Structured Light Semiconductor Stack for High-Resolution Emission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional semiconductor devices for emitting electromagnetic radiation, such as micro-LED arrays, are too large and inflexible, limiting their resolution and suitability for biological examinations, particularly in vivo, due to their spatial dimensions and power supply constraints.
Innovation Solution
A compact semiconductor device with a layer stack structure comprising n-doped, active, and p-doped layers, along with a connection structure of conductor and insulator layers, allowing for precise control of electromagnetic radiation emission, reducing device size and current expansion, and enabling high-resolution, spatially limited light emission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional micro-LED arrays are used for emitting electromagnetic radiation, then the device can provide illumination, but the spatial dimensions are too large (centimetre range) resulting in low resolution and inflexible power supply leads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from planar 2D LED arrays to 3D vertically stacked layer structures with multiple active layers at different heights. This vertical stacking enables compact footprint while maintaining multiple emission zones, achieving high spatial resolution without large lateral dimensions. The conductor layers are also arranged in multiple stacked levels to provide flexible power supply to different vertical positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into multiple independent active layers (first active layer, second active layer) with separate conductor layer connections. Each active layer can be controlled independently through its own conductor layers, enabling selective emission from different spatial positions. This segmentation allows precise spatial control of electromagnetic radiation emission while keeping the overall device compact.
2Measurement precision
If the device size is reduced to improve resolution, then spatial control is improved, but the power supply flexibility and current distribution become constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply architecture extends into the vertical dimension with conductor layers arranged at multiple stacked levels. This 3D conductor arrangement provides flexible power delivery to different active layers without requiring large lateral trace lengths, enabling independent control of each emission zone while maintaining a compact device footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductor structure is segmented into multiple independent conductor layers (first conductor layer, second conductor layer) that can be independently connected to power sources. Each conductor layer serves a specific active layer, enabling independent current control and flexible power supply configuration without interference between channels, thus maintaining adaptability in a compact form.
3Ease of operation
If conventional LED matrices with sub-millimetre pixels are used, then the device can emit structured illumination, but the device complexity and inflexible power supply leads make it unsuitable for in vivo examinations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex 2D matrix arrangements with simplified 3D vertical stacking of active layers and conductor layers. This vertical integration reduces the number of lateral interconnections required, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining the capability for structured illumination. The compact vertical form factor also improves suitability for in vivo applications where space and flexibility are critical.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional elements (active layers, conductor layers, insulator layers) are merged into a single integrated vertical stack structure. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate matrix components and complex interconnections, reducing device complexity while preserving the functionality for structured illumination and flexible power supply in biological examination contexts.
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 enables the production of a compact, high-resolution semiconductor device capable of emitting structured electromagnetic radiation, significantly improving the achievable resolution and spatial control of light emission, making it suitable for biological examinations.
Implementation Method 1
an active layer (112), which is designed to emit electromagnetic radiation during operation, located between an n-doped and a p-doped layer
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device for emitting electromagnetic radiation, and to a method of producing the same, which can be used as a semiconductor-based, structured light source. The semiconductor device comprises a layer stack structure composed of an n-doped layer, an active layer and a p-doped layer, as well as a connection structure comprising conductor layers and at least one insulator layer, the conductor layers being arranged, parallel to and spaced apart from one another, along a first direction that is parallel to the active layer of the layer stack structure, and at least one insulator layer being arranged between at least two conductor layers, one or more conductor layers being electrically connected to the p-doped layer of the layer stack structure.