Apparatus with light emitting or absorbing diodes

• US 9,400,086 B2
• Filed: 05/29/2015
• Issued: 07/26/2016
• 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., Oraw, Brad, Lewandowski, Mark Allan, Baldridge, Jeffrey, Perozziello, Eric Anthony
• Primary Examiner(s): Williams, Joseph L
• Application Number:
  US14/725,752
• Publication Number:
  US 20150300575A1
• Time in Patent Office: 424 Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• 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 illuminated apparatus coupleable to a power source, the illuminated apparatus comprising:

a base;

at least one first conductor;

a plurality of light emitting diodes distributed in parallel on the at least one first conductor, each light emitting diode of the plurality of light emitting diodes having a lateral dimension greater than or equal to 10 microns and less than or equal to 50 microns, at least some of the plurality of light emitting diodes having a first, forward-bias orientation and at least one of the plurality of light emitting diodes having a second, reverse-bias orientation;

at least one second conductor coupled to the plurality of light emitting diodes;

a chromatic structure, panel or layer; and

a light dispersion or sealing structure, panel or layer;

wherein the chromatic structure, panel or layer or the light dispersion or sealing structure, panel or layer further comprises a plurality of reflective, dispersive or refractive particles dispersed in a polymer.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the chromatic structure, panel or layer further comprises:

at least one color layer or region comprising a plurality of color tones, or half tones, or color pixels, or any combination thereof.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the chromatic structure, panel or layer further comprises:

at least one emissive or luminescent layer or region comprising at least one phosphor or fluorescent emitter.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the chromatic structure, panel or layer or the light dispersion or sealing structure, panel or layer further comprises:

at least a partially reflective or refractive structure, coating, grating, panel or layer.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of reflective, dispersive or refractive particles comprise a plurality of glass particles, or silicate glass particles, or borosilicate glass particles, or combinations thereof.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of reflective, dispersive or refractive particles comprise a plurality of metal particles, or metallic particles, or metal oxide particles, or combinations thereof.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the plurality of metal, metallic or metal oxide particles are selected from the group consisting of:

silver, gold, tin, titanium, aluminum, indium, antimony, zinc, cadmium, and combinations thereof.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the chromatic structure, panel or layer or the light dispersion or sealing structure, panel or layer is offset from the plurality of light emitting diodes by a uniform or variable distance.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the light dispersion or sealing structure, panel or layer has a predetermined design and is coupled to seal the base, the light emitting assembly, and the chromatic structure, panel or layer.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an offset or translucent insulating layer between the light emitting assembly and the chromatic structure, panel or layer.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the light dispersion or sealing structure, panel or layer further comprises:

at least one light extraction element.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the at least one light extraction element is selected from the group consisting of:

at least one lens, a surface texture, a surface structure, a mirror, an optical grating, and combinations thereof.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the chromatic structure, panel or layer or the light dispersion or sealing structure, panel or layer further comprises:

at least one mirror or reflective structure.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of light emitting diodes further comprise:

a first plurality of light emitting diodes for emission of red light or light in a first spectral range;

a second plurality of light emitting diodes for emission of green light or light in a second spectral range; and

a third plurality of light emitting diodes for emission of blue light or light in a third spectral range.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each light emitting diode of the plurality of light emitting diodes comprises a the light emitting region having a lateral dimension of 6 microns to 30 microns and a height of 1 micron to 7 microns;

at least one first terminal coupled to the light emitting region on a first side, the at least one first terminal having a height of 3 microns to 6 microns; and

at least one second terminal coupled to the light emitting region on a second side opposite the first side, the at least one second terminal having a height less than or equal to 2 microns.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus has a form factor of indicia, signage, a predetermined design, or combinations thereof.

17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base is mounted to a vehicle or vehicle component.

18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the light dispersion or sealing structure, panel or layer further comprises a polymer or copolymer selected from the group consisting of:

clays, saccharides, polysaccharides, celluloses, modified celluloses, acrylate polymers and copolymers, (meth)acrylate polymers and copolymers, urethane polymers and copolymers, polyvinyl polymers and copolymers, polyethylene polymers and copolymers, carbonate polymers and copolymers, polycarbonate polymers and copolymers, ethers, esters, acetates, glycols, glycerols, fumed silica, silica powders, modified ureas, and mixtures thereof.

19. An illuminated apparatus coupleable to a power source, the apparatus having a form factor of indicia, signage, a predetermined design, or combinations thereof, the apparatus comprising:

a base;

a plurality of first conductors coupled to the base;

a plurality of light emitting diodes distributed in parallel on at least one first conductor of the plurality of first conductors, at least some of the plurality of light emitting diodes having a first, forward-bias orientation and at least one of the plurality of light emitting diodes having a second, reverse-bias orientation, and each light emitting diode of the plurality of light emitting diodes having a lateral dimension less than or equal to 50 microns; and

at least one second conductor coupled to the plurality of light emitting diodes and coupled to a second conductor of the plurality of first conductors;

a chromatic structure, panel or layer; and

a light dispersion or sealing structure, panel or layer.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the plurality of first conductors have an interdigitated structure, and the apparatus further comprising:

a plurality of second conductors, wherein the at least one second conductor is a first second conductor of the plurality of second conductors;

wherein the plurality of first conductors and the plurality of second conductors are arranged to provide series coupled regions of the plurality of light emitting diodes.

21. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the chromatic structure, panel or layer comprises:

at least one color layer or region, or at least one emissive or luminescent layer or region, or combinations thereof.

22. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the chromatic structure, panel or layer or the light dispersion or sealing structure, panel or layer comprises:

at least a partially reflective or refractive structure, coating, grating, panel or layer comprising a plurality of reflective, dispersive or refractive particles dispersed in a polymer.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the plurality of reflective, dispersive or refractive particles further comprise a plurality of glass particles, or silicate glass particles, or borosilicate glass particles, or metal particles, or metallic particles, or metal oxide particles, or combinations thereof.

24. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the chromatic structure, panel or layer or the light dispersion or sealing structure, panel or layer is offset from the plurality of light emitting diodes by a uniform or variable predetermined distance.

25. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the light dispersion or sealing structure, panel or layer has a predetermined design and is coupled to seal the base, the light emitting diodes, and the chromatic structure, panel or layer.

26. The apparatus of claim 19, further comprising an offset or translucent insulating layer between the plurality of light emitting diodes and the chromatic structure, panel or layer.

27. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the light dispersion or sealing structure, panel or layer further comprises:

at least one mirror or reflective structure or at least one light extraction element, the at least one light extraction element selected from the group consisting of;

at least one lens, a surface texture, a surface structure, a mirror, an optical grating, and combinations thereof.

28. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the base is mounted to a vehicle or vehicle component.

29. An illuminated apparatus coupleable to a power source, the apparatus having a form factor of indicia, signage, a predetermined design, or combinations thereof, the apparatus comprising:

a base;

a plurality of first conductors coupled to the base;

a plurality of light emitting diodes distributed in parallel on at least one first conductor of the plurality of first conductors, at least some of the plurality of light emitting diodes having a first, forward-bias orientation and at least one of the plurality of light emitting diodes having a second, reverse-bias orientation, and each light emitting diode of the plurality of light emitting diodes having a lateral dimension greater than or equal to 10 microns and less than or equal to 50 microns; and

at least one second conductor coupled to the plurality of light emitting diodes and coupled to a second conductor of the plurality of first conductors, wherein the plurality of first conductors and the at least one second conductor are arranged to provide at least one series coupled region of the plurality of light emitting diodes;

a chromatic structure, panel or layer; and

a light dispersion or sealing structure, panel or layer;

wherein the chromatic structure, panel or layer or the light dispersion or sealing structure, panel or layer further comprises a plurality of reflective, dispersive or refractive particles dispersed in a polymer.

30. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the chromatic structure, panel or layer further comprises:

at least one color layer or region, or at least one emissive or luminescent layer or region, or combinations thereof.