Shuji Nakamura

Shuji Nakamura's research includes MOCVD (metal-organic chemical vapor deposition), UVPE (ultraviolet photoelectrons), and growth and device fabrication of light-emitters based on the wide bandgap semiconductor gallium nitride (GaN). Nakamura’s work has launched a new sector in light-producing semiconductor research and made possible the wide-scale industrial production of efficient, energy-saving LEDs. Specifically, the discovery of p-type doping in Gallium Nitride (GaN) and the development of blue, green, and white light emitting diodes (LEDs) and blue laser diodes (LDs) has enabled energy efficient lighting and displays. Nakamura’s invention of ultraviolet LEDs also improves the sterilization of drinking water with the use of ultraviolet LEDs, making the water purification process both cheaper and more efficient.