A cutting-edge research proposal to shine fresh light on sustainable development, led by Chair Professor Kei May Lau, Electronic and Computer Engineering, has won funding in the Research Grants Council's highly competitive Theme-Based Research Scheme. Out of 46 preliminary proposals only five were eventually supported.

The Scheme focuses on themes of strategic importance to the long-term development of Hong Kong, with Prof Lau’s project seeking to develop a "Cost-Effective and Eco-Friendly LED System-on-a-Chip (SoC)". Funding allocated was HK$30.565 million.

The project aims to advance the adoption of solid-state lighting in Hong Kong and globally through innovative device fabrication and packaging technologies that can optimize LED efficacy. The target is to provide the technology that can speed up the move to energy-efficient lighting. A project goal is to utilize silicon integrated circuit technologies in LED lighting to develop integrated optimization from device design to lighting systems. In addition, the platform will aim for solutions that reduce manufacturing costs and lead to LED chips in products that can replace traditional lighting sources.

The holistic approach of materials + device + circuit + systems has brought top system and integrated circuit design experts together on the same team. With leading material scientists at work on the project, there will also be opportunities for training a new generation of researchers and the potential for spin-off ventures.