Hexagon LED Sidewalls and Circular Reflective Wells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current light emitting diode (LED) devices face challenges in light extraction efficiency due to internal quantum efficiency losses and the need for larger reflective well structures, which affect pixel density and resolution, and existing technologies do not effectively achieve high luminous efficacy and external quantum efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The use of hexagon-shaped LEDs with faceted or non-faceted sidewalls mounted within circular reflective well structures, combined with a diffuser layer containing scattering particles, to enhance light extraction efficiency by optimizing well angles and reducing non-radiative recombination, and the implementation of a transparent conductor layer for improved electrical contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional LED structures are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but light extraction efficiency is lower
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a circular reflective well structure with curved sidewalls instead of conventional planar structures. The circular geometry with optimized well angle (30-60 degrees to horizontal) enhances light extraction efficiency by redirecting internally reflected light toward the top surface, reducing total internal reflection losses at the semiconductor-air interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes composite material structures including transparent encapsulant materials with specific refractive indices (1.4-1.8), reflective well materials (aluminum alloy or silver alloy with 85%-98% reflectance), and semiconductor layers with different refractive indices. This composite approach optimizes optical pathways and minimizes reflection losses through refractive index matching and strategic material placement.
2Loss of energy
If larger reflective well structures are used, then light extraction efficiency improves, but pixel density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the well angle parameter (30-60 degrees to horizontal) to achieve maximum light extraction efficiency within a compact footprint. By adjusting this geometric parameter, the design extracts more light from smaller well structures, enabling higher pixel density without sacrificing luminous efficacy. The circular well geometry further optimizes space utilization compared to conventional rectangular structures.
3Loss of energy
If hexagon shaped LEDs are used, then peripheral recombination is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs faceted sidewalls that serve multiple functions: they reduce peripheral non-radiative recombination by minimizing surface area, act as natural light extraction surfaces, and provide mechanical support. The hexagonal or polygonal geometry with 6-12 facets optimizes the perimeter-to-area ratio while maintaining compatibility with standard semiconductor fabrication processes through controlled epitaxial growth.
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 configuration increases light extraction efficiency, internal quantum efficiency, and external quantum efficiency, enabling more compact pixel arrangements, higher resolution, and cost-effective production by minimizing peripheral recombination and improving angular light distribution.
Implementation Method 1
the diffuser layer may include scattering particles dispersed in a matrix material... the diffuser layer may help create an angular profile closer to Lambertian for all LED colors
Implementation Method 2
The reflectance of the well surface may be higher than 50%... materials (such as aluminum alloy or silver alloy) to achieve high reflectance 85%-98% for all colors
Implementation Method 3
a first vertical inorganic semiconductor-based light emitting diode (LED)... inorganic semiconductor-based LEDs may be more energy efficient
Implementation Method 4
minimizing peripheral recombination... reduce the perimeter to area ratio which may result in higher internal quantum efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
Light emitting structures are described in which vertical inorganic semiconductor-based light emitting diodes (LEDs) with hexagon shaped sidewalls are mounted within corresponding circular reflective well structures. Diffuser layers may additionally laterally surround the hexagon shaped sidewalls within the circular reflective well structures.