The University of Kerala has received a patent for an innovation in a light-emitting material capable of producing the entire visible spectrum of colors from a single host material. The research covers a wide range of applications including energy efficient LED lighting, advanced imaging technologies, security and forensics tools, medical imaging and other optoelectronic devices.
The patent, which represents a major advance in optoelectronic research and sustainable lighting technology, was awarded to Sam Solomon, chair of the Department of Optoelectronics, and his Ph.D. student Divya Vijayan.
Conventional lighting systems typically rely on multiple materials to generate white light. However, the newly patented technology achieves seamless color tuning and efficient white light emission through precise composition control within a single material system. At the heart of the breakthrough is a cuspidin-structured rare-earth gallate, a compound not previously used as a phosphorus host. This creates a new scientific platform for next-generation lighting solutions.
The newly developed phosphor material offers superior color quality for lighting and display applications, improved energy efficiency and longer operating life compared to commercially available phosphors.
Prof. Solomon said the introduction of cuspidine-structured rare-earth gallate as a phosphor host opens a new path in lighting and optoelectronics research, redefining performance benchmarks and expanding the possibilities of light-based technologies.
According to an official release, the development also highlights the strengthening research ecosystem at the university. Following the establishment of the Center for Translational Research and Incubation in 2023 and a policy change allowing for closer coordination with the university’s patent cell, the institution has received more than 24 patents in the past three years.
Published – 25 Feb 2026 19:59 IST
