Reflective LED Contact Layout for Higher Light Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solid state transducer (SST) dies suffer from reduced light output due to absorption of reflected light by electrical contacts, which also creates undesirable dark areas on the surface, impairing both efficiency and visual appearance.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a reflective material over or proximate to selected electrical contacts to redirect reflected light away from the contacts, thereby increasing light output and improving visual appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If electrical contacts are used to provide electrical power to the SST, then electrical power delivery is achieved, but light output is reduced due to absorption of reflected light by the contacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful absorption of reflected light by electrical contacts into a beneficial effect by depositing reflective material over the contacts. This reflective material redirects previously absorbed reflected light away from the contacts and toward the exit surface, transforming the contacts from light-absorbing elements into light-redirecting elements that enhance overall light output.
2Ease of operation
If electrical contacts are used to deliver power, then electrical function is achieved, but dark areas appear on the surface impairing visual appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses the visual appearance issue by depositing reflective material with specific optical properties over the electrical contacts. This reflective material changes the optical characteristics of the contact regions, transforming them from dark, light-absorbing areas into bright, light-reflecting areas that match or enhance the surrounding light-emitting regions, thereby improving overall visual appearance.
3Loss of energy
If reflective material is deposited over electrical contacts, then light output is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical contact function with the light management function by depositing reflective material directly over the electrical contacts. This integration combines two previously separate functions (electrical power delivery and light reflection/management) into a single unified structure, reducing device complexity while enhancing light output.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical contacts with reflective material deposited over them serve multiple functions simultaneously: they continue to deliver electrical power to the SST while also acting as light-reflecting surfaces that redirect reflected light toward the exit surface. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate light-management components, simplifying the overall device structure.
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 use of reflective materials over electrical contacts enhances light emission efficiency and reduces dark areas, resulting in improved light output and visual appearance compared to conventional SST dies.
Implementation Method 1
reflecting light from contacts located on and/or in the light emitting materials
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for improved light emitting efficiency of a solid state transducer (SST), for example light emitting diodes (LED), are disclosed. One embodiment of an SST die in accordance with the technology includes a reflective material disposed over electrical connectors on a front side of the die. The reflective material has a higher reflectivity than a base material of the connectors such that light traveling toward the connectors reflects back out of the device.