Light-emitting devices, light-emitting modules

Abstract

To provide a light emitting device which can be miniaturized.SOLUTION: The present light emitting device contains: a base part; a first light emitting element that emits a first light from a first light emission surface; and a second light emitting element that emits a second light from a second light emission surface. Each of them comprises: a plurality of light emitting elements arranged onto an upper surface of the base part; and one or a plurality of reflection members that is arranged onto the upper surface of the base part, and reflects the first light and the second light in an upper direction. One or the plurality of reflection members includes: a first reflection surface reflecting the first light; a second reflection surface reflecting the upper direction of the first light reflected by the first reflection surface; and a third reflection surface reflecting the second light. The first light emitted from the first light emission surface, and progressing to the first reflection surface contains a light progressed in a first direction which is parallel to an upper surface of the base part, and the light is reflected by the first reflection surface. The first light progressed to the second reflection surface contains a light which is parallel to the upper surface of the base part, and is progressed in a second direction which is vertical to the first direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a light-emitting device and a light-emitting module.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an LD module having a plurality of laser diodes and a plurality of mirrors disposed on the upper surface of a substrate. In this LD module, after the light emitted from each laser diode is collimated by a collimating lens into parallel light, it is reflected twice by a mirror and advanced in a direction parallel to the upper surface of the substrate and then incident on an optical fiber.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the LD module of Patent Document 1, the mirrors are arranged with a shift so that the laser light does not interfere with the mirrors.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a light-emitting device that enables miniaturization. Another object is to provide a light-emitting module including this light-emitting device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A light-emitting device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a base, a plurality of light-emitting elements each disposed on the upper surface of the base, including a first light-emitting element that emits first light from a first emission surface, and a second light-emitting element that emits second light from a second emission surface, and one or more reflective members disposed on the upper surface of the base that reflect the first light and the second light upward, wherein the one or more reflective members have a first reflective surface that reflects the first light, a second reflective surface that reflects the first light reflected by the first reflective surface upward, and a third reflective surface that reflects the second light, wherein the first light emitted from the first emission surface and traveling toward the first reflective surface includes light traveling in a first direction parallel to the upper surface of the base, and the first light reflected by the first reflective surface and traveling toward the second reflective surface includes light traveling in a second direction parallel to the upper surface of the base and perpendicular to the first direction.

[0007] Furthermore, a light-emitting module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a light-emitting device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure and a light guide plate disposed above the light-emitting device, wherein light emitted from the light-emitting device is emitted onto the light guide plate. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, a light-emitting device that enables miniaturization can be provided. Furthermore, a light-emitting module equipped with this light-emitting device can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view illustrating the light-emitting device according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of the light-emitting device according to this embodiment, with the lid member removed. [Figure 3] This is a top view of the light-emitting device according to this embodiment, with the lid member removed. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Figure 3, illustrating the light-emitting device according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] This diagram illustrates the positional relationship of each reflective surface of a reflective component. [Figure 6] This is a diagram (part 1) illustrating the path of light emitted from each light-emitting element. [Figure 7] This is a diagram (part 2) illustrating the path of light emitted from each light-emitting element. [Figure 8] This diagram schematically shows the light emitted to the outside from the upper surface of the lid member. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view (part 1) illustrating a light-emitting module equipped with a light-emitting device. [Figure 10] This is a side view (part 1) illustrating a light-emitting module equipped with a light-emitting device. [Figure 11] This is a perspective view (part 2) illustrating a light-emitting module equipped with a light-emitting device. [Figure 12] This is a side view (part 2) illustrating a light-emitting module equipped with a light-emitting device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The following description will explain embodiments for carrying out the invention with reference to the drawings. In the following description, terms indicating specific directions or positions (e.g., "up," "down," and other terms including these) will be used as needed. However, the use of these terms is solely to facilitate understanding the invention with reference to the drawings, and the meaning of these terms does not limit the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, parts with the same reference numerals appearing in multiple drawings indicate the same or equivalent parts or components.

[0011] Furthermore, in this disclosure, the term "polygon" refers to polygons such as triangles and quadrilaterals, including shapes where the corners of the polygon have been rounded, chamfered, or otherwise modified. Similarly, shapes where modifications have been made not only to the corners (ends of the sides) but also to the middle parts of the sides will also be referred to as polygons. In other words, shapes that retain the shape of a polygon but have been partially modified are included in the interpretation of "polygon" as described in this disclosure.

[0012] Moreover, not only polygons, but also words representing specific shapes such as trapezoids, circles, concavities and convexities, etc. are the same. The same also applies when dealing with each side forming the shape. That is, even if a side has been processed at a corner or an intermediate part, the processed part is included in the interpretation of the "side". When distinguishing a "polygon" or a "side" without partial processing from the processed shape, "strict" shall be added, for example, it shall be described as "strict quadrilateral", etc.

[0013] Furthermore, the embodiments shown below illustrate a light-emitting device or the like for embodying the technical idea of the present invention, and do not limit the present invention as follows. Also, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc. of the components described below are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only to those, but are intended to be illustrative unless specifically described. Also, the content described in one embodiment is applicable to other embodiments and modifications. Also, the sizes and positional relationships of the members shown in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity of explanation. Furthermore, in order to avoid excessive complexity of the drawings, a schematic diagram omitting the illustration of some elements or an end view showing only the cut surface as a cross-sectional view may be used.

[0014] [Light-emitting device] The light-emitting device according to this embodiment includes at least a base, a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged on the upper surface of the base, and one or more reflecting members arranged on the upper surface of the base. The plurality of light-emitting elements includes at least a first light-emitting element and a second light-emitting element. Also, the one or more reflecting members have a first reflecting surface that reflects the first light emitted by the first light-emitting element, a second reflecting surface that reflects the first light reflected by the first reflecting surface upward, and a third reflecting surface that reflects the second light emitted by the second light-emitting element.

[0015] Hereinafter, an example of a light-emitting device according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the light-emitting device according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the light-emitting device according to this embodiment with the lid member removed. FIG. 3 is a top view of the light-emitting device according to this embodiment with the lid member removed. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 3, illustrating the light-emitting device according to this embodiment. In FIGS. 2 and 4, the illustration of the wiring 270 shown in FIG. 3 is omitted.

[0016] The illustrated light-emitting device 200 is an example of the light-emitting device according to this embodiment. The light-emitting device 200 includes a package 210 including a base 211, a frame portion 212, and a lid member 213, a plurality of light-emitting elements 220, one or more submounts​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​In Figures 1 to 4, the direction indicated by arrow X is the first direction, the direction indicated by arrow Y is the second direction, and the direction indicated by arrow Z is the third direction. The second direction Y is perpendicular to the first direction X. The third direction Z is perpendicular to both the first direction X and the second direction Y. The first direction X and the second direction Y are parallel to the upper surface 211a of the base portion 211, and the third direction Z is perpendicular to the upper surface 211a of the base portion 211. In a top view, the first direction X and the second direction Y are parallel to or perpendicular to, for example, one of the inner surfaces 212c of the frame portion 212. The same applies to subsequent figures.

[0021] The base portion 211 and the frame portion 212 have a concave shape that is recessed from the upper surface 212a of the frame portion 212 toward the upper surface 211a of the base portion 211. The concave shape is formed on the inside of the outer shape of the frame portion 212 when viewed from above. When viewed from above, the upper surface 211a of the base portion 211 is surrounded by a frame formed by one or more inner surfaces 212c of the frame portion 212. The base portion 211 and the frame portion 212 can be formed integrally. Alternatively, the base portion 211 and the frame portion 212 can be formed separately and then joined together. Note that "viewing from above" refers to viewing the object from the direction normal to the upper surface 211a of the base portion 211.

[0022] The frame portion 212 may have one or more stepped portions 214 connected along two opposing sides when viewed from above. In the illustrated example, the stepped portion 214 is provided along one pair of opposing sides and one side connected to these two sides, of the four sides to which the upper surface 212a and inner surface 212c of the frame portion 212 are connected when viewed from above. The stepped portion 214 is not provided along the other side connected to the two sides. However, the stepped portion 214 may be provided along all four sides to which the upper surface 212a and inner surface 212c of the frame portion 212 are connected when viewed from above, or along only one pair of opposing sides. The stepped portion 214 is composed of, for example, only the upper surface 214a and the side that intersects with the upper surface 214a and extends downward.

[0023] The upper surface 214a of the stepped portion 214 is located above the upper surface 211a of the base portion 211 and below the upper surface 212a of the frame portion 212. One or more inner surfaces 212c of the frame portion 212 include the surface that intersects with the upper surface 212a of the frame portion 212 and the surface of the stepped portion 214.

[0024] The stepped portion 214, when viewed from above, extends in a first direction X and may have wiring regions 216 on the upper surface 214a along each of the two opposing sides that sandwich the plurality of light-emitting elements. In the illustrated example, there is further a wiring region 216 on the upper surface 214a along one side that extends in a second direction Y. Each wiring region 216 is provided with, for example, one or more metal films. The upper surface 212a and lower surface 212b of the frame portion 212 may also be provided with one or more metal films. Furthermore, the one or more metal films provided on the upper surface 214a of the stepped portion 214 may include a metal film that is electrically connected to the metal film provided on the lower surface 212b. However, the one or more metal films provided on the upper surface 214a of the stepped portion 214 may include a metal film that is electrically connected to the metal film provided on the upper surface 212a. For the metal film, for example, Ni / Au (metal film with Ni and Au layered in that order) or Ti / Pt / Au (metal film with Ti, Pt, and Au layered in that order) can be used.

[0025] The lid member 213 has an upper surface 213a, a lower surface, and one or more side surfaces that intersect the upper surface 213a and the lower surface. The one or more side surfaces connect the outer edge of the upper surface 213a to the outer edge of the lower surface. The lid member 213 is, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped or a cube.

[0026] Furthermore, the lid member 213 is not limited to a rectangular prism or a cube. In other words, the lid member 213 is not limited to a rectangle when viewed from above, and can be any shape such as a circle, ellipse, or polygon.

[0027] The lid member 213 is supported by the frame portion 212 and is positioned above the upper surface 211a of the base portion 211. The outer periphery of the lower surface of the lid member 213 is joined, for example, to the upper surface 212a of the frame portion 212. By joining the lid member 213 to the frame portion 212, a closed space is formed within the package 210.

[0028] The base portion 211 can be formed from, for example, a metal, and the frame portion 212 can be formed from, for example, a ceramic as the main material. Copper is an example of a metal used to form the base portion 211. Aluminum nitride, silicon nitride, aluminum oxide, or silicon carbide can be used as the ceramic material used to form the frame portion 212. However, the main materials used to form the base portion 211 and the frame portion 212 are not limited to these; the base portion 211 may be formed from ceramics and the frame portion 212 from metal. The base portion 211 and the frame portion 212 may both be formed from ceramics, or both from metal. The base portion 211 and the frame portion 212 may be formed using other insulating materials as the main material, not limited to metal or ceramics.

[0029] The lid member 213 has a light-transmitting portion in at least a part of it through which light of a predetermined wavelength passes. The lid member 213 can be formed using a translucent material such as sapphire, quartz, silicon carbide, or glass as the main material. In the illustrated example, the lid member 213 has a metal film provided on the joint surface with the upper surface 212a of the frame portion 212. Alternatively, the lid member 213 may have a metal film provided such that the light-transmitting portion is only in a part of it.

[0030] (Light-emitting element 220) The light-emitting element 220 is, for example, a semiconductor laser element. The light-emitting element 220 is not limited to a semiconductor laser element, but may also be, for example, a light-emitting diode (LED) or an organic light-emitting diode (OLED).

[0031] The light-emitting element 220 has, for example, a rectangular shape when viewed from above. The side where one of the two shorter sides of the rectangle intersects with the light-emitting element 220 becomes the light-emitting surface. The top and bottom surfaces of the light-emitting element 220 have a larger area than the light-emitting surface.

[0032] Here, we will explain the case where the light-emitting element 220 is a semiconductor laser element. The light (laser light) emitted from the light-emitting element 220 has a broadened shape and forms an elliptical far-field pattern (hereinafter referred to as "FFP") on a plane parallel to the emission surface. Here, FFP refers to the shape and light intensity distribution of the emitted light at a position away from the emission surface.

[0033] Based on the elliptical light emitted from the light-emitting element 220, the direction passing through the major axis of the ellipse is defined as the fast axis direction of the FFP, and the direction passing through the minor axis of the ellipse is defined as the slow axis direction of the FFP. The fast axis direction of the FFP in the light-emitting element 220 may coincide with the stacking direction in which the multiple semiconductor layers, including the active layer of the light-emitting element 220, are stacked.

[0034] Furthermore, based on the light intensity distribution of the FFP of the light-emitting element 220, 1 / e of the peak intensity value 2 Light with the above intensity will be called the main portion of light. Also, in this light intensity distribution, 1 / e 2 The angle corresponding to the intensity of the FFP is called the spreading angle. The spreading angle of the FFP in the fast axis direction is greater than the spreading angle of the FFP in the slow axis direction.

[0035] Furthermore, the light passing through the center of the elliptical shape of the FFP, in other words, the light with the peak intensity in the light intensity distribution of the FFP, will be referred to as light traveling along the optical axis, or light passing through the optical axis. The optical path of light traveling along the optical axis will be referred to as the optical axis of that light.

[0036] As the light-emitting element 220, for example, a semiconductor laser element that emits blue light, a semiconductor laser element that emits green light, or a semiconductor laser element that emits red light can be used. Alternatively, a semiconductor laser element that emits other types of light may be used.

[0037] Here, blue light is defined as light whose emission peak wavelength is in the range of 420 nm to 494 nm. Green light is defined as light whose emission peak wavelength is in the range of 495 nm to 570 nm. Red light is defined as light whose emission peak wavelength is in the range of 605 nm to 750 nm.

[0038] Examples of semiconductor laser elements that emit blue light or green light include semiconductor laser elements containing nitride semiconductors. Examples of nitride semiconductors that can be used include GaN, InGaN, and AlGaN. Examples of semiconductor laser elements that emit red light include those containing InAlGaP, GaInP, GaAs, and AlGaAs semiconductors.

[0039] (Submount 230) The submount 230 is, for example, configured in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped and has a bottom surface, a top surface, and one or more sides. Furthermore, the width of the submount 230 in the vertical direction (third direction Z) is smaller than its width in the front-to-back direction (first direction X) and the left-to-right direction (second direction Y). Note that the shape of the submount 230 is not limited to a rectangular parallelepiped. The submount 230 is formed using, for example, aluminum nitride or silicon carbide, but other materials may be used. Additionally, a metal film is provided on the top surface of the submount 230.

[0040] (Reflective member 240) The reflective member 240 has one or more reflective surfaces. Multiple reflective surfaces are provided by one or more reflective members 240. In the example shown in Figures 1 to 4, the light-emitting device 200 has multiple reflective members 240. The multiple reflective members 240 include a first reflective member 240A, a second reflective member 240B, a third reflective member 240C, and a fourth reflective member 240D.

[0041] The first to fourth reflective members 240A to 240D will be described below. It should be noted that these can also be realized by integrally forming multiple or all of the first to fourth reflective members 240A to 240D into a single reflective member 240. Therefore, the following descriptions of each reflective member 240 from the first to fourth reflective members 240D also describe one or more reflective members 240. In other words, for example, the characteristics of the first reflective member 240A can also be described as characteristics of one or more reflective members 240.

[0042] In the following descriptions of the first reflective member 240A, the second reflective member 240B, the third reflective member 240C, and the fourth reflective member 240D, parallelism and perpendicularity shall include a difference of ±5 degrees. Furthermore, when describing specific angles such as inclination angles, a difference of ±5 degrees from the specific angle shall be included, taking into account manufacturing accuracy.

[0043] The first reflective member 240A comprises an upper surface 247, a lower surface, and a plurality of side surfaces intersecting the upper surface 247 and the lower surface. In the illustrated light-emitting device 200, the upper surface 247, the lower surface, and the plurality of side surfaces are all planar. The upper surface 247 and the lower surface are parallel to each other. The lower surface has the same area as the upper surface 247. However, the positional relationship and the relative sizes of the areas of the upper surface 247 and the lower surface are not limited to this.

[0044] Multiple sides include a first reflective surface 241 that reflects incident light. These multiple sides may include sides that are not parallel to each other. In the illustrated light-emitting device 200, the top surface 247 is approximately a right triangle, and the first reflective surface 241 is rectangular. The top surface 247 may also be a right isosceles triangle. The first reflective surface 241 is perpendicular to the bottom surface and intersects with the longer side of the top surface 247.

[0045] Furthermore, the top surface 247, the bottom surface, and the multiple sides may each be curved, or a mixture of flat and curved surfaces may be present. Also, the top surface 247 does not have to be triangular; for example, it may be a polygon with more than four sides or a semicircle. In addition, the first reflective surface 241 does not have to be rectangular, as long as it can reflect the incident light in the desired direction.

[0046] The second reflective member 240B comprises an upper surface 248, a lower surface, and a plurality of side surfaces intersecting the upper surface 248 and the lower surface. In the illustrated light-emitting device 200, the upper surface 248, the lower surface, and the plurality of side surfaces are all planar. The upper surface 248 and the lower surface are parallel to each other. Also, the area of ​​the lower surface is larger than that of the upper surface 248. However, the positional relationship and the size of the areas of the upper surface 248 and the lower surface are not limited to this.

[0047] The multiple sides include a second reflective surface 242 that reflects incident light and a third reflective surface 243 that reflects incident light. Furthermore, the multiple sides include two sides that, when viewed from above, are opposite each other, flanking the second reflective surface 242. These two sides, flanking the second reflective surface 242, have different areas.

[0048] In the illustrated light-emitting device 200, the top surface 248 is a right triangle, and the second reflective surface 242 and the third reflective surface 243 are rectangles. The top surface 248 may also be a right isosceles triangle. In a top view, one of the two sides of the top surface 248 other than the long side intersects with one side of the second reflective surface 242, and they are the same length. The side where the top surface 248 and the second reflective surface 242 intersect forms the boundary between the top surface 248 and the second reflective surface 242. In a top view, the boundary between the top surface 248 and the second reflective surface 242 lies within the region enclosed by the outer perimeter of the bottom surface, between one side of the bottom surface that intersects with the second reflective surface 242 and the third reflective surface 243.

[0049] The second reflective surface 242 is inclined with respect to the bottom surface. The angle of inclination of the second reflective surface 242 with respect to the bottom surface is, for example, 45 degrees. The third reflective surface 243 is perpendicular to the bottom surface and intersects with the long side of the top surface 248. That is, in a top view, the third reflective surface 243 is inclined with respect to a plane that passes through the boundary between the top surface 248 and the second reflective surface 242 and is perpendicular to the bottom surface. The angle of inclination of the third reflective surface 243 with respect to the plane that passes through the boundary between the top surface 248 and the second reflective surface 242 and is perpendicular to the bottom surface is, for example, 45 degrees.

[0050] Furthermore, the upper surface 248, the lower surface, and the multiple side surfaces may each be curved, or a mixture of flat and curved surfaces may be present. Also, the second reflective surface 242 and the third reflective surface 243 do not have to be rectangular, as long as they can reflect the incident light in the desired direction. In addition, in the second reflective member 240B, the portion including the second reflective surface 242 and the portion including the third reflective surface 243 may be a single unit or separate parts.

[0051] The third reflective member 240C comprises an upper surface 249, a lower surface, and a plurality of side surfaces intersecting the upper surface 249 and the lower surface. In the illustrated light-emitting device 200, the upper surface 249, the lower surface, and the plurality of side surfaces are all planar. The upper surface 249 and the lower surface are parallel to each other. The lower surface has a larger area than the upper surface 249. However, the positional relationship and the relative sizes of the areas of the upper surface 248 and the lower surface are not limited to this.

[0052] The multiple sides include a fourth reflective surface 244 that reflects incident light and a fifth reflective surface 245 that reflects incident light. Furthermore, the multiple sides include two sides that, when viewed from above, are opposite each other, flanking the fourth reflective surface 244. These two sides, flanking the fourth reflective surface 244, have different areas.

[0053] In the illustrated light-emitting device 200, the top surface 249 is a right triangle, and the fourth reflective surface 244 and the fifth reflective surface 245 are rectangles. The top surface 249 may also be a right isosceles triangle. In a top view, one of the two sides of the top surface 249 other than the long side intersects with one side of the fourth reflective surface 244 and they are the same length. The side where the top surface 249 and the fourth reflective surface 244 intersect forms the boundary between the top surface 249 and the fourth reflective surface 244. In a top view, the boundary between the top surface 249 and the fourth reflective surface 244 lies within the region enclosed by the outer perimeter of the bottom surface, between the side of the bottom surface that intersects with the fourth reflective surface 244 and the fifth reflective surface 245.

[0054] The fourth reflective surface 244 is inclined with respect to the bottom surface. The angle of inclination of the fourth reflective surface 244 with respect to the bottom surface is, for example, 45 degrees. The fifth reflective surface 245 is perpendicular to the bottom surface and intersects with the long side of the top surface 249. That is, in a top view, the fifth reflective surface 245 is inclined with respect to a plane that passes through the boundary between the top surface 249 and the fourth reflective surface 244 and is perpendicular to the bottom surface. The angle of inclination of the fifth reflective surface 245 with respect to the plane that passes through the boundary between the top surface 249 and the fourth reflective surface 244 and is perpendicular to the bottom surface is, for example, 45 degrees.

[0055] The top surface 249, the bottom surface, and the multiple sides may each be curved, or a mixture of flat and curved surfaces may be present. Furthermore, the fourth reflective surface 244 and the fifth reflective surface 245 do not have to be rectangular, as long as they can reflect the incident light in the desired direction. The third reflective member 240C may have the exact same shape as the second reflective member 240B. Also, in the third reflective member 240C, the portion including the fourth reflective surface 244 and the portion including the fifth reflective surface 245 may be a single unit or separate parts.

[0056] The fourth reflective member 240D comprises a lower surface, a sixth reflective surface 246 that reflects incident light, and a plurality of side surfaces that intersect with the sixth reflective surface 246 and the lower surface. In the illustrated light-emitting device 200, the lower surface, the sixth reflective surface 246, and the plurality of side surfaces are all planar.

[0057] The multiple sides include two sides that, in a top view, are opposite each other with respect to the sixth reflective surface 246. Furthermore, the multiple sides include one side that intersects with the two sides that, in a top view, are opposite each other with respect to the sixth reflective surface 246. The two sides that are opposite each other with respect to the sixth reflective surface 246 may have the same area.

[0058] In the illustrated light-emitting device 200, the sixth reflective surface 246 is rectangular. The sixth reflective surface 246 is inclined with respect to the bottom surface. The inclination angle of the sixth reflective surface 246 with respect to the bottom surface is, for example, 45 degrees.

[0059] Furthermore, the lower surface and the sixth reflective surface 246 may each be curved, or a mixture of flat and curved surfaces may be present. Also, the sixth reflective surface 246 does not have to be rectangular, as long as it can reflect the incident light in the desired direction.

[0060] The first reflective member 240A, the second reflective member 240B, the third reflective member 240C, and the fourth reflective member 240D can use glass, metal, or the like as the main material that forms their outer shape. The main material is preferably a heat-resistant material, such as glass like quartz or BK7 (borosilicate glass), metals like aluminum, or Si can be used. Furthermore, the first reflective surface 241, the second reflective surface 242, the third reflective surface 243, the fourth reflective surface 244, the fifth reflective surface 245, and the sixth reflective surface 246 can be formed using, for example, metals such as Ag and Al, or dielectric multilayer films such as Ta2O5 / SiO2, TiO2 / SiO2, or Nb2O5 / SiO2.

[0061] (Protection element 250) The protection element 250 is intended to prevent excessive current from flowing through and damaging a specific element, such as a semiconductor laser element. For example, a Zener diode made of Si can be used as the protection element 250. Alternatively, for example, the protection element 250 may be a component for measuring temperature to prevent a specific element from failing due to temperature changes. A thermistor can be used as such a temperature measuring element. The temperature measuring element is preferably placed near the emission surface of the light-emitting element 220.

[0062] (Wiring 270) The wiring 270 is composed of a conductor having a linear shape with joints at both ends. In other words, the wiring 270 has joints at both ends of the linear portion for joining with other components. The wiring 270 is used for electrical connection between two components. As the wiring 270, for example, a metal wire can be used. Examples of metals include gold, aluminum, silver, and copper.

[0063] (Light-emitting device 200) Next, the light-emitting device 200 will be described.

[0064] In the example of the light-emitting device 200 described below, each of the multiple light-emitting elements 220 is a semiconductor laser element. In the illustrated example, the multiple light-emitting elements 220 include a first light-emitting element 220A, a second light-emitting element 220B, and a third light-emitting element 220C. However, the light-emitting device 200 may have two light-emitting elements 220, or four or more light-emitting elements 220.

[0065] The first light-emitting element 220A, the second light-emitting element 220B, and the third light-emitting element 220C each emit, for example, a first red light L1, a second blue light L2, and a third green light L3. A light-emitting device 200 equipped with three light-emitting elements that emit red, blue, and green light, respectively, can be suitable for applications such as laser TVs and head-mounted displays. However, the color of the light emitted by the multiple light-emitting elements 220 is not limited to this, and may be, for example, red, blue, green, or other colors of light, and each light-emitting element may emit light of any of these colors. Furthermore, depending on the application, it may include multiple light-emitting elements that emit light of the same color.

[0066] Here, the first light L1, the second light L2, and the third light L3 refer to the "light of the main part" when the first light-emitting element 220A, the second light-emitting element 220B, and the third light-emitting element 220C are each semiconductor laser elements.

[0067] In the base 211, a plurality of submounts 230 are arranged on the upper surface 211a. In the illustrated example, a plurality of light-emitting elements 220 are arranged on the upper surface of each submount 230. That is, at least the same number of submounts 230 as the number of light-emitting elements in the light-emitting device 200 are arranged on the upper surface 211a. In the illustrated light-emitting device 200, three submounts 230 are arranged. However, a plurality of light-emitting elements 220 may be arranged on a single submount 230. The lower surface of the submount 230 is joined, for example, to the upper surface of a metal film formed on the upper surface 211a of the base 211. Note that the light-emitting device 200 according to this embodiment does not have to be in a form having submounts. For example, a plurality of light-emitting elements 220 may be directly arranged on the upper surface 211a of the base 211, or a protrusion may be provided at the position where the plurality of light-emitting elements 220 are arranged, and the plurality of light-emitting elements 220 may be provided on the upper surface of the protrusion.

[0068] In the light-emitting device 200, a plurality of light-emitting elements 220 are arranged on the upper surface 211a of the base 211. In the illustrated example of the light-emitting device 200, the first light-emitting element 220A, the second light-emitting element 220B, and the third light-emitting element 220C are arranged with their longitudinal direction facing the first direction X, and spaced apart from each other in the second direction Y in the order of the first light-emitting element 220A, the second light-emitting element 220B, and the third light-emitting element 220C.

[0069] Each of the multiple light-emitting elements 220 is positioned on the upper surface 211a via a submount 230. The multiple light-emitting elements 220 are positioned such that their respective emission surfaces face one side of the submount 230 on which they are positioned. The multiple light-emitting elements 220 are positioned with their respective emission surfaces facing the same side. In the illustrated example, the first emission surface 221, the second emission surface 222, and the third emission surface 223 of the first light-emitting element 220A, the second light-emitting element 220B, and the third light-emitting element 220C are all positioned to face the first direction X. The first emission surface 221, the second emission surface 222, and the third emission surface 223 may be on the same plane, where a deviation of ±50 μm in the first direction X is permitted.

[0070] Of the multiple light-emitting elements 220, one side of the light-emitting element that intersects with the emission surface of one light-emitting element faces one side of the light-emitting element that intersects with the emission surface of the other light-emitting element. In the illustrated example, one side of the first light-emitting element 220A that intersects with the first emission surface 221 faces one side of the second light-emitting element 220B that intersects with the second emission surface 222. The other side of the second light-emitting element 220B that intersects with the second emission surface 222 faces one side of the third light-emitting element 220C that intersects with the third emission surface 223. The two sides of the first light-emitting element 220A that intersect with the first emission surface 221, the two sides of the second light-emitting element 220B that intersect with the second emission surface 222, and the two sides of the third light-emitting element 220C that intersect with the third emission surface 223 are, for example, parallel to the first direction X when viewed from above.

[0071] In the illustrated example, of the wiring regions 216 along the two edges extending in the first direction X, the wiring region closer to the first light-emitting element 220A is called the first wiring region 216A, and the wiring region closer to the third light-emitting element 220C is called the second wiring region 216B. Also, the wiring region located on the upper surface 214a along one edge extending in the second direction Y is called the third wiring region 216C.

[0072] Multiple wires 270, which connect to multiple light-emitting elements 220, are bonded to multiple metal films provided in the wiring area 216 of the frame portion 212.

[0073] In the example shown in Figure 3, a metal film provided in the first wiring region 216A is joined to a plurality of wires 270 that connect to the first light-emitting element 220A. A metal film provided in the second wiring region 216B is joined to a plurality of wires 270 that connect to the third light-emitting element 220C. A metal film provided in the third wiring region 216C is joined to a wire 270 that connects to the second light-emitting element 220B. Similarly, a metal film provided in the third wiring region 216C is joined to a wire 270 that connects to the third light-emitting element 220C. In the illustrated example, the wires 270 that connect to the third light-emitting element 220C are joined to the second wiring region 216B and the third wiring region 216C, but they may also be joined to the second wiring region 216B only.

[0074] Furthermore, of the two sides extending in the second direction Y, the wiring region 216 is not provided on the side on which the light emitted by the multiple light-emitting elements 220 travels. Preferably, the wiring region 216 is arranged so that the wiring 270 does not interfere with the light emitted by the light-emitting elements 220.

[0075] The illustrated wiring pattern is merely an example, and the wiring region 216 may be provided only along the two sides extending in the first direction X. In that case, the wiring 270 connecting to one of the light-emitting elements 220 is joined to the metal film provided in the first wiring region 216A, and the wiring 270 connecting to the other light-emitting element 220 is joined to the metal film provided in the second wiring region 216B.

[0076] Furthermore, in the illustrated example, the multiple metal films provided in the wiring region 216 are designated as the first metal film, second metal film, third metal film, fourth metal film, fifth metal film, and sixth metal film, in the order that they are provided in the first wiring region 216A, third wiring region 216C, and second wiring region 216B.

[0077] One or more protective elements 250 are further arranged on the upper surface 214a of the stepped portion 214. Multiple protective elements 250 corresponding to multiple light-emitting elements 220 are arranged across the two metal films on the upper surface 214a along two sides extending in the first direction X and one side connected to the two sides and extending in the second direction Y.

[0078] In the illustrated example, the first protective element 250A, corresponding to the first light-emitting element 220A, is positioned across the first and second metal films. The second protective element 250B, corresponding to the second light-emitting element 220B, is positioned across the third and fourth metal films. The third protective element 250C, corresponding to the third light-emitting element 220C, is positioned across the fifth and sixth metal films. Furthermore, the boundaries between the first and second metal films, and between the fifth and sixth metal films, extend in a direction perpendicular to the direction of extension of the stepped portion (first direction X) (second direction), while the boundary between the third and fourth metal films extends in a direction parallel to the direction of extension of the stepped portion (second direction Y) (second direction Y). The first, second, and third protective elements 250A, 250B, and 250C are positioned across these respective boundaries.

[0079] In this way, by arranging the second protective element 250B so as to straddle a boundary that extends in a direction parallel to the direction in which the stepped portion extends, the direction of the short side of the second protective element 250B can be aligned with the direction in which the stepped portion extends, enabling more efficient wiring.

[0080] In the light-emitting device 200, one or more reflective members 240 are arranged on the upper surface 211a of the base 211. The one or more reflective members 240 have a first reflective surface 241, a second reflective surface 242, and a third reflective surface 243. In the illustrated example, one or more reflective members 240 further have a fourth reflective surface 244, a fifth reflective surface 245, and a sixth reflective surface 246. In the light-emitting device 200, one reflective member may have a first reflective surface 241, a second reflective surface 242, and a third reflective surface 243, or multiple reflective members may constitute the first reflective surface 241, the second reflective surface 242, and the third reflective surface 243. Furthermore, one reflective member may further comprise a fourth reflective surface 244, a fifth reflective surface 245, and a sixth reflective surface 246, or multiple reflective members 240 may constitute the fourth reflective surface 244, the fifth reflective surface 245, and the sixth reflective surface 246.

[0081] In the illustrated example of the light-emitting device 200, a first reflective member 240A, a second reflective member 240B, a third reflective member 240C, and a fourth reflective member 240D, which are independent of each other, are arranged on the upper surface 211a of the base 211. The first reflective member 240A, the second reflective member 240B, the third reflective member 240C, and the fourth reflective member 240D are arranged side by side in the second direction Y. The first reflective surface 241, the second reflective surface 242, the third reflective surface 243, the fourth reflective surface 244, the fifth reflective surface 245, and the sixth reflective surface 246 are positioned, for example, as shown in Figure 5, through which a straight line S0, which is an imaginary line parallel to the second direction Y, passes when viewed from above.

[0082] In the illustrated example of the light-emitting device 200, a first reflective member 240A including a first reflective surface 241, a second reflective member 240B including a second reflective surface 242 and a third reflective surface 243, a third reflective member 240C including a fourth reflective surface 244 and a fifth reflective surface 245, and a fourth reflective member 240D including a sixth reflective surface 246 are arranged on the upper surface 211a of the base 211. Since the second reflective member 240B includes a second reflective surface 242 and a third reflective surface 243, the second reflective surface 242 and the third reflective surface 243 can be arranged close together, thereby reducing the size of the light-emitting device 200 in the second direction Y. Also, since the third reflective member 240C includes a fourth reflective surface 244 and a fifth reflective surface 245, the fourth reflective surface 244 and the fifth reflective surface 245 can be arranged close together, thereby reducing the size of the light-emitting device 200 in the second direction Y. However, the light-emitting device 200 in this embodiment is not limited to this, and for example, it may be a light-emitting device having six reflective members, each having one reflective surface, individually arranged on the upper surface 211a of the base 211.

[0083] The first reflective surface 241 faces the direction of the first emission surface 221 of the first light-emitting element 220A. That is, as shown in Figure 5, the first reflective surface 241 is positioned in a top view where a first straight line S1, which is an imaginary line passing through the first emission surface 221 of the first light-emitting element 220A and perpendicular to the first emission surface 221, passes through it. When the light emitted by the first light-emitting element 220A is light with a broad spread, such as that of a semiconductor laser element, arranging the first reflective surface 241 as described above allows the first reflective surface 241 to be made large enough to reflect all of the first light L1, which is the main portion of the light, without becoming unnecessarily large. In a top view, the first reflective surface 241 is non-parallel to the first direction X and the second direction Y. That is, in a top view, the first reflective surface 241 is non-parallel to the first emission surface 221 of the first light-emitting element 220A. In a top view, the first reflective surface 241 is inclined at, for example, 45 degrees with respect to the first emission surface 221 of the first light-emitting element 220A.

[0084] The third reflective surface 243 faces the direction of the second emission surface 222 of the second light-emitting element 220B. That is, as shown in Figure 5, the third reflective surface 243 is positioned in a top view where the second straight line S2, which is an imaginary line perpendicular to the second emission surface 222 of the second light-emitting element 220B, passes through it. When the light emitted by the second light-emitting element 220B is light with a broad spread, such as that of a semiconductor laser element, arranging the third reflective surface 243 as described above allows the third reflective surface 243 to be made large enough to reflect all of the second light L2, which is the main portion of the light, without becoming unnecessarily large. In a top view, the third reflective surface 243 is nonparallel to the first direction X and the second direction Y. That is, in a top view, the third reflective surface 243 is nonparallel to the second emission surface 222 of the second light-emitting element 220B. In a top view, the third reflective surface 243 is inclined at, for example, 45 degrees with respect to the second emission surface 222 of the second light-emitting element 220B.

[0085] The fifth reflective surface 245 faces the direction of the third emission surface 223 of the third light-emitting element 220C. That is, as shown in Figure 5, the fifth reflective surface 245 is positioned in a top view where the third straight line S3, which is an imaginary line passing through the third emission surface 223 of the third light-emitting element 220C and perpendicular to the third emission surface 223, passes through it. When the light emitted by the third light-emitting element 220C is light with a broad spread, such as that of a semiconductor laser element, arranging the fifth reflective surface 245 as described above can suppress the need to enlarge the fifth reflective surface 245 unnecessarily, even when the fifth reflective surface 245 is large enough to reflect all of the third light L3, which is the main portion of the light. In a top view, the fifth reflective surface 245 is nonparallel to the first direction X and the second direction Y. That is, in a top view, the fifth reflective surface 245 is nonparallel to the third emission surface 223 of the third light-emitting element 220C. In a top view, the fifth reflective surface 245 is inclined, for example, 45 degrees with respect to the third emission surface 223 of the third light-emitting element 220C.

[0086] In a top view, the second reflective surface 242 is positioned between the first reflective surface 241 and the third reflective surface 243 in the second direction Y. That is, as shown in Figure 5, the second reflective surface 242 is not positioned in a location through which the first straight line S1 and the second straight line S2 pass in a top view. By positioning the second reflective surface 242 in this way, it is possible to suppress the overlap between the second reflective surface 242 and the first light L1 emitted from the first light-emitting element 220A and incident on the first reflective surface 241, and the second light L2 emitted from the second light-emitting element 220B and incident on the third reflective surface 243. Furthermore, in a top view, the second reflective surface 242 is positioned between the first straight line S1 and the second straight line S2. This allows the first light L1 reflected upward by the second reflective surface 242 to be brought closer to the second light L2 reflected upward by the fourth reflective surface 244 on the upper surface of the lid member 213.

[0087] In a top view, the fourth reflective surface 244 is positioned between the third reflective surface 243 and the fifth reflective surface 245 in the second direction Y. That is, as shown in Figure 5, the fourth reflective surface 244 is not positioned in a location through which the second line S2 and the third line S3 pass in a top view. This prevents the fourth reflective surface 244 from overlapping with the second light L2 emitted from the second light-emitting element 220B until it enters the third reflective surface 243, and the third light L3 emitted from the third light-emitting element 220C until it enters the fifth reflective surface 245. In a top view, the fourth reflective surface 244 is positioned between the second line S2 and the third line S3. This prevents the second light L2 reflected by the third reflective surface 243 until it enters the fourth reflective surface 244, and the third light L3 emitted from the third light-emitting element 220C until it enters the fifth reflective surface 245 from overlapping.

[0088] In a top view, the sixth reflective surface 246 is positioned on the opposite side of the fourth reflective surface 244, with the fifth reflective surface 245 in between, in the second direction Y. That is, as shown in Figure 5, the sixth reflective surface 246 is not positioned in a location through which the third straight line S3 passes in a top view. This prevents the sixth reflective surface 246 from overlapping with the third light L3 emitted from the third light-emitting element 220C and incident on the fifth reflective surface 245. In a top view, the sixth reflective surface 246 is positioned on the opposite side of the fourth reflective surface 244, with the third straight line S3 in between. This prevents the third light L3 reflected upward by the sixth reflective surface 246 from overlapping with the second light L2 reflected upward by the fourth reflective surface 244.

[0089] The first reflective surface 241, the third reflective surface 243, and the fifth reflective surface 245 may or may not be parallel to each other. The second reflective surface 242, the fourth reflective surface 244, and the sixth reflective surface 246 may or may not be parallel to each other. Any reflective surface arbitrarily selected from the first reflective surface 241, the third reflective surface 243, and the fifth reflective surface 245, and any reflective surface arbitrarily selected from the second reflective surface 242, the fourth reflective surface 244, and the sixth reflective surface 246 are neither parallel nor perpendicular. Here, parallel and perpendicular include a difference of ±5 degrees.

[0090] The lid member 213 is positioned on the upper surface 212a of the frame portion 212. More specifically, the lid member 213 is supported on the upper surface 212a of the frame portion 212 and positioned above the first light-emitting element 220A, the second light-emitting element 220B, and the third light-emitting element 220C, as well as the first reflective member 240A, the second reflective member 240B, the third reflective member 240C, and the fourth reflective member 240D, which are surrounded by the frame portion 212. For example, a metal film provided on the outer circumference of the lower surface of the lid member 213 and a metal film provided on the upper surface 212a of the frame portion 212 are joined and fixed via Au-Sn or the like.

[0091] The lid member 213 is joined to the upper surface 212a of the frame portion 212, forming a closed space in which the first light-emitting element 220A, the second light-emitting element 220B, and the third light-emitting element 220C are arranged. Furthermore, this closed space is formed in an hermetically sealed state. By being hermetically sealed, it is possible to suppress the accumulation of organic matter and other particles on the emission surfaces of the first light-emitting element 220A, the second light-emitting element 220B, and the third light-emitting element 220C.

[0092] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, in the first light-emitting element 220A, the first light L1 emitted from the first emission surface 221 travels to the first reflection surface 241. The optical axis of the first light L1 emitted from the first emission surface 221 is, for example, parallel to the upper surface 211a of the base 211. The optical axis of the first light L1 emitted from the first emission surface 221 coincides with the first straight line S1 shown in Figure 5, for example, in a top view. The first direction X is perpendicular to the first emission surface 221. The first light L1 emitted from the first emission surface 221 and traveling to the first reflection surface 241 includes light traveling in the first direction X.

[0093] The first light L1 irradiated onto the first reflective surface 241 is reflected by the first reflective surface 241. The first light L1 reflected by the first reflective surface 241 travels to the second reflective surface 242. The first light L1 reflected by the first reflective surface 241 and traveling to the second reflective surface 242 includes light traveling in the second direction Y. The first light L1 irradiated onto the second reflective surface 242 is reflected upwards from the upper surface 211a of the base 211 and travels to the lid member 213. The first light L1 reflected by the second reflective surface 242 and traveling to the lid member 213 includes light traveling in the third direction Z. The optical axis of the first light L1 reflected by the second reflective surface 242 and traveling to the lid member 213 can be, for example, perpendicular to the upper surface 211a of the base 211. Furthermore, the inclination of the second reflective surface 242 with respect to the upper surface 211a of the base 211 may be adjusted so that the angle of the optical axis of the first light L1 is inclined with respect to the upper surface 211a of the base 211.

[0094] Furthermore, in the second light-emitting element 220B, the second light L2 emitted from the second emission surface 222 propagates to the third reflection surface 243. The optical axis of the second light L2 emitted from the second emission surface 222 is, for example, parallel to the upper surface 211a of the base 211. The optical axis of the second light L2 emitted from the second emission surface 222 coincides, for example, with the second straight line S2 shown in Figure 5 when viewed from above. The second emission surface 222 is, for example, perpendicular to the first direction X. The second light L2 emitted from the second emission surface 222 and propagating to the third reflection surface 243 includes light propagating in the first direction X.

[0095] The second light L2 irradiated onto the third reflective surface 243 is reflected by the third reflective surface 243. The second light L2 reflected by the third reflective surface 243 propagates to the fourth reflective surface 244. The second light L2 reflected by the third reflective surface 243 and propagating to the fourth reflective surface 244 includes light propagating in the second direction Y. The second light L2 irradiated onto the fourth reflective surface 244 is reflected upwards to the upper surface 211a of the base 211 and propagates to the lid member 213. The second light L2 reflected by the fourth reflective surface 244 and propagating to the lid member 213 includes light propagating in the third direction Z. The optical axis of the second light L2 reflected by the fourth reflective surface 244 and propagating to the lid member 213 can be, for example, perpendicular to the upper surface 211a of the base 211. Furthermore, the inclination of the fourth reflective surface 244 with respect to the upper surface 211a of the base 211 may be adjusted so that the optical axis of the second light L2 is inclined with respect to the upper surface 211a of the base 211.

[0096] Furthermore, in the third light-emitting element 220C, the third light L3 emitted from the third emission surface 223 propagates to the fifth reflection surface 245. The optical axis of the third light L3 emitted from the third emission surface 223 is, for example, parallel to the upper surface 211a of the base 211. The optical axis of the third light L3 emitted from the third emission surface 223 coincides, for example, with the third straight line S3 shown in Figure 5 when viewed from above. The third emission surface 223 is, for example, perpendicular to the first direction X. The third light L3 emitted from the third emission surface 223 and propagating to the fifth reflection surface 245 includes light propagating in the first direction X.

[0097] The third light L3 irradiated onto the fifth reflective surface 245 is reflected by the fifth reflective surface 245. The third light L3 reflected by the fifth reflective surface 245 travels to the sixth reflective surface 246. The third light L3 reflected by the fifth reflective surface 245 and traveling to the sixth reflective surface 246 includes light traveling in the second direction Y. The third light L3 irradiated onto the sixth reflective surface 246 is reflected upwards from the upper surface 211a of the base 211 and travels to the lid member 213. The third light L3 reflected by the sixth reflective surface 246 and traveling to the lid member 213 includes light traveling in the third direction Z. The optical axis of the third light L3 reflected by the sixth reflective surface 246 and traveling to the lid member 213 can be, for example, perpendicular to the upper surface 211a of the base 211. Furthermore, the inclination of the sixth reflecting surface 246 with respect to the upper surface 211a of the base 211 may be adjusted so that the optical axis of the third light L3 is inclined with respect to the upper surface 211a of the base 211.

[0098] In a top view, the light traveling along the optical axis of the first light L1 from the first emission surface 221 until it enters the first reflection surface 241, the light traveling along the optical axis of the second light L2 from the second emission surface 222 until it enters the third reflection surface 243, and the light traveling along the optical axis of the third light L3 from the third emission surface 223 until it enters the fifth reflection surface 245 are, for example, parallel. In a top view, the light traveling along the optical axis of the first light L1 from the first reflection surface 241 until it enters the second reflection surface 242, the light traveling along the optical axis of the second light L2 from the third reflection surface 243 until it enters the fourth reflection surface 244, and the light traveling along the optical axis of the third light L3 from the fifth reflection surface 245 until it enters the sixth reflection surface 246 are, for example, parallel. Furthermore, in the illustrated example, the light traveling along the optical axis of the first light L1 from the first reflecting surface 241 until it enters the second reflecting surface 242, the light traveling along the optical axis of the second light L2 from the third reflecting surface 243 until it enters the fourth reflecting surface 244, and the light traveling along the optical axis of the third light L3 from the fifth reflecting surface 245 until it enters the sixth reflecting surface 246, all travel along a straight line parallel to the second direction Y when viewed from above.

[0099] The optical path length of the light traveling along the optical axis of the first light L1 emitted from the first emission surface 221 to the second reflection surface 242, the optical path length of the light traveling along the optical axis of the second light L2 emitted from the second emission surface 222 to the fourth reflection surface 244, and the optical path length of the light traveling along the optical axis of the third light L3 emitted from the third emission surface 223 to the sixth reflection surface 246 are, for example, equal.

[0100] Figure 8 schematically shows the light emitted to the outside from the upper surface 213a of the lid member 213. Figure 8 shows the shape of the passage region on the upper surface 213a of the lid member 213 for the first light L1, the second light L2, and the third light L3 passing through the upper surface 213a of the lid member 213. In this specification, the upper surface 213a of the lid member 213 is a light-transmitting surface through which the first light L1, the second light L2, and the third light L3, which have been reflected upward by the second reflecting member 240B, the third reflecting member 240C, and the fourth reflecting member 240D, pass.

[0101] As shown in Figure 8, the length of the first light L1 on the upper surface 213a of the lid member 213 is shorter in the first direction X than in the second direction Y. An example of this is when the first light L1 is elliptical in shape.

[0102] The first light L1 emitted from the first emission surface 221 of the first light-emitting element 220A and traveling toward the first reflection surface 241 has its direction through the major axis of its ellipse (speed axis direction) pointing toward the third direction Z, and its direction through the minor axis (slow axis direction) pointing toward the second direction Y. In other words, the length of the second direction Y of the first light L1 emitted from the first emission surface 221 of the first light-emitting element 220A and traveling toward the first reflection surface 241 is shorter than the length of the third direction Z. On the other hand, when the first light L1 is reflected by approximately 90 degrees at the first reflection surface 241, the ellipse shape of the first light L1 rotates by approximately 90 degrees around the third direction Z as its axis. Therefore, the first light L1 that is reflected by the first reflection surface 241 and traveling toward the second reflection surface 242 has its direction through the minor axis (slow axis direction) pointing toward the first direction X, and the length of the first direction X is shorter than the length of the third direction Z. Furthermore, when the first light L1 is reflected by the second reflective surface 242 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees, the elliptical shape of the first light L1 rotates by approximately 90 degrees around the first direction X as its axis. At this time, the first light L1 on the upper surface 213a of the lid member 213 has its direction passing through the major axis of the ellipse (velocity axis direction) facing the second direction Y, and the length of the first direction X becomes shorter than the length of the second direction Y.

[0103] As shown in Figure 8, the second light L2 on the upper surface 213a of the lid member 213 has a length in the first direction X that is shorter than the length in the second direction Y. An example of this is when the second light L2 is elliptical in shape.

[0104] The second light L2 emitted from the second emission surface 222 of the second light-emitting element 220B and traveling toward the third reflection surface 243 has its direction through the major axis of its ellipse (speed axis direction) pointing toward the third direction Z, and its direction through the minor axis (slow axis direction) pointing toward the second direction Y. In other words, the second light L2 emitted from the second emission surface 222 of the second light-emitting element 220B and traveling toward the third reflection surface 243 has a length in the second direction Y that is shorter than the length in the third direction Z. On the other hand, when the second light L2 is reflected by approximately 90 degrees at the third reflection surface 243, the ellipse shape of the second light L2 rotates by approximately 90 degrees around the axis of the third direction Z. Therefore, the second light L2 that is reflected by the third reflection surface 243 and traveling toward the fourth reflection surface 244 has its direction through the minor axis (slow axis direction) pointing toward the first direction X, and the length in the first direction X is shorter than the length in the third direction Z. Furthermore, when the second light L2 is reflected by the fourth reflective surface 244 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees, the elliptical shape of the second light L2 rotates by approximately 90 degrees around the first direction X as its axis. At this time, the second light L2 on the upper surface 213a of the lid member 213 points in the direction passing through the major axis of the ellipse (velocity axis direction) towards the second direction Y, and the length of the first direction X becomes shorter than the length of the second direction Y.

[0105] As shown in Figure 8, the third light L3 on the upper surface 213a of the lid member 213 has a length in the first direction X that is shorter than the length in the second direction Y. An example of this is when the third light L3 is elliptical in shape.

[0106] The third light L3 emitted from the third emission surface 223 of the third light-emitting element 220C and traveling toward the fifth reflection surface 245 has its direction through the major axis of its ellipse (speed axis direction) pointing toward the third direction Z, and its direction through the minor axis (slow axis direction) pointing toward the second direction Y. In other words, the length of the second direction Y of the third light L3 emitted from the third emission surface 223 of the third light-emitting element 220C and traveling toward the fifth reflection surface 245 is shorter than the length of the third direction Z. On the other hand, when the third light L3 is reflected by approximately 90 degrees at the fifth reflection surface 245, the ellipse shape of the third light L3 rotates by approximately 90 degrees around the third direction Z as its axis. Therefore, the third light L3 that is reflected by the fifth reflection surface 245 and traveling toward the sixth reflection surface 246 has its direction through the minor axis (slow axis direction) pointing toward the first direction X, and the length of the first direction X is shorter than the length of the third direction Z. Furthermore, when the third light L3 is reflected by approximately 90 degrees at the sixth reflective surface 246, the elliptical shape of the third light L3 rotates by approximately 90 degrees around the first direction X as its axis. At this time, the third light L3 on the upper surface 213a of the lid member 213 has its direction passing through the major axis of the ellipse (velocity axis direction) facing the second direction Y, and the length of the first direction X becomes shorter than the length of the second direction Y.

[0107] On the upper surface 213a of the lid member 213, the light emitted from the multiple light-emitting elements 220 is aligned in series, for example, in the second direction Y. In other words, the first light L1, the second light L2, and the third light L3 are aligned in a straight line in the direction (velocity axis direction) passing through the major axis of their respective elliptic shapes, towards the second direction Y. This allows, for example, when the light emitted from the light-emitting device 200 is incident on another member, the length of the incident region of that member in the first direction X can be shortened. An example of another member is a light guide plate.

[0108] In this context, "aligned in a straight line" means that, in a side view from the second direction Y, the distance from one end to the other of the light from the multiple light-emitting elements 220 in the first direction X does not exceed the sum of the lengths of the minor axis (lagging axis) of the elliptical shape of the light from each light-emitting element 220. In the example shown in Figure 8, the first light L1, the second light L2, and the third light L3 are aligned in series with respect to the second direction Y, for example. In other words, the first light L1, the second light L2, and the third light L3 are aligned in a straight line with respect to the second direction Y, for example, with respect to the direction passing through the major axis of their respective ellipses (velocity axis direction).

[0109] On the upper surface 213a of the lid member 213, the first light L1, the second light L2, and the third light L3 do not overlap with each other. On the upper surface 213a of the lid member 213, the length of each light in the first direction X (slow axis direction) can be, for example, 0.4 mm or more and 1 mm or less. Also, the length of each light in the second direction Y (speed axis direction) can be, for example, about 2 to 3 times the length in the first direction X (slow axis direction).

[0110] In this way, the light-emitting device 200 reflects the light emitted from each emission surface of the multiple light-emitting elements upward using one or more reflective members. This makes it possible to miniaturize the light-emitting device 200.

[0111] [Light-emitting module] Figure 9 is a perspective view (part 1) illustrating a light-emitting module equipped with a light-emitting device 200. Figure 10 is a side view (part 1) illustrating a light-emitting module equipped with a light-emitting device 200. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the light-emitting module 500 comprises a light-emitting device 200 and a light guide plate 520 positioned above the light-emitting device 200. The light-emitting module 500 may further include one or more of the following, if necessary: ​​a reflector 510, a diffusion sheet 530, a prism sheet 540, and a polarizing plate 550. The following description will focus on the case where the light-emitting module 500 includes the light-emitting device 200 and the light guide plate 520, as well as the reflector 510, diffusion sheet 530, prism sheet 540, and polarizing plate 550.

[0112] The polarizing plate 550, prism sheet 540, diffusion sheet 530, light guide plate 520, and reflector plate 510 are stacked in this order in the first direction X. Light emitted from the light-emitting device 200 is emitted onto the light guide plate 520. In other words, the light guide plate 520 is positioned where the first light L1, second light L2, and third light L3 emitted from the lid member 213 of the light-emitting device 200 are incident. The light guide plate 520 is a component that causes the first light L1, second light L2, and third light L3 emitted from the light-emitting device 200 to emit light from the surface.

[0113] The light guide plate 520 has at least a light extraction surface 521, a light reflection surface 522, and a plurality of side surfaces 523 connecting them. Of the plurality of side surfaces 523, the side facing the light-emitting device 200 becomes the light incident surface 523a. In other words, the first light L1, the second light L2, and the third light L3 emitted from the light-emitting device 200 enter the light guide plate 520 from the light incident surface 523a.

[0114] At least a portion of the light emitted from the light-emitting device 200 and incident on the light guide plate 520 is directed toward the light-reflecting surface 522 of the light guide plate 520. The light-reflecting surface 522 of the light guide plate 520 may have irregularities. This allows the light directed toward the light-reflecting surface 522 of the light guide plate 520 to be reflected and extracted to the light extraction surface 521. In Figure 10, the arrows shown by solid lines indicate the direction of the light emitted from the light-emitting module 500.

[0115] It is preferable that the optical axes of the first light L1, second light L2, and third light L3 emitted from the light-emitting device 200 and the light-reflecting surface 522 of the light guide plate 520 are not parallel. As shown in the examples in Figures 9 and 10, it is preferable to mount the light guide plate 520 at an angle such that the upper surface 213a of the lid member 213 of the light-emitting device 200 and the light-reflecting surface 522 of the light guide plate 520 are inclined.

[0116] Figure 11 is a perspective view (part 2) illustrating a light-emitting module equipped with a light-emitting device 200. Figure 12 is a side view (part 2) illustrating a light-emitting module equipped with a light-emitting device 200. As shown in the examples in Figures 11 and 12, the upper surface 213a of the lid member 213 of the light-emitting device 200 and the light incident surface 523a of the light guide plate 520 may be made perpendicular, and the light reflective surface 522 may be inclined such that the angle between the light reflective surface 522 and the light incident surface 523a is an acute angle.

[0117] The angle between the optical axis of each light emitted from the light-emitting device 200 and the light-reflecting surface 522 of the light guide plate 520 is preferably in the range of 5 degrees to 30 degrees, and more preferably in the range of 10 degrees to 15 degrees. This makes it easier to illuminate the entire light-reflecting surface 522 of the light guide plate 520 with each light emitted from the light-emitting device 200.

[0118] The reflector 510 is positioned on the light-reflecting surface 522 side of the light guide plate 520 and is a component that reflects light emitted laterally from the light-reflecting surface 522 of the light guide plate 520 (leaked light) back to the light guide plate 520. In this way, light can be efficiently extracted from the light extraction surface 521.

[0119] The diffusion sheet 530 is positioned on the light extraction surface 521 side of the light guide plate 520 and is a component that diffuses the light emitted from the light guide plate 520. Even when the light from the light-emitting device 200 has strong directionality, by providing the diffusion sheet 530, it becomes possible to more uniformly emit light from the light extraction surface 521 through the light guide plate 520.

[0120] Furthermore, a prism sheet 540 that focuses the light from the diffusion sheet 530 toward the side, or a polarizing plate 550 that selectively transmits only the desired polarization component, can be provided on the side of the diffusion sheet 530 opposite to the light guide plate 520.

[0121] As shown in Figure 8, on the upper surface 213a of the lid member 213 of the light-emitting device 200, the first light L1, the second light L2, and the third light L3 are aligned in a straight line with their respective elliptical major axes (speed axis direction) pointing toward the second direction Y. This shortens the length of the first direction X of the first light L1, second light L2, and third light L3, allowing the thickness of the light guide plate 520 to be reduced. In other words, the thickness of the light guide plate 520 only needs to be slightly thicker than the length of each light along the slow axis, thus allowing the thickness of the light guide plate 520 to be reduced. As a result, the light-emitting module 500 can be made thinner and more compact.

[0122] The light-emitting module 500 can be used, for example, as a backlight source. In addition to being a backlight source, the light-emitting module 500 can be used in all devices such as optical discs, optical communication systems, projectors, displays, printing presses, or measuring instruments.

[0123] Although preferred embodiments have been described in detail above, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and substitutions can be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0124] 200 Light-emitting devices 210 packages 211 Base 211a, 212a, 213a, 214a, 247, 248, 249 Top 211b, 212b bottom surface 212 Frame section 212c inner surface 212d External surface 213 Lid member 214 Stepped section 216 Wiring area 216A 1st wiring area 216B 2nd wiring area 216C 3rd wiring area 220 light-emitting elements 220A First light-emitting element 220B Second light-emitting element 220C Third light-emitting element 221 First launch area 222 Second launch area 223 Third launch area 230 Submount 240 Reflective material 240A First reflective member 240B Second Reflective Member 240C Third Reflector 240D Fourth Reflector 241 1st reflective surface 242 Second reflective surface 243 Third reflective surface 244 4th reflective surface 245 5th reflective surface 246 6th reflective surface 250 protective elements 250A First protective element 250B Second protective element 250C Third protection element 270 Wiring 500 Light-Emitting Modules 510 Reflector 520 Light guide plate 521 Light extraction surface 522 Light reflective surface 523 Side view 523a Light entrance surface 530 Diffusion Sheet 540 Prism Sheets 550 Polarizing plate

Claims

1. The base and, A first light-emitting element is positioned on the upper surface of the base, The base comprises a frame portion that surrounds at least a part of the upper surface and has an inner surface that extends above the upper surface, The frame portion has one or more stepped portions connected along the inner surface extending in the first direction, and having a predetermined width in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction when viewed from above. A first wiring region is provided on the upper surface of the one or more stepped portions, to which wiring connecting to the first light-emitting element is joined, and a first metal film and a second metal film are provided in the first wiring region. The first boundary between the first metal film and the second metal film has a portion that extends in a direction parallel to the first direction of the stepped portion. A light-emitting device comprising a first protective element positioned across the second direction, with respect to a portion of the first boundary extending in a direction parallel to the first direction.

2. The light-emitting device according to claim 1, wherein, when viewed from above, the width of the first protective element in the second direction is wider than the width in the first direction.

3. The light-emitting device according to claim 1, wherein the width of the stepped portion extending in the first direction is wider than the predetermined width in the first direction.

4. Furthermore, it includes a second light-emitting element positioned on the upper surface of the base, The one or more stepped portions are connected along the inner surface extending in the third direction and have a predetermined width in a fourth direction perpendicular to the third direction when viewed from above. The light-emitting device according to claim 1, wherein a second wiring region is provided on the upper surface of the one or more stepped portions, to which wiring connecting to the second light-emitting element is joined, and a third metal film and a fourth metal film are provided in the second wiring region.

5. The second boundary between the third metal film and the fourth metal film has a portion that extends in a direction parallel to the fourth direction of the stepped portion. The light-emitting device according to claim 4, further comprising a second protective element positioned across the third direction with respect to a portion of the second boundary extending in a direction parallel to the fourth direction.

6. The light-emitting device according to claim 5, wherein the first direction is not parallel to the third direction.

7. Furthermore, a third light-emitting element is provided on the upper surface of the base, The light-emitting device according to claim 5, wherein a third wiring region is provided on the upper surface of the one or more stepped portions, to which wiring connected to the third light-emitting element is joined, and a fifth metal film and a sixth metal film are provided in the third wiring region.

8. Of the first light-emitting element, the second light-emitting element, and the third light-emitting element, At least one emits blue light, At least one emits green light, The light-emitting device according to claim 7, wherein at least one emits red light.

9. The base and, The base comprises a frame portion that surrounds at least a part of the upper surface and has an inner surface that extends above the upper surface, The frame portion has one or more stepped portions connected along the inner surface extending in a first direction and having a predetermined width in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction when viewed from above, and a first wiring region is provided on the upper surface of the one or more stepped portions, and a first metal film and a second metal film are provided in the first wiring region. The first metal film and the second metal film are separated by a first boundary. The first boundary of the first metal film and the second metal film has a first portion extending in a direction parallel to the first direction of the stepped portion and a second portion extending in a direction perpendicular to the first direction of the stepped portion. The first part and the second part are in contact with each other in the package.

10. The package according to claim 9, wherein the width of the stepped portion extending in the first direction is wider than the predetermined width in the first direction.

11. A second wiring region is provided on the upper surface of the one or more stepped portions, and a third metal film and a fourth metal film are provided in the second wiring region. The package according to claim 9, wherein the one or more stepped portions are connected along the inner surface extending in a third direction and have a predetermined width in a fourth direction perpendicular to the third direction when viewed from above, and the third metal film and the fourth metal film are separated by a second boundary.

12. The package according to claim 11, wherein the second boundary of the third metal film and the fourth metal film has a portion that extends in a direction parallel to the fourth direction of the stepped portion.

13. The package according to claim 12, wherein the first direction is not parallel to the third direction.

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