Asymmetric LED Chip Tilting Active Region
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LED displays suffer from light wastage when mounted above eye level due to their hemispherical light emission profiles, requiring complex and costly mounting solutions or secondary optics that incur significant losses.
Innovation Solution
The development of LED chips with an intrinsically asymmetric light emission profile is achieved by modifying the orientation and structure of layers, such as tilting the active light emitting region and mirror layer relative to the mounting surface, or using optically guiding surfaces to direct peak emission away from the normal, eliminating the need for secondary optics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional hemispherical LED emission profile is used, then uniform light extraction is achieved, but light wastage occurs when mounted above eye level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by tilting the LED active region and mirror layer relative to the mounting surface, creating an asymmetric light emission profile where peak emission is directed at a specific angle (e.g., 30 degrees) rather than uniformly in all directions. This asymmetric structure allows the LED to be mounted above eye level while directing light toward the viewer, eliminating the need for complex angled mounting hardware.
2Loss of energy
If secondary optics are used to redirect light patterns, then light distribution is improved, but significant losses of 10-12% occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light redirection function from separate secondary optical elements and integrates it directly into the LED chip structure itself. By incorporating the asymmetric emission profile directly into the LED active region and mirror layer configuration, the patent eliminates the need for external optics that cause 10-12% light loss, achieving both simplification and energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the light emission and light redirection functions into a single integrated LED chip structure. The active region and mirror layer are configured together to produce asymmetric emission, combining what were previously separate functions (light generation and light steering) into one unified component, thereby eliminating interface losses and reducing overall system complexity.
3Illumination intensity
If display is mounted at an angle to match viewer's line of sight, then light visibility is improved, but complex and expensive mounting hardware is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses asymmetry in the LED chip structure (tilted active region and mirror layer) to create an asymmetric emission profile that directs peak light output at a specific angle. This allows the display to be mounted in a standard horizontal position while the light is naturally directed toward viewers, improving visibility without requiring complex angled mounting hardware.
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
This approach allows for efficient light distribution without additional hardware, reducing light wastage and maintaining emission intensity, making it suitable for applications like outdoor displays and automotive lighting.
Implementation Method 1
at least one layer of the multilayered structure comprises a surface configured to provide a peak emission in a direction away from a normal to a mounting surface
Implementation Method 2
modifying the shape of the encapsulant or lens, but this may require special, costly lens tooling and modified lens fabrication processes
Data Source
AI summary
A light emitting diode (LED) for achieving an asymmetric light output includes a multilayered structure comprising a p-n junction, where at least one layer of the multilayered structure comprises a surface configured to provide a peak emission in a direction away from a normal to a mounting surface, the surface being a top or bottom surface of the layer.