Patents by Inventor Michael Krames
Michael Krames 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).
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Publication number: 20070267646Abstract: A semiconductor structure including a light emitting layer disposed between an n-type region and a p-type region and a photonic crystal formed within or on a surface of the semiconductor structure is combined with a ceramic layer which is disposed in a path of light emitted by the light emitting layer. The ceramic layer is composed of or includes a wavelength converting material such as a phosphor.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2007Publication date: November 22, 2007Applicant: PHILIPS LUMILEDS LIGHTING COMPANY, LLCInventors: Jonathan Wierer, Serge Bierhuizen, Aurelien David, Michael Krames, Richard Weiss
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Publication number: 20070145384Abstract: In a device, a III-nitride light emitting layer is disposed between an n-type region and a p-type region. A first spacer layer, which is disposed between the n-type region and the light emitting layer, is doped to a dopant concentration between 6×1018 cm3 and 5×1019 cm?3. A second spacer layer, which is disposed between the p-type region and the light emitting layer, is not intentionally doped or doped to a dopant concentration less than 6×1018 cm?3.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2007Publication date: June 28, 2007Applicant: PHILIPS LUMILEDS LIGHTING COMPANY, LLCInventors: Nathan Gardner, Gangyi Chen, Werner Goetz, Michael Krames, Gerd Mueller, Yu-Chen Shen, Satoshi Watanabe
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Publication number: 20070131961Abstract: To increase the lattice constant of AlInGaP LED layers to greater than the lattice constant of GaAs for reduced temperature sensitivity, an engineered growth layer is formed over a substrate, where the growth layer has a lattice constant equal to or approximately equal to that of the desired AlInGaP layers. In one embodiment, a graded InGaAs or InGaP layer is grown over a GaAs substrate. The amount of indium is increased during growth of the layer such that the final lattice constant is equal to that of the desired AlInGaP active layer. In another embodiment, a very thin InGaP, InGaAs, or AlInGaP layer is grown on a GaAs substrate, where the InGaP, InGaAs, or AlInGaP layer is strained (compressed). The InGaP, InGaAs, or AlInGaP thin layer is then delaminated from the GaAs and relaxed, causing the lattice constant of the thin layer to increase to the lattice constant of the desired overlying AlInGaP LED layers. The LED layers are then grown over the thin InGaP, InGaAs, or AlInGaP layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2007Publication date: June 14, 2007Applicant: PHILIPS LUMILEDS LIGHTING COMPANY, LLCInventors: Michael Krames, Nathan Gardner, Frank Steranka
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Publication number: 20070126017Abstract: A semiconductor structure including a light emitting layer disposed between an n-type region and a p-type region is attached to a compound substrate including a host which provides mechanical support to the device and a ceramic layer including a luminescent material. In some embodiments the compound substrate includes a crystalline seed layer on which the semiconductor structure is grown. The ceramic layer is disposed between the seed layer and the host. In some embodiments, the compound substrate is attached to the semiconductor structure compound substrate is spaced apart from the semiconductor structure and does not provide mechanical support to the structure. In some embodiments, the ceramic layer has a thickness less than 500 ?m.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2005Publication date: June 7, 2007Inventors: Michael Krames, Peter Schmidt
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Publication number: 20070072324Abstract: A substrate including a host and a seed layer bonded to the host is provided, then a semiconductor structure including a light emitting layer disposed between an n-type region and a p-type region is grown on the seed layer. In some embodiments, a bonding layer bonds the host to the seed layer. The seed layer may be thinner than a critical thickness for relaxation of strain in the semiconductor structure, such that strain in the semiconductor structure is relieved by dislocations formed in the seed layer, or by gliding between the seed layer and the bonding layer an interface between the two layers. In some embodiments, the host may be separated from the semiconductor structure and seed layer by etching away the bonding layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2005Publication date: March 29, 2007Inventors: Michael Krames, Nathan Gardner, John Epler
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Publication number: 20070069225Abstract: A semiconductor structure includes an n-type region, a p-type region, and a III-nitride light emitting layer disposed between the n-type region and the p-type region. The III-nitride light emitting layer has a lattice constant greater than 3.19 ?. Such a semiconductor structure may be grown on a substrate including a host and a seed layer bonded to the host. In some embodiments, a bonding layer bonds the host to the seed layer. The seed layer may be thinner than a critical thickness for relaxation of strain in the semiconductor structure, such that strain in the semiconductor structure is relieved by dislocations formed in the seed layer, or by gliding between the seed layer and the bonding layer an interface between the two layers. In some embodiments, the host may be separated from the semiconductor structure and seed layer by etching away the bonding layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2005Publication date: March 29, 2007Inventors: Michael Krames, Nathan Gardner, John Epler
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Publication number: 20070045638Abstract: A III-nitride light emitting layer is disposed between an n-type region and a p-type region. The light emitting layer is a doped thick layer. In some embodiments, the light emitting layer is sandwiched between two doped spacer layers.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2005Publication date: March 1, 2007Inventors: Yu-Chen Shen, Nathan Gardner, Satoshi Watanabe, Michael Krames, Gerd Mueller
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Publication number: 20070045653Abstract: A structure includes a semiconductor light emitting device including a light emitting layer disposed between an n-type region and a p-type region. The light emitting layer emits first light of a first peak wavelength. A wavelength-converting material that absorbs the first light and emits second light of a second peak wavelength is disposed in the path of the first light. A filter material that transmits a portion of the first light and absorbs or reflects a portion of the first light is disposed over the wavelength-converting material.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2006Publication date: March 1, 2007Inventors: Michael Krames, Gerd Mueller, Regina Mueller-Mach
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Publication number: 20060284187Abstract: A photonic crystal is grown within a semiconductor structure, such as a III-nitride structure, which includes a light emitting region disposed between an n-type region and a p-type region. The photonic crystal may be multiple regions of semiconductor material separated by a material having a different refractive index than the semiconductor material. For example, the photonic crystal may be posts of semiconductor material grown in the structure and separated by air gaps or regions of masking material. Growing the photonic crystal, rather than etching a photonic crystal into an already-grown semiconductor layer, avoids damage caused by etching which may reduce efficiency, and provides uninterrupted, planar surfaces on which to form electric contacts.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2005Publication date: December 21, 2006Inventors: Jonathan Wierer, Michael Krames, Nathan Gardner
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Publication number: 20060240585Abstract: 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: May 31, 2006Publication date: October 26, 2006Applicant: PHILIPS LUMILEDS LIGHTING COMPANY, LLCInventors: John Epler, Paul Martin, Michael Krames
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Publication number: 20060220031Abstract: To increase the lattice constant of AlInGaP LED layers to greater than the lattice constant of GaAs for reduced temperature sensitivity, an engineered growth layer is formed over a substrate, where the growth layer has a lattice constant equal to or approximately equal to that of the desired AlInGaP layers. In one embodiment, a graded InGaAs or InGaP layer is grown over a GaAs substrate. The amount of indium is increased during growth of the layer such that the final lattice constant is equal to that of the desired AlInGaP active layer. In another embodiment, a very thin InGaP, InGaAs, or AlInGaP layer is grown on a GaAs substrate, where the InGaP, InGaAs, or AlInGaP layer is strained (compressed). The InGaP, InGaAs, or AlInGaP thin layer is then delaminated from the GaAs and relaxed, causing the lattice constant of the thin layer to increase to the lattice constant of the desired overlying AlInGaP LED layers. The LED layers are then grown over the thin InGaP, InGaAs, or AlInGaP layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2005Publication date: October 5, 2006Inventors: Michael Krames, Nathan Gardner, Frank Steranka
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Publication number: 20060202215Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2005Publication date: September 14, 2006Inventors: Jonathan Wierer, M. Craford, John Epler, Michael Krames
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Publication number: 20060202105Abstract: A material such as a phosphor is optically coupled to a semiconductor structure including a light emitting region disposed between an n-type region and a p-type region, in order to efficiently extract light from the light emitting region into the phosphor. The phosphor may be phosphor grains in direct contact with a surface of the semiconductor structure, or a ceramic phosphor bonded to the semiconductor structure, or to a thin nucleation structure on which the semiconductor structure may be grown. The phosphor is preferably highly absorbent and highly efficient. When the semiconductor structure emits light into such a highly efficient, highly absorbent phosphor, the phosphor may efficiently extract light from the structure, reducing the optical losses present in prior art devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2005Publication date: September 14, 2006Inventors: Michael Krames, Gerd Mueller
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Publication number: 20060197100Abstract: A semiconductor light emitting device includes a light emitting layer disposed between an n-type region and a p-type region. The light emitting layer may be a wurtzite III-nitride layer with a thickness of at least 50 angstroms. The light emitting layer may have a polarization reversed from a conventional wurtzite III-nitride layer, such that across an interface between the light emitting layer and the p-type region, the wurtzite c-axis points toward the light emitting layer. Such an orientation of the c-axis may create a negative sheet charge at an interface within or at the edge of the p-type region, providing a barrier to charge carriers in the light emitting layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2005Publication date: September 7, 2006Inventors: Yu-Chen Shen, Michael Krames, Nathan Gardner
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Publication number: 20060163606Abstract: 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 an-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: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2006Publication date: July 27, 2006Inventors: Jonathan Wierer, Michael Krames, John Epler
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Publication number: 20060151794Abstract: A photonic crystal structure is formed in an n-type layer of a III-nitride light emitting device. In some embodiments, the photonic crystal n-type layer is formed on a tunnel junction. The device includes a first layer of first conductivity type, a first layer of second conductivity type, and an active region separating the first layer of first conductivity type from the first layer of second conductivity type. The tunnel junction includes a second layer of first conductivity type and a second layer of second conductivity type and separates the first layer of first conductivity type from a third layer of first conductivity type. A photonic crystal structure is formed in the third layer of first conductivity type.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2006Publication date: July 13, 2006Inventors: Jonathan Wierer, Michael Krames, Mihail Sigalas
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Publication number: 20060121702Abstract: Devices and techniques for fabricating InAlGaN light-emitting devices are described that result from the removal of light-emitting layers from the sapphire growth substrate. In several embodiments, techniques for fabricating a vertical InAlGaN light-emitting diode structure that result in improved performance and or cost-effectiveness are described. Furthermore, metal bonding, substrate liftoff, and a novel RIE device separation technique are employed to efficiently produce vertical GaN LEDs on a substrate chosen for its thermal conductivity and ease of fabrication.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2006Publication date: June 8, 2006Inventors: Carrie Coman, Fred Kish, Michael Krames, Paul Martin
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Publication number: 20060105478Abstract: A device is provided with at least one light emitting device (LED) die mounted on a submount with an optical element subsequently thermally bonded to the LED die. The LED die is electrically coupled to the submount through contact bumps that have a higher temperature melting point than is used to thermally bond the optical element to the LED die. In one implementation, a single optical element is bonded to a plurality of LED dice that are mounted to the submount and the submount and the optical element have approximately the same coefficients of thermal expansion. Alternatively, a number of optical elements may be used. The optical element or LED die may be covered with a coating of wavelength converting material. In one implementation, the device is tested to determine the wavelengths produced and additional layers of the wavelength converting material are added until the desired wavelengths are produced.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2004Publication date: May 18, 2006Applicant: Lumileds Lighting U.S., LLCInventors: Michael Camras, William Imler, Franklin Wall, Frank Steranka, Michael Krames, Helena Ticha, Ladislav Tichy
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Publication number: 20060105482Abstract: A device is provided with an array of a plurality of phosphor converted light emitting devices (LEDs) that produce broad spectrum light. The phosphor converted LEDs may produce light with different correlated color temperature (CCT) and are covered with an optical element that assists in mixing the light from the LEDs to produce a desired correlated color temperature. The phosphor converted LEDs may also be combined in an array with color LEDs. The color LEDs may be controlled to vary their brightness such that light with an approximately continuous broad spectrum is produced. By controlling the brightness of the color LEDs, light can be produced with a fixed brightness over a large range of white points with a high color rendering quality.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2005Publication date: May 18, 2006Applicant: Lumileds Lighting U.S., LLCInventors: Robertus Alferink, Michael Krames
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Publication number: 20060091409Abstract: 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: October 28, 2004Publication date: May 4, 2006Inventors: John Epler, Paul Martin, Michael Krames