Layered Micro LED Optical Interconnect for Extraction and Reliability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical interconnect systems using micro LEDs face challenges in improving light extraction efficiency and reliability.

Innovation Solution

An optical interconnect system is designed with a micro LED array, photodiode array, and optical transmission medium, featuring a layered structure that includes a conductive base semiconductor layer, semiconductor light-emitting structure, electrode layers, and passivation layers, along with a reflective structure and microlens to enhance light extraction and reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If micro LED structure is optimized to improve light extraction efficiency, then light extraction efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

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

Solution Approach 1:

The micro LED structure is divided into multiple functional layers including a semiconductor light-emitting structure with first and second conductive semiconductor layers, an active layer, electrode layers, passivation layers, reflective structures, and microlenses. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function, thereby improving overall light extraction efficiency while managing complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces vertical stacking of multiple layers in the depth dimension, transforming a planar LED structure into a three-dimensional layered architecture. This dimensional change enables improved light extraction by controlling light propagation paths through multiple interfaces and layers, addressing the light extraction efficiency challenge while organizing complexity vertically

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If manufacturing process is optimized to ensure consistent performance, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies precise structural configurations and material compositions in advance during the design phase, including the stacking sequence of layers, their thicknesses, and material properties. These preliminary specifications guide the manufacturing process to achieve consistent performance and high reliability while managing precision requirements through clear design criteria

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes various parameters including layer thicknesses, material compositions, doping concentrations, and structural dimensions to achieve the desired balance between reliability and manufacturability. By carefully selecting and controlling these parameters, the design achieves consistent performance while considering practical manufacturing capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 system improves light extraction efficiency and reliability by optimizing the micro LED structure and manufacturing process, ensuring consistent performance and signal transmission.

Implementation Method 1

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) may refer to light sources that may convert an electrical energy into an optical energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight-emitting diode effect: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

a photodiode array on a side of the micro LED array and including at least one photodiode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

an optical transmission medium coupled with the micro LED array and the photodiode array and including an optical fiber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Implementation Method 4

a microlens to enhance light extraction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLens focusing: Lens

Data Source

PatentUS20260003146A1Optical interconnect system
Publication Date: 2026.01.01 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US20260003146A1 patent drawing
  • US20260003146A1 patent drawing
  • US20260003146A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An optical interconnect system includes a micro light-emitting diode (LED) array including at least one micro LED, a photodiode array on a side of the micro LED array and including at least one photodiode, an optical transmission medium coupled with the micro LED array and the photodiode array, and a circuit board apart from the optical transmission medium in a vertical direction with the micro LED array and the photodiode array therebetween. The at least one micro LED includes a plurality of layers sequentially stacked in the vertical direction.