Monolithic Emitter-Detector Layout for Compact Optical Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of III-V semiconductor light emitters and detectors into compact hybrid optical sensors is costly and time-consuming due to the serial integration of multiple discrete components, which hinders the production of ultra-compact sensors for consumer applications like non-invasive blood metabolite measurement.
Innovation Solution
A monolithic complementary light emitting and detecting device is realized on the same substrate with a single epitaxial layer stack, reducing the number of epitaxial growth steps and integrated components by integrating the light sources and detectors in a single step, thereby reducing manufacturing time and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple discrete III-V components are integrated serially into compact hybrid optical sensors, then the sensors achieve high functionality and performance, but the manufacturing cost and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple discrete III-V components (light emitters and detectors) into a single monolithic integrated device grown from one epitaxial layer stack. This merging eliminates the need for serial integration of separate components, thereby maintaining full sensor functionality while dramatically increasing manufacturing speed and reducing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The monolithic integrated device performs multiple functions simultaneously - it includes both light emission capabilities and light detection capabilities within a single structure. This multi-functionality replaces what previously required multiple separate discrete components, achieving the same sensor performance with a single integrated unit that can be manufactured more efficiently.
2Reliability
If multiple discrete III-V components are integrated serially, then complete sensor functionality is achieved, but the number of integration steps and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple discrete components into a single monolithic structure where light emitters and detectors are integrated within one epitaxial layer stack. This consolidation reduces the number of separate integration steps and simplifies the manufacturing process while preserving complete sensor functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Within the single epitaxial layer stack, the device is segmented into distinct functional regions - light emitter sections and detector sections - that are spatially separated but structurally integrated. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while being manufactured as a unified structure, reducing overall process complexity.
3Reliability
If separate epitaxial layer stacks are used for light emitters and detectors, then each component can be optimized independently, but the number of epitaxial growth steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the epitaxial layer stacks for light emitters and detectors into a single continuous growth process. Different regions of the same epitaxial stack are designed with different layer compositions and structures to optimize light emitter performance in one region and detector performance in another region, achieving component optimization without requiring separate growth runs.
Solution Approach 2:
The single epitaxial layer stack exhibits local quality variations - different sections have different material compositions, doping levels, and layer structures tailored to their specific functions. The light emitter regions have optimized structures for light generation, while detector regions have optimized structures for light absorption and charge carrier collection, all within one continuously grown stack.
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 significantly reduces manufacturing costs and time by integrating all components in a single step, enabling the production of ultra-compact, cost-effective sensors for consumer applications such as non-invasive blood metabolite measurement.
Implementation Method 1
a solid-state light emitter disposed over the semiconductor substrate, the solid-state light emitter configured to emit light with a beam propagation direction
Implementation Method 2
a light routing medium in optical communication with the solid-state light emitter
Implementation Method 3
a solid-state light detector disposed over the semiconductor substrate in optical communication with the light routing medium and configured to detect light emitted by the solid-state light emitter
Data Source
AI summary
A solid-state device, and use and formation thereof. The device includes a light emitter (102) that emits light with abeam propagation direction and includes an emitter epitaxial layer stack (940); a light routing medium (103) in optical communication with the light emitter; and a light detector (104) in optical communication with the light routing medium, which detects light emitted by the light emitter and includes a detector epitaxial stack (945). The light emitter and detector are monolithically formed on a semiconductor substrate. The emitter and detector epitaxial layer stacks include different pluralities of layers of a single epitaxial layer stack. The beam propagation direction is either in-plane with the single epitaxial layer stack and the light detector detects light out of plane with the single epitaxial layer stack, or out of plane with the single epitaxial layer stack and the light detector detects light in plane with the single epitaxial layer stack.