Gold Edge Reflector Layout for LED Outcoupling Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optoelectronic semiconductor components face challenges in optimizing outcoupling efficiency as they miniaturize, with a need to maximize the external emission of electromagnetic radiation generated by semiconductor materials.
Innovation Solution
An optoelectronic semiconductor component is designed with a gold layer positioned over the edge region of a substrate between the substrate and the semiconductor layer stack, where the gold layer is electrically connected to current spreading layers and strategically arranged to enhance reflectivity for longer wavelengths emitted by a converter element, increasing the outcoupling efficiency of electromagnetic radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the semiconductor component is miniaturized, then the device size is reduced, but the outcoupling efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing a gold layer specifically in the edge region of the substrate where semiconductor layers are absent, rather than uniformly across the entire substrate. This localized placement targets the specific area where light outcoupling is most needed, reflecting light back toward the converter element to improve outcoupling efficiency without adding material throughout the entire device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The gold layer acts as an intermediary element between the substrate and the converter element. It mediates the interaction with electromagnetic radiation by reflecting light from the converter element back toward the converter, thereby improving the outcoupling efficiency without directly being part of the semiconductor active region.
2Loss of energy
If a gold layer is added to improve outcoupling efficiency, then the outcoupling efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gold layer is positioned only in the edge region of the substrate where no semiconductor layers are present, creating a localized structure that adds functionality without significantly increasing overall device complexity. The layer is confined to a specific geometric region rather than being distributed throughout the entire device.
Solution Approach 2:
The gold layer serves multiple functions: it acts as a reflector for electromagnetic radiation, provides electrical connection to the current spreading layer, and protects the edge region from environmental effects. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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 solution significantly enhances the outcoupling efficiency by reflecting a high proportion of electromagnetic radiation back towards the converter element, increasing the brightness of the LED and optimizing the emission of longer wavelengths, while protecting the gold layer from environmental effects.
Implementation Method 1
a gold layer over the edge region of the substrate in an arrangement plane between the substrate and the semiconductor layer stack... the gold layer effectively reflects and redirects electromagnetic radiation back towards the converter element
Data Source
AI summary
An optoelectronic semiconductor component may include a semiconductor layer stack configured to generate electromagnetic radiation. The semiconductor layer stack may be arranged over a substrate and structured to form a mesa, so that the semiconductor layer stack is not present in an edge region of the substrate. The component may include a converter element on a side of the semiconductor layer stack that is remote from the substrate. The component may further include a gold layer over the edge region of the substrate in an arrangement plane between the substrate and the semiconductor layer stack.