High-Efficiency Nanocomposite White Light Phosphors (Phase I)
Investigating Organization
Nanosys Inc.
Principal Investigator(s)
Dr. Erik Scher
Subcontractor
None
Funding Source
Small Business Innovation R&D, Phase I
Award
DOE Share: $99,891
Contract Period
7/13/04 - 4/12/05
The objective of the proposed program is the development of a down-converting system based on engineered nanocomposite materials that will improve the overall cost, performance, and efficiency of solid-state white light.
The Phase I project focuses on determining the feasibility of utilizing engineered nanocomposite down-conversion layers for white light illumination and demonstrating the potential benefits from a perfectly color-matched, non-scattering, index-matched, high-quantum yield, thin-film phosphor layer technology. This project will increase our understanding of the various loss mechanisms occurring within the complete system and is directed at: 1) fabricating optimum nanocomposite mixtures based on theoretical predictions; 2) demonstrating the effect of controlling index of refraction and scattering in the phosphor layer; and 3) projecting eventual performance improvements upon further materials optimization and device design in Phase II.
The proposed technology has the potential to produce solid state white light exceeding the best traditional fluorescent and incandescent bus, with rendering of greater than 80, color temperature of 4,000K, and luminous efficiency of greater than 200 lm/W, while at a cost of less than $1/klm.