Light Emitting, Power Generating or Other Electronic Apparatus

• US 20120161196A1
• Filed: 08/31/2011
• Published: 06/28/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 05/31/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: NthDegree Technologies Worldwide Inc.
• Original Assignee: NthDegree Technologies Worldwide Inc.
• Inventors: Lowenthal, Mark David, Ray, William Johnstone, Shotton, Neil O., Blanchard, Richard A., Lewandowski, Mark Allan, Oraw, Brad, Baldridge, Jeffrey, Perozziello, Eric Anthony
• Granted Patent: US 9,018,833 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 257/100
• CPC Class Codes: F21K 9/23 Retrofit light sources for lighting devices with a single fitting for each light source, e.g. for substitution of incandescent lamps with bayonet or threaded fittings
• CPC Class Codes: F21K 9/232 specially adapted for generating an essentially omnidirectional light distribution, e.g. with a glass bulb
• CPC Class Codes: F21K 9/27 Retrofit light sources for lighting devices with two fittings for each light source, e.g. for substitution of fluorescent tubes
• CPC Class Codes: F21K 9/60 Optical arrangements integrated in the light source, e.g. for improving the colour rendering index or the light extraction
• CPC Class Codes: F21K 9/64 using wavelength conversion means distinct or spaced from the light-generating element, e.g. a remote phosphor layer
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 19/0005 of sources having contact pins, wires or blades, e.g. pinch sealed lamp F21V19/001 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/04 the elements being switches safety devices F21V25/00
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/06 the elements being coupling devices , e.g. connectors
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 3/049 Patterns or structured surfaces for diffusing light, e.g. frosted surfaces
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 3/06 characterised by the material
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 5/048 the lens being a simple lens adapted to cooperate with a point-like source for emitting mainly in one direction and having an axis coincident with the main light transmission direction, e.g. convergent or divergent lenses, plano-concave or plano-convex lenses
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 7/0066 specially adapted to cooperate with point like light sources; specially adapted to cooperate with light sources the shape of which is unspecified F21V7/16 - F21V7/30 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 9/30 Elements containing photoluminescent material distinct from or spaced from the light source shades F21V1/17; globes, bowls or cover glasses F21V3/08, F21V3/12; refractors F21V5/10; reflectors F21V7/26, F21V7/30; elements with provision for controlling the spectral properties or intensity F21V9/40
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2101/00 Point-like light sources
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2107/20 on convex supports or substrates, e.g. on the outer surface of spheres
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 Light-emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2224/24137 the bodies being arranged next to each other, e.g. on a common substrate
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2224/32225 the item being non-metallic, e.g. insulating substrate with or without metallisation
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2224/73267 Layer and HDI connectors
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2224/95101 in a liquid medium
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 24/24 : of an individual high density interconnect connector
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 24/95 : at chip-level, i.e. with connecting carried out on a plurality of singulated devices, i.e. on diced chips
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 25/0753 : the devices being arranged next to each other
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 27/153 : in a repetitive configuration, e.g. LED bars
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/00 : Indexing scheme for arrangements or methods for connecting or disconnecting semiconductor or solid-state bodies as covered by H01L24/00
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/00014 : the subject-matter covered by the group, the symbol of which is combined with the symbol of this group, being disclosed without further technical details
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/0002 : Not covered by any one of groups H01L24/00, H01L24/00 and H01L2224/00
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/09701 : Low temperature co-fired ceramic [LTCC]
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/12041 : LED
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/12042 : LASER
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/13033 : TRIAC - Triode for Alternating Current - A bidirectional switching device containing two thyristor structures with common gate contact
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/13034 : Silicon Controlled Rectifier [SCR]
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/1305 : Bipolar Junction Transistor [BJT]
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/1306 : Field-effect transistor [FET]
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/13062 : Junction field-effect transistor [JFET]
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/13091 : Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor [MOSFET]
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/14 : Integrated circuits
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 33/06 : within the light emitting region, e.g. quantum confinement structure or tunnel barrier
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 33/20 : with a particular shape, e.g. curved or truncated substrate
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 33/22 : Roughened surfaces, e.g. at the interface between epitaxial layers
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 33/24 : of the light emitting region, e.g. non-planar junction
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 33/32 : containing nitrogen
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 33/38 : with a particular shape
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 33/382 : the electrode extending partially in or entirely through the semiconductor body
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 33/42 : Transparent materials
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 33/483 : Containers
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 33/486 : adapted for surface mounting
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 33/50 : Wavelength conversion elements
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 33/58 : Optical field-shaping elements
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 33/62 : Arrangements for conducting electric current to or from the semiconductor body, e.g. lead-frames, wire-bonds or solder balls
• CPC Class Codes: H10K 50/80 : Constructional details
• CPC Class Codes: H10K 50/805 : Electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: H10K 59/90 : Assemblies of multiple devices comprising at least one organic light-emitting element
• CPC Class Codes: H10K 71/00 : Manufacture or treatment specially adapted for the organic devices covered by this subclass

Abstract

An exemplary printable composition of a liquid or gel suspension of diodes comprises a plurality of diodes, a first solvent and/or a viscosity modifier. An exemplary apparatus comprises: a plurality of diodes; at least a trace amount of a first solvent; and a polymeric or resin film at least partially surrounding each diode of the plurality of diodes. Various exemplary diodes have a lateral dimension between about 10 to 50 microns and about 5 to 25 microns in height. Other embodiments may also include a plurality of substantially chemically inert particles having a range of sizes between about 10 to about 50 microns.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

a plurality of diodes;

at least a trace amount of a first solvent; and

a polymeric or resin film at least partially surrounding each diode of the plurality of diodes.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first solvent comprises at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of:

water;

alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, N-propanol (including 1-propanol, 2-propanol (isopropanol), 1-methoxy-2-propanol), butanol (including 1-butanol, 2-butanol (isobutanol), pentanol (including 1-pentanol, 2-pentanol, 3-pentanol), octanol, N-octanol (including 1-octanol), tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, cyclohexanol, terpineol;

ethers such as methyl ethyl ether, diethyl ether, ethyl propyl ether, and polyethers;

esters such ethyl acetate, dimethyl adipate, propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, dimethyl glutarate, dimethyl succinate, glycerin acetate;

glycols such as ethylene glycols, diethylene glycol, polyethylene glycols, propylene glycols, dipropylene glycols, glycol ethers, glycol ether acetates;

carbonates such as propylene carbonate;

glycerols such as glycerin;

acetonitrile, tetrahydrofuran (THF), dimethyl formamide (DMF), N-methyl formamide (NMF), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO); and

mixtures thereof.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the polymeric or resin film comprises a methylcellulose resin having a thickness between about 10 nm to 300 nm.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the polymeric or resin film comprises a methoxy propyl methylcellulose resin or a hydroxy propyl methylcellulose resin or mixtures thereof.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the polymeric or resin film comprises a cured, dried or polymerized viscosity modifier selected from the group consisting of:

clays such as hectorite clays, garamite clays, organo-modified clays;

saccharides and polysaccharides such as guar gum, xanthan gum;

celluloses and modified celluloses such as hydroxy methylcellulose, methylcellulose, ethyl cellulose, propyl methylcellulose, methoxy cellulose, methoxy methylcellulose, methoxy propyl methylcellulose, hydroxy propyl methylcellulose, carboxy methylcellulose, hydroxy ethylcellulose, ethyl hydroxyl ethylcellulose, cellulose ether, cellulose ethyl ether, chitosan;

polymers such as acrylate and (meth)acrylate polymers and copolymers;

glycols such as ethylene glycols, diethylene glycol, polyethylene glycols, propylene glycols, dipropylene glycols, glycol ethers, glycol ether acetates;

fumed silica, silica powders;

modified ureas; and

mixtures thereof.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least a trace amount of a second solvent different from the first solvent.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the second solvent is at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of:

water;

alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, N-propanol (including 1-propanol, 2-propanol (isopropanol), 1-methoxy-2-propanol), butanol (including 1-butanol, 2-butanol (isobutanol), pentanol (including 1-pentanol, 2-pentanol, 3-pentanol), octanol, N-octanol (including 1-octanol), tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, cyclohexanol, terpineol;

ethers such as methyl ethyl ether, diethyl ether, ethyl propyl ether, and polyethers;

esters such ethyl acetate, dimethyl adipate, propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, dimethyl glutarate, dimethyl succinate, glycerin acetate;

glycols such as ethylene glycols, diethylene glycol, polyethylene glycols, propylene glycols, dipropylene glycols, glycol ethers, glycol ether acetates;

carbonates such as propylene carbonate;

glycerols such as glycerin;

acetonitrile, tetrahydrofuran (THF), dimethyl formamide (DMF), N-methyl formamide (NMF), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO); and

mixtures thereof.

8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the first solvent comprises N-propanol, isopropanol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1-methoxy-2-propanol, 1-octanol, ethanol, tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, or cyclohexanol, or mixtures thereof wherein the polymeric or resin film comprises a cured, dried or polymerized methoxy propyl methylcellulose resin or hydroxy propyl methylcellulose resin or mixtures thereof, and wherein the second solvent comprises N-propanol, isopropanol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1-methoxy-2-propanol, 1-octanol, ethanol, tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, or cyclohexanol, or mixtures thereof.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each diode of the plurality of diodes has a diameter between about 10 to 50 microns and a height between about 5 to 25 microns.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each diode of the plurality of diodes has both a width and a length between about 10 to 50 microns and a height between about 5 to 25 microns.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each diode of the plurality of diodes has a diameter between about 20 to 30 microns and a height between about 5 to 15 microns.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each diode of the plurality of diodes has both a width and length between about 20 to 30 microns and a height between about 5 to 15 microns.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a plurality of substantially optically transparent and chemically inert particles, each inert particle of the plurality of substantially optically transparent and chemically inert particles between about 10 to about 50 microns;

wherein the polymeric or resin film further at least partially surrounds each inert particle of the plurality of substantially optically transparent and chemically inert particles.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each diode of the plurality of diodes comprises GaN and wherein the GaN portion of each diode of the plurality of diodes is substantially hexagonal, square, triangular, rectangular, lobed, stellate, or toroidal.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a light emitting or absorbing region of each diode of the plurality of diodes has a surface texture selected from the group consisting of:

a plurality of circular rings, a plurality of substantially curvilinear trapezoids, a plurality of parallel stripes, a stellate pattern, and mixtures thereof.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each diode of the plurality of diodes has a first metal terminal on a first side of the diode and a second metal terminal on a second, back side of the diode.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the first and second terminals are each between about 1 to 6 microns in height.

18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of diodes have a diameter, or both a width or length, between about 20 to 30 microns and a height between 5 to 15 microns, and each diode of the plurality of diodes has a first metal terminal on a first side and a second metal terminal on the first side, a contact of the second metal terminal spaced apart from the first metal terminal by about 2 to 5 microns in the height dimension.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the first terminal is between 0.5 to 2 microns in height and second terminal is between about 1 to 8 microns in height.

20. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of diodes have a diameter, or both a width or length, between about 20 to 30 microns and a height between 5 to 15 microns, and each diode of the plurality of diodes has a first metal terminal on a first side and a second metal terminal on the first side, a contact of the second metal terminal spaced apart from the first metal terminal by about 1 to 7 microns in the height dimension.

21. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each diode of the plurality of diodes has at least one metal via structure extending between at least one p+ or n+ GaN layer on a first side of the diode to a second, back side of the diode.

22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the metal via structure comprises a central via, a peripheral via, or a perimeter via.

23. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each diode of the plurality of diodes is less than about 50 microns in any dimension.

24. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each diode of the plurality of diodes is substantially hexagonal, is about 20 to 30 microns in diameter measured opposing face-to-face, and is about 5 to 15 microns in height.

25. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lateral sides of each diode of the plurality of diodes are less than 10 microns in height.

26. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lateral sides of each diode of the plurality of diodes are between about 2.5 to 6 microns in height.

27. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lateral sides of each diode of the plurality of diodes are substantially sigmoidal and terminate in a curved point.

28. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each diode of the plurality of diodes comprises at least one inorganic semiconductor selected from the group consisting of:

silicon, gallium arsenide (GaAs), gallium nitride (GaN), GaP, InAlGaP, InAlGaP, AlInGaAs, InGaNAs, and AlInGASb.

29. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each diode of the plurality of diodes comprises at least one organic semiconductor selected from the group consisting of:

π

-conjugated polymers, poly(acetylene)s, poly(pyrrole)s, poly(thiophene)s, polyanilines, polythiophenes, poly(p-phenylene sulfide), poly(para-phenylene vinylene)s (PPV) and PPV derivatives, poly(3-alkylthiophenes), polyindole, polypyrene, polycarbazole, polyazulene, polyazepine, poly(fluorene)s, polynaphthalene, polyaniline, polyaniline derivatives, polythiophene, polythiophene derivatives, polypyrrole, polypyrrole derivatives, polythianaphthene, polythianaphthane derivatives, polyparaphenylene, polyparaphenylene derivatives, polyacetylene, polyacetylene derivatives, polydiacethylene, polydiacetylene derivatives, polyparaphenylenevinylene, polyparaphenylenevinylene derivatives, polynaphthalene, polynaphthalene derivatives, polyisothianaphthene (PITN), polyheteroarylenvinylene (ParV) in which the heteroarylene group is thiophene, furan or pyrrol, polyphenylene-sulphide (PPS), polyperinaphthalene (PPN), polyphthalocyanine (PPhc), and their derivatives, copolymers thereof and mixtures thereof.

30. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each diode of the plurality of diodes has a first terminal and a second terminal, and the apparatus further comprising:

a base;

one or more first conductors coupled to the first terminals;

at least one dielectric layer coupled to the one or more first conductors;

one or more second conductors coupled to the second terminals and to the dielectric layer.

31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein at least one diode of the plurality of diodes has a first terminal coupled to at least one second conductor and a second terminal coupled to at least one first conductor.

32. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein a first portion of the plurality of diodes have first terminals coupled to at least one first conductor and second terminals coupled to at least one second conductor, and wherein a second portion of the plurality of diodes have first terminals coupled to at least one second conductor and second terminals coupled to at least one first conductor.

33. The apparatus of claim 30, further comprising:

an interface circuit coupled to the one or more first conductors and to the one or more second conductors, the interface circuit further couplable to a power source.

34. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the one or more first conductors comprise:

a first electrode comprising a first busbar and a first plurality of elongated conductors extending from the first busbar; and

a second electrode comprising a second busbar and a second plurality of elongated conductors extending from the second busbar.

35. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the second plurality of elongated conductors are interdigitated with the first plurality of elongated conductors.

36. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the one or more second conductors are further coupled to the second plurality of elongated conductors.

37. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the dielectric layer is between the one or more first conductors and the one or more second conductors, and has a thickness between about 1 to 7 microns.

38. The apparatus of claim 30, further comprising:

a barrier layer coupled to the dielectric layer and to the one or more second conductors.

39. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein the barrier layer comprises a cured, dried or polymerized viscosity modifier selected from the group consisting of:

clays such as hectorite clays, garamite clays, organo-modified clays;

saccharides and polysaccharides such as guar gum, xanthan gum;

celluloses and modified celluloses such as hydroxy methylcellulose, methylcellulose, ethyl cellulose, propyl methylcellulose, methoxy cellulose, methoxy methylcellulose, methoxy propyl methylcellulose, hydroxy propyl methylcellulose, carboxy methylcellulose, hydroxy ethylcellulose, ethyl hydroxyl ethylcellulose, cellulose ether, cellulose ethyl ether, chitosan;

polymers such as acrylate and (meth)acrylate polymers and copolymers;

glycols such as ethylene glycols, diethylene glycol, polyethylene glycols, propylene glycols, dipropylene glycols, glycol ethers, glycol ether acetates;

fumed silica, silica powders;

modified ureas; and

mixtures thereof.

40. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the base is substantially optically transmissive and coupled to the plurality of diodes on a first side, and the apparatus further comprising:

a phosphor layer coupled to the base on the second side.

41. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the base is substantially optically transmissive and coupled to the plurality of diodes on a first side, the one or more second conductors are substantially optically transmissive, and the apparatus further comprising:

a first phosphor layer coupled over the one or more second conductors;

a second phosphor layer coupled to the base on the second side.

42. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the base is substantially optically transmissive and coupled to the one or more first conductors on a first side, the one or more first conductors and the one or more second conductors are substantially optically transmissive, and the apparatus further comprising:

a first phosphor layer coupled over the one or more second conductors;

a second phosphor layer coupled to the base on the second side.

43. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the base is substantially flat and a mean concentration of the plurality of diodes is from about 25 diodes to 50,000 diodes per square centimeter of the base.

44. The apparatus of claim 30, further comprising:

one or more third conductors coupled to the one or more first conductors or to the one or more second conductors.

45. The apparatus of claim 30, further comprising:

a first carbon electrode couple to the one or more first conductors; and

a second carbon electrode couple to the one or more second conductors.

46. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the one or more first conductors comprise a cured conductive ink or a cured conductive polymer.

47. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the one or more first conductors comprise a plurality of silver nanoparticles or nanofibers.

48. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the one or more first conductors comprise a cured form of a conductor selected from the group consisting of:

a silver conductive ink, a copper conductive ink, a gold conductive ink, an aluminum conductive ink, a tin conductive ink, a carbon conductive ink, a conductive polymer, and combinations thereof.

49. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the one or more second conductors are substantially optically transmissive.

50. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the one or more second conductors comprise an optically transmissive polymer.

51. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the one or more second conductors are substantially optically transmissive and comprise a plurality of silver nanoparticles or nanofibers.

52. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the one or more second conductors are selected from the group consisting of:

antimony tin oxide, indium tin oxide, polyethylene-dioxithiophene, a carbon-based conductor, and mixtures thereof.

53. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the base is flexible.

54. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the base is selected from the group consisting of:

paper, coated paper, plastic coated paper, embossed paper, fiber paper, cardboard, poster paper, poster board, wood, plastic, rubber, fabric, glass, ceramic, concrete, stone, and mixtures thereof.

55. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the apparatus is foldable and bendable.

56. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the apparatus is substantially flat and has a total thickness less than about 3 mm.

57. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the apparatus is die cut and folded into a selected shape.

58. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus has an average surface area concentration of the plurality of diodes from about 25 to 50,000 diodes per square centimeter.

59. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of diodes are light emitting diodes, and wherein the apparatus emits light in an amount of at least about 10 lumens per watt of power consumed.

60. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of diodes are light emitting diodes, wherein the apparatus emits light in an amount of at least about 10 lumens per watt of power consumed, and wherein a surface temperature of the apparatus is less than 100°

C.

61. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of diodes are light emitting diodes, and wherein the apparatus emits light in an amount of at least about 60 lumens per watt of power consumed.

62. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of diodes are light emitting diodes, wherein the apparatus emits light in an amount of at least about 10 lumens per watt of power consumed.

63. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus does not include a heat sink or a heat sink component.

64. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the polymeric or resin film has a thickness between about 50 nm to 300 nm.

65. An apparatus comprising:

a base;

a plurality of diodes, each diode of the plurality of diodes having a first terminal and a second terminal, each diode of the plurality of diodes less than about 50 microns in any dimension;

a film substantially surrounding each diode of the plurality of diodes, the film comprising a polymer or a resin and having a thickness between about 10 nm to 300 nm;

one or more first conductors coupled to a first plurality of first terminals;

a first dielectric layer coupled to the one or more first conductors; and

one or more second conductors coupled to a first plurality of second terminals.

66. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein the film comprises a methylcellulose resin having a thickness between about 50 nm to 200 nm.

67. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein the film comprises a methoxy propyl methylcellulose resin or a hydroxy propyl methylcellulose resin or mixtures thereof.

68. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein the film comprises a cured, polymerized or dried viscosity modifier selected from the group consisting of:

clays such as hectorite clays, garamite clays, organo-modified clays;

saccharides and polysaccharides such as guar gum, xanthan gum;

celluloses and modified celluloses such as hydroxy methylcellulose, methylcellulose, ethyl cellulose, propyl methylcellulose, methoxy cellulose, methoxy methylcellulose, methoxy propyl methylcellulose, hydroxy propyl methylcellulose, carboxy methylcellulose, hydroxy ethylcellulose, ethyl hydroxyl ethylcellulose, cellulose ether, cellulose ethyl ether, chitosan;

polymers such as acrylate and (meth)acrylate polymers and copolymers;

glycols such as ethylene glycols, diethylene glycol, polyethylene glycols, propylene glycols, dipropylene glycols, glycol ethers, glycol ether acetates;

fumed silica, silica powders;

modified ureas; and

mixtures thereof.

69. The apparatus of claim 65, further comprising at least a trace amount of a first solvent, wherein the first solvent comprises at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of:

water;

alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, N-propanol (including 1-propanol, 2-propanol (isopropanol), 1-methoxy-2-propanol), butanol (including 1-butanol, 2-butanol (isobutanol), pentanol (including 1-pentanol, 2-pentanol, 3-pentanol), octanol, N-octanol (including 1-octanol), tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, cyclohexanol, terpineol;

ethers such as methyl ethyl ether, diethyl ether, ethyl propyl ether, and polyethers;

esters such ethyl acetate, dimethyl adipate, propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, dimethyl glutarate, dimethyl succinate, glycerin acetate;

glycols such as ethylene glycols, diethylene glycol, polyethylene glycols, propylene glycols, dipropylene glycols, glycol ethers, glycol ether acetates;

carbonates such as propylene carbonate;

glycerols such as glycerin;

acetonitrile, tetrahydrofuran (THF), dimethyl formamide (DMF), N-methyl formamide (NMF), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO); and

mixtures thereof.

70. The apparatus of claim 69, further comprising at least a trace amount of a second solvent different from the first solvent, wherein the second solvent is at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of:

water;

alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, N-propanol (including 1-propanol, 2-propanol (isopropanol), 1-methoxy-2-propanol), butanol (including 1-butanol, 2-butanol (isobutanol), pentanol (including 1-pentanol, 2-pentanol, 3-pentanol), octanol, N-octanol (including 1-octanol), tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, cyclohexanol, terpineol;

ethers such as methyl ethyl ether, diethyl ether, ethyl propyl ether, and polyethers;

esters such ethyl acetate, dimethyl adipate, propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, dimethyl glutarate, dimethyl succinate, glycerin acetate;

glycols such as ethylene glycols, diethylene glycol, polyethylene glycols, propylene glycols, dipropylene glycols, glycol ethers, glycol ether acetates;

carbonates such as propylene carbonate;

glycerols such as glycerin;

acetonitrile, tetrahydrofuran (THF), dimethyl formamide (DMF), N-methyl formamide (NMF), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO); and

mixtures thereof.

71. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein each diode of the plurality of diodes has a diameter between about 10 to 50 microns and a height between about 5 to 25 microns.

72. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein each diode of the plurality of diodes has both a width and a length between about 10 to 50 microns and a height between about 5 to 25 microns.

73. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein each diode of the plurality of diodes has a diameter between about 20 to 30 microns and a height between about 5 to 15 microns.

74. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein each diode of the plurality of diodes has both a width and length between about 20 to 30 microns and a height between about 5 to 15 microns.

75. The apparatus of claim 65, further comprising:

a plurality of substantially optically transparent and chemically inert particles, each inert particle of the plurality of substantially optically transparent and chemically inert particles between about 10 to about 50 microns;

wherein the film further at least partially surrounds each inert particle of the plurality of substantially optically transparent and chemically inert particles.

76. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein a light emitting or absorbing region of each diode of the plurality of diodes is substantially hexagonal, square, triangular, rectangular, lobed, stellate, or toroidal.

77. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein a light emitting or absorbing region of each diode of the plurality of diodes has a surface texture selected from the group consisting of:

a plurality of circular rings, a plurality of substantially curvilinear trapezoids, a plurality of parallel stripes, a stellate pattern, and mixtures thereof.

78. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein the first and second terminals are comprised of metal, and each diode of the plurality of diodes has the first terminal on a first side of the diode and the second terminal on a second, back side of the diode.

79. The apparatus of claim 78, wherein the first and second terminals are each between about 1 to 6 microns in height.

80. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein the plurality of diodes have a diameter, or both a width or length, between about 20 to 30 microns and a height between 5 to 15 microns, the first and second terminals are comprised of metal, each diode of the plurality of diodes has the first and second terminal on a first side, a contact of the second terminal spaced apart from the first terminal by about 1 to 7 microns in the height dimension.

81. The apparatus of claim 80, wherein the first terminal is between 0.5 to 2 microns in height and second terminal is between about 1 to 8 microns in height.

82. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein each diode of the plurality of diodes is substantially hexagonal, is about 20 to 30 microns in diameter measured opposing face-to-face, and is about 5 to 15 microns in height.

83. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein the lateral sides of each diode of the plurality of diodes are less than 10 microns in height.

84. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein the lateral sides of each diode of the plurality of diodes are between about 2.5 to 6 microns in height.

85. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein the lateral sides of each diode of the plurality of diodes are substantially sigmoidal and terminate in a curved point.

86. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein each diode of the plurality of diodes comprises at least one inorganic semiconductor selected from the group consisting of:

silicon, gallium arsenide (GaAs), gallium nitride (GaN), GaP, InAlGaP, InAlGaP, AlInGaAs, InGaNAs, and AlInGASb.

87. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein at least one diode of the plurality of diodes has a first terminal coupled to at least one second conductor and a second terminal coupled to at least one first conductor.

88. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein a second plurality of diodes have first terminals coupled to at least one second conductor and second terminals coupled to at least one first conductor.

89. The apparatus of claim 65, further comprising:

an interface circuit coupled to the one or more first conductors and to the one or more second conductors, the interface circuit further couplable to a power source.

90. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein the one or more first conductors comprise:

a first electrode comprising a first busbar and a first plurality of elongated conductors extending from the first busbar; and

a second electrode comprising a second busbar and a second plurality of elongated conductors extending from the second busbar.

91. The apparatus of claim 90, wherein the second plurality of elongated conductors are interdigitated with the first plurality of elongated conductors.

92. The apparatus of claim 90, wherein the one or more second conductors are further coupled to the second plurality of elongated conductors.

93. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein the first dielectric layer is between the one or more first conductors and the one or more second conductors, and has a thickness between about 1 to 7 microns.

94. The apparatus of claim 65, further comprising:

a barrier layer coupled to the dielectric layer and to the one or more second conductors, wherein the barrier layer comprises a cured, dried or polymerized viscosity modifier selected from the group consisting of;

clays such as hectorite clays, garamite clays, organo-modified clays;

saccharides and polysaccharides such as guar gum, xanthan gum;

celluloses and modified celluloses such as hydroxy methylcellulose, methylcellulose, ethyl cellulose, propyl methylcellulose, methoxy cellulose, methoxy methylcellulose, methoxy propyl methylcellulose, hydroxy propyl methylcellulose, carboxy methylcellulose, hydroxy ethylcellulose, ethyl hydroxylethylcellulose, cellulose ether, cellulose ethyl ether, chitosan;

polymers such as acrylate and (meth)acrylate polymers and copolymers;

glycols such as ethylene glycols, diethylene glycol, polyethylene glycols, propylene glycols, dipropylene glycols, glycol ethers, glycol ether acetates;

fumed silica, silica powders;

modified ureas; and

mixtures thereof.

95. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein the base is substantially optically transmissive and coupled to the plurality of diodes on a first side, and the apparatus further comprising:

a phosphor layer coupled to the base on the second side.

96. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein the base is substantially optically transmissive and coupled to the plurality of diodes on a first side, the one or more second conductors are substantially optically transmissive, and the apparatus further comprising:

a first phosphor layer coupled over the one or more second conductors;

a second phosphor layer coupled to the base on the second side.

97. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein the base is substantially optically transmissive and coupled to the one or more first conductors on a first side, the one or more first conductors and the one or more second conductors are substantially optically transmissive, and the apparatus further comprising:

a first phosphor layer coupled over the one or more second conductors;

a second phosphor layer coupled to the base on the second side.

98. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein the base is substantially flat and a mean concentration of the plurality of diodes is from about 25 diodes to 50,000 diodes per square centimeter of the base.

99. The apparatus of claim 65, further comprising:

one or more third conductors coupled to the one or more first conductors or to the one or more second conductors; and

a second dielectric layer coupled to the one or more third conductors.

100. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein the apparatus is flexible, foldable and bendable.

101. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein the apparatus is die cut and folded into a selected shape.

102. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein the apparatus has an average surface area concentration of the plurality of diodes from about 25 to 50,000 diodes per square centimeter.

103. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein the plurality of diodes are light emitting diodes, and wherein the apparatus emits light in an amount of at least about 10 lumens per watt of power consumed.

104. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein the plurality of diodes are light emitting diodes, wherein density of the plurality of diodes is about 25 to 100 diodes per square centimeter, and wherein a surface temperature of the apparatus is less than about 100°

C.

105. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein the plurality of diodes are light emitting diodes, wherein a density of the plurality of diodes is about 25 to 100 diodes per square centimeter, and wherein a surface temperature of the apparatus is less than about 70°

C.

106. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein the plurality of diodes are light emitting diodes, and wherein the apparatus emits light in an amount of at least about 60 lumens per watt of power consumed.

107. An apparatus comprising:

a base;

one or more first conductors;

a dielectric layer coupled to the one or more first conductors;

one or more second conductors;

a plurality of diodes, each diode of the plurality of diodes less than about 50 microns in any dimension, a first portion of the plurality of diodes coupled to the one or more first conductors and to the one or more second conductors in a forward bias orientation, and at least one diode of the plurality of diodes coupled to the one or more first conductors and to the one or more second conductors in a reverse bias orientation; and

a film substantially surrounding each diode of the plurality of diodes, the film comprising a polymer or a resin and having a thickness between about 10 nm to 300 nm;

108. The apparatus of claim 107, wherein the film comprises a cured, polymerized or dried viscosity modifier selected from the group consisting of:

clays such as hectorite clays, garamite clays, organo-modified clays;

saccharides and polysaccharides such as guar gum, xanthan gum;

celluloses and modified celluloses such as hydroxy methylcellulose, methylcellulose, ethyl cellulose, propyl methylcellulose, methoxy cellulose, methoxy methylcellulose, methoxy propyl methylcellulose, hydroxy propyl methylcellulose, carboxy methylcellulose, hydroxy ethylcellulose, ethyl hydroxyl ethylcellulose, cellulose ether, cellulose ethyl ether, chitosan;

polymers such as acrylate and (meth)acrylate polymers and copolymers;

glycols such as ethylene glycols, diethylene glycol, polyethylene glycols, propylene glycols, dipropylene glycols, glycol ethers, glycol ether acetates;

fumed silica, silica powders;

modified ureas; and

mixtures thereof.

109. The apparatus of claim 107, further comprising at least a trace amount of a first solvent, wherein the first solvent comprises at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of:

water;

alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, N-propanol (including 1-propanol, 2-propanol (isopropanol), 1-methoxy-2-propanol), butanol (including 1-butanol, 2-butanol (isobutanol), pentanol (including 1-pentanol, 2-pentanol, 3-pentanol), octanol, N-octanol (including 1-octanol), tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, cyclohexanol, terpineol;

ethers such as methyl ethyl ether, diethyl ether, ethyl propyl ether, and polyethers;

esters such ethyl acetate, dimethyl adipate, propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, dimethyl glutarate, dimethyl succinate, glycerin acetate;

glycols such as ethylene glycols, diethylene glycol, polyethylene glycols, propylene glycols, dipropylene glycols, glycol ethers, glycol ether acetates;

carbonates such as propylene carbonate;

glycerols such as glycerin;

acetonitrile, tetrahydrofuran (THF), dimethyl formamide (DMF), N-methyl formamide (NMF), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO); and

mixtures thereof.

110. The apparatus of claim 109, further comprising at least a trace amount of a second solvent different from the first solvent, wherein the second solvent is at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of:

water;

alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, N-propanol (including 1-propanol, 2-propanol (isopropanol), 1-methoxy-2-propanol), butanol (including 1-butanol, 2-butanol (isobutanol), pentanol (including 1-pentanol, 2-pentanol, 3-pentanol), octanol, N-octanol (including 1-octanol), tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, cyclohexanol, terpineol;

ethers such as methyl ethyl ether, diethyl ether, ethyl propyl ether, and polyethers;

esters such ethyl acetate, dimethyl adipate, propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, dimethyl glutarate, dimethyl succinate, glycerin acetate;

glycols such as ethylene glycols, diethylene glycol, polyethylene glycols, propylene glycols, dipropylene glycols, glycol ethers, glycol ether acetates;

carbonates such as propylene carbonate;

glycerols such as glycerin;

acetonitrile, tetrahydrofuran (THF), dimethyl formamide (DMF), N-methyl formamide (NMF), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO); and

mixtures thereof.

111. The apparatus of claim 107, wherein each diode of the plurality of diodes has a diameter between about 10 to 50 microns and a height between about 5 to 25 microns.

112. The apparatus of claim 107, wherein each diode of the plurality of diodes has both a width and a length between about 10 to 50 microns and a height between about 5 to 25 microns.

113. The apparatus of claim 107, further comprising:

a plurality of substantially optically transparent and chemically inert particles, each inert particle of the plurality of substantially optically transparent and chemically inert particles between about 10 to about 75 microns;

wherein the film further at least partially surrounds each inert particle of the plurality of substantially optically transparent and chemically inert particles.

114. The apparatus of claim 107, wherein each diode of the plurality of diodes is substantially hexagonal, is about 20 to 30 microns in diameter measured opposing face-to-face, is about 5 to 15 microns in height, wherein the lateral sides of each diode of the plurality of diodes are less than 10 microns in height, and wherein the lateral sides of each diode of the plurality of diodes are substantially sigmoidal and terminate in a curved point.

115. The apparatus of claim 107, further comprising:

an interface circuit coupled to the one or more first conductors and to the one or more second conductors, the interface circuit further couplable to a power source.

116. The apparatus of claim 107, wherein the dielectric layer is between the one or more first conductors and the one or more second conductors, and has a thickness between about 1 to 7 microns.

117. The apparatus of claim 107, wherein the base is substantially flat and a mean concentration of the plurality of diodes is from about 25 diodes to 50,000 diodes per square centimeter of the base.

118. The apparatus of claim 107, wherein the apparatus is flexible, foldable and bendable.

119. The apparatus of claim 107, wherein the apparatus is die cut and folded into a selected shape.