Laser Programming of Optoelectronic Pixels Through the Substrate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optoelectronic devices often require additional access terminals for calibration and electrostatic discharge protection, which is not feasible due to their desired dimensions, posing a challenge in modifying these devices post-manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using programmable elements within the optoelectronic device that can be modified by exposure to a focused laser beam, allowing for the interruption of conductive tracks or activation/deactivation of protection systems without the need for additional access terminals, utilizing a laser to program one-time programmable memory or deactivate electrostatic discharge protection systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional access terminals are provided for calibration and protection system deactivation, then the optoelectronic device can be modified after manufacturing, but the device dimensions increase beyond desired limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism: existing access terminals are used to apply a modification signal (voltage pulse or laser) that triggers internal programmable elements to change the device's behavior. This mediator approach allows post-manufacturing modification without adding physical access terminals, as the modification is initiated through existing interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of adding physical access terminals with a field-based approach using electrical signals or optical fields. The modification is achieved by applying voltage pulses or laser beams that activate programmable elements internally, substituting mechanical structural changes with field-induced changes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If access terminals are added for memory write operations, then calibration data can be stored, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing access terminals multi-functional by enabling them to serve both normal device operation and post-manufacturing calibration/modification purposes. The same terminals that provide electrical connections for device operation are also used to apply modification signals, eliminating the need for separate calibration terminals.
Solution Approach 2:
The optoelectronic device performs its own calibration and modification through internally integrated programmable elements that are activated by signals applied through existing terminals. The device self-configures its behavior without requiring external calibration equipment or additional access points.
3Reliability
If electrostatic discharge protection system is kept active, then device protection is ensured, but normal operation is interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic protection system where the electrostatic discharge protection is not permanently active but can be temporarily activated or deactivated based on operational needs. Programmable elements allow the protection circuitry to be selectively enabled during manufacturing/handling and disabled during normal operation, creating a dynamic rather than static protection state.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection system is configured to be activated in advance during manufacturing and handling, and then deactivated through a preliminary modification step before normal operation begins. This preliminary deactivation action ensures that protection is available when needed but does not interfere with subsequent normal device operation.
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 enables effective modification of optoelectronic devices by allowing calibration and deactivation of protection systems without adding physical access terminals, thus addressing the dimensional constraints and enhancing operational flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
the method comprises the exposure of at least one of the programmable elements to the laser beam focused through the substrate
Implementation Method 2
programmable elements configured to be modified when they are exposed to a laser beam
Data Source
AI summary
A method for treating a region of an optoelectronic device (Pix) further including a substrate adjacent to the region to be treated. The optoelectronic device includes, in the region to be treated, programmable elements configured to be modified when they are exposed to a laser beam. The method includes the exposure of at least one of the programmable elements to the laser beam focused through the substrate.