NTNU and IBM Collaborate on Research to Enhance GaAs LED Crystal Structure Efficiency

　　The latest research from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) shows that small changes in single nanowires can significantly improve the efficiency of LEDs and solar cells. Researchers Dheeraj Dasa and Helge Weman from NTNU are collaborating with IBM, and the research results have led to significant improvements in the efficiency of gallium arsenide LEDs or photodetectors, thanks to the hexagonal crystal structure, also called wurtzite structure, that researchers have successfully grown in the laboratory. This research has been published in the journal Nature Communications.

　　In recent years, NTNU has made several advances and breakthroughs in nanowire and graphene research. Researchers specializing in nanowire growth have successfully achieved control over the crystal structure during the nanowire growth process. By changing the crystal structure of a material, that is, the positions of atoms, the material acquires entirely new properties. Researchers have discovered methods to change the crystal structure of nanowires composed of gallium arsenide or other semiconductors.

　　Other research results from the laboratory include growing semiconductor nanowires on graphene materials, and the research findings have been commercialized, with CrayoNano AS co-founded by key researchers including Helge Weman. Mr. Weman stated that the company's next step will be to develop the business of growing gallium nitride nanowires for white light LEDs.