SWIR Phosphor Compositions for 1000-1700 Nm LED Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current light sources, particularly LEDs, are inefficient in emitting infrared radiation in the 1000-1700 nm range, which is crucial for applications like IR absorption spectroscopy and medical imaging, as they often require traditional incandescent sources that are not efficient or suitable for miniaturization.
Innovation Solution
Development of phosphors with spinel, perovskite, and garnet structures doped with Ni2+ and Cr3+ ions that can efficiently convert shorter wavelength light into broad-band infrared emission in the 1000-1700 nm range, allowing for the creation of efficient light sources that can be used in various applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional incandescent light sources are used to generate infrared radiation in the 1000-1700 nm range, then sufficient infrared emission can be achieved, but energy efficiency is poor and device miniaturization is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the emission parameters by using phosphor materials with specific bandgap energies (1.5-3.0 eV) that convert higher energy visible light into the desired 1000-1700 nm infrared range, achieving efficient infrared generation without incandescent heating
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite phosphor systems combining multiple materials (e.g., LiGa5O8:Cr3+, Li2SiO3:Cr3+) with different emission characteristics to achieve broad-band infrared coverage while maintaining high efficiency and enabling miniaturized LED-based devices
2Illumination intensity
If phosphor concentration and layer thickness are increased to improve infrared emission intensity, then more light is absorbed by phosphors, but excessive absorption may reduce overall device efficiency and increase complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using heterostructured phosphor layers with spatially varying compositions and thicknesses, where each layer is optimized for specific wavelength conversion needs, achieving high infrared intensity without excessive overall absorption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses partial action by selecting phosphors that absorb only specific portions of the LED spectrum (e.g., blue or UV) while leaving other wavelengths transmitted, achieving efficient infrared conversion without blocking the entire spectrum
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 phosphor-based light sources enable efficient emission in the 1000-1700 nm range, enhancing applications such as IR spectroscopy and medical imaging by providing high-intensity, miniaturized, and cost-effective solutions for spectrometers and imaging systems.
Implementation Method 1
LEDs may be combined with one or more wavelength converting materials (generally referred to herein as 'phosphors') that absorb light emitted by the LED and in response emit light of a longer wavelength
Data Source
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AI summary
A wavelength converting structure is disclosed, the wavelength converting structure including an SWIR phosphor material having emission wavelengths in the range of 1000 to 1700 nm, the SWIR phosphor material including at least one of a spinel type phosphor doped with Ni2+, a spinel type phosphor doped with Ni2+ and Cr3+, a perovskite type phosphor doped with Ni2+, a perovskite type phosphor doped with Ni2+ and Cr3+, a garnet type phosphor doped with Ni2+, and a garnet type phosphor doped with Ni2+ and Cr3+.