Micro LED Light-Emitting Unit With Side Contact Structure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current micro LED devices have a limited light-emitting area due to plane contact surfaces between the light-emitting layer and semiconductor layers, resulting in lower light extraction efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A light-emitting unit with a stacking configuration where at least one semiconductor layer is in contact with the surface and side of the light-emitting layer, increasing the light-emitting area by allowing both surfaces and sides to emit light, and optionally incorporating a refractive layer with a lower refractive index than the semiconductor layer to enhance light extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a plane contact surface structure is used between the light-emitting layer and semiconductor layers, then the device structure is simple, but the light-emitting area is limited and light extraction efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a traditional plane contact surface to a three-dimensional contact structure where the light-emitting layer contacts both the surface and side surfaces of the semiconductor layers. This dimensional expansion increases the light-emitting area from a two-dimensional plane to a multi-dimensional surface, allowing light to be extracted from multiple directions (top surface and side surfaces) rather than just from the top plane.
2Ease of manufacture
If a plane contact surface structure is used between the light-emitting layer and semiconductor layers, then the device structure is simple, but the light extraction efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
By expanding the light extraction paths from a single plane to multiple surfaces (top and side surfaces), the patent increases the solid angle for light extraction. This multi-directional extraction reduces the energy loss from total internal reflection and improves the overall light extraction efficiency without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.
3Loss of energy
If a refractive layer with lower refractive index is added, then the light extraction efficiency is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the refractive index parameter by introducing a refractive layer with a lower refractive index than the semiconductor layer. This parameter change reduces the refractive index difference at the interface, thereby reducing total internal reflection and enhancing light extraction efficiency. The layer is designed with specific optical parameters to optimize light extraction while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
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 increases the light-emitting area and light extraction efficiency of the micro LED device, enhancing the amount of light emitted into free space and improving the overall performance.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating a refractive layer with a lower refractive index than the semiconductor layer to enhance light extraction
Data Source
AI summary
A light-emitting unit and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The light-emitting unit includes a first semiconductor layer, a light-emitting layer and a second semiconductor layer that are distributed in a stacking manner. At least one of the first semiconductor layer or the second semiconductor layer is at least in contact with a part of layer surfaces and a part of side of the light-emitting layer, the first semiconductor layer is insulated from the second semiconductor layer, and one of the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer is an N-type semiconductor layer, and the other is a P-type semiconductor layer. The present disclosure is conducive to increasing the light-emitting area and the light extraction efficiency of the light-emitting unit.