Optoelectronic Component Vertical Stacking White Light

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optoelectronic components for generating white light are either complex, space-intensive, or inefficient in producing white light, as they require multiple components emitting different wavelengths or rely on converter substances for partial wavelength conversion.

Innovation Solution

An optoelectronic component comprising two semiconductor layer stacks with active layers emitting radiation in different wavelength ranges, a semi-transparent mirror-like separating layer, and individually controllable n-doped and p-doped layers, which can include a converter substance for partial wavelength conversion, allowing for efficient combination of radiation to produce white light.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple optoelectronic components emitting different wavelengths are used to generate white light, then the wavelength range coverage is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewavelength range coverageVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple radiation-emitting active layers (first and second active layers emitting in different wavelength ranges) into a single integrated optoelectronic component. These layers are stacked vertically with a semi-transparent mirror separating them, allowing both wavelength ranges to be emitted from the same device structure, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining broad wavelength coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a horizontal arrangement of multiple separate components to a vertical stacking configuration. By arranging active layers in the vertical dimension with a semi-transparent mirror in between, the device achieves multi-wavelength emission from a compact stacked structure, effectively utilizing the vertical dimension to reduce the device footprint and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If a converter substance is used for wavelength conversion, then the white light generation is simplified, but the conversion efficiency and spectral quality are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidconversion efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the chemical conversion mechanism (converter substances) with a physical optical mechanism (semi-transparent mirror). Instead of using phosphors or other converter materials that absorb and re-emit light with efficiency losses, the invention uses a reflective optical element to redirect radiation from one active layer, maintaining higher efficiency and better spectral quality while achieving the same white light generation effect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If several separate optoelectronic components are arranged to combine wavelength ranges, then the white light output is improved, but the space requirements and manufacturing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecombined wavelength rangesVSAvoidease of manufacture
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple radiation-emitting layers into a single manufacturable unit. The first and second active layers, along with the semi-transparent mirror, are integrated into one optoelectronic component that can be manufactured as a single device, simplifying the manufacturing process compared to assembling multiple separate components while achieving the same combined wavelength range output.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Productivity

If a semi-transparent mirror is used to separate and combine radiation, then the wavelength separation efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewavelength separation efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The semi-transparent mirror serves multiple functions simultaneously: it separates radiation from different wavelength ranges, acts as a structural element in the stacked configuration, and enables the combining of emissions to produce white light. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components and relaxes overall manufacturing precision requirements despite the optical separation function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution enables the production of optoelectronic components that are more efficient, space-saving, and easily producible, allowing for flexible control of emitted light spectra and color locus by combining radiation from different semiconductor layer stacks and potentially enhancing the overall light spectrum with partial wavelength conversion.

Implementation Method 1

The separating layer is transparent to radiation of a first wavelength range and is configured to reflect radiation of a second wavelength range

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a converter substance for partial wavelength conversion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWavelength conversion: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentEP3327796B1Optical-electronic component and method for production thereof
Publication Date: 2023.03.29 OSRAM OPTO SEMICON GMBH & CO OHG
  • EP3327796B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3327796B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~4B
  • EP3327796B1 patent drawingFigure 5A~5H

AI summary

An optoelectronic device (100) comprises a first semiconductor layer stack (101) having an active layer (110) configured for radiation emission and a main surface (111). A separating layer (103) is arranged on this main surface, forming a semi-transparent mirror. The optoelectronic device comprises a second semiconductor layer stack (102) arranged at the separating layer, which has another active layer (120) configured for radiation emission.Furthermore, the component comprises a first contact element (112) of the first semiconductor layer stack arranged on a further main surface (113) of the first semiconductor layer stack, wherein the further main surface (113) is opposite the main surface (111), and a second contact element (114) of the first semiconductor layer stack on yet another main surface (115) of the first semiconductor layer stack, wherein the yet another main surface (115) is arranged between the main surface (111) and the further main surface (113), wherein the first contact element (112) and the second contact element (114) provide an electrical contact of the active layer (110) of the first semiconductor layer stack.