Patents by Inventor Daniel Alexander Steigerwald

Daniel Alexander Steigerwald has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10170675
    Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) structure has semiconductor layers, including a p-type layer, an active layer, and an n-type layer. The p-type layer has a bottom surface, and the n-type layer has a top surface through which light is emitted. Portions of the p-type layer and active layer are etched away to expose the n-type layer. The surface of the LED is patterned with a photoresist, and copper is plated over the exposed surfaces to form p and n electrodes electrically contacting their respective semiconductor layers. There is a gap between the n and p electrodes. To provide mechanical support of the semiconductor layers between the gap, a dielectric layer is formed in the gap followed by filling the gap with a metal. The metal is patterned to form stud bumps that substantially cover the bottom surface of the LED die, but do not short the electrodes. The substantially uniform coverage supports the semiconductor layer during subsequent process steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: LUMILEDS LLC
    Inventors: Jipu Lei, Yajun Wei, Alexander H. Nickel, Stefano Schiaffino, Daniel Alexander Steigerwald
  • Patent number: 10056531
    Abstract: A method according to embodiments of the invention includes providing a wafer including a semiconductor structure grown on a growth substrate, the semiconductor structure comprising a III-nitride light emitting layer sandwiched between an n-type region and a p-type region. The wafer is bonded to a second substrate. The growth substrate is removed. After bonding the wafer to the second substrate, the wafer is processed into multiple light emitting devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Lumileds LLC
    Inventors: Jerome Chandra Bhat, Daniel Alexander Steigerwald, Michael David Camras, Han Ho Choi, Nathan Fredrick Gardner, Oleg Borisovich Shchekin
  • Publication number: 20180019370
    Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) structure has semiconductor layers, including a p-type layer, an active layer, and an n-type layer. The p-type layer has a bottom surface, and the n-type layer has a top surface though which light is emitted. A copper layer has a first portion electrically connected to and opposing the bottom surface of the p-type layer. A dielectric wall extends through the copper layer to isolate a second portion of the copper layer from the first portion. A metal shunt electrically connects the second portion of the copper layer to the top surface of the n-type layer. P-metal electrodes electrically connect to the first portion, and n-metal electrodes electrically connect to the second portion, wherein the LED structure forms a flip chip. Other embodiments of the methods and structures are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Publication date: January 18, 2018
    Inventors: Jipu Lei, Kwong-Hin Henry Choy, Yajun Wei, Stefano Schiaffino, Daniel Alexander Steigerwald
  • Publication number: 20170373235
    Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) structure has semiconductor layers, including a p-type layer, an active layer, and an n-type layer. The p-type layer has a bottom surface, and the n-type layer has a top surface through which light is emitted. Portions of the p-type layer and active layer are etched away to expose the n-type layer. The surface of the LED is patterned with a photoresist, and copper is plated over the exposed surfaces to form p and n electrodes electrically contacting their respective semiconductor layers. There is a gap between the n and p electrodes. To provide mechanical support of the semiconductor layers between the gap, a dielectric layer is formed in the gap followed by filling the gap with a metal. The metal is patterned to form stud bumps that substantially cover the bottom surface of the LED die, but do not short the electrodes. The substantially uniform coverage supports the semiconductor layer during subsequent process steps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Jipu Lei, Yajun Wei, Alexander H. Nickel, Stefano Schiaffino, Daniel Alexander Steigerwald
  • Patent number: 9722137
    Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) structure has semiconductor layers, including a p-type layer, an active layer, and an n-type layer. The p-type layer has a bottom surface, and the n-type layer has a top surface though which light is emitted. A copper layer has a first portion electrically connected to and opposing the bottom surface of the p-type layer. A dielectric wall extends through the copper layer to isolate a second portion of the copper layer from the first portion. A metal shunt electrically connects the second portion of the copper layer to the top surface of the n-type layer. P-metal electrodes electrically connect to the first portion, and n-metal electrodes electrically connect to the second portion, wherein the LED structure forms a flip chip. Other embodiments of the methods and structures are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Jipu Lei, Kwong-Hin Henry Choy, Yajun Wei, Stefano Schiaffino, Daniel Alexander Steigerwald
  • Patent number: 9722161
    Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) structure has semiconductor layers, including a p-type layer, an active layer, and an n-type layer. The p-type layer has a bottom surface, and the n-type layer has a top surface through which light is emitted. Portions of the p-type layer and active layer are etched away to expose the n-type layer. The surface of the LED is patterned with a photoresist, and copper is plated over the exposed surfaces to form p and n electrodes electrically contacting their respective semiconductor layers. There is a gap between the n and p electrodes. To provide mechanical support of the semiconductor layers between the gap, a dielectric layer is formed in the gap followed by filling the gap with a metal. The metal is patterned to form stud bumps that substantially cover the bottom surface of the LED die, but do not short the electrodes. The substantially uniform coverage supports the semiconductor layer during subsequent process steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Jipu Lei, Yajun Wei, Alexander H. Nickel, Stefano Schiaffino, Daniel Alexander Steigerwald
  • Patent number: 9705047
    Abstract: A method according to embodiments of the invention includes providing a wafer of semiconductor light emitting devices, each semiconductor light emitting device including a light emitting layer sandwiched between an n-type region and a p-type region. A wafer of support substrates is provided, each support substrate including a body. The wafer of semiconductor light emitting devices is bonded to the wafer of support substrates. Vias are formed extending through the entire thickness of the body of each support substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Daniel Alexander Steigerwald, Jerome Chandra Bhat, Salman Akram
  • Patent number: 9431581
    Abstract: A method according to embodiments of the invention includes providing a wafer of semiconductor light emitting devices, each semiconductor light emitting device including a light emitting layer sandwiched between an n-type region and a p-type region. A wafer of support substrates is provided, each support substrate including a body. The wafer of semiconductor light emitting devices is bonded to the wafer of support substrates. Vias are formed extending through the entire thickness of the body of each support substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Daniel Alexander Steigerwald, Jerome Chandra Bhat, Salman Akram
  • Publication number: 20160197244
    Abstract: A method according to embodiments of the invention includes providing a wafer of semiconductor light emitting devices, each semiconductor light emitting device including a light emitting layer sandwiched between an n-type region and a p-type region. A wafer of support substrates is provided, each support substrate including a body. The wafer of semiconductor light emitting devices is bonded to the wafer of support substrates. Vias are formed extending through the entire thickness of the body of each support substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Publication date: July 7, 2016
    Inventors: DANIEL ALEXANDER STEIGERWALD, JEROME CHANDRA BHAT, SALMAN AKRAM
  • Publication number: 20160126408
    Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) structure has semiconductor layers, including a p-type layer, an active layer, and an n-type layer. The p-type layer has a bottom surface, and the n-type layer has a top surface though which light is emitted. A copper layer has a first portion electrically connected to and opposing the bottom surface of the p-type layer. A dielectric wall extends through the copper layer to isolate a second portion of the copper layer from the first portion. A metal shunt electrically connects the second portion of the copper layer to the top surface of the n-type layer. P-metal electrodes electrically connect to the first portion, and n-metal electrodes electrically connect to the second portion, wherein the LED structure forms a flip chip. Other embodiments of the methods and structures are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2016
    Publication date: May 5, 2016
    Inventors: Jipu Lei, Kwong-Hin Henry Choy, Yajun Wei, Stefano Schiaffino, Daniel Alexander Steigerwald
  • Publication number: 20160126436
    Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) structure has semiconductor layers, including a p-type layer, an active layer, and an n-type layer. The p-type layer has a bottom surface, and the n-type layer has a top surface through which light is emitted. Portions of the p-type layer and active layer are etched away to expose the n-type layer. The surface of the LED is patterned with a photoresist, and copper is plated over the exposed surfaces to form p and n electrodes electrically contacting their respective semiconductor layers. There is a gap between the n and p electrodes. To provide mechanical support of the semiconductor layers between the gap, a dielectric layer is formed in the gap followed by filling the gap with a metal. The metal is patterned to form stud bumps that substantially cover the bottom surface of the LED die, but do not short the electrodes. The substantially uniform coverage supports the semiconductor layer during subsequent process steps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Publication date: May 5, 2016
    Inventors: Jipu Lei, Yajun Wei, Alexander H. Nickel, Stefano Schiaffino, Daniel Alexander Steigerwald
  • Publication number: 20160020198
    Abstract: A method according to embodiments of the invention includes providing a wafer of semiconductor light emitting devices, each semiconductor light emitting device including a light emitting layer sandwiched between an n-type region and a p-type region. A wafer of support substrates is provided, each support substrate including a body. The wafer of semiconductor light emitting devices is bonded to the wafer of support substrates. Vias are formed extending through the entire thickness of the body of each support substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: DANIEL ALEXANDER STEIGERWALD, JEROME CHANDRA BHAT, SALMAN AKRAM
  • Patent number: 9219209
    Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) structure (10) has semiconductor layers, including a p-type layer, an active layer, and an n-type layer. The p-type layer has a bottom surface, and the n-type layer has a top surface through which light is emitted. Portions of the p-type layer and active layer are etched away to expose the n-type layer. The surface of the LED is patterned with a photoresist, and copper is plated over the exposed surfaces to form p and n electrodes electrically contacting their respective semiconductor layers. There is a gap between the n and p electrodes. To provide mechanical support of the semiconductor layers between the gap, a dielectric layer (34) is formed in the gap followed by filling the gap with a metal (42). The metal is patterned to form stud bumps (40, 42, 44) that substantially cover the bottom surface of the LED die, but do not short the electrodes. The substantially uniform coverage supports the semiconductor layer during subsequent process steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Jipu Lei, Yajun Wei, Alexander H. Nickel, Stefano Schiafino, Daniel Alexander Steigerwald
  • Patent number: 9153758
    Abstract: A method according to embodiments of the invention includes providing a wafer of semiconductor light emitting devices, each semiconductor light emitting device including a light emitting layer sandwiched between an n-type region and a p-type region. A wafer of support substrates is provided, each support substrate including a body. The wafer of semiconductor light emitting devices is bonded to the wafer of support substrates. Vias are formed extending through the entire thickness of the body of each support substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Daniel Alexander Steigerwald, Jérôme Chandra Bhat, Salman Akram
  • Patent number: 8951817
    Abstract: The substrate that is used to support the growth of the LED structure is used to support the creation of a superstructure above the LED structure. The superstructure is preferably created as a series of layers, including conductive elements that forma conductive path from the LED structure to the top of the superstructure, as well as providing structural support to the light emitting device. The structure is subsequently inverted, such that the superstructure becomes the carrier substrate for the LED structure, and the original substrate is thinned or removed. The structure is created using materials that facilitate electrical conduction and insulation, as well as thermal conduction and dissipation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventor: Daniel Alexander Steigerwald
  • Publication number: 20140179029
    Abstract: A method according to embodiments of the invention includes providing a wafer including a semiconductor structure grown on a growth substrate, the semiconductor structure comprising a III-nitride light emitting layer sandwiched between an n-type region and a p-type region. The wafer is bonded to a second substrate. The growth substrate is removed. After bonding the wafer to the second substrate, the wafer is processed into multiple light emitting devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Jerome Chandra Bhat, Daniel Alexander Steigerwald, Michael David Camras, Han Ho Choi, Nathan Fredrick Gardner, Oleg Borisovich Shchekin
  • Publication number: 20140077246
    Abstract: A support substrate including a body (35) and a plurality of vias (48) extending through an entire thickness of the body is bonded to a semiconductor light emitting device including a light emitting layer (14) sandwiched between an n-type region (12) and a p-type region (16). The support substrate is no wider than the semiconductor light emitting device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Jerome Chandra Bhat, Salman Akram, Daniel Alexander Steigerwald
  • Publication number: 20140061714
    Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) structure (10) has semiconductor layers, including a p-type layer, an active layer, and an n-type layer. The p-type layer has a bottom surface, and the n-type layer has a top surface through which light is emitted. Portions of the p-type layer and active layer are etched away to expose the n-type layer. The surface of the LED is patterned with a photoresist, and copper is plated over the exposed surfaces to form p and n electrodes electrically contacting their respective semi-conductor layers. There is a gap between the n and p electrodes. To provide mechanical support of the semiconductor layers between the gap, a dielectric layer (34) is formed in the gap followed by filling the gap with a metal (42). The metal is patterned to form stud bumps (40, 42, 44) that substantially cover the bottom surface of the LED die, but do not short the electrodes. The substantially uniform coverage supports the semiconductor layer during subsequent process steps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Jipu Lei, Yajun Wei, Alexander H. Nickel, Stefano Schiafino, Daniel Alexander Steigerwald
  • Publication number: 20130292716
    Abstract: The substrate that is used to support the growth of the LED structure is used to support the creation of a superstructure above the LED structure. The superstructure is preferably created as a series of layers, including conductive elements that forma conductive path from the LED structure to the top of the superstructure, as well as providing structural support to the light emitting device. The structure is subsequently inverted, such that the superstructure becomes the carrier substrate for the LED structure, and the original substrate is thinned or removed. The structure is created using materials that facilitate electrical conduction and insulation, as well as thermal conduction and dissipation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventor: Daniel Alexander Steigerwald
  • Patent number: 6630689
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a highly reflective dielectric stack is formed on the mesa wall of a flip-chip LED. The layers of the dielectric stack are selected to maximize reflection of light incident at angles ranging from −10 to 30 degrees, relative to the substrate. The dielectric stack is comprised of alternating low refractive index and high refractive index layers. In some embodiments, the LED is a III-nitride device with a p-contact containing silver, the dielectric stack layer adjacent to the mesa wall has a low refractive index compared to GaN, and the low refractive index layers are Al2O3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Lumileds Lighting, U.S. LLC
    Inventors: Jerome Chandra Bhat, Daniel Alexander Steigerwald