Optoelectronic Component Selective Reflection Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Radiation-emitting optoelectronic components, particularly those using wavelength conversion substances, face inefficiencies due to absorption of converted radiation by the semiconductor body or component housing, leading to reduced brightness and potential eye damage from ultraviolet radiation.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a selectively reflecting layer between the semiconductor body and wavelength conversion substance to reflect converted radiation back into the emission path, while being transparent to the original radiation, and optionally using a second wavelength conversion substance to further convert ultraviolet radiation, thereby enhancing efficiency and safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a wavelength conversion substance is placed after the semiconductor body to convert radiation, then radiation of different wavelengths is produced, but the converted radiation is absorbed by the semiconductor body when reflected back, reducing efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveefficiencyVSAvoidabsorption of converted radiation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

A selectively reflecting layer is introduced as an intermediary between the semiconductor body and the wavelength conversion substance. This layer selectively reflects converted radiation (second wavelength) back toward the emission direction while being transparent to the original radiation (first wavelength), preventing energy loss from absorption by the semiconductor body and improving overall component efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If ultraviolet radiation is emitted from the semiconductor body, then the optoelectronic component can be used for various applications, but ultraviolet radiation damages the human eye and reduces safety

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication rangeVSAvoideye damage from ultraviolet radiation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts harmful ultraviolet radiation into beneficial visible light wavelengths through the wavelength conversion substance. The ultraviolet radiation from the semiconductor body is transformed by the wavelength conversion substance into visible wavelengths, eliminating the harmful effect while maintaining the functionality and application versatility of the optoelectronic component

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Ease of manufacture

If a selectively reflecting layer is integrated monolithically into the semiconductor body, then production is simplified, but the layer must be produced using specialized processes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction simplicityVSAvoidproduction process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The selectively reflecting layer is integrated monolithically with the semiconductor body using semiconductor-compatible processes such as sputtering or epitaxial growth. By merging the production of the selectively reflecting layer with the existing semiconductor manufacturing process, the patent simplifies overall production while avoiding the need for separate specialized processes, thus improving ease of manufacture without significantly increasing device complexity

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 solution significantly increases the efficiency of the optoelectronic component by preventing absorbed radiation and converting harmful ultraviolet radiation, resulting in improved brightness and a broader range of color points for applications like display backlighting and vehicle lights.

Implementation Method 1

a first selectively reflecting layer between the active semiconductor layer sequence and the first wavelength conversion substance that selectively reflects radiation of the second wavelength and is transparent to radiation of the first wavelength

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSelective reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a first wavelength conversion substance following the semiconductor body in the direction of its emission, which converts radiation of the first wavelength into radiation of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWavelength conversion: Fluorescence

Implementation Method 3

a semiconductor body that comprises a semiconductor layer sequence that is suitable for generating electromagnetic radiation of a first wavelength that is emitted from the front face of the semiconductor body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission from semiconductor: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS8598604B2Optoelectronic component

Publication Date: 2013.12.03 OSRAM OPTO SEMICON GMBH & CO OHG

AI summary

An optoelectronic component with a semiconductor body that comprises an active semiconductor layer sequence is disclosed, which is suitable for generating electromagnetic radiation of a first wavelength that is emitted from a front face of the semiconductor body. The component also comprises a first wavelength conversion substance following the semiconductor body in its direction of emission, which converts radiation of the first wavelength into radiation of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength, and a first selectively reflecting layer between the active semiconductor layer sequence and the first wavelength conversion substance that selectively reflects radiation of the second wavelength and is transparent to radiation of the first wavelength.