LED Step Portion Lateral Electrode Light Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current light emitting diodes (LEDs) face challenges in optimizing light extraction efficiency and operational voltage, with existing structures not effectively addressing these issues for improved performance.
Innovation Solution
The proposed light emitting device features a second conductive semiconductor layer, an active layer, a first semiconductor layer with a step portion, and a lateral electrode on the step portion, which enhances light extraction efficiency and reduces operational voltage by improving current characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional LED structure is used, then the device is simple to manufacture, but light extraction efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a step portion on the lateral side of the first semiconductor layer, creating a multi-level dimensional structure. This step portion forms a lateral surface that serves as an additional light extraction path, transitioning from a conventional planar structure to a stepped three-dimensional structure, thereby improving light extraction efficiency without significantly complicating the manufacturing process
2Illumination intensity
If the LED structure is optimized for brightness, then light extraction efficiency improves, but operational voltage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the first semiconductor layer into different height levels by forming a step portion. This segmentation creates distinct regions: a first region at a higher level and a second region at a lower level. The step portion acts as an intermediate structure that facilitates both light extraction and current distribution, allowing the device to achieve improved light extraction efficiency while maintaining reasonable operational voltage through optimized current characteristics
3Loss of energy
If a step portion is formed on the first semiconductor layer, then light extraction efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The step portion is formed locally on the lateral side of the first semiconductor layer rather than modifying the entire structure. This localized modification creates a specific geometric feature that enhances light extraction at critical interfaces without requiring complex changes throughout the entire LED structure, thus balancing improved light extraction efficiency with manageable device complexity
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 enhances light extraction efficiency and lowers operational voltage, resulting in improved performance and efficiency of the light emitting device.
Implementation Method 1
A light emitting diode (LED) is a semiconductor light emitting device that converts current into light
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a light emitting device including a second conductive semiconductor layer (150); an active layer (140) on the second conductive semiconductor layer; a first semiconductor layer (130) on the active layer, the first semiconductor layer having at least one lateral side with a step portion; and a lateral electrode (180) on the step portion formed at the at least one lateral side of the first semiconductor layer.