Segmented LED Array With Wavelength Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LED-based lighting systems often lack the ability to efficiently control and direct light with high precision, particularly in applications requiring complex light patterns or color adjustments, due to their reliance on single light sources and limited control over individual pixels.
Innovation Solution
The development of a light-emitting device with a segmented active layer and a continuous conductivity layer, combined with a wavelength converting layer, allows for independent addressability of each pixel, enabling precise control over light emission and conversion of light wavelength, thereby enhancing the flexibility and efficiency of LED arrays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single light source is used in LED-based lighting systems, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to control and direct light with high precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The active layer is divided into multiple independently controllable segments or pixels, each capable of being selectively activated. This segmentation allows precise control over which portions of the LED emit light, enabling complex light patterns and directional control while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different segments of the active layer can be designed with different properties (e.g., different wavelengths, intensities, or emission characteristics). The wavelength converting layer can also have spatially varying properties to convert wavelengths locally. This allows each region to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall light control precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If selective full or partial light masking is used to modify light direction or intensity, then the light control flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using external masks or complex optical elements, the LED structure itself is segmented at the active layer level, allowing direct electrical control of which segments emit light. This eliminates the need for additional masking components while achieving the same light modification effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The LED device performs its own light control function through integrated segmentation and wavelength conversion capabilities, eliminating the need for separate external control components. The device serves its own light modification needs through its internal structure.
3Manufacturing precision
If independent addressability of each pixel is enabled through segmented structure, then the light control precision is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The active layer is segmented into multiple pixels that can be independently addressed. This segmentation is achieved through standard semiconductor fabrication techniques such as photolithography and etching, which allow precise patterning of the active layer into multiple regions that can be independently controlled through separate electrical contacts.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional layers (active layer, conductivity layers, wavelength converting layer) are combined into a single integrated structure. This monolithic integration simplifies manufacturing compared to assembling separate components, as all layers can be grown or deposited sequentially in a single fabrication process.
4Productivity
If a continuous wavelength converting layer is used over the segmented active layer, then the light conversion efficiency is improved, but the ability to control wavelength conversion locally deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous wavelength converting layer can have spatially varying properties, such as different phosphor materials, concentrations, or thicknesses in different regions. This allows each region to convert wavelengths according to its specific requirements, maintaining both high overall conversion efficiency and local wavelength control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous wavelength converting layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it converts wavelengths for all active segments, provides structural support, and can be patterned to enable selective wavelength conversion in different regions. This multi-functionality maintains efficiency while enabling control.
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 enables precise control over light emission and conversion, allowing for complex light patterns and improved energy efficiency, making it suitable for applications such as automotive lighting and augmented reality.
Implementation Method 1
A continuous wavelength converting layer disposed on the continuous conductivity layer is provided
Data Source
AI summary
A light-emitting device is disclosed which includes a segmented active layer disposed between a segmented conductivity layer and a continuous conductivity layer, the active layer, the segmented conductivity layer, and the continuous conductivity layer being arranged to define a plurality of pixels, each pixel including a different segment of the segmented conductivity layer and the segmented active layer. A continuous wavelength converting layer disposed on the continuous conductivity layer is provided. A plurality of first contacts, each first contact being electrically connected to a different segment of the segmented conductivity layer is provided. One or more second contacts that are electrically connected to the continuous conductivity layer are also provided, the number of second contacts being less than the number of first contacts.