A SUPA INSPIRE secondment led to the development of key capabilities for a growing business, with the seconded physicist proving so invaluable to the company that he subsequently joined their team.
A SUPA INSPIRE secondment led to the development of key capabilities for a growing business, with the seconded physicist proving so invaluable to the company that he subsequently joined their team.
mLED LTD is the world leading producer of micron-scale arrays of LEDs. microLEDs are pattern-programmable solid-state micro-projectors, which are suitable for inducing changes in organic materials. The small dimensions, high power densities and variety of emitter shapes provide a versatile technology that can be utilised in a variety of applications.
MicroLED systems are suitable for use in neuroscience labs and in particular for optogenetic applications. Optogenetics was chosen as the “Method of the Year” across all fields of science and engineering by “Nature Methods” in 2010 and mLED had already delivered component capabilities to MIT and Stanford University, both of whom are recognised to be leaders in the field. Under the INSPIRE scheme, Dr Gareth Valentine, a Research Technologist at the Institute of Photonics, was seconded to mLED to evaluate further capabilities which would impact on product development and future implementation of micro-emitters for optogenetic studies.
Gareth performed optical design modelling and consequently demonstrated structures that would increase light extraction and improve the beam profile; key requirements for optogenetics as it increases the probability of invoking a reaction and decreases localised heating at the reaction site. Gareth also used this time to improve software and firmware for control of microLED structures. Overall, Gareth was pivotal in developing key capabilities which are now being implemented within mLED’s short term and longer term product roadmap.
During the secondment, Gareth worked very closely with mLED’s design and process engineers and provided important input to the company’s technical strategy. Consequently, it became apparent that Gareth had a great deal to offer mLED and following the completion of the secondment, Gareth accepted the position of Technology Manager at mLED.
The SUPA secondment has proven to be of great benefit to mLED and also offered the opportunity for Gareth to become more involved in an entrepreneurial environment. CEO Dr Jim Bonar commented, The award of this SUPA Inspire grant provided a timely injection of highly skilled resource. Gareth was able to bring a lot of technical know-how and ingenuity and through his contributions provided information which was developed into our technology roadmap. This helped with our intermediate funding round in July 2012 and we were subsequently delighted to have Gareth join our growing, dynamic team.