The project MiLEDI aims to realise micro-Light Emitting Diodes (mQDL) and micro -Organic Light Emitting Diodes (mQDO) using direct laser or electron beam patterning of nanometer-scale Quantum Dots (QDs) to write the Red-Green-Blue (RGB) arrays for display manufacturing. The main idea sustaining the project is to form the colored green-red light-emitting QDs directly over a matrix of blue emitting micro QDL/QDO arrays, so that the QDs act as frequency down-converters and constitute a RGB micro-display. Both direct-writing technologies will be thoroughly developed to optimize the QD light emission spectrum of the display and its stability. They are expected to provide patterning resolution at micrometric scales, depending on the laser spot areas and particle beam dimensions and operation. These techniques together with the direct formation of QDs assure highly flexible and simpler manufacturing processes, in few steps and with low chemical impact The MiLEDI approach for both micro QDL and QDO RGB displays manufactured by direct laser/electron beam patterning of QDs, is validated by the production of a final prototype of Rear Projection display through the existing supply chain of the project.

POPULAR aims at developing the first generic Augmented Reality Eyewear (ARE) platform covering the widest range of users and use cases, in professional context, leisure, or in daily life. The ordinary-looking glasses will provide visual, wearable, vestibular, and social comfort, making them suitable for all-day use, including personal ophthalmic correction. Major innovations are related to compactness and invisible technology, optical quality, ultra-low power consumption and long operation times, integrating cost-efficiency aspects as well. SSH aspects will be considered in all stages of the project by using a dual approach with an interplay between Human Driven Design and multidisciplinary system engineering through iterative prototype testing. POPULAR will develop all critical components, namely ultra-low power microdisplay with related optics and electronics, innovative Holographic Lens Mirror, as well as application software, and perform the integration into eyewear prototypes. Demonstration will be achieved by performing end-user tests with the prototypes in 3 realistic use case scenarios: outdoor sports, healthcare, and logistics. The consortium is a unique combination of cross-functional experts, representing the entire value chain. It consists of 10 partners from 4 EU countries, including 4 RTO/ACA, 3 industrial companies of which 2 SMEs, and 3 use-case partners. In addition, an Advisory Board of stakeholders and ethics experts will guide the POPULAR consortium during the main steps of the project. The innovation provided by the project provides a unique chance to the European industry becoming a leader in a growing market of ARE, building on its worldwide leadership in the Eyewear industry and its strong R&D and Innovation capabilities. Through the project demonstrations and the continuous support of the Advisory Board, guidelines covering user, design, market and societal requirements will be developed, supporting deployment in real scenarios.

Although the market demand of displays bright enough to allow the diffusion of readable information against a very bright landscape is important, in particular in the avionics application, existing technologies still do not allow the desired brightness combined with very low power consumption and very compact volume. In this context, the HiLICo project aims at developing a new generation of monochrome and full-color emissive GaN micro-displays with 1920 x 1200 pixel resolution (WUXGA), 8-μm pixel pitch, very high brightness (over 1MCd/cm²) and good form factor capabilities that will enable the design of ground breaking compact see-through system for next generation Avionics applications. To achieve this aim, HiLICo will address the following challenges: 1. development of high-quality GaN based LED epilayers designed to fulfill targeted demonstrator performances; 2. design and fabrication of an active matrix in advanced Complementary metal oxide semi-conductor (CMOS) technology to control each individual pixel; 3. coupling of the LED structure and the CMOS, building a monolithic structure on which LED arrays will be fabricated with high precision, thus making monochrome, active-matrix, high-resolution GaN microdisplays; 4. addition of colour converters (quantum dots and 2D Multi-Quantum Wells layers) on such blue emitting devices, for fabricating bi-color and full-color display demonstrators; 5. design and manufacture of the electronics followed by the test and evaluation of the complete micro display device. First demonstrators will be qualified for future commercialisation. The technology developed will contribute to the increase of European competitiveness, through the rapid and important deployment of innovative products on the microdisplay market, as well as Head-Up Displays, Head-mounted displays and smart Eyewears. The consortium gathers 1 RTO, 1 large company and 2 SMEs. They will mobilise a grant of 4 091 583 € with an effort of 283 PM.