μ-LED Array Optics for Directional Emission and High Pixel Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
The production and processing of μ-LEDs with edge lengths less than 70 μm pose significant challenges due to their small size, making it difficult to achieve high directional radiation, avoid the fly screen effect, and integrate additional elements such as contacts and lenses, which are crucial for augmented reality and automotive applications.
Innovation Solution
The use of slotted antenna structures and photonic crystals to enhance directional light emission and reduce non-radiative recombination, combined with monolithic and non-monolithic μ-LED arrays to achieve high pixel density and color generation, along with optical modes to control light propagation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If μ-LEDs with edge lengths less than 70 μm are produced, then high pixel density and color generation are achieved, but it becomes difficult to integrate additional elements such as contacts and lenses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functional elements (μ-LEDs, contacts, lenses) into a unified monolithic or non-monolithic array structure, allowing simultaneous realization of high pixel density and complete functional integration without separate assembly steps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs three-dimensional architectures including vertical μ-LED structures and stacked lens arrangements to achieve high pixel density in the horizontal plane while maintaining adequate space for contacts and optical elements in the vertical dimension
2Quantity of substance
If μ-LEDs with edge lengths less than 70 μm are produced, then high pixel density is achieved, but it becomes difficult to achieve high directional radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies directional control elements such as microlenses and photonic crystals at specific locations above each μ-LED pixel, enabling high directional radiation from each pixel while maintaining overall high pixel density across the display surface
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary optical structures (lenses, photonic crystals) between the μ-LED light source and the external environment to shape and direct the radiation pattern, achieving high directional control without compromising the small pixel size
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional μ-LED structures are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but the fly screen effect occurs reducing display quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies key parameters including reducing pixel pitch, optimizing μ-LED edge lengths to specific ranges, and adjusting lens focal lengths to minimize the fly screen effect while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through adapted fabrication processes
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 approach enables μ-LED arrays with high brightness, low energy consumption, and efficient color generation, suitable for augmented reality displays and automotive lighting, while minimizing the fly screen effect and enhancing directional control of light emission.
Implementation Method 1
a light-emitting device comprises an electrically conductive structure. The electrically conductive structure forms a slotted antenna structure
Implementation Method 2
optical modes to control light propagation
Implementation Method 3
The use of slotted antenna structures and photonic crystals to enhance directional light emission
Implementation Method 4
The cavity has a width and a specific length on which the wavelength of the light generated by the device depends
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to various aspects of a μ-LED or a μ-LED array for augmented reality or lighting applications, in particular in the automotive field. The μ-LED is characterized by particularly small dimensions in the range of a few μm.