Host Material Refractive Index for Nanostructured Optoelectronic Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Nanostructured optoelectronic devices face inefficiency due to the inactive host material occupying volume that could be active, reducing the effective active area and light absorption in nanostructured materials.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a host material with a higher index of refraction than the nanostructured material, or adding scattering centers, absorption/luminescence centers, or metal particles to enhance light absorption and re-emission within the active region, thereby increasing the effective active area and light absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If host material is used to electrically isolate nano-particles, then electrical and optical properties can be optimized, but the effective active area is reduced because the host material occupies volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the host material, specifically its index of refraction, to be higher than that of the nanostructured material. This parameter change allows the host material to optically benefit the active region while maintaining its electrical isolation function, effectively reducing its optical 'footprint' without sacrificing its electrical isolation role.
Solution Approach 2:
The host material is given multiple functions: it continues to provide electrical isolation between nano-particles while simultaneously providing optical benefits through its high index of refraction. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the host material useful in both its original capacity and as an optical enhancement element.
2Use of energy by moving object
If host material with large index of refraction is used, then light absorption in active material is increased, but device complexity increases due to material selection constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent identifies and utilizes a specific parameter range for the host material's index of refraction (higher than the nanostructured material) that optimizes light absorption. By focusing on this specific parameter range, the patent simplifies the material selection process despite the apparent complexity of finding suitable materials.
3Use of energy by moving object
If scattering centers are introduced in host material, then light funneling into active region is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the scattering function with the host material itself, rather than adding separate scattering components. The host material is designed to inherently provide scattering through its optical properties and interaction with the nanostructured material, combining multiple functions into a single integrated component.
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
Significantly increases the effective active area and light absorption in nanostructured optoelectronic devices, improving their performance by optimizing the host material's refractive index or introducing specific centers that assist the active material in light management.
Implementation Method 1
The host material may have a higher index of refraction than the nanostructured material. The host material index of refraction may be chosen to maximize the effective active area of the device.
Implementation Method 2
the host material comprises scattering centers or absorption/luminescence centers which absorb light and reemit the light at a different energy or both
Implementation Method 3
the host material comprises scattering centers or absorption/luminescence centers which absorb light and reemit the light at a different energy or both
Implementation Method 4
the host material comprises scattering centers or absorption/luminescence centers which absorb light and reemit the light at a different energy or both
Implementation Method 5
The fourth uses metal particles or thin films with plasmon coupling into the active area. All four approaches increase the light absorbed in the active nanostructures.
Data Source
AI summary
A nanostructured optoelectronic device is provided which comprises a nanostructured material and a host material intermingled with the nanostructured material. The host material may have a higher index of refraction than the nanostructured material. The host material's index of refraction may be chosen to maximize the effective active area of the device. In an alternative embodiment, the host material comprises scattering centers or absorption/luminescence centers which absorb light and reemit the light at a different energy or both.