Photonic Crystal Grating for Compact LED Light Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current light emitting diodes (LEDs) face challenges in maximizing light extraction efficiency, particularly in compact designs with dimensions of 100 microns or less, where traditional methods struggle to effectively direct and emit light efficiently.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a photonic crystal grating configured between the n-doped and p-doped semiconductor layers, which guides light emitted from the active region in a direction perpendicular to the plane, enhancing light extraction efficiency by reducing lateral light emission and improving directional confinement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional LED structures are used in compact designs, then device size is reduced, but light extraction efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a photonic crystal grating structure that operates in the vertical dimension (perpendicular to the LED plane) to control light propagation. This dimensional approach allows compact lateral footprint while maintaining effective light extraction through vertical light guiding and confinement, resolving the contradiction between small device size and light extraction efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The photonic crystal grating is positioned specifically at the light extraction interface between the active region and the external environment. This localized structural modification optimizes light extraction precisely where needed without increasing overall device volume, enabling efficient light coupling in compact LED designs.
2Volume of moving object
If LED size is reduced to 100 microns or less, then device compactness is improved, but light directionality control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The photonic crystal grating provides directional control primarily in the vertical dimension, guiding light perpendicular to the LED plane. This approach maintains excellent directionality control in compact devices without requiring complex lateral light management structures, as the grating's periodic structure creates strong vertical light confinement and extraction.
3Loss of energy
If photonic crystal grating is added, then light extraction efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The photonic crystal grating utilizes a periodic porous or patterned structure within the semiconductor layer that exploits optical interference and diffraction effects. This approach achieves enhanced light extraction through the material's internal periodic architecture rather than adding separate external components, minimizing overall device complexity while maximizing extraction efficiency.
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 photonic crystal grating significantly enhances light extraction efficiency in LEDs, particularly in compact designs, by effectively directing light towards the reflector and buffer semiconductor layer, leading to improved emission characteristics and reduced lateral light emission.
Implementation Method 1
a photonic crystal grating configured to increase the light extraction efficiency of the LED
Implementation Method 2
guides light emitted from the active region in a direction perpendicular to the plane, enhancing light extraction efficiency by reducing lateral light emission and improving directional confinement
Data Source
AI summary
A light emitting diode (LED) includes a n-doped semiconductor material layer, a p-doped semiconductor material layer, an active region disposed between the n-doped semiconductor layer and the p-doped semiconductor layer, and a photonic crystal grating configured to increase the light extraction efficiency of the LED.