Multi-Wavelength Light Emitting Element With Selective Reflecting Mirror
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for manufacturing light emitting elements that emit different wavelengths on the same wafer are complex and costly due to the need for repeated epitaxial growth of active layers, which increases processing time and surface contamination, affecting yield and stability.
Innovation Solution
A light emitting element with a first active layer emitting a first wavelength and a second active layer emitting a second wavelength, where a reflecting mirror with higher reflectance for the first wavelength is positioned closer to the emission end, allowing for wavelength conversion without the need for patterning between the active layers, enabling continuous epitaxial growth and reducing manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the active layer is grown several times by placing the substrate in a crystal growth apparatus, then multiple light emitting regions emitting light of different wavelengths can be formed, but the processing time and manufacturing cost are significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple active layers for different wavelengths into a single continuous epitaxial growth process on the same substrate, eliminating the need for repeated substrate installation and processing cycles. This merging of growth operations maintains multi-wavelength capability while significantly reducing total processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary patterning of the substrate before epitaxial growth to define regions for different wavelengths. By preparing the substrate structure in advance with masks and patterns, the subsequent continuous growth can proceed without interruptions for re-patterning, thus reducing overall processing time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the active layer is grown several times by placing the substrate in a crystal growth apparatus, then multiple light emitting regions emitting light of different wavelengths can be formed, but the manufacturing cost is significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple active layers for different wavelengths into a single continuous epitaxial growth process on the same substrate, eliminating the need for repeated substrate installation and processing cycles. This merging of growth operations maintains multi-wavelength capability while significantly reducing total processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal substrate structure that can simultaneously support multiple active layers for different wavelengths through a single growth process. The substrate and its preliminary patterns serve multiple functions: defining regions, controlling growth, and enabling multi-wavelength emission without requiring separate processing for each wavelength.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the active layer is grown several times, then multiple light emitting regions can be formed, but the cleanliness of the growth surface degrades and yield stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple active layers for different wavelengths into a single continuous epitaxial growth process on the same substrate, eliminating the need for repeated substrate installation and processing cycles. This merging of growth operations maintains multi-wavelength capability while significantly reducing total processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous epitaxial growth without interruptions or intermediate removal from the crystal growth apparatus. This continuity preserves the cleanliness of the growth surface throughout the formation of multiple active layers, preventing contamination that would occur with repeated handling and exposure to ambient conditions.
4Productivity
If a reflecting mirror with higher reflectance for the first wavelength is positioned closer to the emission end, then wavelength conversion efficiency is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the reflecting mirror with specific reflectance characteristics at a specific location (closer to the emission end) to optimize wavelength conversion. This localized optimization of mirror properties and position enhances efficiency without requiring complex structures throughout the entire device.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflecting mirror serves as an intermediary element that mediates between the active layers and the emission end, converting wavelengths efficiently through its selective reflectance properties. This intermediary component simplifies the overall structure by providing a single, well-defined optical element rather than requiring complex multi-element optical systems.
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 simplifies the manufacturing process, improves yield and stability by maintaining cleanliness, and reduces costs by allowing multiple active layers to be formed continuously, while enhancing light emission efficiency and reducing leakage of unwanted wavelengths.
Implementation Method 1
a second active layer that emits light having a second wavelength different from the first wavelength by absorbing the light having the first wavelength
Implementation Method 2
a first reflecting mirror in which a reflectance of light having the first wavelength is higher than a reflectance of light having the second wavelength
Data Source
AI summary
The light emitting element according to the present disclosure comprises a first active layer that emits light having a first wavelength by injecting current, a second active layer that emits light having a second wavelength different from the first wavelength by absorbing the light having the first wavelength, and a first reflecting mirror in which a reflectance of light having the first wavelength is higher than a reflectance of light having the second wavelength, wherein the first reflecting mirror is disposed at a position closer to an emission end, from which the light emitted by the first active layer or the second active layer exits outside, than the first active layer and the second active layer.