Patents Assigned to CreeLED, Inc.
  • Patent number: 11923481
    Abstract: A light-emitting diode (LED) chip with reflective layers having high reflectivity is disclosed. The LED chip may include an active LED structure including an active layer between an n-type layer and a p-type layer. A first reflective layer is adjacent the active LED structure and comprises a plurality of dielectric layers with varying optical thicknesses. The plurality of dielectric layers may include a plurality of first dielectric layers and a plurality of second dielectric layers of varying thicknesses and compositions. The LED chip may further include a second reflective layer that includes an electrically conductive path through the first reflective layer. An adhesion layer may be provided between the first reflective layer and the second reflective layer. The adhesion layer may comprise a metal oxide that promotes improved adhesion with reduced optical losses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: CreeLED, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Check, Kevin Haberern
  • Patent number: 11916165
    Abstract: Monolithic LED chips are disclosed comprising a plurality of active regions on a submount, wherein the submount comprises integral electrically conductive interconnect elements in electrical contact with the active regions and electrically connecting at least some of the active regions in series. The submount also comprises an integral insulator element electrically insulating at least some of the interconnect elements and active regions from other elements of the submount. The active regions are mounted in close proximity to one another with at least some of the active regions having a space between adjacent ones of the active regions that is 10 percent or less of the width of one or more of the active regions. The space is substantially not visible when the LED chip is emitting, such that the LED chips emits light similar to a filament.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: CreeLED, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin W. Haberern, Matthew Donofrio, Bennett Langsdorf, Thomas Place, Michael John Bergmann
  • Patent number: 11894499
    Abstract: Solid-state lighting devices including light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and lens arrangements for packaged LED devices are disclosed. An LED package may include one or more LED chips on a submount with a lens positioned on the submount to form a cavity. The one or more LED chips may reside in the cavity without direct encapsulation materials that would otherwise contact the one or more LED chips and any corresponding wirebonds. In this manner, the one or more LED chips may be driven with higher drive currents while reducing degradation and mechanical strain effects related to differences in coefficients of thermal expansion with typical encapsulant materials. LED packages may also be configured with one or more apertures that allow air flow between an interior volume of a cavity and an ambient environment outside the LED package to promote heat dissipation at higher drive currents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: CreeLED, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Wilcox, Derek Miller, Kyle Damborsky, Aaron Francis, Colin Blakely
  • Patent number: 11894488
    Abstract: LED chips and related fabrication methods are disclosed. A LED chip includes an active layer arranged on or over a light-transmissive substrate having a light extraction surface. The light extraction surface comprises a microtextured etched surface having a non-repeating, irregular textural pattern (e.g., with an average feature depth in a range of from 120 nm to 400 nm, and preferably free of any plurality of equally sized, shaped, and spaced textural features). The microtextured etched surface may be formed by applying a micromask having first and second solid materials of different etching rates over the light extraction surface, and exposing the micromask to an etchant (e.g., via reactive ion etching) to form a microtextured etched surface having a non-repeating, irregular textural pattern. Lumiphoric material may be applied over the microtextured surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: CreeLED, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Scott Andrews
  • Patent number: 11894496
    Abstract: A light emitting device includes a LED having a light emitting first surface and a light emitting second surface that define a corner. A support layer is disposed to receive light emitted by the light emitting second surface and is disposed adjacent the corner. A luminophoric medium layer at least partially covers the light emitting first surface and the light emitting second surface where the luminophoric medium layer is at least partially supported by the support layer to prevent a narrowing of the luminophoric medium layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: CreeLED, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Wilcox, Sarah Trinkle, Derek Miller, Peter Andrews, Colin Blakely
  • Patent number: 11876155
    Abstract: Light-emitting diode (LED) packages, and more particularly broad electromagnetic spectrum LED packages are disclosed. Individual LED packages are disclosed that are capable of emitting various combinations of peak wavelengths across a broad electromagnetic spectrum, including one or more combinations of ultraviolet, visible, and infrared peak wavelengths. Such LED packages may also be broadly tunable across portions of the electromagnetic spectrum ranging from ultraviolet to infrared wavelengths. By providing such capabilities within a single light source provided by a single LED package, larger and more complex systems for broadband emissions that include multiple light sources, complex optical systems, mirrors, filters, and additional components may be avoided. LED chip arrangements, control schemes, and encapsulant arrangements are also disclosed for such broad electromagnetic spectrum LED packages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: CreeLED, Inc.
    Inventors: David Suich, Michael Check, Colin Blakely
  • Patent number: 11870009
    Abstract: Light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and more particularly edge structures for light shaping in LED chips are disclosed. Edge structures may include a repeating pattern of features that is formed along one or more mesa sidewalls of active LED structure mesas. Such active LED structure mesas may include a p-type layer, an active layer, and at least a portion of an n-type layer. Features of the repeating pattern may be configured with a size and/or shape to promote redirection of laterally propagating light from the active layer at the mesa sidewalls. In this manner, light that may otherwise escape the LED chip at the mesa sidewalls may be redirected toward an intended emission direction for the LED chip. Certain aspects include reflective structures that are provided on the active LED structures mesas and are further arranged to extend past the active LED structure mesas to cover the repeating pattern of features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: CreeLED, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Check, Steven Wuester, Justin White, Seth Joseph Balkey
  • Publication number: 20230402573
    Abstract: A light emitting device comprises a light emitting diode (LED) chip having a dominant wavelength in a range from about 390 nm to about 560 nm, an encapsulant in optical communication with the LED chip, and coated phosphor particles dispersed in the encapsulant. Each of the coated phosphor particles comprises (a) a luminescent particle having a first refractive index at the dominant wavelength, and (b) an optical coating on the luminescent particle, where the optical coating has a second refractive index at the dominant wavelength. The second refractive index is between the first refractive index and a refractive index of the encapsulant at the dominant wavelength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2022
    Publication date: December 14, 2023
    Applicant: CREELED, INC.
    Inventors: Andre PERTUIT, Michael CHECK, David SUICH, Colin BLAKELY, Robert WILCOX
  • Patent number: 11843083
    Abstract: Monolithic LED chips are disclosed comprising a plurality of active regions on a submount, wherein the submount comprises integral electrically conductive interconnect elements in electrical contact with the active regions and electrically connecting at least some of the active regions in series. The submount also comprises an integral insulator element electrically insulating at least some of the interconnect elements and active regions from other elements of the submount. The active regions are mounted in close proximity to one another to minimize the visibility of the space during operation. The LED chips can also comprise layers structures and compositions that avow improved reliability under high current operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: CreeLED, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley E. Williams, Kevin W. Haberern, Bennett D. Langsdorf, Manuel L. Breva
  • Patent number: 11837585
    Abstract: An LED wafer includes LED dies on an LED substrate. The LED wafer and a carrier wafer are joined. The LED wafer that is joined to the carrier wafer is shaped. Wavelength conversion material is applied to the LED wafer that is shaped. Singulation is performed to provide LED dies that are joined to a carrier die. The singulated devices may be mounted in an LED fixture to provide high light output per unit area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: CreeLED, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael John Bergmann, David Todd Emerson, Joseph G. Clark, Christopher P. Hussell
  • Patent number: 11837684
    Abstract: Submount structures for light-emitting diode (LED) packages are provided. Submounts may include a base material that is configured to provide high thermal conductivity and a ceramic layer on the base material that is configured to provide high reflectivity for one or more LED chips that are mounted thereon. In certain aspects, the base material may include a ceramic base having a ceramic material that is different than a material of the ceramic layer. In certain aspects, submounts may also include additional ceramic layers configured to provide high reflectivity. In certain aspects, LED packages include electrical traces that are arranged either on one or more ceramic layers or at least partially embedded within one or more ceramic layers. The arrangement of such ceramic layers may provide increased reflectivity in areas where it may be difficult for other reflective materials to be present, such as gaps formed between tightly spaced electrical traces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: CreeLED, Inc.
    Inventors: David Suich, Daniel E. Stasiw, Samuel Richard Harrell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11817526
    Abstract: A pixelated-LED chip includes an active layer with active layer portions, segregated by streets, that are configured to illuminate different light-transmissive substrate portions to form pixels. A light extraction surface of each substrate portion includes protruding features and light extraction surface recesses that may be formed by sawing. Underfill material may be provided between a pixelated-LED chip and a mounting surface, as well as between pixels and between anodes and cathodes thereof. Certain implementations provide light extraction surface recesses that are non-parallel to each street defined through the active layer. Certain implementations provide light extraction surface recesses that are non-aligned with (e.g., non-parallel to) anode-cathode boundaries of each anode-cathode pair. Such arrangements reduce a likelihood of cracking in portions of a pixelated-LED chip. Methods for fabricating pixelated-LED chips are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: CreeLED, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Scott Andrews
  • Patent number: 11817537
    Abstract: Solid-state lighting devices including light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and more particularly LED chips with interconnect structures are disclosed. LED chips are provided that include first interconnects electrically coupled to an n-type layer and second interconnects electrically connected to a p-type layer. Configurations of the first and second interconnects are provided that may improve current spreading by reducing localized areas of current crowding within LED chips. Various configurations are disclosed that include collectively formed symmetric patterns of the first and second interconnects, diameters of certain ones of either the first or second interconnects that vary based on their relative positions in LED chips, and spacings of the second interconnects that vary based on their distances from the first interconnects. In this regard, LED chips are disclosed with improved current spreading as well as higher lumen outputs and efficiencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: CreeLED, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Check
  • Patent number: 11791441
    Abstract: Solid-state lighting devices including light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and more particularly support structures for LED packages are disclosed. Support structure arrangements are provided for LED packages with increased reflectivity. Support structures may include patterned electrically conductive materials that provide electrical connections and bonding surfaces for LED chips within the package, and bonding surfaces for cover structures in certain arrangements. Depending on the wavelengths of light emitted by the LED package, light reflectivity tradeoffs can exist for conductive materials that provide suitable electrical connections and bonding surfaces. Additional patterned layers with increased reflectivity may be provided on underlying patterned electrically conductive materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: CreeLED, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek Miller, Robert Wilcox, Colin Blakely
  • Patent number: 11791442
    Abstract: An LED package comprising a submount having a top and bottom surface with a plurality of top electrically and thermally conductive elements on its top surface. An LED is included on one of the top elements such that an electrical signal applied to the top elements causes the LED to emit light. The electrically conductive elements also spread heat from the LED across the majority of the submount top surface. A bottom thermally conductive element is included on the bottom surface of said submount and spreads heat from the submount, and a lens is formed directly over the LED. A method for fabricating LED packages comprising providing a submount panel sized to be separated into a plurality of LED package submounts. Top conductive elements are formed on one surface of the submount panel for a plurality of LED packages, and LEDs are attached to the top elements. Lenses are molded over the LEDs and the substrate panel is singulated to separate it into a plurality of LED packages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: CreeLED, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernd Keller, Nicholas Medendorp, Jr., Thomas Yuan
  • Patent number: 11790831
    Abstract: Active control of light emitting diodes (LEDs) and LED packages within LED displays is disclosed. LED packages are disclosed that include a plurality of LED chips that form at least one LED pixel for an LED display or an LED panel. Each LED package may include an active electrical element that is configured to receive a control signal and actively maintain an operating state, such as brightness or grey level while other LED packages are being addressed. Active electrical elements are disclosed that are configured to provide both forward and reverse bias states to LEDs to detect adverse operating conditions including reverse leakage and deviations to forward voltage levels. LED packages are also disclosed that may self-configure based on the manner in which various input or output lines are connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: CreeLED, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher P. Hussell
  • Patent number: 11776938
    Abstract: At least one array of LEDs (e.g., in a flip chip configuration) is supported by a substrate having a light extraction surface overlaid with at least one lumiphoric material. Light segregation elements registered with gaps between LEDs are configured to reduce interaction between emissions of different LEDs and/or lumiphoric material regions to reduce scattering and/or optical crosstalk, thereby preserving pixel-like resolution of the resulting emissions. Light segregation elements may be formed by mechanical sawing or etching to define grooves or recesses in a substrate, and filling the grooves or recesses with light-reflective or light-absorptive material. Light segregation elements external to a substrate may be defined by photolithographic patterning and etching of a sacrificial material, and/or by 3D printing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: CREELED, INC.
    Inventors: John Edmond, Matthew Donofrio, Jesse Reiherzer, Peter Scott Andrews, Joseph G. Clark, Kevin Haberern
  • Patent number: 11776460
    Abstract: Active control of light emitting diodes (LEDs) and LED packages within LED displays is disclosed. LED packages are disclosed that include a plurality of LED chips that form at least one LED pixel for an LED display or an LED panel. Each LED package may include an active electrical element that is configured to receive a control signal and actively maintain an operating state, such as brightness or grey level while other LED packages are being addressed. Active electrical elements are disclosed that are configured to provide both forward and reverse bias states to LEDs to detect adverse operating conditions including reverse leakage and deviations to forward voltage levels. LED packages are also disclosed that may self-configure based on the manner in which various input or output lines are connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: CreeLED, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher P. Hussell
  • Patent number: 11769757
    Abstract: Light emitting diode (LED) components and related methods are disclosed. LED components include a submount, at least one LED chip on a first surface of the submount, and a light permeable structure or dam. The light permeable dam can provide a component having a viewing angle that is greater than 115°. A method of providing an LED component includes providing a non-metallic submount, attaching at least one LED chip to a first surface of the submount, and dispensing a light permeable dam over the first surface of the submount about the at least one LED chip thereby providing a component having a viewing angle that is greater than 115°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: CreeLED, Inc.
    Inventors: Jesse Colin Reiherzer, Colin Kelly Blakely, Arthur Fong-Yuen Pun, Troy Anthony Trottier
  • Patent number: D1000400
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: CreeLED, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Wilcox, Sarah Trinkle, Kyle Damborsky, Colin Blakely, Ayush Tripathi