Optoelectronic Semiconductor Chip Nanostructured Conversion Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional semiconductor chips with conversion layers suffer from increased losses due to scattered and converted light, suboptimal thermal connection, and efficiency losses from aging effects like cracking of the matrix material.

Innovation Solution

An optoelectronic semiconductor chip with a semiconductor layer stack and a conversion layer where the conversion layer is integrated into a nanostructuring of nanorods and indentations on the radiation exit side, providing improved optical and thermal coupling and enhanced conversion efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If a conversion layer is applied as a separate layer using resin or silicone, then the conversion function is achieved, but thermal connection and optical coupling are suboptimal leading to efficiency losses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconversion efficiencyVSAvoidconversion layer structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conversion layer is merged with the semiconductor chip by integrating it into the nanostructuring directly on the radiation exit side, eliminating the need for separate resin or silicone bonding layers. This integration improves both thermal connection and optical coupling while reducing the overall structural complexity of the conversion layer assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The nanostructuring serves as an intermediary structure that enables direct integration of the conversion layer with the semiconductor chip. The nanorods and indentations create a interface that simultaneously improves thermal conduction and optical coupling, mediating between the semiconductor layer stack and the conversion layer without requiring additional bonding materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Illumination intensity

If a conventional conversion layer is used with matrix material, then conversion is achieved, but scattering losses increase and color homogeneity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor homogeneityVSAvoidscattering losses
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The conversion layer is selectively positioned within the nanostructuring features (nanorods and indentations) rather than being uniformly applied. This local placement optimizes the conversion function in specific regions while minimizing scattering losses in other areas, thereby improving color homogeneity and reducing energy loss from scattered light.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The conversion layer is integrated into the three-dimensional nanostructuring on the radiation exit side, utilizing the vertical and lateral dimensions of the nanorods and indentations. This dimensional integration allows for optimized light conversion while controlling scattering, achieving better color homogeneity without significant energy loss.

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

3Temperature

If conversion layer is bonded with silicone adhesive, then mechanical attachment is achieved, but thermal connection is suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal connectionVSAvoidbonding process
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The conversion layer is merged directly with the semiconductor chip through the nanostructuring interface, eliminating the need for silicone adhesive bonding. This direct integration establishes optimal thermal connection between the conversion layer and the semiconductor chip while simplifying the manufacturing process by removing the bonding step.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The nanostructuring interface acts as a thermal mediator, providing a direct thermal conduction path between the semiconductor layer stack and the conversion layer. This intermediary structure enables efficient heat transfer without requiring thermal conductive adhesives, improving thermal connection while maintaining ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 design reduces scattering losses, achieves better color homogeneity, improves thermal connection, and enables full conversion of radiation, leading to increased efficiency and cost-effectiveness, particularly suitable for high-luminance applications like projection and lighting.

Implementation Method 1

a conversion layer (3), which is arranged on the radiation exit side (21) of the semiconductor layer stack and is suitable for converting at least part of the radiation emitted by the active layer into radiation of a different wavelength

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWavelength conversion: Photoluminescence

Implementation Method 2

The radiation exit side of the semiconductor layer stack has a first nanostructuring (4). The conversion layer (3) is arranged in the first nanostructuring (4).

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight scattering reduction: Scattering

Implementation Method 3

achieves better color homogeneity, improves thermal connection, and enables full conversion of radiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP2638575B1Optoelectronic semiconductor chip and method for producing the same
Publication Date: 2016.10.12 OSRAM OPTO SEMICON GMBH & CO OHG
  • EP2638575B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1D
  • EP2638575B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP2638575B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3D

AI summary

The invention relates to an optoelectronic semiconductor chip (10), which comprises a semiconductor layer stack (2) and a conversion layer (3). The semiconductor layer stack (2) comprises an active layer (2a) for generating radiation. The conversion layer (3) is arranged on a radiation emission side (21) of the semiconductor layer stack (2), wherein the conversion layer (3) is suitable for converting at least a portion of the radiation emitted by the active layer (2a) into radiation having a different wavelength. The radiation emission side (21) of the semiconductor layer stack (2) has a first nanostructuring, wherein the conversion layer (3) is arranged in said first nanostructuring (4). The invention further relates to a method for producing such a semiconductor chip (10).