Optoelectronic Module With Segmented Waveguides for Luminance and Cooling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optoelectronic modules face challenges in achieving high luminance and simplified control of multiple output waveguides, particularly in cooling and manufacturing complexity.

Innovation Solution

The optoelectronic module employs a semiconductor component to generate electromagnetic radiation, a distribution structure to distribute radiation to multiple output waveguides, and conversion structures to convert radiation, allowing for separate cooling and simplified control of the semiconductor component and conversion structures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If multiple semiconductor components are arranged next to each other in an array to produce pixelated light sources, then the luminance can be increased, but the cooling becomes more difficult and manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveluminanceVSAvoidcooling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the light source into multiple independently controllable output waveguides, each capable of emitting at different wavelengths. This segmentation allows independent cooling and control of each segment, reducing the overall cooling complexity while maintaining high luminance through the array of segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a distribution structure as an intermediary component that receives electromagnetic radiation from semiconductor components and distributes it to multiple output waveguides. This intermediary simplifies the cooling architecture by centralizing the heat management function while maintaining the benefits of multiple independent light sources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Illumination intensity

If multiple semiconductor components are arranged next to each other in an array, then the luminance can be increased, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveluminanceVSAvoidarrangement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple semiconductor components into a single integrated structure where they are monolithically integrated on a substrate. This merging approach maintains the high luminance benefits of multiple light sources while significantly reducing manufacturing precision requirements, as the integrated structure is manufactured as one piece rather than requiring precise assembly of separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal platform where a single semiconductor component can serve multiple functions by distributing its output through the distribution structure to various output waveguides. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized components, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining high luminance.

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

3Ease of operation

If a distribution structure is used to distribute electromagnetic radiation to multiple output waveguides, then the control is simplified, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol simplicityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The distribution structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it distributes electromagnetic radiation to multiple output waveguides, enables wavelength division multiplexing, and provides a platform for independent control of each output. This multi-functionality justifies the added structural complexity by delivering multiple control benefits from a single component.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The distribution structure acts as an intermediary that simplifies the control architecture by centralizing the radiation distribution function. Instead of requiring separate control mechanisms for each output waveguide, the single distribution structure mediates the control for all outputs, reducing the overall system complexity despite the added structural element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Measurement precision

If conversion structures are arranged downstream of each output waveguide, then the contrast ratio between neighboring conversion structures is increased, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrast ratioVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the conversion structures into separate, independently manufacturable units arranged downstream of each output waveguide. This segmentation allows for precise alignment and high contrast ratio between neighboring conversion structures while reducing manufacturing complexity through modular assembly rather than monolithic integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 configuration enables high luminance and efficient cooling of the semiconductor and conversion structures, while reducing manufacturing complexity and allowing for precise control of the output waveguides.

Implementation Method 1

a semiconductor component configured to emit electromagnetic radiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Implementation Method 2

a conversion structure configured to convert electromagnetic radiation of a first wavelength to electromagnetic radiation of a second wavelength

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFrequency conversion:

Implementation Method 3

The electromagnetic radiation coupled into the distribution structure can thus emerge from the output waveguides

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS20250189733A1Optoelectronic module and method for operating an optoelectronic module
Publication Date: 2025.06.12 AMS OSRAM INT GMBH
  • US20250189733A1 patent drawing
  • US20250189733A1 patent drawing
  • US20250189733A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to an optoelectronic module including a semiconductor component designed to emit electromagnetic radiation; a distribution structure having a plurality of distribution elements, at least one input waveguide and a plurality of output waveguides; and a plurality of conversion structures. The electromagnetic radiation emitted by the semiconductor component enters the distribution structure through the input waveguide. The electromagnetic radiation exits the distribution structure through the output waveguide. One conversion structure is arranged downstream of each output waveguide. The invention also relates to a method for operating an optoelectronic module.