The US Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a $7.5 million core technology research (round 5) funding opportunity as part of its Solid State Lighting Program, according to a report in LEDs Magazine.

DOE anticipates making approximately 5-10 awards for specific advances in LED and OLED lighting under this round and says that awards will not exceed $600,000 per year for up to 3 years.

The release marks the fifth SSL Core Technology Research funding opportunity in a series expected to span a decade. Core Technology Research funding supports applied research in certain key technical areas by fostering a collaborative atmosphere favorable to overcoming the significant technical challenges that restrict the application of SSL.

The funding opportunity web page lists six specific areas of interest:

LEDs:

§         Internal Quantum Efficiency

§         Phosphors and Conversion Materials

§         Encapsulants and Packaging Materials

OLEDs:

§         High Efficiency OLED Materials and Structures

§         OLED Encapsulation and Substrates

§         OLED Fabrication