Shuji Nakamura

Santa Barbara, CA, United States of America

Shuji Nakamura

This inventor holds 226 USPTO granted patents and 87 published patent applications and 12 EPO patents, primarily in III-Nitride Devices (CPC class H01S5-34333). Top assignees: University of California, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Nichia Chemical Industries, Limited. Active years: 1994-2026. National Inventors Hall of Fame inductee. Nobel Prize laureate.

IDiyas Innovation Intelligence. (2026). Inventor Profile: Shuji Nakamura. Retrieved from https://idiyas.com/inventor/shuji-nakamura

Data source: USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) public patent records. Weekly synchronization. How IDiyas builds this profile

USPTO Granted Patents = 226 

% Patents Active = 72.1

 

Average Co-Inventor Count = 4.0

ph-index = 41

Forward Citations = 7,192(Granted Patents)

Forward Citations (Not Self Cited) = 6,614(Dec 10, 2025)


Inventors with similar research interests:

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Location History:

  • Anan, JP (1994 - 2013)
  • Tokushima, JP (1998 - 2013)
  • Santa Barbaa, CA (US) (2012 - 2014)
  • Goleta, CA (US) (2014)
  • Fremont, CA (US) (2016 - 2019)
  • Santa Barbara, CA (US) (2004 - 2023)

Company Filing History:


Years Active: 1994-2026

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Areas of Expertise:
III-Nitride
Light Emitting Diodes
Tunnel Junctions
Gallium Nitride
Optoelectronic Devices
Surface Roughening
Epitaxial Substrates
Semipolar Structures
Laser Diodes
Phosphor Conversion
High-Efficiency
Optical Designs
226 patents (USPTO):Explore Patents

Title: Shuji Nakamura: Pioneering Innovations in LED Technology

Introduction:

Shuji Nakamura is a renowned inventor and scientist whose career highlights are marked by groundbreaking contributions to LED (Light-Emitting Diode) technology. Through his work at Nichia Corporation and various prestigious institutions, Nakamura has made significant advancements in LED research, ultimately revolutionizing the lighting industry. This article sheds light on Nakamura's career achievements, recent patents, collaborations, and his invaluable impact on the field of LED technology.

Latest Patents:

Nakamura's continuous dedication to innovation is reflected in his extensive patent portfolio, which currently stands at an impressive 222 patents. Two of his latest patents highlight his commitment to improving LED performance and protection. The first patent involves a method for processing semiconductor films with reduced evaporation and degradation, ensuring the longevity of the material during processing. The second patent showcases Nakamura's development of highly efficient gallium nitride based LEDs via surface roughening, which enhances light extraction and minimizes internal reflections within the LED.

Career Highlights:

In the early 1990s, while working at Nichia Corporation, Nakamura achieved a significant breakthrough by successfully developing the first high-brightness blue LED. This milestone development laid the foundation for the subsequent realization of white LEDs that are now commonly used in numerous lighting applications worldwide. Nakamura's pioneering work with blue LEDs opened up new possibilities in energy-efficient lighting and gained him well-deserved recognition.

Following his time at Nichia Corporation, Nakamura expanded his research and career opportunities. He has held positions at esteemed institutions such as the University of California and the Japan Science and Technology Agency, where he continued to shape the world of LED technology. Nakamura's expertise encompasses not only blue LEDs but also green and ultraviolet LEDs, making him a versatile and invaluable asset to the field.

Collaborations:

Throughout his illustrious career, Nakamura has collaborated with esteemed colleagues, further bolstering his reputation as a respected innovator. Notable coworkers include Steven P DenBaars and James Stephen Speck. These collaborations have contributed to the advancement of LED technology and have resulted in numerous joint publications and patents. Nakamura's ability to collaborate and share knowledge with fellow researchers has greatly accelerated progress in the field.

Conclusion:

Shuji Nakamura's career highlights showcase his remarkable contributions to LED technology, essential to the advancement of energy-efficient lighting. His groundbreaking discovery of the high-brightness blue LED paved the way for the development of white LEDs, transforming the lighting industry. Nakamura's recent patents underscore his ongoing dedication to improving LED performance and protection. By collaborating with esteemed colleagues and institutions, Nakamura has further solidified his influential position in the field of LED technology. As a visionary inventor, Nakamura continues to drive innovation, shaping a brighter and more sustainable future for lighting.

Profile summary based on public USPTO records.
Data Sources: USPTO Patent Grant XML, Patent Center, EPO & CIPO • Normalized by IDiyas Innovation Graph. Methodology & provenance architecturePlease report any incorrect information to [email protected]
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