Micrometric LED Optical Lens for Directional Light Extraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optoelectronic devices face challenges in maintaining directional light emission and high luminous efficacy as three-dimensional light-emitting diodes become increasingly miniaturized, leading to radiation loss and reduced efficiency.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of an optical lens with a convex shape aligned with the longitudinal axis of the light-emitting diode, made of a material with an optical index between 1.4 and 2.2, to focus and direct light rays emitted by the diode, along with a surrounding encapsulation material and reflective walls to enhance light extraction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the dimensions of three-dimensional light-emitting diodes are reduced to micrometric or nanometric scales, then the definition and miniaturization of display screens is improved, but the luminous intensity emitted by the light-emitting diodes declines drastically

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedimensions of light-emitting diodesVSAvoidluminous intensity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a micrometric or nanometric optical lens as an intermediary element positioned between the light-emitting diode and the surrounding environment. This lens acts as a mediator that collects and redirects light rays that would otherwise be lost, thereby amplifying the apparent luminous intensity without increasing the physical size of the LED itself. The lens serves as a force multiplier for the limited light output of miniaturized LEDs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the optical parameters of the system by introducing a lens with specific refractive index and curvature radius that are optimized for micrometric and nanometric scales. By adjusting these optical parameters, the system achieves enhanced light extraction efficiency and directional control, effectively compensating for the reduced light output of smaller LEDs through optimized light management rather than increased emission power.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Volume of moving object

If the dimensions of three-dimensional light-emitting diodes are reduced, then the pixel density of display screens is improved, but the light radiation from adjacent sub-pixels mixes and contrast is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedimensions of light-emitting diodesVSAvoidlight radiation mixing
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the light emission control into individual sub-pixel units, each equipped with its own micrometric or nanometric optical lens. This segmentation ensures that light rays from each sub-pixel are independently directed and confined to its intended viewing zone, preventing cross-talk and light mixing between adjacent sub-pixels. Each lens acts as an independent optical channel that maintains spatial separation of light paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by optimizing the optical properties (refractive index, curvature radius, positioning) of each individual lens according to its specific location within the display array. This localized optimization allows each sub-pixel to have tailored light directionality and confinement characteristics, enhancing contrast by preventing light from one sub-pixel from interfering with adjacent sub-pixels while maintaining overall system performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If three-dimensional light-emitting diodes are used without directional control, then the device structure is simplified, but light is emitted in non-directional patterns causing radiation loss and reduced luminous efficacy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidradiation loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs spherical or spheroidal optical lenses with carefully controlled curvature radii that are comparable to the dimensions of the micrometric or nanometric LEDs. This curvature geometry naturally focuses and redirects light rays that would otherwise emit in all directions, channeling them into more directional beams. The spherical shape provides omnidirectional light collection capability while maintaining structural simplicity, achieving directional control without complex optical systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 significantly increases the luminous efficacy and overall efficiency of the optoelectronic device by making light rays more directional and reducing radiation loss.

Implementation Method 1

at least one optical lens adapted to transform the light rays emitted by the light-emitting diode that cross said optical lens

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS12414416B2Optoelectronic device with micrometric or nanometric light-emitting diode on which an optical lens is mounted
Publication Date: 2025.09.09 ALEDIA INC
  • US12414416B2 patent drawing
  • US12414416B2 patent drawing
  • US12414416B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An optoelectronic device includes at least one light-emitting diode having a three-dimensional shape having a height along a longitudinal axis and having a first longitudinal dimension measured along the longitudinal axis and at least a second transverse dimension corresponding to a dimension of the three-dimensional shape measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The first longitudinal dimension and the second transverse dimension are each less than or equal to substantially 20 μm. The optoelectronic device has at least one optical lens capable of transforming the light rays emitted by the light-emitting diode which pass through the optical lens.