Optoelectronic Semiconductor Chip Production via Single-Mask Structuring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for producing optoelectronic semiconductor chips are costly and complex, lacking efficiency in production processes.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the formation of n- and p-conducting layers with a nitride semiconductor material, a metal layer sequence including a mirror and barrier layer, and a passivation layer using ALD, which reduces production costs and effort by eliminating the need for additional masks and photo techniques.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional production methods are used for optoelectronic semiconductor chips, then manufacturing precision and reliability are maintained, but production costs increase and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction costVSAvoidproduction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the structuring of the metal layer sequence and the p-conducting layer into a single photolithography step using one mask. This merging of two separate structuring operations into one simultaneous process reduces the number of production steps, eliminates the need for additional masks and photo techniques, thereby reducing production costs while maintaining manufacturing precision and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple masks and photo techniques are used for structuring metal layers and semiconductor layers, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but device complexity and production effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructuring precisionVSAvoidproduction process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the structuring operations for the metal layer sequence and the p-conducting layer into a single photolithography process. By using one mask to define both structures simultaneously, the patent eliminates the need for separate masking and patterning steps, thereby reducing production process complexity while maintaining the required manufacturing precision for both layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If additional masks and photo techniques are eliminated to reduce production costs, then ease of manufacture improves, but manufacturing precision may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction simplicityVSAvoidstructuring accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the structuring of the metal layer sequence and the p-conducting layer into a single photolithography step using one mask. This merging approach maintains manufacturing precision because both structures are defined in the same exposure and development process, eliminating alignment errors that would arise from multiple sequential steps. The single mask simultaneously patterns both layers with the required accuracy while simplifying the overall production process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 method enables cost-effective production of optoelectronic semiconductor chips with enhanced mechanical and chemical stability, simplified production processes, and efficient electromagnetic radiation emission.

Implementation Method 1

the passivation layer is produced by means of an ALD (Atomic Layer Deposition) process

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAtomic layer deposition: Deposition (physical)

Implementation Method 2

The sequence of metal layers is structured wet-chemically or by back-sputtering

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBack-sputtering: Sputtering

Implementation Method 3

The n-conducting layer can be deposited epitaxially, for example, on a growth substrate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEpitaxy: Epitaxy

Data Source

PatentEP2583305B1Method for producing an opto-electronic semiconductor chip and an opto-electronic semiconductor chip
Publication Date: 2017.08.09 OSRAM OPTO SEMICON GMBH & CO OHG
  • EP2583305B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP2583305B1 patent drawingFigure 1D~1E
  • EP2583305B1 patent drawingFigure 1F~1G

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for producing an organic opto-electronic semiconductor chip, comprising the following steps: - providing an n-conducting layer (2), - arranging a p-conducting layer (4) on the n-conducting layer (2), - arranging a metal layer sequence (5) on the p-conducting layer (4), - arranging a mask (6) on the side of the metal layer sequence (5) which faces away from the p-conducting layer (4), - spot-ablating the metal layer sequence (5) and exposing the p-conducting layer (4) using the mask (6), and - spot-neutralizing or removing the exposed regions (4a) of the p-conducting layer (4) up to the n-conducting layer (2) using the mask (6), wherein - the metal layer sequence (5) comprises at least one mirror layer (51) and a barrier layer (52), and - the mirror layer (52) of the metal layer sequence (5) faces the p-conducting layer (4).