technologies Inc., a Waterloo-based high-tech company, to develop NIR micrometer-sized light emitting diodes (µ-LEDs) and explore a reliable approach to detach µ-LEDs from their initial substrate and transfer and integrate with a driving circuit backplane. The research objectives include 1) To develop an optimized dry and/or wet etching process for minimizing sidewall defects/impurities, 2) To fabricate NIR µ-LED array devices for achieving optimum device performance,

Faculty Supervisor:

Dayan Ban

Student:

Partner:

VueReal Inc.

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Manufacturing; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Waterloo

Program: