Zero- and Low-Scattering Phosphors for High-Efficiency Micro-LEDs: Bridging the Gap Between Photoluminescence and Device Integration
Nelson Oshogwue Etafo1,2*, Nathan Abutu3,4, Carlos Eduardo Rodríguez-García2,5, Josué Caleb Martínez Loyola1
1Universidad Politécnica de Ramos Arizpe, De Las Americas, 25903 Ramos Arizpe, Coahuila, Mexico 2Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila, Boulevard Venustiano Carranza Ing. José Cárdenas Valdés S/N, 25280 Saltillo, Coahuila, México. 3Department of Industrial Physics, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University (University of Agriculture Makurdi), P.M.B. 2373 Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. 4Materials Science Department. Centro de Investigacion’ en Materiales Avanzados, S.C., Miguel de Cervantes 120, Complejo Industrial Chihuahua, 31109, Chihuahua, CHIH, Mexico 5Facultad de Ciencias Físico Matemáticas, Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila, Edif. A. S/N, Unidad Camporredondo, 25000, Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico.
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Abstract
Abstract Micro-light-emitting diodes (micro-LEDs) represent the frontier of next-generation displays and micro-lighting systems, offering unparalleled brightness, efficiency, contrast, and response speed. However, their miniaturization intensifies challenges related to color conversion—particularly when using phosphor-based down-conversion for white light or full-color emission. Conventional phosphors, composed of micron-sized particles with high refractive index mismatch relative to encapsulants, induce severe optical scattering, leading to efficiency loss, angular color non-uniformity, and poor spatial resolution. This review critically examines recent advances in zero- and low-scattering phosphor platforms—including nanophosphors, single-crystal phosphors (SCPs), and transparent ceramic phosphors (TCPs)—that mitigate light scattering while preserving high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY). We analyze how particle size, morphology, crystal quality, and integration strategies govern optical performance, with emphasis on angular color stability, conversion efficiency, and compatibility with micro-LED pixel architectures. Finally, we outline remaining challenges and future directions for scalable, high-fidelity color conversion in micro-LED displays.
Keywords: micro-LEDs; phosphors; light scattering