The nanorod approach: GaN NanoLEDs for solid state lighting

Abstract Vertically aligned GaN nanorods have recently obtained substantial interest as a new approach to solid state lighting. In comparison to conventional planar LEDs, 3D NanoLEDs are expected to offer substantial advantageous: very low defect density, quasi free‐standing, no strain due to mismatch of thermal expansion coefficients, no substrate bending even when grown on large area silicon. Core‐shell strategies are another very interesting aspect. The active LED surface per wafer could be increased by more than one order of magnitude. However, most of these advantages have not yet been proven in real devices, which would include a quantitative comparison of light emission. Related to the 3D character, there are also technological risks. In the following we will discuss the main developments which have paved the way up to this point, including a detailed discussion of possible benefits and risks connected with the NanoLED approach (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)