Replacing UCSB’s original Solid State Lighting Center, the SSLEC is broadening its scope to include new research interests, including clean energy and energy efficiency, critical to reducing global warming.

The SSLEC is directed by Shuji Nakamura, Cree Professor in Solid State Lighting and Displays, and Steven DenBaars, Mitsubishi Chemical Professor in Solid State Lighting and Displays.

SSLEC will provide a forum for industry members and UCSB faculty to collaborate across several disciplines -- materials science, electrical engineering, chemistry and physics -- to address the most challenging problems in solid state lighting.

The SSLEC is developing novel LED lighting technologies to achieve an efficiency target of greater than 60%.

SSLEC's researchers will develop new materials, devices and advanced fabrication technologies for consumer electronics and energy. The Center will focus on energy efficiency; solid state lighting; power switching; and clean energy.

Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, of Tokyo, Japan, is the first industrial member to join SSLEC, giving $2.5 million over the next six years to support the Center and its research. SSLEC members will participate in the research program and have access to certain intellectual property developed at the SSLEC.