Patents by Inventor John E. Epler
John E. Epler 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).
-
Publication number: 20110018013Abstract: A light-emitting diode (LED) is fabricated by forming the LED segments with bond pads covering greater than 85% of a mounting surface of the LED segments and isolation trenches that electrically isolate the LED segments, mounting the LED segments on a submount with a bond pad that couples two or more bond pads from the LED segments, and applying a laser lift-off to remove the growth substrate from the LED layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2009Publication date: January 27, 2011Applicants: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V., PHILIPS LUMILEDS LIGHTING COMPANY, LLCInventors: Tal MARGALITH, Henry Kwong-Hin CHOY, John E. EPLER, Stefano SCHIAFFINO
-
Publication number: 20110018015Abstract: A semiconductor structure includes a light emitting layer disposed between an n-type region and a p-type region. A p-electrode is disposed on a portion of the p-type region. The p-electrode includes a reflective first material in direct contact with a first portion of the p-type region and a second material in direct contact with a second portion of the p-type region adjacent to the first portion. The first material and second material are formed in planar layers of substantially the same thickness.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2009Publication date: January 27, 2011Applicants: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V., PHILIPS LUMILEDS LIGHTING COMPANY, LLCInventor: John E. EPLER
-
Patent number: 7875533Abstract: LED epitaxial layers (n-type, p-type, and active layers) are grown on a substrate. For each die, the n and p layers are electrically bonded to a package substrate that extends beyond the boundaries of the LED die such that the LED layers are between the package substrate and the growth substrate. The package substrate provides electrical contacts and conductors leading to solderable package connections. The growth substrate is then removed. Because the delicate LED layers were bonded to the package substrate while attached to the growth substrate, no intermediate support substrate for the LED layers is needed. The relatively thick LED epitaxial layer that was adjacent the removed growth substrate is then thinned and its top surface processed to incorporate light extraction features.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2009Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Assignees: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V., Philips Lumilieds Lighting Co., LLCInventors: John E. Epler, Paul S. Martin, Michael R. Krames
-
Patent number: 7875984Abstract: A compliant bonding structure is disposed between a semiconductor light emitting device and a mount. When the semiconductor light emitting device is attached to the mount, for example by providing pressure, heat, and/or ultrasonic energy to the semiconductor light emitting device, the compliant bonding structure collapses to partially fill a space between the semiconductor light emitting device and the mount. In some embodiments, the compliant bonding structure is plurality of metal bumps that undergo plastic deformation during bonding. In some embodiments, the compliant bonding structure is a porous metal layer.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2009Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Assignees: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V., Philips Lumileds Lighting Company, LLCInventors: John E. Epler, Michael R. Krames, James G. Neff
-
Publication number: 20100327300Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a semiconductor structure comprising a III-nitride light emitting layer disposed between an n-type region and a p-type region. A contact disposed on the p-type region includes a transparent conductive material in direct contact with the p-type region, a reflective metal layer, and a transparent insulating material disposed between the transparent conductive layer and the reflective metal layer. In a plurality of openings in the transparent insulating material, the transparent conductive material is in direct contact with the reflective metal layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2009Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicants: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V., PHILIPS LUMILEDS LIGHTING COMPANY, LLCInventors: John E. EPLER, Aurelien J.F. DAVID
-
Publication number: 20100320489Abstract: A device includes a semiconductor structure comprising a light emitting layer disposed between an n-type region and a p-type region. The semiconductor structure includes an n-contact region and a p-contact region. A cross section of the n-contact region comprises a plurality of first regions wherein portions of the light emitting layer and p-type region are removed to expose the n-type region. The plurality of first regions are separated by a plurality of second regions wherein the light emitting layer and p-type region remain in the device. The device further includes a first metal contact formed over the semiconductor structure in the p-contact region and a second metal contact formed over the semiconductor structure in the n-contact region. The second metal contact is in electrical contact with at least one of the second regions in the n-contact region.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2009Publication date: December 23, 2010Applicants: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V., PHILIPS LUMILEDS LIGHTING COMPANY, LLCInventor: John E. EPLER
-
Patent number: 7808011Abstract: A semiconductor light emitting device includes an in-plane active region that emits linearly-polarized light. An in-plane active region may include, for example, a {11 20} or {10 10} InGaN light emitting layer. In some embodiments, a polarizer oriented to pass light of a polarization of a majority of light emitted by the active region serves as a contact. In some embodiments, two active regions emitting the same or different colored light are separated by a polarizer oriented to pass light of a polarization of a majority of light emitted by the bottom active region, and to reflect light of a polarization of a majority of light emitted by the top active region. In some embodiments, a polarizer reflects light scattered by a wavelength converting layer.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2004Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignees: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V., Philips Lumileds Lights Co., LLCInventors: James C. Kim, John E. Epler, Nathan F. Gardner, Michael R. Krames, Jonathan J. Wierer, Jr.
-
Patent number: 7804100Abstract: A device structure includes a III-nitride wurtzite semiconductor light emitting region disposed between a p-type region and an n-type region. A bonded interface is disposed between two surfaces, one of the surfaces being a surface of the device structure. The bonded interface facilitates an orientation of the wurtzite c-axis in the light emitting region that confines carriers in the light emitting region, potentially increasing efficiency at high current density.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2005Date of Patent: September 28, 2010Assignees: Philips Lumileds Lighting Company, LLC, Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Jonathan J. Wierer, Jr., M. George Craford, John E. Epler, Michael R. Krames
-
Publication number: 20100227421Abstract: A compliant bonding structure is disposed between a semiconductor device and a mount. In some embodiments, the device is a light emitting device. When the semiconductor light emitting device is attached to the mount, for example by providing ultrasonic energy to the semiconductor light emitting device, the compliant bonding structure collapses to partially fill a space between the semiconductor light emitting device and the mount. In some embodiments, the compliant bonding structure is plurality of metal bumps that undergo plastic deformation during bonding. In some embodiments, the compliant bonding structure is a porous metal layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2009Publication date: September 9, 2010Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventors: James G. Neff, John E. Epler, Stefano Schiaffino
-
Publication number: 20100224902Abstract: A compliant bonding structure is disposed between a semiconductor light emitting device and a mount. When the semiconductor light emitting device is attached to the mount, for example by providing pressure, heat, and/or ultrasonic energy to the semiconductor light emitting device, the compliant bonding structure collapses to partially fill a space between the semiconductor light emitting device and the mount. In some embodiments, the compliant bonding structure is plurality of metal bumps that undergo plastic deformation during bonding. In some embodiments, the compliant bonding structure is a porous metal layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2009Publication date: September 9, 2010Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventors: John E. Epler, Michael R. Krames, James G. Neff
-
Publication number: 20100226404Abstract: A semiconductor light emitting device includes an in-plane active region that emits linearly-polarized light. An in-plane active region may include, for example, a {11 20} or {10 10} InGaN light emitting layer. In some embodiments, a polarizer oriented to pass light of a polarization of a majority of light emitted by the active region serves as a contact. In some embodiments, two active regions emitting the same or different colored light are separated by a polarizer oriented to pass light of a polarization of a majority of light emitted by the bottom active region, and to reflect light of a polarization of a majority of light emitted by the top active region. In some embodiments, a polarizer reflects light scattered by a wavelength converting layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2010Publication date: September 9, 2010Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventors: James C. Kim, John E. Epler, Nathan F. Gardner, Michael R. Krames, Jonathan J. Wierer, JR.
-
Patent number: 7754507Abstract: A semiconductor structure formed on a growth substrate and including a light emitting layer disposed between an n-type region and a p-type region is attached to a carrier by a connection that supports the semiconductor structure sufficiently to permit removal of the growth substrate. In some embodiments, the semiconductor structure is a flip chip device. The semiconductor structure may be attached to the carrier by, for example, a metal bond that supports almost the entire lateral extent of the semiconductor structure, or by interconnects such as solder or gold stud bumps. An underfill material which supports the semiconductor structure is introduced in any spaces between the interconnects. The underfill material may be a liquid that is cured to form a rigid structure. The growth substrate may then be removed without causing damage to the semiconductor structure.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2005Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Inventors: John E. Epler, Oleg B. Shchekin, Franklin J. Wall, Jr., Jonathan J. Wierer, Jr., Ling Zhou
-
Publication number: 20100109030Abstract: LED layers are grown over a sapphire substrate. Individual flip chip LEDs are formed by trenching or masked ion implantation. Modules containing a plurality of LEDs are diced and mounted on a submount wafer. A submount metal pattern or a metal pattern formed on the LEDs connects the LEDs in a module in series. The growth substrate is then removed, such as by laser lift-off. A semi-insulating layer is formed, prior to or after mounting, that mechanically connects the LEDs together. The semi-insulating layer may be formed by ion implantation of a layer between the substrate and the LED layers. PEC etching of the semi-insulating layer, exposed after substrate removal, may be performed by biasing the semi-insulating layer. The submount is then diced to create LED modules containing series-connected LEDs.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2008Publication date: May 6, 2010Applicants: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V., PHILIPS LUMILEDS LIGHTING COMPANY, LLCInventors: Michael R. KRAMES, John E. EPLER, Daniel A. STEIGERWALD, Tal MARGALITH
-
Patent number: 7675084Abstract: A photonic crystal structure is formed in an n-type region of a III-nitride semiconductor structure including an active region sandwiched between an n-type region and a p-type region. A reflector is formed on a surface of the p-type region opposite the active region. In some embodiments, the growth substrate on which the n-type region, active region, and p-type region are grown is removed, in order to facilitate forming the photonic crystal in an n-type region of the device, and to facilitate forming the reflector on a surface of the p-type region underlying the photonic crystal. The photonic crystal and reflector form a resonant cavity, which may allow control of light emitted by the active region.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2008Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignees: Philips Lumileds Lighting Co, LLC, Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Jonathan J. Wierer, Jr., Michael R. Krames, John E. Epler
-
Publication number: 20100041170Abstract: LED epitaxial layers (n-type, p-type, and active layers) are grown on a substrate. For each die, the n and p layers are electrically bonded to a package substrate that extends beyond the boundaries of the LED die such that the LED layers are between the package substrate and the growth substrate. The package substrate provides electrical contacts and conductors leading to solderable package connections. The growth substrate is then removed. Because the delicate LED layers were bonded to the package substrate while attached to the growth substrate, no intermediate support substrate for the LED layers is needed. The relatively thick LED epitaxial layer that was adjacent the removed growth substrate is then thinned and its top surface processed to incorporate light extraction features.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2009Publication date: February 18, 2010Applicants: PHILIPS LUMILEDS LIGHTING COMPANY, LLC, KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V. ET AL.Inventors: John E. Epler, Paul S. Martin, Michael R. Krames
-
Publication number: 20100029023Abstract: Light emitting diode (LED) structures are fabricated in wafer scale by mounting singulated LED dies on a carrier wafer or a stretch film, separating the LED dies to create spaces between the LED dies, applying a reflective coating over the LED dies and in the spaces between the LED dies, and separating or breaking the reflective coating in the spaces between the LED dies such that some reflective coating remains on the lateral sides of the LED die. Portions of the reflective coating on the lateral sides of the LED dies may help to control edge emission.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2009Publication date: February 4, 2010Applicants: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V., PHILIPS LUMILEDS LIGHTING COMPANY, LLCInventors: James G. NEFF, Serge J. BIERHUIZEN, John E. EPLER
-
Patent number: 7626210Abstract: Low profile, side-emitting LEDs are described, where all light is efficiently emitted within a relatively narrow angle generally parallel to the surface of the light-generating active layer. The LEDs enable the creation of very thin backlights for backlighting an LCD. In one embodiment, the LED is a flip chip with the n and p electrodes on the same side of the LED, and the LED is mounted electrode-side down on a submount. A reflector is provided on the top surface of the LED so that light impinging on the reflector is reflected back toward the active layer and eventually exits through a side surface of the LED. A waveguide layer and/or one or more phosphors layers are deposed between the semiconductor layers and the reflector for increasing the side emission area for increased efficiency. Side-emitting LEDs with a thickness of between 0.2-0.4 mm can be created.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2006Date of Patent: December 1, 2009Assignee: Philips Lumileds Lighting Company, LLCInventors: Oleg Borisovich Shchekin, Mark Pugh, Gerard Harbers, Michael R. Krames, John E. Epler
-
Patent number: 7601989Abstract: In one embodiment, an AlInGaP LED includes a bottom n-type layer, an active layer, a top p-type layer, and a thick n-type GaP layer over the top p-type layer. The thick n-type GaP layer is then subjected to an electrochemical etch process that causes the n-type GaP layer to become porous and light-diffusing. Electrical contact is made to the p-GaP layer under the porous n-GaP layer by providing metal-filled vias through the porous layer, or electrical contact is made through non-porous regions of the GaP layer between porous regions. The LED chip may be mounted on a submount with the porous n-GaP layer facing the submount surface. The pores and metal layer reflect and diffuse the light, which greatly increases the light output of the LED. Other embodiments of the LED structure are described.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2007Date of Patent: October 13, 2009Assignee: Philips Lumileds Lighting Company, LLCInventors: John E. Epler, Hanmin Zhao, Michael R. Krames
-
Publication number: 20090173956Abstract: An AlGaInP light emitting device is formed as a thin, flip chip device. The device includes a semiconductor structure comprising an AlGaInP light emitting layer disposed between an n-type region and a p-type region. N- and p-contacts electrically connected to the n- and p-type regions are both formed on the same side of the semiconductor structure. The semiconductor structure is connected to the mount via the contacts. The growth substrate is removed from the semiconductor structure and the thick transparent substrate is omitted, such that the total thickness of semiconductor layers in the device is less than 15 ?m in some embodiments, less than 10 ?m in some embodiments. The top side of the semiconductor structure may be textured.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2007Publication date: July 9, 2009Applicant: PHILIPS LUMILEDS LIGHTING COMPANY, LLCInventors: RAFAEL I. ALDAZ, JOHN E. EPLER, PATRICK N. GRILLOT, MICHAEL R. KRAMES
-
Publication number: 20090140274Abstract: A semiconductor structure comprising a III-nitride light emitting layer disposed between an n-type region and a p-type region is grown over a porous III-nitride region. A III-nitride layer comprising InN is disposed between the light emitting layer and the porous III-nitride region. Since the III-nitride layer comprising InN is grown on the porous region, the III-nitride layer comprising InN may be at least partially relaxed, i.e. the III-nitride layer comprising InN may have an in-plane lattice constant larger than an in-plane lattice constant of a conventional GaN layer grown on sapphire.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2007Publication date: June 4, 2009Applicant: PHILIPS LUMILEDS LIGHTING COMPANY, LLCInventors: Jonathan J. Wierer, JR., John E. Epler