LED Light Extraction Pattern Period Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

In white LED devices, a significant portion of light is lost due to reentry into the chip, leading to reduced efficiency and reliability, primarily because of absorption losses and refractive index differences between the encapsulant and air, as well as the self-emitting process of phosphor-converted light.

Innovation Solution

A light extraction pattern with a period exceeding λ/n, where λ is the wavelength of light and n is the refractive index, is implemented on the light emitting structure to prevent reentry of light into the chip, enhancing light extraction efficiency and reliability by acting as an anti-reflection coating and diffraction structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a light extraction structure is provided on the chip surface to improve light extraction efficiency, then light extraction efficiency is improved, but light reentry into the chip increases causing absorption loss and reduced reliability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight extraction efficiencyVSAvoidchip reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different structural characteristics to different regions of the light extraction surface. By creating localized patterns with specific period ranges (50-200 nm), the structure achieves optimal light extraction in certain directions while preventing light reentry into the chip, thus resolving the contradiction between extraction efficiency and reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes the period parameter of the light extraction structure to fall within a specific range (50-200 nm). This parameter optimization enables the structure to effectively extract light while preventing reentry, thereby improving both light extraction efficiency and chip reliability simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the period of the light extraction pattern is reduced to improve light extraction, then light extraction efficiency increases, but light reentry is not effectively prevented

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight extraction efficiencyVSAvoidlight loss due to reentry
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent identifies and optimizes the period parameter of the light extraction pattern to a specific range (50-200 nm). This parameter optimization creates the optimal balance between light extraction efficiency and preventing light reentry, thereby minimizing energy loss while maximizing extraction performance

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 light extraction pattern effectively maintains light extraction efficiency within the desired range, preventing light reentry and improving the overall efficiency and reliability of white LEDs by optimizing light extraction and reducing absorption losses.

Implementation Method 1

A light extraction pattern in which a period (a) exceeds λ/n (where, λ is a wavelength of light emitted from the active layer, and n is a refractive index of the light emitting structure) may be disposed on the light emitting structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Implementation Method 2

A light extraction pattern in which a period (a) exceeds λ/n (where, λ is a wavelength of light emitted from the active layer, and n is a refractive index of the light emitting structure) may be disposed on the light emitting structure to prevent reentry of light into the chip

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAnti-reflection coating effect: Anti-Reflective Coating

Data Source

PatentEP2355183B1Light emitting diode
Publication Date: 2019.03.06 LG INNOTEK CO LTD
  • EP2355183B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2a
  • EP2355183B1 patent drawingFigure 2b
  • EP2355183B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided are a light emitting diode, (100,102,103) a light emitting diode package (200), and a lighting system (1100,1200). The light emitting diode includes a light emitting structure (120) including a first conductive type semiconductor layer (122), a second conductive type semiconductor layer (126), and an active layer (124) between the first conductive type semiconductor layer and the second conductive type semiconductor layer and a light extraction pattern (P) in which a period (a) exceeds λ/n (where, λ, is a wavelength of light emitted from the active layer, and n is a refractive index of the light emitting structure) on the light emitting structure. The period (a) may be in the range of 5×(λ/n) < a < 15×(λ/n). An etching depth (h) of the light extraction pattern (P) may be equal to or greater than λ/n.