Selective filtering of wavelength-converted semiconductor light emitting devices
View Patent ↗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.
1. A structure comprising:
a semiconductor light emitting device comprising a light emitting layer disposed between an n-type region and a p-type region, the light emitting layer being configured to emit monochromatic first light having a first peak wavelength;
a wavelength-converting material capable of absorbing the first light and emitting second light having a second peak wavelength, the wavelength-converting material being disposed in a path of the first light; and
a filter material overlying the wavelength-converting material, wherein the filter material is configured to prevent a portion of the first light from being transmitted, and to transmit a portion of the first light.
2. The structure of claim 1 wherein the filter material is configured to absorb a portion of the first light and transmit a portion of the first light.
3. The structure of claim 2 wherein the filter material is configured to transmit the second light.
4. The structure of claim 2 wherein the filter material is dispersed in an encapsulant overlying the semiconductor light emitting device.
5. The structure of claim 2 further comprising a lens overlying the semiconductor light emitting device.
6. The structure of claim 5 further comprising a plurality of leads electrically connected to the semiconductor light emitting device.
7. The structure of claim 5 wherein the filter material is coated on a surface of the lens.
8. The structure of claim 5 wherein the filter material is incorporated into the lens.
9. The structure of claim 2 wherein the wavelength-converting material is a phosphor.
10. The structure of claim 2 wherein the filter material comprises an organic dye.
11. The structure of claim 2 wherein the filter material does not emit visible light.
12. The structure of claim 2 wherein:
the portion of transmitted first light and second light combine to form composite light; and
the filter material is configured such that the composite light corresponds to a predetermined spectrum.
13. The structure of claim 1 wherein the filter material is configured to reflect a portion of the first light and transmit a portion of the first light.