Solid-State Lighting Technologies

c. Solid-State Lighting Technologies This subtopic solicits R&D proposals for innovative solutions in advanced solid-state lighting technologies (SSL). There are three subtopic areas of interest for Lighting R&D. Please note that awards may not be made in all areas, and the distribution will depend on the number and quality of proposals received. In all cases, project benefits should be demonstrated and validated as part of the proposed project structure, and clear demonstration of product or technology capabilities is required for consideration for advancement to Phase II funding. For more information on these topics, applicants should refer to the Lighting Research and Development Opportunities document [1]. 1. SSL Technology development DOE seeks product- and market-facing technology development that achieves energy savings in addition to the 2019 baseline or advanced functionality based on the features of SSL technology. Gains in energy savings and new functionality can be achieved through optical delivery, intensity controls, source and fixture efficiency, and spectral optimization. Examples of product or technology advancement include energy savings in SSL applications include, but are not limited to, general illumination, increased productivity, enhanced well-being, safety improvements, and reduced environmental impacts. 2. Manufacturing Technologies and Materials for SSL DOE seeks additive and sustainable manufacturing techniques and materials for SSL for all portions of the value chain. These techniques should enable manufacturing at scale for a wide variety of product configurations with reduced component count, inventory, and production time with potential for reduced cost. Also relevant are advancements in product designs and materials that advance the capabilities of additive and/or sustainable manufacturing without degrading performance or lifetime of luminaries. Materials should reduce the embodied energy of the luminaire and should be readily recycled, reused, or repurposed. This subtopic supports DOE's crosscutting emphasis to enable advancements in Advanced Manufacturing as part of the Administration's emphasis strengthening U.S. leadership in the Industries of the Future; however, SBIR applicants for lighting-specific manufacturing should apply to this topic. 3. SSL Material Science DOE seeks research to advance understanding of SSL degradation mechanisms, carrier dynamics, performance under different operating regimes, photon generation and control, and downconverter properties. Research should advance the understanding of material-performance relationships for SSL technologies to enable energy saving and performance enhancement, in a way that improves the technology's commercial applications. Application of findings to novel device materials, SSL device architectures (including but not limited to general illumination), or modeling software should be part of the proposed project structure. Questions Contact: Brian Walker, Brian.Walker@ee.doe.gov