Enhanced light extraction through the use of micro-LED arrays

Abstract

This invention describes new LED structures that provide increased light extraction efficiency. The new LED structures include arrays of electrically interconnected micro-LEDs that have and active layer sandwiched between two oppositely doped layer. The micro-LEDs are formed on a first spreader layer with the bottom layer of the micro-LEDs in contact with the first spreader. A second spreader layer is formed over the micro-LEDs and in contact with their top layer. The first spreader layer is electrically isolated from the second spreader layer. Each of the spreader layers has a contact and when a bias is applied across the contacts, current spreads to the micro-LEDs and they emit light. The efficiency of the new LED is increased by the increased emission surface of the micro-LEDs. Light from each of the micro-LEDs active layer will reach a surface after travelling only a short distance, reducing total internal reflection of the light. Light extraction elements (LEEs) between the micro-LEDs can be included to further enhance light extraction. The new LEDs are fabricated with standard processing techniques making them highly manufacturable at costs similar to standard LEDs.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.