Aixtron and Grand Chip Investment defy CFIUS objections to cancel the deal over U.S. national security concerns, and are appealing to U.S. President Barack Obama to approve the case in the next 15-days. The German Economic Ministry halted the acquisition business transaction, shortly after U.S. government representatives presented evidence suggesting Aixtron’s might pose a national security threat, which a Wall Street Journal reported mainly involves GaN epiwafer growing technology, a material that could be made to use improve military equipment such as radar.

Speaking of acquisitions Samsung shows its growing interest to acquire key quantum dot technology for its next generation displays, aimed at setting it apart from LG’s OLED TVs. The company intends to merge U.S.-based QD maker QD Vision to achieve its goals of making QD displays.

Nichia and Taiwanese LED driver manufacturer Macroblock both reveal information on micro-LED developments, with the Japanese manufacturer targeting to shrink its LED chips to 3 micronmeters. Macroblock also talks about its optimistic outlook for the technology this week, and plans to develop IC LED driver solutions for micro-LEDs.

Cree is continuing its lawsuit spree, suing another competitor MaxBrite last Friday. More LED manufacturers are targeting end market applications in their patent suits, Nichia was the first to take this approach, which it says was an effective deterrent to keep TV makers and lighting manufacturers from using unpatented LEDs.

Editor recommendations

1. Nichia’s Developments for Micro-LED and Other Lighting Technologies in 2017
2. SSL China 2016: Nobel Laureate Shuji Nakamura Upbeat about Outlook of Micro-LED, Laser Lighting, LiFi Technologies
3. Cree Sues MaxBrite
4. Aixtron and Grand Chip Investment Go Against CFIUS Objections
5. IC Driver Manufacturer Macroblock Targets Micro-LED Market
6. LED Industry Developments in Small Chinese Town Xiaolan Soars in Last 8-years
7. Emerging Chinese Manufacturers in the OLED Market to Disrupt Korean Monopoly
8. Japanese Manufacturers Unaffected by Strong Quake in Fukushima
9. The Connected Lighting Alliance Dissolved After Accomplishing Mission
10. Samsung to Acquire QD Vision

What’s trending

• LED Helmet to Save Hair Loss Unveiled in Japan
• Scientists Demonstrate Carbon Nanotubes Interaction with Light and Matter

Government projects

• NIPSCO Rolls Out LED Streetlight Project across Northern Indiana

Industry news

1. Boston Electronics and Nikkiso USA Seal Distribution Deal
2. Rise of Red LED Applications Boosts Top Taiwanese Companies Revenues
3. Guangzhou Int’l Lighting Exhibition 2017 to Feature THINKLIGHT: The Convergent Future
4. Ecobuild Southeast Asia and International Construction Week 2017 Strengthens Construction Industry Safety and Quality
5. China’s Former Vice Minister of MOST Urges Scale up Investments in Lighting
6. Xicato and EnOcean to Demonstrate BLE Interoperability Title 24 Compliant Smart Lighting at CES 2017
7. Automotive LED Module Manufacturer Laster Tech to Become Listed on Taiwan Bourse
8. HK Lighting Industry Uphold Optimistic Outlook for Decorative Luminaire Market in 2017
   
9. SSL China 2016: Wide Bandgap semiconductors (WBGs) Boosts High Pressure and High Speed Market Demand
10. Sinopatt Technology Boosts Competiveness with High Shipment Rate and Operating efficiency

New products

1. EVERLIGHT Unveils IR LED Ambient Light Sensor for Wearables
2. Portable Baby Bottle Sterilizer Ellie Integrates Rayvio UV LED to Kill Germs
3. Phoseon Technology Displays UV LED Curing Solutions at IMI Europe-Digital Print Europe 2016
4. Mr Beams Introduces Seven Smart LED Lights in 2016

Lighting projects

• Oakland Landmark Necklace of Lights Illuminated Differently
• Osram Clinches Global SSL Showcase Top 100 Award