A research team from Zhejiang University in east China has developed the world’s smallest perovskite LEDs, pushing the boundaries of semiconductor technology. Led by Di Dawei and Zhao Baodan, the team created micro- and nano-perovskite LEDs with a pixel length of just 90 nanometers, setting a new record for the smallest known pixel size.
Their groundbreaking work, titled “Downscaling micro- and nano-perovskite LEDs,” was published in the prestigious journal Nature on March 19.
“In electronic science, reducing the size of elementary devices—known as ‘downscaling’—drives advancements in computing, displays, and human-machine interactions,” explained Di. “Miniaturization has always been a key goal for scientists.”
Zhao added that by shrinking LEDs, it’s possible to achieve ultra-high-definition and ultra-high-precision optical displays. “However, traditional micro-LEDs face challenges: manufacturing costs are extremely high due to complex processes, and efficiency drops sharply when the pixel size falls below about 10 micrometers,” he said. “This size is crucial for high-end augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) applications.”
To overcome these hurdles, the team introduced the concept of “micro-perovskite LEDs” in 2021. Through material and process innovations, they maintained high light-emitting efficiency even as the pixel size was reduced from hundreds of micrometers to just 90 nanometers. “Our micro- and nano-perovskite LEDs only begin to show downscaling effects at an extremely small size of about 180 nanometers, demonstrating significant advantages over traditional micro-LEDs,” the researchers noted.
The next step for the team is to collaborate with industry partners to integrate these LED arrays with programmable circuits, enabling practical display applications. “We’re actively promoting the application of our technology,” the team said.
