Abstract:
A flexible light sheet includes a bottom conductor layer overlying a flexible substrate. An array of vertical light emitting diodes (VLEDs) is printed as an ink over the bottom conductor layer so that bottom electrodes of the VLEDs electrically contact the bottom conductor layer. A top electrode of the VLEDs is formed of a first transparent conductor layer, and a temporary hydrophobic layer is formed over the first transparent conductor layer. A dielectric material is deposited between the VLEDs but is automatically de-wetted off the hydrophobic layer. The hydrophobic layer is then removed, and a second transparent conductor layer is deposited to electrically contact the top electrode of the VLEDs. The VLEDs can be made less than 10 microns in diameter since no top metal bump electrode is used. The VLEDs are illuminated by a voltage differential between the bottom conductor layer and the second transparent conductor layer.
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.
Abstract:
The present invention provides an electronic apparatus, such as a lighting device comprised of light emitting diodes (LEDs) or a power generating apparatus comprising photovoltaic diodes, which may be created through a printing process, using a semiconductor or other substrate particle ink or suspension and using a lens particle ink or suspension. An exemplary apparatus comprises a base; at least one first conductor; a plurality of diodes coupled to the at least one first conductor; at least one second conductor coupled to the plurality of diodes; and a plurality of lenses suspended in a polymer deposited or attached over the diodes. The lenses and the suspending polymer have different indices of refraction. In some embodiments, the lenses and diodes are substantially spherical, and have a ratio of mean diameters or lengths between about 10:1 and 2:1. The diodes may be LEDs or photovoltaic diodes, and in some embodiments, have a junction formed at least partially as a hemispherical shell or cap.
Abstract:
A flexible light sheet lamp includes a thin substrate and an array of printed microscopic vertical LEDs (VLEDs) sandwiched between a transparent first conductor layer and a transparent second conductor layer. The light sheet has a light exit surface. The VLEDs have one surface, facing the light exit surface of the light sheet, covered with a reflective metal. A phosphor layer is provided such that the semi-transparent VLED layer is between the phosphor layer and the light exit surface. A reflector layer is provided such that the phosphor layer is between the reflector layer and the VLED layer. The substrate may form the light exit surface or the light exit surface may be the opposite side of the light sheet. Some VLED light passing through the phosphor layer is reflected by the reflector layer and re-enters the phosphor layer. Therefore, less phosphor is needed to achieve the desired conversion ratio.
Abstract:
Ultra-thin flexible LED lamp layers are formed over a release layer on a substrate. The LED lamp layers include a first conductor layer overlying the release layer, an array of vertical light emitting diodes (VLEDs) printed over the first conductor layer, where the VLEDs have a bottom electrode electrically contacting the first conductor layer, and a second conductor layer overlying the VLEDs and contacting a top electrode of the VLEDs. Other layers may be formed, such as protective layers, reflective layers, and phosphor layers. The LED lamp layers are then peeled off the substrate, wherein the release layer provides a weak adherence between the substrate and the LED lamp layers to allow the LED lamp layers to be separated from the substrate without damage. The resulting LED lamp layers are extremely flexible, enabling the LED lamp layers to be adhered to flexible target surfaces including clothing.
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 diode comprises: a light emitting or absorbing region having a diameter between about 20 and 30 microns and a height between about 2.5 to 7 microns; a first terminal coupled to the light emitting region on a first side, the first terminal having a height between about 1 to 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 between about 1 to 6 microns.
Abstract:
An exemplary system comprises a power regulator and an emitting apparatus. The emitting apparatus is typically attached to or integrated with a display object, such as a merchandise package or container. A support structure, such as a point of purchase display, typically contains or supports one or more power regulators and display objects. The power regulator comprises a controller and a primary inductor, and the controller is adapted to provide a voltage or current to the primary inductor to generate a first primary inductor voltage. The emitting apparatus comprises an illumination source and a secondary inductor coupled to the illumination source. The illumination source is adapted to emit visible light when the power regulator is in an on state and when the secondary inductor is within a predetermined distance of the primary inductor. In exemplary embodiments, the first and second inductors are substantially planar.
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 diode comprises: a light emitting or absorbing region having a diameter between about 20 and 30 microns and a height between 2.5 to 7 microns; a plurality of first terminals spaced apart and coupled to the light emitting region peripherally on a first side, each first terminal of the plurality of first terminals having a height between about 0.5 to 2 microns; and one second terminal coupled centrally to a mesa region of the light emitting region on the first side, the second terminal having a height between 1 to 8 microns.
Abstract:
In one embodiment, a flexible light sheet includes a transparent, thin polymer substrate on which is formed a dielectric first light scattering layer containing nano-particles. A transparent conductor layer is formed over the first light scattering layer. An array of microscopic, inorganic vertical LEDs is printed over the transparent conductor layer so that bottom electrodes of the LEDs make electrical contact to the conductor layer. A dielectric second light scattering layer, also containing the nano-particles, is printed over the transparent conductor layer to laterally surround the LEDs. A top conductor layer makes electrical contact to the top LED electrodes to connect the LEDs in parallel. Light from the LEDs is scattered by the nano-particles in the two light scattering layers by Mei scattering. This reduces total internal reflection in both the first light scattering layer and the transparent conductor layer to increase light extraction.
Abstract:
A flexible light sheet includes a thin substrate that allows light to pass through it, a transparent first conductor layer overlying the substrate, an array of vertical light emitting diodes (VLEDs) printed as an ink over the first conductor layer, each of the VLEDs having a bottom electrode electrically contacting the first conductor layer, a dielectric material between the VLEDs overlying the first conductor layer, and a transparent second conductor layer overlying the VLEDs and dielectric layer, each of the VLEDs having a top electrode electrically contacting the transparent second conductor layer. Each individual VLED may emit light bidirectionally. The VLEDs are illuminated by a voltage differential between the first conductor layer and the second conductor layer such that bidirectional light passes through the first conductor layer and the second conductor layer. Phosphor layers may be deposited on both sides to create white light using blue VLEDs.