Cone-Structured Light Extraction Surface for Deep UV LEDs

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Solution Overview

Problem

The external quantum efficiency of deep ultraviolet light output from semiconductor light emitting devices is low, particularly for shorter wavelengths, due to total reflection at the light extraction surface, which limits their effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

A semiconductor light emitting device with a concave-convex structure featuring cone-shaped parts on the light extraction surface, where the angle of inclination varies in stages, and the height of the second portion with a smaller angle is larger than the first portion, significantly improving light extraction efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If a conventional flat light extraction surface is used, then the device structure is simple, but the external quantum efficiency is low due to total reflection of light

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight extraction efficiencyVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies curvature by forming cone-shaped parts on the light extraction surface instead of using a flat surface. The conical geometry with specific inclination angles (first angle and second angle) creates curved interfaces that reduce total reflection of deep ultraviolet light, thereby improving light extraction efficiency while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by creating a multi-layered concave-convex structure where different portions of the light extraction surface have different properties. The first portion has a first inclination angle and the second portion has a second inclination angle, allowing each region to be optimized for light extraction while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Loss of energy

If the light extraction surface is modified with concave-convex structures, then light extraction efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight extraction efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the light extraction surface into distinct conical structures with different inclination angles (first portion and second portion). This segmented approach allows each segment to be optimized independently for light extraction while the overall pattern can be manufactured using standard photolithography and etching processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 described structure enhances light extraction efficiency by inhibiting total reflection and increasing the proportion of light output, achieving higher efficiency compared to conventional designs.

Implementation Method 1

the external quantum efficiency of deep ultraviolet light output via the light extraction surface of the substrate of a deep ultraviolet light emitting device is as low as several %... the concave-convex structure provided by forming a plurality of cone-shaped parts in an array on the light extraction surface inhibits total reflection of light occurring inside the light extraction surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTotal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3648182B1Semiconductor light-emitting element and method for manufacturing semiconductor light-emitting element
Publication Date: 2024.12.18 NIKKISO CO LTD
  • EP3648182B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3648182B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3648182B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A semiconductor light emitting device 10 includes a light extraction layer having a light extraction surface 22b. A plurality of cone-shaped parts 52 formed in an array are provided on the light extraction surface 22b. The cone-shaped part 52 has a first portion 53 having a first angle of inclination of a side surface and a second portion 54 having a second angle of inclination of a side surface smaller than the first angle. The second portion 54 is closer to an apex of the cone-shaped part than the first portion 53 and has a larger height than the first portion 53.