Matrix OLED Light Transmitter for High-Speed Optical Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light-emitting diodes (LEDs) face limitations in achieving high data rates due to high electrical response time and parasitic capacitance, which hinder their use in high-speed optical communication applications.
Innovation Solution
A matrix light emitting system comprising several fast OLEDs with laterally separated actuatable zones, featuring distinct anode and cathode patterns, allows for different light intensities by selectively activating combinations of anodes and cathodes, achieving ultra-fast response times below 10 ns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional LEDs are used for optical communication, then device simplicity is maintained, but data transmission rate is limited due to high electrical response time and parasitic capacitance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single large LED into multiple smaller micro-LEDs arranged in a matrix array. Each micro-LED has reduced parasitic capacitance and faster response time. By segmenting the light-emitting area into multiple independent micro-LEDs, the system achieves both high-speed performance and sufficient total light output for optical communication
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple fast micro-LEDs into a unified matrix array that operates as a single light source for optical communication. The individual micro-LEDs are electrically connected through shared anode/cathode structures and controlled by drive circuits to emit light in coordinated patterns, merging their collective light output while maintaining individual fast response characteristics
2Productivity
If multiple micro-LEDs are integrated on the same substrate to increase transmission rate, then data transmission rate improves, but device complexity increases due to electrode stacking and separation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the electrode structures to serve multiple functions: the anode and cathode layers both provide electrical connection for current flow and act as structural elements for defining individual micro-LED regions. The electrode patterns simultaneously provide electrical insulation between adjacent micro-LEDs and mechanical support for the organic light-emitting layers, reducing the need for additional dedicated insulation layers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from planar electrode arrangements to three-dimensional stacked electrode structures. Multiple anode and cathode layers are positioned at different heights and laterally offset from each other, creating vertically stacked micro-LED units. This dimensional transition allows dense integration of multiple micro-LEDs on a single substrate while maintaining electrical isolation through lateral offsets and insulating barriers between stacked elements
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 system enables high-speed optical communication by achieving data transmission rates exceeding 10 Gbit/s with varied light intensities, overcoming the limitations of traditional LEDs through innovative electrode stacking and separation techniques.
Implementation Method 1
OLEDs, the organic optoelectronic device having laterally separated actuatable zones on a substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A light emitting system (1) intended for optical communication, which presents several OLEDs (2) whose activation allows to obtain different levels of light intensity corresponding to different levels of light modulation, and which comprises an organic optoelectronic device (3) of the OLED (2) type having actuatable zones (5) each with a specific geometric pattern, on a substrate (5) which supports a first layer (6) formed by a plurality of transparent or opaque and conductive anodes (6a, 6b, 6c) laterally separated by engravings (7); a second layer for insulation (8) on regions of the first layer (6), serving to electrically insulate the anodes (6a, 6b, 6c) and to guarantee the continuity of the two following layers and having a thickness e1; a third layer (9) of thickness e2 comprising at least one stack of organic layers (9a, 9b); a fourth layer of metal (10) with a thickness e3 having a plurality of cathodes (10a, 10b) laterally separated from one another and covering said stack of organic layers (9a, 9b), lateral separation profiles (11) of the cathodes (10a, 10b) and of the organic layers (9a, 9b), for electrically insulation the cathodes (10a, 10b), of thickness e4 greater than e1+e2+e3, deposited on the first layer (6) or on the second layer (8).