Reflective Bank Sidewalls for Higher LED Light Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Light emitting diode (LED) devices face challenges in maximizing light extraction efficiency due to lateral emission, which is not effectively harnessed in current reflective structures, leading to reduced overall efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A reflective bank structure is introduced, featuring a substrate with insulating layers and bank openings that house light emitting devices, where a reflective layer spans the sidewalls of these openings to redirect lateral emissions, enhancing light extraction efficiency by reflecting light towards the desired emission direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a reflective layer is added to the electrode layer opposite the light emission direction, then light extraction efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reflective layer is merged with the electrode layer to form a combined structure. The bottom electrode includes both conductive and reflective functions in a single integrated layer, eliminating the need for separate reflective layer deposition and reducing manufacturing steps while maintaining light extraction efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The bottom electrode layer is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: electrical conduction and light reflection. By making the electrode layer reflective, it serves dual purposes of electrical connection and light extraction enhancement, reducing overall device complexity.
2Productivity
If the reflective layer is made to completely cover the substrate, then light reflection is maximized, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reflective property is applied locally only where needed - specifically in the regions surrounding the light emitting devices rather than uniformly across the entire substrate. This localized approach reduces manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining effective light reflection where it matters most.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflective layer is segmented into discrete regions corresponding to individual light emitting devices or device groups. Rather than a continuous full-substrate coating, the reflection function is divided into multiple localized reflective zones, easing manufacturing constraints.
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 reflective bank structure significantly increases light extraction efficiency by effectively redirecting lateral emissions, improving the overall performance of LED devices by enhancing light output in the intended direction.
Implementation Method 1
a reflective layer spanning the sidewalls of each of the bank openings in the insulating layer... redirecting lateral emissions, enhancing light extraction efficiency by reflecting light towards the desired emission direction
Data Source
AI summary
Reflective bank structures for light emitting devices are described. The reflective bank structure may include a substrate, an insulating layer on the substrate, and an array of bank openings in the insulating layer with each bank opening including a bottom surface and sidewalls. A reflective layer spans sidewalls of each of the bank openings in the insulating layer.