June 30, 2025
Red Light Emitting Diode

In a groundbreaking scientific advancement, researchers at the University of Calicut have developed a next-generation red light-emitting diode (LED) using gold-copper alloy nanoclusters, achieving one of the highest-ever efficiencies recorded in its class. This pioneering effort, led by Dr. Shibu Sidharth and his PhD scholar Dr. Rival Jose from the Department of Nanoscience and Technology, has placed the university on the global map of materials science research.

The newly engineered nanocluster-based LED (NC-LED) delivers a saturated pure red emission with an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 12.6%; a performance level that rivals and surpasses many global standards in nanomaterial-based LEDs. This innovation could potentially revolutionize displays, lighting, and optoelectronic devices by offering higher brightness and color purity with reduced energy consumption.

Published in One of the World’s Top Scientific Journals

Adding to the significance of the breakthrough, the research findings have been published in Advanced Materials, a leading international journal by Wiley with a prestigious impact factor of 27.4. This is a landmark achievement for the University of Calicut, marking the first time the institution’s work has been featured in such a high-impact journal, underscoring its emerging leadership in the field of nanotechnology and photonics.

Dr. Shibu Sidharth expressed his excitement about the milestone:
“Our work with nanocluster-engineered LEDs opens up new frontiers in solid-state lighting. This is not just a scientific accomplishment but a moment of pride for Indian research.”

Implications for the Future of Energy-Efficient Displays

The gold-copper alloy nanocluster LEDs could pave the way for the next generation of energy-efficient display technologies, from smartphones and televisions to large-scale lighting solutions. The pure red emission and record-breaking efficiency make this innovation especially valuable for quantum dot displays and high-definition imaging systems.

Moreover, the use of nanoclusters introduces a level of tunability and control at the atomic scale, allowing for custom spectral output that could benefit a wide range of applications in biotechnology, quantum computing, and medical diagnostics.

Disclaimer:- This article is based on publicly available information and research-related updates attributed to the University of Calicut and its researchers. The scientific data and publication details are accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of writing. For technical or academic inquiries, readers are encouraged to consult the official research paper published in Advanced Materials or contact the university directly.