Researchers at Lund University have developed a new type of light-emitting diode (LED) using thin, branched nanowires. This design could offer higher efficiency and lower production costs compared to traditional LEDs. The findings were recently published in the journal Nano Research. In conventional LEDs, much of the light gets trapped inside the material due to a phenomenon called total internal reflection. This means only a small fraction of the light actually escapes and is usable. The new design aims to solve this issue by using thin side branches that extend from a central nanowire. If these structures are thinner than the wavelength of light, they can prevent light from being trapped, potentially allowing for much higher light output. Currently, only about 4% of the light from standard LED materials is emitted without extra surface treatments. Various methods are used to improve light extraction, but these can be costly. While LEDs are already relatively inexpensive, even small improvements in efficiency can have significant impacts on industrial production and energy use. The new technology uses nanowires with a central core that injects charge carriers, while light is emitted from the thin side branches. By ensuring the core does not emit light, the researchers have shown that the light is generated in the branches rather than being reabsorbed from the core. This approach could lead to more efficient light emission. Although the technology is still in the research phase and not yet as efficient as commercial LEDs, the team sees great potential. One benefit is that the structures can be produced at the nanoscale, potentially using less material and reducing manufacturing costs over time. A major challenge remains in reducing losses caused by surface defects in the nanostructures. The research team is working to further improve the efficiency of the new LED design. The fact that the technology works at all is a significant milestone. In the long term, this innovation could lead to more energy-efficient lighting solutions and have wide-ranging applications, from public lighting to advanced optoelectronic devices.