Multi-Junction LED Structure with Common P-Type Electrode

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current light emitting diodes (LEDs) face challenges in achieving high brightness and generating various colors while requiring complex fabrication processes and high costs due to the need for individual examination and connection of multiple LEDs in series.

Innovation Solution

A multi-junction LED structure is developed, where two light emitting layers are formed on a substrate with a common p-type electrode connecting multiple column-shaped light emitting structures in parallel, allowing for high brightness and various color generation through efficient electrical connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If multiple light emitting diodes are connected in series to secure high brightness, then illumination intensity is improved, but device complexity and fabrication cost increase due to individual examination and connection processes

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovebrightnessVSAvoidfabrication process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple light emitting structures into a single integrated LED device with a common substrate. Multiple n-type semiconductor layers, light emitting layers, and p-type semiconductor layers are formed on the same substrate, allowing parallel connection of multiple light emitting junctions. This merging approach achieves high brightness through combined light output while eliminating the need for individual examination and series connection of separate LED chips, thus reducing fabrication complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The common substrate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it supports multiple light emitting structures, provides mechanical strength, and acts as a common electrode connection point. The single substrate structure enables multiple light emitting junctions to function together as one integrated device, achieving both high brightness and simplified fabrication without requiring separate processing for each LED chip

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If individual light emitting diode chips are examined and connected in series in the packaging process, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidfabrication efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple light emitting structures are formed and electrically connected in parallel on a common substrate during the initial fabrication process, before packaging. The n-type and p-type semiconductor layers are sequentially deposited and patterned to create multiple functional junctions that are already interconnected. This preliminary integration eliminates the need for subsequent individual examination and series connection operations in the packaging process, maintaining reliability while dramatically improving manufacturing efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If a multi-junction structure with multiple light emitting layers is formed, then various colors and high brightness are achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor generation capabilityVSAvoidlayer formation precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Different light emitting layers are formed with specific local properties to generate different colors. Each light emitting layer contains quantum wells with tailored composition and thickness to emit at specific wavelengths. The n-type and p-type semiconductor layers are also locally optimized with different doping concentrations and compositions. This local quality differentiation enables multi-color emission while maintaining manufacturability through standardized fabrication processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite semiconductor structures combining different materials (e.g., GaN, AlGaN, InGaN) with varying band gaps to create multiple light emitting layers. Each material composition is selected to produce specific colors, and the layered composite structure allows simultaneous emission of multiple colors. The composite material approach enables color versatility while using established semiconductor fabrication techniques

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 multi-junction LED structure achieves high brightness and efficient light emission by connecting multiple light emitting structures in parallel, reducing fabrication complexity and costs while enabling the production of various colors.

Implementation Method 1

A light emitting diode is an electronic device that generates light through recombination of holes supplied from a p-type semiconductor layer and electrons supplied from an n-type semiconductor layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Data Source

PatentUS9466642B2Light emitting diode having multi-junction structure and method of fabricating the same
Publication Date: 2016.10.11 SUNDIODE KOREA
  • US9466642B2 patent drawing
  • US9466642B2 patent drawing
  • US9466642B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a light emitting diode having a multi-junction structure and a method of fabricating the same. In the light emitting diode, each light emitting structure has a column shape and includes two light emitting layers centered on a p-type semiconductor layer. In addition, a p-type electrode is formed on a side surface of the p-type semiconductor layer, and a p-type electrode is formed through formation and removal of a sacrificial layer. Through this process, the p-type electrode can be formed as a side electrode.