Segmented Micro-LED Structure for High Brightness at Low Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display devices face challenges in achieving high-brightness image display while operating at low power consumption, particularly in micro display devices that utilize complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) wafers and light emitting diodes.

Innovation Solution

A light emitting diode structure is designed with a reflective first electrode layer, a semiconductor layer comprising multiple light emitting members, a second electrode layer with sub-electrodes, and a protective layer, utilizing materials like gallium nitride and indium gallium nitride for improved light efficiency, along with optical control layers and insulating layers for enhanced display quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If conventional light emitting diode structures are used in micro display devices, then the device can be manufactured with standard CMOS processes, but the light efficiency and brightness are insufficient while maintaining low power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidbrightness
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The light emitting diode is divided into multiple sub-light emitting members (first, second, third sub-light emitting members) arranged in a matrix pattern within each pixel. This segmentation increases the total light emitting area and improves light efficiency without increasing the overall pixel size or power consumption, thereby achieving higher brightness at low power consumption levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a vertical stacking dimension by placing multiple sub-light emitting members at different positions (corner, side, center) within the pixel area. This multi-dimensional arrangement maximizes the utilization of pixel space and increases the effective light emitting area, enabling high brightness output while maintaining low power consumption through improved light extraction efficiency.

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

2Illumination intensity

If the number of light emitting members is increased to improve brightness, then the light efficiency improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovebrightnessVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a unified matrix arrangement pattern for multiple sub-light emitting members across different pixels. Each sub-light emitting member follows the same structural design and positioning rules (corner, side, center positions), allowing for standardized manufacturing processes and simplified device fabrication despite the increased number of light emitting elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes the local arrangement of sub-light emitting members within each pixel by assigning specific positions (corner, side, center) based on their functional requirements. This local optimization ensures uniform light emission characteristics across the display while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that is easier to manufacture compared to random or irregular arrangements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple sub-light emitting members are arranged in a matrix pattern, then the light efficiency and display quality improve, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay qualityVSAvoidfabrication difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the physical parameters of sub-light emitting members including their sizes, spacing distances, and positional coordinates within the matrix arrangement. By carefully controlling these parameters, the patent achieves uniform light emission and high display quality while maintaining compatibility with standard semiconductor manufacturing tolerances, thus balancing manufacturing precision requirements with ease of fabrication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution enhances light emitting diode efficiency and display quality, allowing for high-brightness image display at low power consumption, improving driving performance without increasing voltage.

Implementation Method 1

a first electrode layer including a reflective material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a semiconductor layer disposed on the first electrode layer and including a plurality of light emitting members

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emitting diode effect: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 3

light emitting diode structure is designed with a reflective first electrode layer, a semiconductor layer comprising multiple light emitting members

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Data Source

PatentEP4651681A1Light emitting diode, display device including light emitting diode and electronic device including display device
Publication Date: 2025.11.19 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP4651681A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4651681A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4651681A1 patent drawingFigure 4A

AI summary

Disclosed is a light emitting diode which includes a first electrode layer including a reflective material, a semiconductor layer disposed on the first electrode layer and including a plurality of light emitting members spaced apart from each other, a second electrode layer including a plurality of sub-electrodes disposed on the plurality of light emitting members, respectively, and a protective layer covering the semiconductor layer. The semiconductor layer includes a first semiconductor layer including a base semiconductor layer disposed on the first electrode layer and a plurality of sub-semiconductor layers protruding from the base semiconductor layer, a plurality of active layers disposed on the plurality of sub-semiconductor layers, respectively, and a plurality of active layers disposed on the plurality of sub-semiconductor layers, respectively. The plurality of sub-electrodes are disposed on the plurality of second semiconductor layers, respectively.