LED Reflective Layer and Bonding Pad Layout for Stable Miniaturization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current semiconductor light emitting devices face challenges in improving optical characteristics and reliability, particularly in reducing size and increasing productivity for diverse applications.

Innovation Solution

A semiconductor light emitting device structure is developed, featuring a first and second conductivity type semiconductor layer, an active layer, a reflective layer resistant to aqueous solutions like TMAH, KOH, and NH4OH, and an insulating spacer conformally formed along the substrate, with a bonding pad design that includes a shell shape with decreasing width, enhancing structural stability and optical performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the device size is reduced to improve integration and productivity, then the margin area is minimized, but manufacturing precision and structural stability become more difficult to maintain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into distinct functional layers including semiconductor layers, reflective layer, insulating layer, and bonding pad structure. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall structural integrity in the miniaturized device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bonding pad is designed with a nested structure where the shell shape encompasses the reflective layer, and the insulating spacer is conformally formed within the margins. This nesting approach maximizes space utilization while maintaining structural stability in the reduced-size device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Productivity

If the bonding pad margin area is minimized to reduce device size, then productivity is improved, but the reliability of electrical connections may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The bonding pad is designed with a shell shape that features curved boundaries instead of sharp corners. This curvature distributes mechanical stress more evenly across the connection interface, maintaining connection reliability while minimizing the overall margin area for improved productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Manufacturing precision

If a reflective layer material resistant to aqueous solutions (TMAH, KOH, NaOH, NH4OH) is used to improve etching stability, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the material selection becomes more limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveetching stabilityVSAvoidmaterial selection flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The reflective layer uses materials with specific chemical resistance properties to TMAH, KOH, NaOH, and NH4OH aqueous solutions. This parameter-based material selection ensures etching stability during manufacturing while the design accommodates various material options including metals and metal alloys that exhibit this resistance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Illumination intensity

If the insulating spacer is conformally formed to improve optical characteristics, then light emission efficiency is enhanced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight emission efficiencyVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating spacer serves multiple functions: it provides electrical insulation, maintains structural spacing for optimal optical characteristics, and contributes to mechanical stability. This multi-functionality enhances light emission efficiency while avoiding additional complex components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution improves optical characteristics, reduces device size, and increases productivity by minimizing the margin area and allowing for more efficient manufacturing processes, resulting in enhanced structural stability and improved light emission efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a reflective layer formed on a part of a top surface of the electrode layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4411820A1Semiconductor light emitting device
Publication Date: 2024.08.07 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4411820A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4411820A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4411820A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A semiconductor light emitting device includes a first conductivity type semiconductor layer, a second conductivity type semiconductor layer arranged on the first conductivity type semiconductor layer, an active layer between the first conductivity type semiconductor layer and the second conductivity type semiconductor layer, an electrode layer formed on a top surface of the second conductivity type semiconductor layer, a reflective layer formed on a part of a top surface of the electrode layer, a bonding pad formed on a top surface of the reflective layer, an insulating layer formed on another part of the top surface of the electrode layer, and an insulating spacer conformally formed along side walls of the first conductivity type semiconductor layer, the second conductivity type semiconductor layer, and the active layer, and covering a part of the side wall of the insulating layer . The reflective layer includes a material that is not etched by an aqueous solution including one of tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide (TMAH), KOH, NaOH, and NH4OH and the bonding pad has a shell shape including a part of which the width gradually decreases as the part distances from the reflective layer.