Patents by Inventor Steven Wuester

Steven Wuester 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: 20240072099
    Abstract: Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and more particularly LED chip structures are disclosed. LED chip structures include arrangements of one or more contacts, interconnects, contact structures, and/or reflective layers that effectively route electrically conductive paths while also reducing instances of closely spaced electrically charged metals of opposing polarities. Certain LED chip structures include electrically isolated metal-containing layers in various chip locations that allow for the presence of n-contact interconnects that are vertically arranged under or proximate to a p-contact. Certain contact structures include various arrangements, including segmented contact structures, that extend laterally to electrically couple groups of n-contact interconnects across various LED chip portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2022
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Inventors: Michael Check, Steven Wuester, Seth Joseph Balkey, Nikolas Hall
  • Publication number: 20240063344
    Abstract: Solid-state lighting devices including light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and a semi-transparent metallic layer deposited on an LED chip that can dim a light output of the LED chip are disclosed. The thickness of the semi-transparent metal layer can be adjusted based on the desired dimming level. In an embodiment, the metallic layer can be deposited on top of a passivation layer over the LED structure, so that the metallic layer is not electrically coupled to the LED. The metallic layer can additionally cover the mesa sidewalls of the LED structure. The metallic layer can be titanium, or platinum, or other suitable metals in other embodiments. In an embodiment, the metallic layer can be deposited on to the passivation layer, where a length of time the metallic layer is deposited, can be based on the amount of dimming desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2022
    Publication date: February 22, 2024
    Inventors: Steven Wuester, Seth Joseph Balkey, Colin Stuart, Peter Andrews
  • Publication number: 20240047606
    Abstract: Light-emitting devices and more particularly wafer level fabrication for multiple chip light-emitting devices is disclosed. Light-emitting devices include certain LED package structures, such as LED chips, submounts, and electrical connections that are formed by wafer level fabrication before individual light-emitting devices are separated. Methods include joining LED wafers with multiple LED chips formed thereon to submount wafers that include corresponding metallization patterns, followed by separating individual light-emitting devices. Each light-emitting device includes arrays of LED chips that are already bonded to a submount with electrical connections. The arrays of LED chips may be electrically coupled in a variety of electrical configurations based on arrangements of the metallization patterns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2022
    Publication date: February 8, 2024
    Inventors: Michael Check, Steven Wuester, Thomas Celano, David Suich, Colin Blakely, Jesse Reiherzer
  • 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: 20230395747
    Abstract: Solid-state lighting devices including light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and more particularly current spreading layer structures for LED chips are disclosed. LED chips include active LED structures with current spreading layer arrangements relative to reflective structures that provide efficient current injection into the active LED structures while also providing improved light extraction. Current spreading layers include openings that allow portions of dielectric reflector layers to form interfaces with active LED structures adjacent the current spreading layers. Metal reflector layers are provided on the dielectric reflector layers, and reflective layer interconnects are formed through the dielectric reflector layers to contact portions of the current spreading layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2023
    Publication date: December 7, 2023
    Inventors: Michael Check, Justin White, Steven Wuester, Kevin Haberern, Colin Blakely, Jesse Reiherzer
  • Publication number: 20230395756
    Abstract: Solid-state lighting devices including light-emitting diode (LED) chips and more particularly interconnect structures for improved LED chip performance are disclosed. Interconnect structures are disclosed within LED chips that are structured to increase perimeter contact areas within localized LED chip areas without substantial increases to overall areas occupied by the interconnect structures. By increasing contact perimeters of interconnects within a certain area, increased current injection efficiency may be provided. Interconnect structures for increased current injection are disclosed for both n-type layers and p-type layers. Interconnect structures may include patterned dielectric materials within interconnect openings and corresponding interconnects that are formed around the patterned dielectric materials. Additional interconnect structures include nested patterns and extensions that provide enhanced adhesion along LED chip perimeters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2023
    Publication date: December 7, 2023
    Inventors: Michael Check, Justin White, Steven Wuester, Kevin Haberern, Colin Blakely, Jesse Reiherzer
  • Publication number: 20230395754
    Abstract: Solid-state lighting devices including light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and more particularly contact structures in LED chips for reducing voiding of bonding metals are disclosed. LED chips include active LED structures on carrier submounts and contact structures arranged to receive external electrical connections adjacent the active LED structures. Exemplary contact structures include contacts electrically coupled to active LED structures and dielectric structures beneath the contacts. Dielectric structures are arranged beneath portions of the contacts while still allowing electrical connections therethrough. Such dielectric structures may be provided as regions of dielectric material with spacings that control topography of underlying bonding metals to reduce voiding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2023
    Publication date: December 7, 2023
    Inventors: Michael Check, Justin White, Steven Wuester, Nikolas Hall, Kevin Haberern, Colin Blakely, Jesse Reiherzer
  • Publication number: 20230395760
    Abstract: Solid-state lighting devices including light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and more particularly passivation structures for LED chips are disclosed. LED chips include active LED structures, typically formed of epitaxial semiconductor layers, that include mesas with mesa sidewalls. Passivation structures include a passivation layer that bounds the mesa sidewalls. The passivation layer includes a material that is robust to etchants of active LED structures when forming the mesas to reduce damage in underlying portions of the LED chip. The passivation layer effectively forms a seal along the mesa sidewalls that reduces unwanted undercutting or erosion during etching, thereby providing improved reliability, reduced moisture ingress, and the flexibility to enable additional chip structures, such as light extraction features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2023
    Publication date: December 7, 2023
    Inventors: Michael Check, Justin White, Steven Wuester, Nikolas Hall, Kevin Haberern, Colin Blakely, Jesse Reiherzer
  • Publication number: 20230261157
    Abstract: Light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and more particularly contact structures of LED chips for improved current injection are disclosed. Exemplary LED chips include an n-contact structure that forms part of a cathode connection. N-contact structures are provided that form a grid structure that is electrically coupled at an n-type layer across the LED chip so that current is coupled to and spread along the n-type layer. N-contact structures are provided that reside along streets formed between active LED structure mesas. N-contact structures are provided that are embedded within one or more layers of an LED chip, including reflective layers and/or dielectric layers. By providing such n-contact structures along the n-type layer, increased contact between the n-type layer and the n-contact structure may promote improved current spreading and/or current injection while also providing increased thermal spreading in LED chips.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2022
    Publication date: August 17, 2023
    Inventors: Seth Joseph Balkey, Steven Wuester, Michael Check
  • Publication number: 20230170445
    Abstract: Aspects disclosed herein relate to light-emitting diode (LED) chips and manufacturing processes thereof. In certain aspects, an LED chip includes an epitaxial layer with a first side and a second side, a first type contact proximate a second side of the epitaxial layer, and a wavelength conversion element including at least one lumiphore. In certain embodiments, in a flip-chip construction, a distance between the at least one lumiphore and the epitaxial layer is less than 5 microns and/or the first side of the epitaxial layer includes texturing. In certain embodiments, in a vertical stack construction, a transparent bonding layer between the epitaxial layer and the wavelength conversion element includes inorganic material. In certain embodiments, a ceramic layer is bonded to the second side of the epitaxial layer and positioned horizontally adjacent to the first type contact. Such configurations facilitate construction, decrease size, and/or increase performance of the LED chips.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2021
    Publication date: June 1, 2023
    Inventors: David Suich, Christopher P. Hussell, Michael Check, Colin Blakely, Steven Wuester, Brian T. Collins
  • Publication number: 20230170447
    Abstract: Aspects disclosed herein relate to light-emitting diode (LED) chips and manufacturing processes thereof. In certain aspects, an LED chip includes an epitaxial layer with a first side and a second side, a first type contact proximate a second side of the epitaxial layer, and a wavelength conversion element including at least one lumiphore. In certain embodiments, in a flip-chip construction, a distance between the at least one lumiphore and the epitaxial layer is less than 5 microns and/or the first side of the epitaxial layer includes texturing. In certain embodiments, in a vertical stack construction, a transparent bonding layer between the epitaxial layer and the wavelength conversion element includes inorganic material. In certain embodiments, a ceramic layer is bonded to the second side of the epitaxial layer and positioned horizontally adjacent to the first type contact. Such configurations facilitate construction, decrease size, and/or increase performance of the LED chips.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2021
    Publication date: June 1, 2023
    Inventors: David Suich, Christopher P. Hussell, Michael Check, Colin Blakely, Steven Wuester, Brian T. Collins
  • Publication number: 20230170449
    Abstract: Aspects disclosed herein relate to light-emitting diode (LED) chips and manufacturing processes thereof. In certain aspects, an LED chip includes an epitaxial layer with a first side and a second side, a first type contact proximate a second side of the epitaxial layer, and a wavelength conversion element including at least one lumiphore. In certain embodiments, in a flip-chip construction, a distance between the at least one lumiphore and the epitaxial layer is less than 5 microns and/or the first side of the epitaxial layer includes texturing. In certain embodiments, in a vertical stack construction, a transparent bonding layer between the epitaxial layer and the wavelength conversion element includes inorganic material. In certain embodiments, a ceramic layer is bonded to the second side of the epitaxial layer and positioned horizontally adjacent to the first type contact. Such configurations facilitate construction, decrease size, and/or increase performance of the LED chips.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2021
    Publication date: June 1, 2023
    Inventors: David Suich, Christopher P. Hussell, Michael Check, Colin Blakely, Steven Wuester, Brian T. Collins
  • Publication number: 20230170335
    Abstract: Aspects disclosed herein relate to light-emitting diode (LED) chips and manufacturing processes thereof. In certain aspects, an LED chip includes an epitaxial layer with a first side and a second side, a first type contact proximate a second side of the epitaxial layer, and a wavelength conversion element including at least one lumiphore. In certain embodiments, in a flip-chip construction, a distance between the at least one lumiphore and the epitaxial layer is less than 5 microns and/or the first side of the epitaxial layer includes texturing. In certain embodiments, in a vertical stack construction, a transparent bonding layer between the epitaxial layer and the wavelength conversion element includes inorganic material. In certain embodiments, a ceramic layer is bonded to the second side of the epitaxial layer and positioned horizontally adjacent to the first type contact. Such configurations facilitate construction, decrease size, and/or increase performance of the LED chips.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2021
    Publication date: June 1, 2023
    Inventors: David Suich, Christopher P. Hussell, Michael Check, Colin Blakely, Steven Wuester, Brian T. Collins
  • Patent number: 11664407
    Abstract: Pixelated-LED chips and related methods are disclosed. A pixelated-LED chip includes an active layer with independently electrically accessible active layer portions arranged on or over a light-transmissive substrate. The active layer portions are configured to illuminate different light-transmissive substrate portions to form pixels. Various enhancements may beneficially provide increased contrast (i.e., reduced cross-talk between pixels) and/or promote inter-pixel illumination homogeneity, without unduly restricting light utilization efficiency. In some aspects, an underfill material with improved surface coverage is provided between adjacent pixels of a pixelated-LED chip. The underfill material may be arranged to cover all lateral surfaces between the adjacent pixels. In some aspects, discontinuous substrate portions are formed before application of underfill materials. In some aspects, a wetting layer is provided to improve wicking or flow of underfill materials during various fabrication steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: CREELED, INC.
    Inventors: Peter Scott Andrews, Steven Wuester
  • Publication number: 20230083154
    Abstract: Lumiphoric materials and corresponding light-emitting devices, and more particularly localized surface plasmon resonance for enhanced photoluminescence of lumiphoric materials are disclosed. Plasmonic materials are disclosed that are configured to induce localized surface plasmon resonance and excite a corresponding localized surface plasmon enhanced electric field in response to incident light. An increase in photoluminescence of lumiphoric materials may be realized when the lumiphoric materials are arranged within the localized surface plasmon enhanced electric field. Plasmonic materials are disclosed that include various arrangements of nanoparticles and/or patterned structures with corresponding dielectric materials that are collectively arranged in close proximity to lumiphoric materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2021
    Publication date: March 16, 2023
    Inventors: Michael Check, David Suich, Steven Wuester
  • Publication number: 20230037469
    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: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2021
    Publication date: February 9, 2023
    Inventors: Michael Check, Steven Wuester, Justin White, Seth Joseph Balkey
  • Patent number: 11508715
    Abstract: Solid-state lighting devices including light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and more particularly LED chip structures with electrical overstress protection are disclosed. LED chip structures are disclosed that include built-in electrical overstress protection. An exemplary LED chip may include an active LED structure that is arranged as a primary light-emitting structure and a separate active LED structure that is arranged as an electrical overstress protection structure. The electrical overstress protection structure may be electrically connected in reverse relative to the primary light-emitting structure. In this manner, under normal operating conditions, forward current will flow through the primary light-emitting structure to generate desired light emissions, and during an electrical overstress event, reverse current may flow through the electrical overstress protection structure, thereby protecting the light-emitting structure from damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: CreeLED, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel E. Stasiw, Steven Wuester, Michael Check
  • Publication number: 20210336093
    Abstract: Solid-state lighting devices including light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and more particularly LED chip structures with electrical overstress protection are disclosed. LED chip structures are disclosed that include built-in electrical overstress protection. An exemplary LED chip may include an active LED structure that is arranged as a primary light-emitting structure and a separate active LED structure that is arranged as an electrical overstress protection structure. The electrical overstress protection structure may be electrically connected in reverse relative to the primary light-emitting structure. In this manner, under normal operating conditions, forward current will flow through the primary light-emitting structure to generate desired light emissions, and during an electrical overstress event, reverse current may flow through the electrical overstress protection structure, thereby protecting the light-emitting structure from damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2020
    Publication date: October 28, 2021
    Inventors: Daniel E. Stasiw, Steven Wuester, Michael Check
  • Publication number: 20210167122
    Abstract: Pixelated-LED chips and related methods are disclosed. A pixelated-LED chip includes an active layer with independently electrically accessible active layer portions arranged on or over a light-transmissive substrate. The active layer portions are configured to illuminate different light-transmissive substrate portions to form pixels. Various enhancements may beneficially provide increased contrast (i.e., reduced cross-talk between pixels) and/or promote inter-pixel illumination homogeneity, without unduly restricting light utilization efficiency. In some aspects, an underfill material with improved surface coverage is provided between adjacent pixels of a pixelated-LED chip. The underfill material may be arranged to cover all lateral surfaces between the adjacent pixels. In some aspects, discontinuous substrate portions are formed before application of underfill materials. In some aspects, a wetting layer is provided to improve wicking or flow of underfill materials during various fabrication steps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2021
    Publication date: June 3, 2021
    Inventors: Peter Scott Andrews, Steven Wuester
  • Patent number: 10903268
    Abstract: Pixelated-LED chips and related methods are disclosed. A pixelated-LED chip includes an active layer with independently electrically accessible active layer portions arranged on or over a light-transmissive substrate. The active layer portions are configured to illuminate different light-transmissive substrate portions to form pixels. Various enhancements may beneficially provide increased contrast (i.e., reduced cross-talk between pixels) and/or promote inter-pixel illumination homogeneity, without unduly restricting light utilization efficiency. In some aspects, an underfill material with improved surface coverage is provided between adjacent pixels of a pixelated-LED chip. The underfill material may be arranged to cover all lateral surfaces between the adjacent pixels. In some aspects, discontinuous substrate portions are formed before application of underfill materials. In some aspects, a wetting layer is provided to improve wicking or flow of underfill materials during various fabrication steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: CREE, INC.
    Inventors: Peter Scott Andrews, Steven Wuester