Optical Filters for LED Performance Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Technological advances in semiconductor LEDs and pcLEDs lead to performance changes that do not satisfy the optical performance specifications of earlier generations, necessitating continued production of legacy devices, increasing manufacturing complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
The use of optical filters, specifically interferometric photonic bandgap filters, to modify the light output of later generation LEDs and pcLEDs to match the optical specifications of earlier generations, allowing them to be substituted in applications previously supported by legacy devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If later generation LEDs and pcLEDs are used to improve device performance, then efficiency and output are improved, but optical performance specifications of earlier generations are not satisfied
Solution Approach 1:
An optical filter is introduced as an intermediary component between the LED and the output to modify the light characteristics. The filter adjusts the angular radiation profile and spectral properties of the LED output to match legacy specifications, enabling newer high-efficiency LEDs to comply with existing optical performance requirements without sacrificing their improved productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies key optical parameters of the LED output by using filters to change the angular radiation intensity distribution and spectral characteristics. By adjusting these parameters through filtering, the system maintains the high efficiency of new LEDs while achieving compliance with legacy optical specifications
2Manufacturing precision
If legacy LEDs and pcLEDs are continued to be produced to satisfy optical performance specifications, then specification compliance is maintained, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical filter serves multiple functions simultaneously: it adjusts angular radiation patterns, modifies spectral properties, and enables compatibility across different LED generations. This universal approach allows a single filtering solution to address multiple specification requirements, reducing the need for separate legacy device production lines and simplifying manufacturing
3Manufacturing precision
If legacy LEDs and pcLEDs are continued to be produced to satisfy optical performance specifications, then specification compliance is maintained, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical filter acts as a cost-effective intermediary that enables newer, more efficient LEDs to meet legacy specifications without requiring continued production of expensive legacy devices. This approach leverages the higher efficiency of new LEDs while using relatively inexpensive filtering components to achieve specification compliance, thereby reducing overall production costs
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 solution simplifies manufacturing, reduces costs, enables the obsolescence of legacy products, and facilitates the adoption of newer technologies by ensuring compatibility in emitter characteristics and angular radiation profiles, thereby rationalizing production and customer acceptance.
Implementation Method 1
interferometric photonic bandgap filters
Implementation Method 2
interferometric photonic bandgap filters
Implementation Method 3
LEDs may be combined with one or more wavelength converting materials (generally referred to herein as 'phosphors') that absorb light emitted by the LED and in response emit light of a longer wavelength
Data Source
AI summary
Optical filters are used to compensate for changes in LED and pcLED performance resulting from technological advances in device design or manufacturing, with for example the filtered optical output from later generation devices matching or substantially matching the optical performance of earlier generation legacy devices. This can allow the advanced generation devices to be substituted in applications previously supported by the legacy devices, even if the optical performance of the unfiltered advanced generation devices does not satisfy the optical performance specifications required by the application. Somewhat paradoxically, the advantages of using the filters in combination with the advanced generation devices may arise from the filters making the optical performance of the devices worse according to one or more figures of merit.