Reflective Potting for Optoelectronic Semiconductor Emission Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Optoelectronic semiconductor components face challenges in achieving high emission efficiency, with a significant portion of generated radiation being coupled out via transparent substrates rather than the active semiconductor layer sequence, leading to reduced directed emission and potential absorption on the carrier.

Innovation Solution

The use of a reflective potting material surrounding the semiconductor chip, which reflects diffusely and is in direct contact with the chip, increases emission efficiency by reflecting radiation back into the substrate and decoupling it from the chip, while a conversion medium can further convert radiation wavelength and reduce emission angles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If a transparent substrate is used for the semiconductor chip, then the substrate allows radiation to pass through, but a significant portion of generated radiation leaves the chip via the substrate rather than being directed usefully

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradiation emission efficiencyVSAvoiddirected emission control
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a reflective coating on the rear side of the transparent substrate to capture radiation that would otherwise be lost through the substrate. This converts the harmful effect of radiation loss into a beneficial reflection back toward the active layer, improving overall emission efficiency while maintaining the advantages of transparent substrates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a vertical dimension solution by applying reflection coating on the rear side of the substrate, capturing radiation in the downward direction and redirecting it upward toward the active layer. This dimensional approach to radiation management improves emission control without affecting the lateral operation of the device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If radiation is emitted from the substrate, then the emission is distributed over the entire chip surface, but the emitted radiation is comparatively undirected and can be absorbed on the carrier

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveluminous fluxVSAvoidradiation absorption by carrier
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The reflective coating on the substrate rear side captures radiation that would otherwise be lost to the carrier and convert it back into useful emission. This transforms the harmful absorption by the carrier into a beneficial feedback loop that increases overall luminous flux.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Power

If the semiconductor layer sequence is based on III-V compound semiconductor material, then the active layer can generate electromagnetic radiation efficiently, but the crystal lattice and high thermal conductivity of substrate materials make them transparent to radiation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradiation generation efficiencyVSAvoidradiation transmission through substrate
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent acknowledges that the transparency of III-V compound semiconductor substrates causes radiation loss, but converts this disadvantage into an advantage by applying reflective coatings on the rear side. This allows the substrate to maintain its excellent thermal and electrical properties while preventing radiation loss through reflection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 enhances the emission efficiency of the semiconductor component by increasing the directed emission of radiation and reducing absorption on the carrier, resulting in improved luminous flux and emission angle control.

Implementation Method 1

The semiconductor component has a reflective potting material. Reflective means that the potting material has a reflectivity for radiation in the visible spectral range of in particular more than 80% or more than 90%, preferably more than 94%. The potting material preferably reflects diffusely.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a conversion medium can further convert radiation wavelength and reduce emission angles

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWavelength conversion:

Data Source

PatentEP2593973B1Optoelectronic semiconductor component
Publication Date: 2017.11.22 OSRAM OPTO SEMICON GMBH & CO OHG
  • EP2593973B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2593973B1 patent drawingFigure 4~7
  • EP2593973B1 patent drawingFigure 8A~11

AI summary

In at least one embodiment of the optoelectronic semiconductor component (1), said component contains a carrier (2) having an upper substrate upper (20). At least one optoelectronic semiconductor chip (3) is arranged on the upper carrier face (20). The semiconductor chip (3) comprises a semiconductor layer sequence (32) having at least one active layer for generating electromagnetic radiation and a radiation-permeable substrate (34). Furthermore, the semiconductor component (1) comprises a reflective potting compound (4) which, starting from the upper carrier face (20), completely surrounds the semiconductor chip (3) in a lateral direction at least up to half the height of the substrate (34).