Multi-Unit LED With Nanostructures and Reflector for Light Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LEDs have low external quantum efficiency due to unused visible light emitted from their sidewalls, limiting their efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The LED design incorporates multiple light emitting units with second semiconductor layers featuring three-dimensional nano-structures and a reflector layer to enhance light extraction, allowing for the redirection and emission of light from sidewalls, increasing overall light extraction intensity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional LED structure is used with transparent second electrode, then electrical connection is achieved, but visible light emitted from sidewalls cannot be used resulting in low external quantum efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the LED into multiple light emitting units arranged in an array, where each unit has its own light emitting surface. This segmentation allows different units to emit light in different directions, capturing sidewall-emitted light that would otherwise be lost, thereby improving external quantum efficiency without fundamentally changing the basic LED structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single light emitting surface to multiple light emitting surfaces arranged in three-dimensional space. By stacking multiple LED chips vertically or arranging them in a three-dimensional array, the structure captures light emission from multiple dimensions including sidewalls, converting previously wasted light into useful output and improving overall efficiency
2Illumination intensity
If multiple light emitting units are used to improve light extraction, then light extraction efficiency increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests multiple light emitting units within a single LED package, with smaller LED chips positioned within or around a larger substrate. This nested arrangement allows multiple light emitting surfaces to be integrated in a compact form factor, increasing light extraction intensity while controlling overall device size and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the multi-unit LED structure to serve multiple functions: each unit contributes to light emission, the arrangement enables heat dissipation through distributed structures, and the configuration allows for different viewing angles and illumination patterns. This multi-functionality justifies the increased complexity by delivering superior performance across multiple parameters
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 design significantly enhances light extraction efficiency, with some embodiments achieving up to 50% improvement in light extraction intensity and extending the LED's lifespan by utilizing the light emitting units in turns.
Implementation Method 1
second semiconductor layer (130)... featuring three-dimensional nano-structures... to enhance light extraction
Implementation Method 2
reflector layer to enhance light extraction, allowing for the redirection and emission of light from sidewalls
Implementation Method 3
the holes in the P-type semiconductor layer and the electrons in the N-type semiconductor layer can enter the active layer and combine with each other to emit visible light
Data Source
AI summary
An LED is provided. The LED includes at least two light emitting units located on a same plane. Each light emitting unit includes a first semiconductor layer, an active layer and a second semiconductor layer stacked in that order. Each light emitting unit further includes a first electrode and a second electrode electrically connected with the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer respectively. The active layer of each light emitting unit is spaced from the active layers of other light emitting units. A distance between adjacent active layer ranges from 1 micron to 1 millimeter.