Patents by Inventor Thomas LAUERMANN

Thomas LAUERMANN 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: 20200357968
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are techniques for bonding components of LEDs. According to certain embodiments, a method includes performing p-side processing of a first component. The p-side processing is performed from a direction adjacent to a surface of a p-side semiconductor layer of the first component that is opposite to an active light emitting layer of the first component. The method also includes aligning first contacts of the first component with second contacts of the second component, and subsequently performing hybrid bonding of the first component to the second component by performing dielectric bonding of a first dielectric material of the first component with a second dielectric material of the second component at a first temperature, and subsequently performing metal bonding of the first contacts of the first component with the second contacts of the second component by annealing the first contacts and the second contacts at a second temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2020
    Publication date: November 12, 2020
    Inventors: Stephan Lutgen, Thomas Lauermann
  • Patent number: 10763385
    Abstract: A device having a multi-junction solar cell and a protection diode structure, whereby the multi-junction solar cell and the protection diode structure have a common rear surface and front sides separated by a mesa trench. The common rear surface comprises an electrically conductive layer, and the light enters through the front side into the multi-junction solar cell. The cell includes a stack of a plurality of solar cells, and has a top cell, placed closest to the front side, and a bottom solar cell, placed closest to the rear side, and a tunnel diode is placed between adjacent solar cells. The number of semiconductor layers in the protection diode structure is smaller than the number of semiconductor layers in the multi-junction solar cell. The sequence of the semiconductor layers in the protection diode structure corresponds to the sequence of semiconductor layers of the multi-junction solar cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Azur Space Solar Power GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Meusel, Wolfgang Koestler, Daniel Fuhrmann, Thomas Lauermann
  • Publication number: 20200194623
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for reducing surface recombination losses in micro-LEDs. In some embodiments, a method includes increasing a bandgap in an outer region of a semiconductor layer by implanting ions in the outer region of the semiconductor layer and subsequently annealing the outer region of the semiconductor layer to intermix the ions with atoms within the outer region of the semiconductor layer. The semiconductor layer includes an active light emitting layer. A light outcoupling surface of the semiconductor layer has a diameter of less than 10 ?m. The outer region of the semiconductor layer extends from an outer surface of the semiconductor layer to a central region of the semiconductor layer that is shaded by a mask during the implanting of the ions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2020
    Publication date: June 18, 2020
    Inventors: Thomas Lauermann, Stephan Lutgen, David Hwang
  • Patent number: 10644196
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for reducing surface recombination losses in micro-LEDs. In some embodiments, a method includes reducing a lateral carrier diffusion in an outer region of a semiconductor layer by implanting ions in the outer region of the semiconductor layer. The semiconductor layer includes an active light emitting layer. An outcoupling surface of the semiconductor layer has a diameter of less than 10 ?m. The outer region of the semiconductor layer extends from an outer surface of the semiconductor layer to a central region of the semiconductor layer that is shaded by a mask during the implanting of the ions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Facebook Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Lauermann, Stephan Lutgen, David Hwang
  • Patent number: 10622519
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for reducing surface recombination losses in micro-LEDs. In some embodiments, a method includes increasing a bandgap in an outer region of a semiconductor layer by implanting ions in the outer region of the semiconductor layer and subsequently annealing the outer region of the semiconductor layer to intermix the ions with atoms within the outer region of the semiconductor layer. The semiconductor layer includes an active light emitting layer. A light outcoupling surface of the semiconductor layer has a diameter of less than 10 ?m. The outer region of the semiconductor layer extends from an outer surface of the semiconductor layer to a central region of the semiconductor layer that is shaded by a mask during the implanting of the ions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: FACEBOOK TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Lauermann, Stephan Lutgen, David Hwang
  • Patent number: 10615309
    Abstract: A method for producing a light-emitting diode with a stacked structure, having a first region and a second region and a third region, wherein all three regions have a substrate and an n-doped lower cladding layer and an active layer generating electromagnetic radiation, wherein the active layer includes a quantum well structure, and a p-doped upper cladding layer, and the first region additionally has a tunnel diode formed on the upper cladding layer and composed of a p+ layer and an n+ layer, and an n-doped current distribution layer. The current distribution layer and the n-doped contact layer are covered with a conductive trace. At least the lower cladding layer, the active layer, the upper cladding layer, the tunnel diode, and the current distribution layer are monolithic in design. The second region has a contact hole with a bottom region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Azur Space Solar Power GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Lauermann, Wolfgang Koestler, Bianca Fuhrmann
  • Publication number: 20200066932
    Abstract: A light receiving unit having a first energy source made up of two sub sources. A first terminal contact is formed at the upper face of the first sub source and a second terminal contact is formed at the lower face of the second sub source. The sub source has at least one semiconductor diode that has an absorption edge adapted to a first wavelength of light and the second semiconductor diode has an absorption edge adapted to a second wavelength of light which is different from the first wavelength of light, such that the first sub source generates electric voltage upon being irradiated with the first wavelength of light and the second sub source generates electric voltage upon being irradiated with the second wavelength of light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2019
    Publication date: February 27, 2020
    Applicant: AZUR SPACE Solar Power GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas LAUERMANN, Christoph PEPER, Wolfgang KOESTLER
  • Publication number: 20200013927
    Abstract: A method for producing a light-emitting diode with a stacked structure, having a first region and a second region and a third region, wherein all three regions have a substrate and an n-doped lower cladding layer and an active layer generating electromagnetic radiation, wherein the active layer includes a quantum well structure, and a p-doped upper cladding layer, and the first region additionally has a tunnel diode formed on the upper cladding layer and composed of a p+ layer and an n+ layer, and an n-doped current distribution layer. The current distribution layer and the n-doped contact layer are covered with a conductive trace. At least the lower cladding layer, the active layer, the upper cladding layer, the tunnel diode, and the current distribution layer are monolithic in design. The second region has a contact hole with a bottom region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2019
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Applicant: AZUR SPACE Solar Power GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas LAUERMANN, Wolfgang KOESTLER, Bianca FUHRMANN
  • Patent number: 10475963
    Abstract: A light-emitting diode with a stacked structure, having a first region and a second region and a third region, wherein all three regions have a substrate and an n-doped lower cladding layer and an active layer generating electromagnetic radiation, wherein the active layer includes a quantum well structure, and a p-doped upper cladding layer, and the first region additionally has a tunnel diode formed on the upper cladding layer and composed of a p+ layer and an n+ layer, and an n-doped current distribution layer. The current distribution layer and the n-doped contact layer are covered with a conductive trace. At least the lower cladding layer, the active layer, the upper cladding layer, the tunnel diode, and the current distribution layer are monolithic in design. The second region has a contact hole with a bottom region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Azur Space Solar Power GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Lauermann, Wolfgang Koestler, Bianca Fuhrmann
  • Publication number: 20190305181
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for reducing surface recombination losses in micro-LEDs. In some embodiments, a method includes reducing a lateral carrier diffusion in an outer region of a semiconductor layer by implanting ions in the outer region of the semiconductor layer. The semiconductor layer includes an active light emitting layer. An outcoupling surface of the semiconductor layer has a diameter of less than 10 ?m. The outer region of the semiconductor layer extends from an outer surface of the semiconductor layer to a central region of the semiconductor layer that is shaded by a mask during the implanting of the ions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Publication date: October 3, 2019
    Inventors: Thomas Lauermann, Stephan Lutgen, David Hwang
  • Publication number: 20190305188
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for reducing surface recombination losses in micro-LEDs. In some embodiments, an LED includes a semiconductor layer including an active light emitting layer. A light outcoupling surface of the semiconductor layer has a diameter that is less than two times an electron diffusion length of a material of the semiconductor layer. The LED also includes a passivation layer that is formed on an outer surface of the semiconductor layer opposite to the light outcoupling surface. The passivation layer includes a dielectric material, and the passivation layer is in direct contact with a portion of the active light emitting layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Publication date: October 3, 2019
    Inventors: Thomas Lauermann, Stephan Lutgen, David Hwang
  • Publication number: 20190305185
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for reducing surface recombination losses in micro-LEDs. In some embodiments, a method includes increasing a bandgap in an outer region of a semiconductor layer by implanting ions in the outer region of the semiconductor layer and subsequently annealing the outer region of the semiconductor layer to intermix the ions with atoms within the outer region of the semiconductor layer. The semiconductor layer includes an active light emitting layer. A light outcoupling surface of the semiconductor layer has a diameter of less than 10 ?m. The outer region of the semiconductor layer extends from an outer surface of the semiconductor layer to a central region of the semiconductor layer that is shaded by a mask during the implanting of the ions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Publication date: October 3, 2019
    Inventors: Thomas Lauermann, Stephan Lutgen, David Hwang
  • Patent number: 10388819
    Abstract: A receiver unit having an optically operated voltage source, the voltage source including a first stack having an upper side and an underside and being formed on an upper side of a non-Si substrate based on III-V semiconductor layers arranged in the shape of a stack, and having a second electrical terminal contact on the upper side of the first stack and a first electrical terminal contact on an underside of the non-Si substrate, a voltage generated with the aid of the incidence of light onto the upper side of the first stack being present between the two terminal contacts, and including a second stack having a MOS transistor structure having III-V semiconductor layers and including a control terminal and a drain terminal and a source terminal. The MOS transistor structure being designed as a depletion field effect transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: AZUR SPACE SOLAR POWER GMBH
    Inventors: Daniel Fuhrmann, Thomas Lauermann, Gregor Keller
  • Publication number: 20190058074
    Abstract: A receiver unit having an optically operated voltage source, the voltage source including a first stack having an upper side and an underside and being formed on an upper side of a non-Si substrate based on III-V semiconductor layers arranged in the shape of a stack, and having a second electrical terminal contact on the upper side of the first stack and a first electrical terminal contact on an underside of the non-Si substrate, a voltage generated with the aid of the incidence of light onto the upper side of the first stack being present between the two terminal contacts, and including a second stack having a MOS transistor structure having III-V semiconductor layers and including a control terminal and a drain terminal and a source terminal. The MOS transistor structure being designed as a depletion field effect transistor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2018
    Publication date: February 21, 2019
    Applicant: AZUR SPACE Solar Power GmbH
    Inventors: Daniel Fuhrmann, Thomas Lauermann, Gregor Keller
  • Patent number: 10128413
    Abstract: A light emitting diode with a stacked structure, having a first region and a second region, wherein both regions comprise the following layers in the stated order, a carrier layer and an n-doped lower cladding layer and an electromagnetic radiation-generating active layer. The active layer comprises a quantum well structure and a p-doped upper cladding layer, and the first region additionally comprises a tunnel diode formed on the upper cladding layer from a p+-layer and an n+-layer, and an n-doped current distribution layer, wherein the current distribution layer and the n-doped contact layer are covered with a conductor track layer structure. At least the lower cladding layer, the active layer, the upper cladding layer, the tunnel diode and the current distribution layer are monolithic. The second region has a contact hole with a bottom region, an injection barrier being formed in the bottom region of the contact hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: AZUR SPACE Solar Power GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Lauermann, Daniel Fuhrmann
  • Patent number: 10103289
    Abstract: A light-emitting diode having a stack-like structure, whereby the stack-like structure comprises a substrate layer and a mirror layer and an n-doped bottom cladding layer and an active layer, producing electromagnetic radiation, and a p-doped top cladding layer and an n-doped current spreading layer, and the aforementioned layers are arranged in the indicated sequence. The active layer comprises a quantum well structure. A tunnel diode is situated between the top cladding layer and the current spreading layer, whereby the current spreading layer is formed predominantly of an n-doped Ga-containing layer, having a Ga content >1%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Azur Space Solar Power GmbH
    Inventors: Daniel Fuhrmann, Thomas Lauermann
  • Publication number: 20180261728
    Abstract: A light emitting diode with a stacked structure, having a first region and a second region, wherein both regions comprise the following layers in the stated order, a carrier layer and an n-doped lower cladding layer and an electromagnetic radiation-generating active layer. The active layer comprises a quantum well structure and a p-doped upper cladding layer, and the first region additionally comprises a tunnel diode formed on the upper cladding layer from a p+-layer and an n+-layer, and an n-doped current distribution layer, wherein the current distribution layer and the n-doped contact layer are covered with a conductor track layer structure. At least the lower cladding layer, the active layer, the upper cladding layer, the tunnel diode and the current distribution layer are monolithic. The second region has a contact hole with a bottom region, an injection barrier being formed in the bottom region of the contact hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Applicant: AZUR SPACE Solar Power GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas LAUERMANN, Daniel FUHRMANN
  • Publication number: 20180261726
    Abstract: A light-emitting diode with a stacked structure, having a first region and a second region and a third region, wherein all three regions have a substrate and an n-doped lower cladding layer and an active layer generating electromagnetic radiation, wherein the active layer includes a quantum well structure, and a p-doped upper cladding layer, and the first region additionally has a tunnel diode formed on the upper cladding layer and composed of a p+ layer and an n+ layer, and an n-doped current distribution layer. The current distribution layer and the n-doped contact layer are covered with a conductive trace. At least the lower cladding layer, the active layer, the upper cladding layer, the tunnel diode, and the current distribution layer are monolithic in design. The second region has a contact hole with a bottom region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Applicant: AZUR SPACE Solar Power GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas LAUERMANN, Wolfgang KOESTLER, Bianca FUHRMANN
  • Publication number: 20170345970
    Abstract: A light-emitting diode having a stack-like structure, whereby the stack-like structure comprises a substrate layer and a mirror layer and an n-doped bottom cladding layer and an active layer, producing electromagnetic radiation, and a p-doped top cladding layer and an n-doped current spreading layer, and the aforementioned layers are arranged in the indicated sequence. The active layer comprises a quantum well structure. A tunnel diode is situated between the top cladding layer and the current spreading layer, whereby the current spreading layer is formed predominantly of an n-doped Ga-containing layer, having a Ga content >1%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicant: AZUR SPACE Solar Power GmbH
    Inventors: Daniel FUHRMANN, Thomas LAUERMANN
  • Publication number: 20160260860
    Abstract: A device having a multi-junction solar cell and a protection diode structure, whereby the multi-junction solar cell and the protection diode structure have a common rear surface and front sides separated by a mesa trench. The common rear surface comprises an electrically conductive layer, and the light enters through the front side into the multi-junction solar cell. The cell includes a stack of a plurality of solar cells, and has a top cell, placed closest to the front side, and a bottom solar cell, placed closest to the rear side, and a tunnel diode is placed between adjacent solar cells. The number of semiconductor layers in the protection diode structure is smaller than the number of semiconductor layers in the multi-junction solar cell. The sequence of the semiconductor layers in the protection diode structure corresponds to the sequence of semiconductor layers of the multi-junction solar cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Publication date: September 8, 2016
    Applicant: AZUR SPACE Solar Power GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias MEUSEL, Wolfgang KOESTLER, Daniel FUHRMANN, Thomas LAUERMANN