Light emitting apparatus having at least one reverse-biased light emitting diode

• US 9,777,914 B2
• Filed: 02/24/2015
• Issued: 10/03/2017
• 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:
  US14/630,266
• Publication Number:
  US 20150167949A1
• Time in Patent Office: 952 Days
• 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 generally includes a plurality of diodes, a first solvent and/or a viscosity modifier. An exemplary apparatus may include: 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 lighting apparatus comprising:

a plurality of first conductors;

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;

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

a dispersion structure, panel or layer comprising at least one emissive or luminescent layer or region.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of first conductors have an interdigitated comb structure.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of first conductors, or the plurality of second conductors, or both the plurality of first conductors and the plurality of second conductors comprise:

a transparent conductive material or compound.

4. 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;

a second plurality of light emitting diodes for emission of green light; and

a third plurality of light emitting diodes for emission of blue light.

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

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

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

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

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one emissive or luminescent layer or region further comprises:

at least one phosphor or fluorescent emitter.

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

at least one color layer or region.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the at least one color layer or region further comprises:

a plurality of color tones, or half tones, or color pixels, or any combination thereof.

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

at least one opaque layer or region.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the dispersion structure, panel or layer is offset from the plurality of light emitting diodes by a predetermined distance.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the dispersion structure, panel or layer is substantially perpendicular to a plane formed by the plurality of light emitting diodes.

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

at least one light extraction element.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the at least one light extraction element further comprises:

a surface structure.

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

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

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

at least one mirror or reflective structure.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

an electrical interface coupled to the plurality of first conductors; and

optionally a power source couplable to the electrical interface.

17. The apparatus of claim 1, 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.

23. The lighting system of claim 8, wherein the light dispersive or reflective structure further comprises:

at least one color layer or region.

24. The lighting system of claim 23, wherein the at least one color layer or region further comprises:

a plurality of color tones, or half tones, or color pixels, or any combination thereof.

18. A lighting system comprising:

a light dispersive or reflective structure comprising at least one emissive or luminescent layer or region; and

a light emitting structure to provide illumination to the light dispersive or reflective structure, the light emitting structure comprising;

a plurality of first conductors;

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; and

a plurality of second conductors, at least one first second conductor of the plurality of second conductors coupled to the plurality of diodes and coupled to a second conductor of the plurality of first conductors.

19. The lighting system of claim 18, wherein the light emitting structure is directly coupled adjacent the light dispersive or reflective structure.

20. The lighting system of claim 19, wherein the light emitting structure is adhered to an edge, side, or part of the light dispersive or reflective structure.

21. The lighting system of claim 18, wherein the light emitting structure is offset from the light dispersive or reflective structure by a predetermined distance.

22. The lighting system of claim 18, wherein the at least one emissive or luminescent layer or region further comprises:

at least one phosphor or fluorescent emitter.

25. The lighting system of claim 18, wherein the light dispersive or reflective structure further comprises:

at least one opaque layer or region.

26. The lighting system of claim 18, wherein the light dispersive or reflective structure further comprises:

at least one light extraction element.

27. The lighting system of claim 18, wherein the at least one light extraction element further comprises:

a surface structure.

28. The lighting system of claim 26, wherein the at least one light extraction element is selected from the group consisting of:

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

29. The lighting system of claim 18, wherein the light dispersive or reflective structure further comprises:

at least one mirror or reflective structure.

30. The lighting system of claim 18, wherein the lighting system 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.

31. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the plurality of first conductors have an interdigitated comb structure.

32. The apparatus of claim 18, 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.

33. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the plurality of first conductors, or the plurality of second conductors, or both the plurality of first conductors and the plurality of second conductors comprise:

transparent conductors.

34. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the plurality of light emitting diodes further comprise:

a first plurality of light emitting diodes for emission of red light;

a second plurality of light emitting diodes for emission of green light; and

a third plurality of light emitting diodes for emission of blue light.

35. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the plurality of light emitting diodes further comprise:

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

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

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

36. A lighting system comprising:

a light dispersive or reflective structure; and

a light emitting structure to provide illumination to the light dispersive or reflective structure, the light emitting panel comprising;

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 a first plurality of first terminals of the plurality of light emitting diodes;

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 of the plurality of light emitting diodes.

37. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein the plurality of light emitting diodes further comprise:

a first plurality of light emitting diodes for emission of red light;

a second plurality of light emitting diodes for emission of green light; and

a third plurality of light emitting diodes for emission of blue light.

38. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein the plurality of light emitting diodes further comprise:

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

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

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

39. The lighting system of claim 36, wherein the light emitting structure is coupled adjacent to or offset from at least a portion of the light dispersive or reflective structure.

40. The lighting system of claim 36, wherein the light dispersive or reflective structure further comprises:

at least one emissive or luminescent layer or region.

41. The lighting system of claim 36, wherein the light dispersive or reflective structure further comprises:

at least one color layer or region.

42. The lighting system of claim 36, wherein the light dispersive or reflective structure further comprises:

at least one opaque layer or region.

43. The lighting system of claim 36, wherein the light dispersive or reflective structure further comprises:

at least one light extraction element.

44. The lighting system of claim 43, wherein the at least one light extraction element is selected from the group consisting of:

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

45. The lighting system of claim 36, wherein the light dispersive or reflective structure further comprises:

at least one mirror or reflective structure.

46. The lighting system of claim 36, wherein the lighting system 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.

47. The lighting system of claim 36, further comprising:

an electrical interface circuit.

48. The lighting system of claim 46, further comprising:

a sensor coupled to the electrical interface circuit.

49. The lighting system of claim 36, further comprising:

a sensor coupled to the light dispersive or reflective structure.