Light Emitting Element Step Structure for Leak Current Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light emitting elements face issues with leak current generation due to incomplete oxidation of the current constriction layer when a pad is provided between the outer edge and the light emitting region, leading to inefficient light emission as the current does not fully contribute to the intended light output.
Innovation Solution
A light emitting element design featuring a current constriction layer with oxidized and non-oxidized regions, where a step portion is introduced between the electrode pad and the light emitting portion to ensure complete oxidation of the current constriction layer, preventing leak current by allowing independent oxidation of the light emitting region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pad is provided between the outer edge portion and the light emitting region, then electrical connection is facilitated, but the current constriction layer cannot be completely oxidized leading to leak current generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the oxidation process into two distinct stages: first oxidizing the current constriction layer completely to suppress leak current, then forming the pad structure. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by separating the oxidation step from the pad formation step, allowing complete oxidation without compromising electrical connection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs the oxidation of the current constriction layer before forming the pad structure. By completing the oxidation process in advance, the leak current suppression is ensured before the pad is introduced, which would otherwise block the oxidation pathway and prevent complete oxidation of the current constriction layer.
2Reliability
If the current constriction layer is completely oxidized, then leak current is suppressed, but the pad structure blocks the oxidation pathway
Solution Approach 1:
The oxidation process is performed as a preliminary step before pad formation. This timing arrangement ensures that the oxidation pathway is not blocked by the pad structure, allowing complete oxidation of the current constriction layer while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The manufacturing process is segmented into distinct stages: oxidation first, then pad formation. This segmentation eliminates the conflict between pad structure and oxidation pathway by executing these operations in sequence rather than simultaneously, ensuring complete oxidation without requiring complex process integration.
3Ease of manufacture
If the current constriction layer is not completely oxidized, then the pad can be formed easily, but leak current is generated reducing light emission efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The oxidation process is completed as a preliminary action before pad formation begins. This ensures that the current constriction layer is fully oxidized to maximize light emission efficiency, while the subsequent pad formation process remains simple and straightforward since it does not interfere with the already-completed oxidation.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the manufacturing process into oxidation followed by pad formation, the patent achieves both complete oxidation for high efficiency and easy pad formation. The segmentation eliminates the trade-off by making the oxidation outcome independent of the pad formation 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
The solution effectively suppresses leak current generation, ensuring that the current constriction layer is fully oxidized except for the non-oxidized region, thereby enhancing light emission efficiency by directing the current flow effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a current constriction structure formed in the current constriction layer and having an oxidized region where the current constriction layer is oxidized
Data Source
AI summary
A light emitting element formed of a laminate having a current constriction layer includes: a semiconductor substrate; a light emitting portion having plural first recess portions having a depth reaching the current constriction layer, and a current constriction structure formed in the current constriction layer and having an oxidized region where the current constriction layer is oxidized and a non-oxidized region surrounded by the oxidized region; an electrode pad disposed between the light emitting portion and an outer edge portion of the semiconductor substrate; and a step portion disposed between the electrode pad and the light emitting portion and formed from an upper surface of the laminate to the current constriction layer, and the current constriction layer in a region surrounded by the step portion is the oxidized region except for the non-oxidized region.