IP Library Granted Patent US 8,035,118
Granted Patent B2
US 8,035,118 · App. 12/155,841 · Granted Oct 11, 2011

Semiconductor light-emitting device, method for manufacturing the same, and light-emitting apparatus including the same

Assignee: Nichia Corporation
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 8,035,118
App. No.
12/155,841
Granted
Oct 11, 2011
Kind
B2
Abstract

A nitride semiconductor light-emitting device includes a layered portion emitting light on a substrate. The layered portion includes an n-type semiconductor layer, an active layer, and a p-type semiconductor layer. The periphery of the layered portion is inclined, and the surface of the n-type semiconductor layer is exposed at the periphery. An n electrode is disposed on the exposed surface of the n-type semiconductor layer. This device structure can enhance the emission efficiency and the light extraction efficiency.

Claims (21)

1. A nitride semiconductor light-emitting device comprising: a plurality of structured portions, each of the structured portions including an n-type semiconductor layer provided on a lower side, and a p-type semiconductor layer provided on an upper side, an active layer between the n-type semiconductor layer and the p-type semiconductor layer, and an n-electrode; and

wherein each of the structured portions has at least an inclined side surface at which a side surface of the n-type semiconductor layer is exposed and a lower surface with a larger width than a width of the upper side thereof in sectional view, and the n-electrode has a plurality of contact portions disposed on the side surface of the n-type semiconductor layer in each of the structured portions.

2. The nitride semiconductor light-emitting device according to claim 1 , wherein the n-electrode surrounds each of the structured portions.

3. The nitride semiconductor light-emitting device according to claim 1 , further comprising a substrate, and the plurality of the structured portions being disposed on the substrate;

wherein the n-electrode continuously extends to the lower surface of the substrate through the side surfaces of the substrate.

4. The nitride semiconductor light-emitting device according to claim 1 , wherein each of the structured portions has at least one of a circular shape and a rectangular shape.

5. The nitride semiconductor light-emitting device according to claim 1 , wherein each of the structured portions has at least one of a hexagonal shape and a polygonal shape.

6. The nitride semiconductor light-emitting device according to claim 1 , wherein the structured portions are respectively spaced away from each other, and the n-electrode has an interconnect portion extended from the contact portions, and the contact portions are connected to each other with the interconnect portion therebetween.

7. The nitride semiconductor light-emitting device according to claim 6 , wherein the structured portions have respective p-electrodes in ohmic contact with the respective p-type semiconductor layers, and the p-electrodes are connected to each other.

8. The nitride semiconductor light-emitting device according to claim 1 , further comprising a reflection layer covering the structured portions.

9. The nitride semiconductor light-emitting device according to claim 8 , wherein the reflection layer is a metal layer covering the structured portions with an insulating layer therebetween.

10. The nitride semiconductor light-emitting device according to claim 9 , wherein the metal layer serves as a connecting electrode for connecting p-electrodes of p-type semiconductor layers of the structured portions.

11. The nitride semiconductor light-emitting device according to claim 8 , wherein the reflection layer comprises a dielectric multilayer film.

12. The nitride semiconductor light-emitting device according to claim 1 , wherein the inclined side surface has a convex surface protuberating outward.

13. A nitride semiconductor light-emitting device comprising: a plurality of structured portions, each of the structured portions including an n-type semiconductor layer provided on a lower side, and a p-type semiconductor layer provided on an upper side, an active layer between the n-type semiconductor layer and the p-type semiconductor layer, and an n-electrode; and

wherein each of the structured portions has at least an inclined side surface with a side surface of the n-type semiconductor layer forming a portion of the inclined side surface of each of the structured portions and a lower surface with a larger width than a width of the upper side thereof in sectional view, and the n-electrode has a plurality of contact portions disposed on the side surface of the n-type semiconductor layer in each of the structured portions.

14. The nitride semiconductor light-emitting device according to claim 13 , wherein a portion of the n-electrode surrounds a portion of the side surface of the n-type semiconductor layer of each of the structured portions.

15. The nitride semiconductor light-emitting device according to claim 13 , further comprising a substrate, and the plurality of the structured portions being disposed on the substrate;

wherein the n-electrode continuously extends to the lower surface of the substrate by extending along the side surfaces of the substrate.

16. The nitride semiconductor light-emitting device according to claim 13 , wherein each of the structured portions has the upper side that is at least one of a circular shape and a rectangular shape.

17. The nitride semiconductor light-emitting device according to claim 13 , wherein each of the structured portions has the upper side that is at least one of a hexagonal shape and a polygonal shape.

Assignments (1)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jun 10, 2008
From: KUSUSE, TAKESHI; SAKAMOTO, TAKAHIKO
To: NICHIA CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 021116/0853 →
Priority Claims (2)
JP 2002-225043 · Aug 1, 2002 · national
JP 2002-256884 · Sep 2, 2002 · national
Continuity (2)
Continuation 10522887
Related Publication 20080251808A1 · Oct 16, 2008