Bidirectional lighting apparatus with light emitting diodes

• US 9,410,684 B2
• Filed: 09/29/2015
• Issued: 08/09/2016
• 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:
  US14/868,691
• Publication Number:
  US 20160076750A1
• Time in Patent Office: 315 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 59/805 : Electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: H10K 59/87 : Passivation; Containers; Encapsulations
• 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. A bidirectional lighting apparatus comprising:

a flexible substrate at least partially transmissive to light;

at least one first conductor coupled to the substrate, the at least one first conductor at least partially transmissive to light;

a plurality of light emitting diodes distributed in parallel on the at least one first conductor, 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 or a third, unbiased orientation;

a dielectric material between the lateral sides of the light emitting diodes of the plurality of light emitting diodes;

at least one second conductor coupled to the plurality of light emitting diodes and dielectric material, the at least one second conductor at least partially transmissive to light.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each light emitting diode of the plurality of light emitting diodes has a lateral dimension of 10 microns to 50 microns and a height of 5 microns to 25 microns.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein each light emitting diode of the plurality of light emitting diodes comprises:

a light emitting or absorbing region having a lateral dimension of 6 microns to 30 microns and a height of 1 micron to 7 microns;

a first conductive terminal coupled to the light emitting or absorbing region on a first side, the first conductive terminal having a height of 3 microns to 6 microns; and

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

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first conductive terminals of at least some of the light emitting diodes are coupled to the at least one first conductor in the forward-bias orientation and the second conductive terminals of at least some of the light emitting diodes are coupled to the at least one first conductor in the reverse-bias orientation;

or wherein the first conductive terminals of at least some of the light emitting diodes are coupled to the at least one first conductor in the reverse-bias orientation and the second conductive terminals of at least some of the light emitting diodes are coupled to the at least one first conductor in the forward-bias orientation.

5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the light emitting or absorbing region further comprises:

a surface texture for light extraction.

6. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein each light emitting diode of the plurality of light emitting diodes emits light bidirectionally through the first and second sides of the light emitting or absorbing region.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one first conductor or the at least one second conductor further comprises a busbar, or a comb structure, or both a busbar and a comb structure.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the busbar or comb structure further comprises at least one third conductor, the at least one third conductor opaque or non-transmissive to light.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

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

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one first conductor and the at least one second conductor comprise:

a transparent conductive material or compound.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a light dispersion structure, panel or layer.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

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

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein when a voltage differential is applied to the plurality of light emitting diodes, light is emitted from the plurality of light emitting diodes through the at least one first conductor and the at least one second conductor.

14. A bidirectional lighting apparatus comprising:

a flexible substrate at least partially transmissive to light;

a plurality of first conductors coupled to the substrate, the plurality of first conductors at least partially transmissive to light;

a plurality of light emitting diodes distributed in parallel on a 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 or a third, unbiased orientation, wherein each light emitting diode of the plurality of light emitting diodes has a lateral dimension of 10 microns to 50 microns and a height of 5 microns to 25 microns;

a dielectric material between the lateral sides of the light emitting diodes of the plurality of light emitting diodes;

at least one second conductor coupled to the plurality of light emitting diodes, to the dielectric material and to a second conductor of the plurality of first conductors, the at least one second conductor at least partially transmissive to light.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the first conductive terminals of at least some of the light emitting diodes are coupled to the at least one first conductor in the forward-bias orientation and the second conductive terminals of at least some of the light emitting diodes are coupled to the at least one first conductor in the reverse-bias orientation;

or wherein the first conductive terminals of at least some of the light emitting diodes are coupled to the at least one first conductor in the reverse-bias orientation and the second conductive terminals of at least some of the light emitting diodes are coupled to the at least one first conductor in the forward-bias orientation.

16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the at least one first conductor or the at least one second conductor further comprises a busbar, or a comb structure, or both a busbar and a comb structure.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the busbar or comb structure further comprises at least one third conductor, the at least one third conductor opaque or non-transmissive to light.

18. The apparatus of claim 14, 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.

19. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the plurality of first conductors and the at least one second conductor comprise:

a transparent conductive material or compound.

20. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus is at least one of the following:

a light bulb, a light tube, a lamp, a lighting fixtures, an indoor lighting fixture, an outdoor lighting fixture, a lamp shade, an architectural lighting fixture, work or task lighting fixture, an overhead lighting fixture, a safety lighting fixture, a dimmable lighting fixture, a colored lighting fixture, a theatrical lighting fixture, a color-changeable lighting fixture, a display lighting fixture, display lighting, an addressable display, a backlight, a display backlight, a mirror, indicia, signage, a package, a carton, a business product, an industrial product, an architectural product, a building product, and combinations thereof.

21. A bidirectional lighting apparatus comprising:

a flexible substrate at least partially transmissive to light;

at least one first conductor coupled to the substrate;

a plurality of light emitting diodes, each diode of the plurality of light emitting diodes comprising;

a light emitting region having a lateral dimension between about 10 microns to 40 microns and a height between about 2 to 7 microns;

a first terminal coupled to the light emitting region on a first side, the first terminal having a height less than about 6 microns; and

a second terminal coupled to the light emitting region on a second side opposite the first side, the second terminal having a height less than about 6 microns;

wherein each diode of the plurality of light emitting diodes is substantially hexagonal laterally, has a lateral dimension between about 10 to 50 microns measured opposing face-to-face, and a height between about 5 to 25 microns;

one or more first conductors coupled to the substrate and to a first plurality of first terminals of the plurality of light emitting diodes, the one or more first conductors at least partially transmissive to light;

a dielectric material between the lateral sides of the light emitting diodes of the plurality of light emitting diodes; and

one or more second conductors coupled to a first plurality of second terminals of the plurality of light emitting diodes and to the dielectric material, the one or more second conductors at least partially transmissive to light.