Optoelectronic Component with Defined Emission Solid Angle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optoelectronic components struggle to emit electromagnetic radiation in a defined solid angle, as current technologies lack precise control over the lateral extent and position of the emitting region, leading to inefficient radiation distribution.
Innovation Solution
An optoelectronic component is designed with a collimating optical element and an emitting region limited in its lateral extent, where a contact layer or current path-limiting layer restricts current paths, ensuring the emitting region's position and extent are accurately defined, and a wavelength-converting material can be used to modify radiation, with a collimating optical element like a lens or reflector to direct radiation into a specific angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a contact layer with limited lateral extent is used to restrict current paths, then the emitting region's lateral position and extent are precisely controlled, but the manufacturing complexity increases due to alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The contact layer is integrated directly into the semiconductor chip structure during the manufacturing process, merging the electrical contact function with the current path definition function. This eliminates the need for separate alignment steps between contact layers and emitting regions, as the contact layer itself defines the current path geometry that determines the emitting region boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact layer is positioned and configured during the semiconductor fabrication process before the emitting region is fully formed or activated. By establishing the current path restrictions in advance through the contact layer geometry, the emitting region's lateral extent and position are predetermined, simplifying subsequent manufacturing steps.
2Manufacturing precision
If the emitting region is limited in lateral extent to achieve defined solid angle emission, then the radiation distribution control is improved, but the total light output may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The contact layer is designed with specific local geometries (such as patterned configurations or varying thickness regions) that create localized current path restrictions. These local variations in current density distribution enable precise control over the emitting region's lateral extent at specific locations, allowing optimization of both beam directionality and total light output by strategically positioning high-current-density regions.
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 allows for precise control over the emission of electromagnetic radiation in a defined solid angle, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of radiation distribution, which can lead to improved performance and longer lifespan of the optoelectronic semiconductor chip.
Implementation Method 1
A collimating optical element, in particular a lens, arranged over the emitting region
Implementation Method 2
a collimating optical element like a lens or reflector to direct radiation into a specific angle
Implementation Method 3
a wavelength-converting material can be used to modify radiation
Data Source
AI summary
An optoelectronic component may include an optoelectronic semiconductor chip having an upper side and a lower side. An emitting region may be formed on the upper side. The emitting region may be configured to emit electromagnetic radiation. A subsurface, forming the emitting region, of the upper side may be smaller than a total surface of the upper side. A collimating optical element may be arranged over the emitting region.