In a major leap forward for display technology, researchers from Zhejiang University have unveiled the world’s smallest LED pixel — measuring just 90 nanometers (nm) — setting a new benchmark in resolution and efficiency for next-generation displays.

Led by Professor David Di and Professor Baodan Zhao, the research team published their findings in Nature under the title "Downscaling micro- and nano-perovskite LEDs." Their work introduces an ultra-high-resolution LED array capable of achieving 127,000 pixels per inch (PPI) — the highest resolution ever recorded in LED display technology.

Why This Breakthrough Matters

Traditional III-V semiconductor-based Micro LED displays face significant limitations:

• High manufacturing costs

• Sharp efficiency drop when scaled below ~10 microns

The new solution? Perovskite LEDs (PeLEDs), which offer several key advantages:

• Lower production costs

• Excellent performance at nanoscale dimensions

• External quantum efficiencies (EQE) of 20–30%, comparable to OLEDs

• Longer operational lifetimes approaching OLED standards

This innovation opens the door to high-performance, cost-effective displays that were previously unattainable with conventional Micro LED technology.

The Innovation Behind the Record-Breaking Pixel

At the heart of this achievement is a novel fabrication technique known as the localized contact process. The method uses an insulating layer with patterned windows to prevent direct exposure of perovskite materials to electrodes, significantly reducing non-radiative energy loss.

As a result, PeLEDs maintain high efficiency even at ultra-small sizes — a critical milestone for future high-resolution applications.

Performance Comparison: PeLED vs Traditional Micro LED

PeLEDs clearly outperform traditional Micro LEDs in both scalability and efficiency at smaller scales, making them ideal candidates for next-gen visual technologies.

Prototype Active-Matrix Micro PeLED Display

The team also demonstrated a working prototype of an active-matrix micro-PeLED display using commercial thin-film transistor (TFT) backplanes — proving its viability for practical, high-resolution applications.

Potential use cases include:

• Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) – Retina-level clarity with ultra-high PPI

• Wearable Displays – Lightweight and power-efficient

• Smart Glasses & Head-Up Displays (HUDs) – High brightness with low power consumption

Challenges and the Road Ahead

Despite this breakthrough, several challenges remain before PeLEDs reach mass production:

1. Lifetime and Stability: While current PeLEDs approach OLED-like lifespans, further improvements are needed for commercial deployment.

2. Scalability: Transitioning from lab-scale prototypes to large-volume manufacturing will require innovations like inkjet printing and roll-to-roll processing.

3. Competition: Micro OLED and quantum dot-enhanced Micro LED technologies are also advancing rapidly.

However, the unprecedented pixel density of PeLEDs gives them a unique edge in niche, high-resolution markets.

Industry Outlook: Growth in Thin-Film Micro LED

Driven by demand for ultra-high-resolution displays and advancements in hybrid LED technologies, the global thin-film Micro LED market is poised for strong growth. Key sectors fueling this expansion include:

• AR/VR headsets

• Automotive HUDs

• Smart wearables

According to recent industry analysis, these trends will accelerate investment and R&D in perovskite and related display technologies.

Conclusion: A New Era for Micro LED Displays

The development of a 90nm PeLED pixel marks a turning point in the evolution of display technology. With:

• Unprecedented pixel density (127,000 PPI)

• Lower manufacturing costs compared to III-V Micro LEDs

• Sustained efficiency at nanoscale sizes

Perovskite-based Micro LED displays are well-positioned to lead the next wave of innovation — especially in AR/VR, wearable devices, and other high-end visual applications.

As research continues and production techniques mature, PeLEDs could soon become the standard for ultra-high-definition displays across industries.