Monolithic integration of tricolor micro-LEDs and color mixing investigation by analog and digital dimming

Abstract

We report on the growth, processing and optical characterization of monolithically integrated tricolor micro-LEDs. The 100 × 100 μm2 active area of the devices is composed of independent subpixels emitting in the blue, green and yellow–orange range with color saturation of over 90% for all bands. The gamut of the device is recorded by both digital and analog dimming, i.e. by pulse width modulation or by varying the current density. Results indicate color mixing performed by both methods leads to a rotated or distorted gamut significantly different from the one predicted by the CIE color model. We explain our findings in terms of quantum-confined Stark effect screening and efficiency droop at high current density, which modify the expected hue and brightness of mixed colors.