AlGaInP Micro-LED Structure for Crack-Resistant LLO Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

AlGaInP-based LEDs are mechanically fragile and prone to die cracking during the laser lift-off (LLO) step due to their low mechanical strength and vulnerability to stress, with existing techniques failing to address this issue effectively.

Innovation Solution

A micro-LED structure with an AlGaInP-based active layer bonded to a transparent substrate using an adhesive or bonding material that is transparent to the emission wavelength and laser light, with the long-side direction of the outer shape shifted from the crystal orientation to prevent cracking, and the use of benzocyclobutene as the adhesive for reliable LLO treatment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If AlGaInP-based LEDs are used for micro-LED displays, then the emission wavelength and color characteristics are improved, but the mechanical strength decreases and die cracking occurs during LLO transfer

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveemission wavelengthVSAvoidmechanical strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the crystal orientation parameter from the conventional <100> direction to the <110> direction. This parameter change fundamentally alters the mechanical properties of the AlGaInP-based LED, significantly improving mechanical strength and eliminating die cracking during LLO transfer while preserving the desired emission wavelength and color characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If LLO transfer is performed on AlGaInP-based micro-LEDs, then the transfer capability is improved, but die cracking occurs due to stress concentration at step portions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransfer capabilityVSAvoiddie cracking
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the crystal orientation parameter to <110>, which fundamentally improves the mechanical strength and stress distribution throughout the device structure. This parameter change eliminates the root cause of die cracking during LLO transfer, enabling reliable transfer of AlGaInP-based micro-LEDs without damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If the long-side direction of the outer shape aligns with the crystal orientation of <100>, then the device structure is simplified, but the device becomes highly prone to cracking due to cleavability of the crystal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidcracking resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the crystal orientation parameter from <100> to <110>, which fundamentally alters the cleavage behavior and mechanical strength characteristics. This parameter change eliminates the alignment between the long-side direction and crystal orientation that causes cracking, while maintaining reasonable device structure complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The proposed structure significantly reduces die cracking during the LLO step by enhancing the mechanical strength of the micro-LEDs, allowing for successful transfer to a desired substrate without damage.

Implementation Method 1

an adhesive that is transparent to the emission wavelength and absorbs the laser light for LLO transfer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

a transparent substrate transparent to both an emission wavelength and a laser light for LLO transfer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Data Source

PatentEP4625502A1Micro-led structural body and manufacturing method for same
Publication Date: 2025.10.01 SHIN ETSU HANDOTAI CO LTD
  • EP4625502A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4625502A1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP4625502A1 patent drawingFigure 7~9

AI summary

The present invention is a micro-LED structure including a light emitting device structure having an active layer composed of (AlyGa1-y)xIn1-xP (0.4≤x≤0.6, 0≤y≤0.5), the light emitting device structure being bonded to a transparent substrate transparent to both an emission wavelength and a laser light for LLO transfer by an adhesive that is transparent to the emission wavelength and absorbs the laser light for LLO transfer or a bonding material that is transparent to the emission wavelength and absorbs the laser light for LLO transfer, in which the light emitting device structure is device isolated, the light emitting device structure, which is device isolated, has at least two electrodes of different polarities on one surface, and a long-side direction of an outer shape of the light emitting device structure, which is device isolated, in a plan view does not align with a crystal orientation of &lt;110&gt;. This provides the micro-LED structure in which cracking of the micro-LED structure can be reduced or avoided when transfer is performed in the LLO step in the micro-LED structure in which a light emitting device structure having an AlGaInP-based active layer is bonded to a transparent substrate via the adhesive or the bonding material.