Micro-led Array With Integrated Optical Filters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional LED devices face challenges in extracting light efficiently due to total internal reflection, requiring external mirrors and additional optical components, which add bulk and complexity, especially in GaN-based systems where chip shaping is impractical.
Innovation Solution
An integrated µLED device with a substrate and semiconductor material configured to output quasi-collimated light, featuring an optical component at the light emitting surface that alters optical properties, eliminating the need for external components by controlling light angles and enhancing extraction efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional LED devices use external mirrors and optical components to improve light extraction efficiency, then the light extraction efficiency is improved, but the device complexity and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the optical component directly into the LED device structure, merging what were previously separate external components into a unified integrated device. This eliminates the need for separate mirrors and optical components while maintaining improved light extraction efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical component is positioned at the light emitting surface of the LED chip, utilizing the surface dimension to achieve optical control without adding bulk in the vertical dimension. This allows integration without significantly increasing device footprint.
2Loss of energy
If traditional LED devices use external mirrors and optical components to improve light extraction efficiency, then the light extraction efficiency is improved, but the device bulk increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the optical component directly onto the LED chip structure, the patent combines multiple functions into a single compact unit, eliminating the need for separate external components that would increase device bulk.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical component is implemented as a thin film or coating on the light emitting surface of the LED chip, allowing optical functionality to be added without significant volume increase. This thin-film approach maintains device compactness while achieving improved light extraction.
3Loss of energy
If GaN-based LED chips are shaped mechanically to improve light extraction, then the light extraction efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing difficulty increases due to hard substrates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical chip shaping with an optical component that achieves improved light extraction through optical means rather than mechanical modification. This avoids the need to mechanically process hard GaN substrates while still achieving enhanced light extraction efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of changing the physical shape of the chip through mechanical means, the patent changes the optical parameters by adding an optical component that modifies light extraction characteristics. This approach is more suitable for hard substrates that are difficult to shape mechanically.
4Adaptability or versatility
If additional optical components are added to LED devices to manipulate light, then the light manipulation capability is improved, but the device complexity and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the optical component directly into the LED device structure, merging light manipulation capabilities into the core device rather than adding separate external components. This maintains versatility while reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated optical component serves multiple functions including light extraction enhancement, light direction control, and potential wavelength filtering, providing versatile light manipulation capabilities through a single multi-functional element rather than multiple separate components.
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 achieves high extraction efficiency and superior optical performance by directing light at optimal angles to the optical component, reducing the need for external optics and enhancing the LED device's robustness and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
LEDs convert electrical energy into optical energy. In semiconductor LEDs, light is usually generated through recombination of electrons, originating from an n-type doped semiconductor layer, and holes originating from a p-type doped semiconductor layer.
Implementation Method 2
The LED device comprises an optical component positioned at the light emitting surface and configured to receive quasi-collimated light exiting the light emitting surface and to alter one or more optical properties of at least some of the quasi-collimated light
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 3c~3d
AI summary
An integrated LED device is provided. The LED device includes a substrate. The LED device includes a semiconductor material including a light generating layer and positioned on the substrate. The semiconductor material and/or the substrate are configured to control light internally to output quasi-collimated light from a light emitting surface of the LED device. The LED device includes an optical component positioned at the light emitting surface and configured to receive quasi-collimated light exiting the light emitting surface and to alter one or more optical properties of at least some beams of the quasi-collimated light.