RCLED with Separated Electrode and Emission Regions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optic fiber communication transceiver modules require high directivity light sources, but existing solutions like lasers are expensive, necessitating the development of a cost-effective light-emitting diode (LED) with high directivity for use in these modules.
Innovation Solution
A resonant cavity light-emitting diode (RCLED) is designed with an epitaxial stacked layer, reflective layers, and electrodes, where the light-emitting scope overlaps the reflective layers but not the electrodes, creating a high directivity light source through a manufacturing method that includes forming a mesa and recess portion and using a current conducting layer to facilitate light emission with reduced light-emitting angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a laser is used as a light source to achieve high directivity, then the light-emitting angle is reduced, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive laser light sources with a cost-effective LED structure that achieves comparable directivity performance through resonant cavity design, effectively using a cheaper alternative to achieve the same functional outcome
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the LED structure by introducing resonant cavity parameters (reflective layers with specific reflectivities, cavity depth, and geometric configuration) to change the light emission characteristics, transforming a conventional LED into a high-directivity light source without using laser technology
2Device complexity
If the light-emitting scope overlaps with the electrodes, then the electrical connection is simplified, but the light directivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the LED structure into functionally separated regions: the light-emitting scope is spatially separated from the electrode scope, with the reflective layers positioned between them. This segmentation allows each component to perform its optimal function without interference
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the spatial conflict between electrodes and light emission by utilizing the vertical dimension - placing reflective layers at different heights and positions to create overlapping in the vertical projection while maintaining horizontal separation, effectively using dimensional arrangement to solve the contradiction
3Ease of manufacture
If a conventional LED structure is used to reduce manufacturing cost, then the cost decreases, but the light directivity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite structure combining conventional LED materials with additional functional layers (reflective layers with specific optical properties, resonant cavity structures) to achieve enhanced directivity while maintaining the cost advantages of LED manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the reflective layers serve multiple functions: they provide electrical connection pathways, define the resonant cavity geometry, control light reflection and emission angles, and structurally support the active layer, thereby achieving high directivity without adding significant complexity or cost
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 RCLED achieves high directivity suitable for optic fiber communication transceiver modules while reducing manufacturing costs compared to traditional laser-based solutions, enabling efficient light emission with a narrow light-emitting angle.
Implementation Method 1
The first reflective layer is disposed at the first side of the epitaxial stacked layer. The second reflective layer is disposed at the second side of the epitaxial stacked layer.
Implementation Method 2
The current conducting layer is in contact with the second-type semiconductor layer. The second electrode is electrically connected to the second-type semiconductor layer via the current conducting layer.
Implementation Method 3
The active layer is disposed between the first-type semiconductor layer and the second-type semiconductor layer
Data Source
AI summary
A light emitting diode (LED) including an epitaxial stacked layer, first and second reflective layers which are disposed at two sides of the epitaxial stacked layer, a current conducting layer and first and second electrodes and a manufacturing thereof are provided. The epitaxial stacked layer includes a first-type and a second-type semiconductor layers and an active layer. A main light emitting surface with a light transmittance >0% and ≤10% is formed on one of the two reflective layers. The current conducting layer contacts the second-type semiconductor layer. The first electrode is electrically connected to the first-type semiconductor layer. The second electrode is electrically connected to the second-type semiconductor layer via the current conducting layer. A contact scope of the current conducting layer and the second-type semiconductor layer is served as a light-emitting scope overlapping the two layers, but not overlapping the two electrodes.