Structural design and optimization of quantum dot color conversion layers for AR microdisplays

Augmented reality (AR) applications demand directionally high light conversion efficiency (LCE) from micro-LED quantum dot (QD) displays. We address this need by presenting a structural integration scheme that overcomes reabsorption loss and non-directional emission. Our comprehensive optical simulation study demonstrates that an optimal QD film thickness mitigates reabsorption, and integrating a side reflective bank and a top distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) significantly enhances LCE and improves light extraction. Crucially, by optimizing a micro-lens directly on the QD pixel, we achieve highly directional emission within a ±20^∘ acceptance angle, increasing the ±20^∘ LCE from 5.38% to an impressive 19.45%. Our findings reveal that combined structural engineering is essential for high-performance AR-compatible micro-LED QD displays.