UV-LED Chip Al Composition for Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current UV-LED chips face limitations in luminous efficiency and power output decrease with increasing current density, particularly in micro LED displays where chip size and wavelength optimization are crucial for improving performance.

Innovation Solution

The UV-LED chip design optimizes wavelength and chip size by stacking specific layers such as u-GaN buffer layers, (GaN;Si) n-contact layers, (InGaN/AlGaN) multiple quantum well light emitting layers, and p-AlGaN;Mg layers on a sapphire substrate, with the inclusion of an (AlInGaN)/(InGaN;Si) n-superlattice structure and p-GaN layers, and using remote plasma deposition and plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition techniques to enhance luminous efficiency and reduce power output decrease.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If UV-LED chips are used to excite phosphors in displays, then color reproducibility and excitation efficiency are improved, but luminous efficiency remains insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexcitation efficiencyVSAvoidluminous efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the Al composition ratio distribution across different layers (undoped layer has smallest ratio, increasing toward contact layer and electron blocking layer) to control carrier concentration and improve luminous efficiency while maintaining excitation performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite AlGaN structures combining undoped, n-type, and p-type layers with different Al composition ratios to achieve both high excitation efficiency and improved luminous efficiency through optimized carrier management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Power

If current density is increased to improve output, then power output increases, but rate of power output decrease accelerates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower outputVSAvoidrate of power output decrease
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates different Al composition ratios in different layers (undoped, n-type, p-type contact, electron blocking) to locally optimize carrier concentration and reduce non-radiative recombination, thereby reducing the rate of power output decrease at high current densities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The undoped AlGaN layer acts as an intermediary between the substrate and doped layers, providing a transition zone that manages carrier distribution and reduces power output degradation at high current densities

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 approach significantly improves luminous intensity and efficiency, particularly in micro-sized chips with emission wavelengths of 385 nm and 400 nm, reducing power output decrease with current density and enhancing internal quantum efficiency and light extraction efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

using remote plasma deposition and plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition techniques to enhance luminous efficiency

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition: Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapour Deposition

Implementation Method 2

UV-LED chips having an emission wavelength of 385 nm or 400 nm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emitting diode effect: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 3

an (InGaN/AlGaN) multiple quantum well light emitting layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Data Source

PatentEP3644379B1UV-led and display
Publication Date: 2021.09.08 NITRIDE SEMICON
  • EP3644379B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B(c)
  • EP3644379B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3644379B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A UV-LED is disclosed. The UV-LED includes a patterned sapphire substrate 20, a u-GaN buffer layer 22 formed on the sapphire substrate 20, an n-GaN contact layer 24 formed on the u-GaN buffer layer 22, an InGaN light emitting layer 28 formed on the n-GaN contact layer 24, and a p-GaN layer 30 formed on the InGaN light emitting layer 28. The UV-LED has a quadrate planar shape with at least one side having a chip size of 50 µm or less.