Nanopost Micro-LED Structure for Narrow Optical Signal Emission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current micro light emitting diode (micro-LED) technologies face challenges in achieving efficient power performance and cost-effectiveness for high-speed data communications, particularly in advanced platforms, where traditional laser-based silicon photonics are costly, complex, and energy-inefficient, and micro-LEDs for shorter range communications are costly and have longer production timelines.
Innovation Solution
The development of a micro-LED structure comprising a nanowire or nanopost configuration with a vertically stacked arrangement of doped and undoped semiconductor materials, including gallium nitride and indium gallium nitride, which facilitates efficient optical signal communication by preventing vertical sidewall deposition and promoting signal transmission through the top side, enabling a more compact and energy-efficient design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If traditional laser-based silicon photonics are used for long distance communication, then communication range is improved, but device complexity, cost, and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication system into two distinct parts: micro-LEDs for short-range chip-to-chip communication and laser-based photonics for long-range rack-to-rack communication. This segmentation allows each technology to operate in its optimal range, reducing overall system complexity by avoiding the use of complex laser systems for short distances where micro-LEDs suffice.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by matching communication technologies to specific distance requirements: micro-LEDs are deployed for short-range applications (chip-to-chip, board-to-board) where their simplicity and efficiency are advantageous, while laser-based photonics are reserved for long-range applications (rack-to-rack) where their higher power and range capabilities are necessary.
2Use of energy by moving object
If micro-LEDs are used for short range communication, then power efficiency is improved, but production timeline and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary action through advanced wafer fabrication processes that grow multiple micro-LED structures in parallel on a single wafer. This allows mass production of micro-LEDs before they are separated and integrated into final devices, significantly reducing production time compared to traditional sequential fabrication methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the wafer fabrication process, specifically controlling growth conditions to create varying densities of micro-LED structures across different regions of the wafer. This enables optimization of both production efficiency and device performance, reducing timelines while maintaining power efficiency benefits.
3Speed
If higher data rate electrical signals are used, then communication speed is improved, but power consumption and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical signal transmission with optical signal transmission using micro-LEDs. This substitution enables higher communication speeds with lower power consumption because optical signals can carry more data simultaneously (higher bandwidth) and are less susceptible to interference, reducing the need for complex error correction and retransmission that consume additional power.
4Adaptability or versatility
If laser modules and optical waveguides are used, then communication capability is improved, but physical area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional planar laser modules to three-dimensional vertically stacked micro-LED structures. This dimensional change allows optical communication components to be integrated directly onto the chip surface in a vertical configuration, dramatically reducing the horizontal footprint while maintaining or enhancing communication capabilities.
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 enhances energy efficiency and reduces costs by enabling more compact and efficient optical signal communication, addressing the limitations of traditional technologies in high-speed data transfer and aligning with the growing demand for energy-efficient solutions in data networks.
Implementation Method 1
micro light emitting diode structures for efficient communication of an optical signal
Implementation Method 2
micro light emitting diode (micro-LED) structures face challenges in achieving efficient power performance
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques and mechanisms for a micro-LED (“uLED”) structure to facilitate efficient communication of an optical signal. In an embodiment, a columnar “nanopost” uLED structure comprises contiguous bodies of respective semiconductor materials, including a first body of a doped semiconductor material. The first body forms a pyramidal structure, wherein one or more others of the contiguous bodies are arranged on the first body in a vertically stacked configuration. More particularly, a second body of an undoped semiconductor material is to provide a quantum well of the uLED structure, wherein the second body does not cover or otherwise extend along vertical sidewall structures of the first body. In another embodiment, the pyramidal structure, in combination with the vertically stacked arrangement of semiconductor bodies, facilitates efficient communication of narrowly columnated optical signal by mitigating optical signal communication via vertical sides of the uLED structure.