Optical Semiconductor Electrode Insulation Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical semiconductor elements face challenges in improving light emission/reception efficiency and reliability due to potential short circuits between electrodes and limited area optimization for efficient light generation or absorption.
Innovation Solution
The optical semiconductor element design includes a substrate with a semiconductor stacked body, a mesa portion, and electrodes with specific insulating layers and openings to enhance insulation and reduce electrode area, allowing for increased light emission/reception efficiency and reliability by exposing electrodes and forming stepped insulation layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the p-side electrode and n-side electrode are arranged close to each other, then the device area is reduced, but a short circuit may occur between the electrodes
Solution Approach 1:
An insulating layer is introduced as an intermediary substance between the p-side electrode and n-side electrode. This insulating layer physically separates the two electrodes while allowing them to be positioned close together, thus reducing the overall device area while preventing short circuits through the intermediary insulation barrier.
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 improves light emission/reception efficiency by optimizing the area of the optical layer and enhances reliability by preventing short circuits through enhanced insulation, particularly effective for long-wavelength light generation or absorption where area efficiency is critical.
Implementation Method 1
an optical layer that generates or absorbs light
Implementation Method 2
a first insulating layer formed on the first electrode... a second insulating layer formed on the second electrode
Data Source
AI summary
An optical semiconductor element includes: a substrate; a semiconductor stacked body including an optical layer, a first semiconductor layer, and a second semiconductor layer, the optical layer and the first semiconductor layer forming a mesa portion and the second semiconductor layer including an outer portion; a first electrode formed on the mesa portion and connected to the first semiconductor layer; a first insulating layer formed on the first electrode; a second electrode including a first portion connected to the second semiconductor layer at the outer portion and a second portion arranged on the first insulating layer so as to overlap the first electrode; and a second insulating layer formed on the second electrode. An opening for exposing the first electrode is formed in the first insulating layer. An opening for exposing the second portion of the second electrode is formed in the second insulating layer.