LED Electrode Structure for Light Extraction Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional light emitting diodes experience reduced lighting efficiency due to light being reflected by the N-type and P-type electrodes, leading to loss of emitted light.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a light-reflective first electrode and a second electrode that surrounds the epitaxial structure, with insulating layers in annular grooves to reflect side light and prevent it from being emitted from the grooves, ensuring that light is emitted from the top, and a protective layer for enhanced mechanical strength and thermal conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional N-type and P-type electrodes are used in light emitting diode, then electrical conductivity is achieved, but light emission efficiency deteriorates due to light reflection by the electrodes
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode structure is segmented into multiple functional layers: a light-reflective electrode layer, an insulating layer, and a light-transmissive electrode layer. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function (reflection, insulation, conduction) separately, resolving the contradiction by enabling efficient light management while maintaining electrical conductivity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the electrode structure have different optical properties. The light-reflective electrode layer has high reflectivity to redirect light, while the light-transmissive electrode layer has high transmissivity to allow light passage. This local differentiation of material properties enables the electrode to simultaneously manage light reflection and transmission efficiently.
2Productivity
If light-reflective electrode structure is implemented, then lighting efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional insulating layers and annular grooves
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional requirements (electrical conductivity, light reflection, light transmission, insulation) are merged into a single integrated electrode structure. The multi-layer electrode assembly combines these functions in one component, improving lighting efficiency while avoiding the need for separate components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: the light-reflective layer reflects light, the insulating layer provides electrical isolation, and the light-transmissive layer allows light passage. This multi-functionality within a single electrode assembly resolves the contradiction by achieving high lighting efficiency without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Illumination intensity
If insulating layers are added in annular grooves, then light reflection and direction control is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The annular grooves and insulating layers are formed during the epitaxial growth process or as integral parts of the electrode structure fabrication. By preparing these light-directing features in advance during manufacturing, the patent achieves precise light direction control while minimizing the need for additional post-processing steps.
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 improves lighting efficiency by reflecting and directing light emissions from the epitaxial structure, enhancing the overall performance of the light emitting diode.
Implementation Method 1
insulating layers in annular grooves to reflect side light and prevent it from being emitted from the grooves
Implementation Method 2
a light-reflective first electrode and a second electrode that surrounds the epitaxial structure, with insulating layers in annular grooves to reflect side light
Data Source
AI summary
A light emitting diode includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and an epitaxial structure. The epitaxial structure is arranged on the first electrode, and electrically connects with the first electrode and the second electrode. The second electrode surrounds periphery of the epitaxial structure to reflect light from the epitaxial structure out from the top of the epitaxial structure. A method for manufacturing the light emitting diode is also presented. The light emitting diode and the method increase lighting efficiency of the light emitting diode.