Electrical contacts for a semiconductor light emitting apparatus

Abstract

A process for forming electrical contacts for a semiconductor light emitting apparatus is disclosed. The light emitting apparatus has a first layer of first conductivity type, an active layer for generating light overlying the first layer, and a second layer of second conductivity type overlying the active layer. The process involves forming at least a first and a second elongate electrical contact through the second layer and the active layer to provide electrical connection to the first layer, the first and second contacts oriented at an angle to each other, the first contact having a first end in proximity with the second contact, the first end being sufficiently spaced apart from the second contact such that when current is supplied to the first layer through the contacts, current contributions from the first end of the first contact and the second contact in an area generally between the first end and the second contact cause a current density in the area that is approximately equal to a current density elsewhere along the first and second contacts.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates generally to semiconductor light emitting devices, and more particularly to electrical contacts for semiconductor light emitting devices. Background technique [0002] Semiconductor light emitting devices such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) provide efficient light sources and are more robust than incandescent light bulbs and fluorescent tubes. Advances in LED technology and processing have facilitated the use of such devices to replace traditional light sources, such as in commercial and residential lighting applications. Efficiency and reliability are therefore important factors for LEDs used in lighting applications. Furthermore, the need to increase light output from LEDs continues to grow, resulting in higher operating currents. [0003] Typically, LEDs are fabricated with n-type and p-type contacts on the same side of the semiconductor die so that light can be emitted from the light output surface unimpeded by elec...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, employing multiple contacts reduces the light-emitting area of ​​the LED, so that electrical contact design in LEDs in general involves a trade-off between current spreading and the available light-emitting area remaining after the contacts have been formed

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