Backlight including semiconductior light emitting devices
View Patent ↗A light source such as a semiconductor light emitting diode is positioned in a first opening in a transparent member, which may function as a waveguide in a display. The transparent member surrounds the light source. No light source is positioned in a second opening in the transparent member. In some embodiments, the first opening is shaped to direct light into the transparent member. In some embodiments, a reflector is positioned over the light source. The reflector includes a flat portion and a shaped portion. The shaped portion extends from the flat portion toward the light source.
1. A device comprising:
a light source comprising a semiconductor structure comprising a light emitting layer disposed between an n-type region and a p-type region;
a transparent member, comprising a first opening and a second opening, wherein:
the light source is positioned in the first opening such that the transparent member surrounds the light source;
the first opening is positioned near an edge of the transparent member;
a first portion of the first opening is proximate the edge and is shaped to direct light toward the edge;
a second portion of the first opening is opposite the edge and is shaped to direct light away from the edge; and
no light source is positioned in the second opening.
2. The device of claim 1 wherein each of the first and second openings comprises a hole in the transparent member.
3. The device of claim 1 wherein the light source is configured such that a majority of light escapes the light source through a top surface of the semiconductor structure.
4. The device of claim 1 wherein the light source comprises a dome lens disposed over the semiconductor structure.
5. The device of claim 1 wherein the first portion is curved and the second portion is V-shaped.
6. A device comprising:
a light source comprising a semiconductor structure comprising a light emitting layer disposed between an n-type region and a p-type region;
a reflector positioned over the light source, the reflector comprising a flat portion and a shaped portion, wherein the shaped portion extends from the flat portion toward the light source;
a transparent member, comprising a first opening and a second opening, wherein:
the light source is positioned in the first opening such that the transparent member surrounds the light source;
the first opening is positioned near an edge of the transparent member; and
no light source is positioned in the second opening.
7. The device of claim 6 wherein the shaped portion of the reflector comprises a cone.
8. A device comprising:
a light source comprising a semiconductor structure comprising a light emitting layer disposed between an n-type region and a p-type region;
a transparent member, comprising a first opening and a second opening, wherein:
the light source is positioned in the first opening such that the transparent member surrounds the tight source;
the first opening is positioned near an edge of the transparent member;
no light source is positioned in the second opening; and
the first opening has a curved portion and the second opening with a shape different than that of the first opening has a least one straight side.
9. The device of claim 8 further comprising a reflective coating disposed on sidewalls of the second opening.
10. The device of claim 1 further comprising a liquid crystal layer disposed over the transparent member.