LED Side Reflection Layer for Narrow Viewing Angle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Light emitting diodes (LEDs) with wide viewing angles suffer from light loss when used in applications like automobile headlamps and camera flashes, as light emitted from side surfaces is difficult to control, leading to increased light loss and deviation in electrical characteristics.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a side reflection layer in the LED design, which is spaced apart from the metal pads to prevent electrical connection, allowing for a narrow viewing angle by reflecting light back into the desired emission range while maintaining electrical stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If light emitting diodes are designed with wide viewing angles, then light can be emitted in broader directions, but light loss increases when used in applications like automobile headlamps and camera flashes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different surface properties at different locations. The light exit surface has a roughened surface with specific microstructures to enhance light extraction, while the side surfaces are covered with reflection layers to redirect light. This localized differentiation allows the LED to achieve narrow viewing angle (reducing light loss in specific directions) while maintaining effective light emission through the optimized light exit surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of light escaping through side surfaces into a beneficial effect by using reflection layers. Instead of allowing light to be lost through the sides, the reflection layers redirect this light back toward the light exit surface, where it can be properly extracted. This transforms what would be wasted light into useful emission, reducing overall light loss while controlling the viewing angle.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a side reflection layer is added to reduce light emission through side surfaces, then viewing angle is narrowed, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reflection layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it reflects light from side surfaces back toward the light exit surface, provides electrical connection pathways, and can be integrated with existing LED structures. By making the reflection layer multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate components, thereby controlling device complexity while achieving narrow viewing angle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the reflection layer with other LED components such as electrode structures or packaging elements. Instead of adding a completely separate reflection component, the design integrates reflective properties into existing structural elements, thereby achieving the desired viewing angle control without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Illumination intensity
If the side reflection layer is placed close to metal pads, then light reflection is improved, but electrical connection may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the side reflection layer into distinct regions: some areas are positioned to optimize light reflection toward the light exit surface, while other areas are deliberately spaced from metal pads to maintain proper electrical connections. This segmentation allows different portions of the reflection layer to fulfill different functions without interfering with each other, achieving both high light reflection efficiency and reliable electrical connectivity.
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 side reflection layer effectively reduces light emission through side surfaces, achieving a narrow viewing angle of 110 degrees or less, while ensuring good electrical reliability and low deviation in electrical characteristics between LEDs.
Implementation Method 1
a side reflection layer covering at least part of the side surfaces
Implementation Method 2
a light exit surface having a roughened surface through which light generated from the active layer is emitted
Data Source
AI summary
A light emitting diode including a side reflection layer. The light emitting diode includes: a semiconductor stack and a light exit surface having a roughened surface through which light generated from an active layer is emitted; side surfaces defining the light exit surface; and a side reflection layer covering at least part of the side surfaces. The light exit surface is disposed over a first conductivity type semiconductor layer opposite to the ohmic reflection layer, all layers from the active layer to the light exit surface are formed of gallium nitride-based semiconductors, and a distance from the active layer to the light exit surface is 50 μm or more.


