Optoelectronic Device Light Extraction via Thin Nitride Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Optoelectronic devices face inefficiencies in light extraction due to absorption by substrates and elongated elements, limiting the performance and perceived light output.

Innovation Solution

A transparent substrate and intermediate element with a nitride of a transition metal, such as titanium or niobium, are used, with a thickness less than or equal to 9nm, along with a mirror to redirect emitted light for improved restitution, enhancing light extraction efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a substrate and intermediate element are used to support the light-emitting member, then structural stability is improved, but light absorption increases and light extraction efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidlight absorption
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the optical parameter (transparency) of the substrate and intermediate element by selecting specific materials and controlling the thickness of the intermediate element to be less than 9 nm. This parameter change reduces light absorption while maintaining structural support functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The intermediate element acts as a mediator between the substrate and the light-emitting member. It provides structural support while being optically transparent to minimize light absorption. The intermediate element mediates between the conflicting requirements of mechanical stability and optical transparency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of stationary object

If the intermediate element thickness is increased to improve coverage and support, then structural support is improved, but light absorption increases and transparency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidlight absorption
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the thickness parameter of the intermediate element to be less than 9 nm. This parameter change achieves a balance where the intermediate element provides sufficient coverage and structural support while remaining thin enough to maintain high optical transparency and minimize light absorption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional materials are used for the intermediate element, then ease of manufacture is improved, but light extraction efficiency deteriorates due to absorption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing easeVSAvoidlight absorption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material composition parameter of the intermediate element to use transparent materials such as transparent conductive oxides (ITO, IZO, AZO) or transparent insulating materials (silicon oxide, silicon nitride). This material change reduces light absorption while maintaining ease of manufacture through standard deposition techniques.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite material structures where the intermediate element is made of transparent conductive oxides or transparent insulating materials. These composite materials provide both structural support and optical transparency, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing ease and light extraction efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 significantly increases the amount of light restored and perceived by the observer, maximizing light output while minimizing absorption within the device.

Implementation Method 1

the intermediate element, transparent to said light, comprises at least one nitride of a transition metal, and has a thickness less than or equal to 9 nm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transparency: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

a mirror arranged so as to orient at least part of said light issuing from the light-emitting member in the direction of said restitution zone

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3134924B1Optoelectronic device with improved light extraction efficiency and method for manufacturing the same.
Publication Date: 2018.05.16 ALEDIA INC
  • EP3134924B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3134924B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3134924B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to an optoelectronic device (1) comprising a substrate (2) and a light-emitting body (3) comprising a long element (4) extending in a direction forming an angle with the substrate (2). An intermediate element (5) is inserted between the substrate (2) and the closest longitudinal end of the long element (4) to the substrate (2). Furthermore, the substrate (2) is transparent to said light, and the intermediate element (5), also transparent to said light, comprises at least one nitride of a transition metal, and has a thickness which is less than, or equal to, 9nm.