Semi-Continuous Quantum Well Pixel Layout for Efficient Micro-LEDs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional micro-LEDs suffer from reduced efficiency and increased power consumption due to defects in the multiple quantum well region, particularly when the size is reduced, leading to higher thermal load and shorter battery life in display devices.

Innovation Solution

A semi-continuous quantum well micro-LED array unit design is implemented, using multiple masks for etching to create blocks of LED pixels with shared and isolated common active regions, reducing defects and improving efficiency by minimizing etching and maintaining a continuous active region within each block.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of moving object

If micro-LED size is reduced, then device integration density is improved, but efficiency deteriorates and power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemicro-LED sizeVSAvoidefficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The micro-LED array is segmented into multiple blocks, where each block contains pixels that share a common active region. This segmentation allows the continuous active region to serve multiple pixels efficiently while maintaining discrete electrical isolation between blocks through deep etching, thus improving overall efficiency even as device size is reduced

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple LED pixels within each block share a common continuous active region, merging the light-emitting function across these pixels. This merging reduces the total number of discrete active regions needed, minimizing defects and improving efficiency while allowing smaller individual pixel sizes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Area of moving object

If micro-LED size is reduced, then device integration density is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemicro-LED sizeVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of moving objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The array is divided into blocks with shared active regions, reducing redundant structures and material usage. This segmentation decreases the total power consumption while maintaining high integration density through the continuous shared active regions that serve multiple pixels

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The common active region serves multiple LED pixels simultaneously, making it a multi-functional structure. This universal active region reduces the overall energy consumption of the device by eliminating redundant active regions for each individual pixel

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If continuous active region is shared among pixels, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but crosstalk between pixels increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing complexityVSAvoidcrosstalk

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The continuous active region is segmented into discrete blocks through deep etching isolation. Each block maintains electrical independence while the active region within each block remains continuous. This segmentation eliminates crosstalk between blocks while preserving the manufacturing simplicity of continuous active regions within blocks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the device have different structural qualities: continuous active regions within blocks for simplicity, and deep etching isolation between blocks for crosstalk prevention. This local differentiation of structural quality resolves the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and crosstalk elimination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 design enhances the operational efficiency of micro-LEDs, reducing power consumption and thermal load, while minimizing crosstalk among pixels, thereby improving the performance of display devices.

Implementation Method 1

multiple quantum well micro light emitting diode (LED) array unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Data Source

PatentUS20250366260A1Semi-continuous multiple quantum well pixel design

Publication Date: 2025.11.27 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

A semi-continuous quantum well micro-LED array unit is disclosed. This unit includes a first block of LED pixels comprising a first LED pixel and a second LED pixel. The first and second LED pixels share a first common active region. The unit also includes a second block of LED pixels comprising a third LED pixel and a fourth LED pixel. These LED pixels share a second common active region that is isolated from the first common active region, such that the second common active region is continuously shared by the third and fourth LED pixels. The first block of LED pixels is located proximately to the second block of LED pixels. As a result of the second common active region being isolated from the first common active region, the first block of LED pixels is discrete relative to the second block of LED pixels.