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According to reports, a research team led by Professor Keon Jae of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and Daesoo Kim, a professor of the Department of Biological Sciences, developed a flexible vertical Micro LED (micro light emitting diode) (f-VLEDs) technology. At the same time, the team also successfully controlled animal behavior through the optogenetic stimulation of this Micro LED technology.

Thanks to the characteristics of ultra-low power consumption, fast response speed and superior flexibility, flexible Micro LED has become a strong candidate for next-generation displays. However, previous Micro LED technology faced critical issues such as poor component efficiency, low thermal reliability, and insufficient interconnect technology for high-resolution Micro LED Mesh Screen for Outdoor Media Façade displays.

The report pointed out that the research team designed a new transfer device and fabricated an f-VLED array (50×50) through the precise alignment of ACF bonding technology, using synchronous transfer and interconnection technology. Compared with lateral Micro LEDs, these f-VLEDs have 3 times higher optical power density (30 mW/mm2), and can improve thermal reliability and extend operating life by reducing the amount of heat generated inside thin-film LEDs.

(Source: KAIST)

It is reported that these f-VLEDs (thickness: 5 microns; size: under 80 microns) are suitable for optogenetic control of neuron cells and brain behavior. Optogenetic control, as opposed to electrical stimulation that triggers all neurons in the brain, stimulates specific excitatory or inhibitory neurons in localized cortical regions of the brain, facilitating precise analysis, as well as high-resolution mapping of animal brains and neuronal modulation.

During the research, the team implanted the newly invented f-VLEDs into the narrow space between the skull of the mouse and the surface of its brain, and successfully controlled the mouse by illuminating the motor neurons on the two-dimensional cortical area deep in the brain surface. the behavior of.

According to Professor Li, such flexible vertical Micro LEDs can be used in low-power smart watches, mobile device displays and wearable lighting products. In addition, this flexible optoelectronic device is also suitable for biomedical applications such as brain science, light therapy and contact lens biosensors.

It is understood that the research results entitled “Optogenetic control of limb movement on the surface of the brain through flexible vertical light-emitting diodes” have been published in the journal “Nano Energy” in February 2018. It is reported that Professor Li recently established a start-up company (FRONICS) based on Micro LED technology and is looking for global partners to commercialize Micro LED.