Ultra-directional and high-efficiency µLEDs via gradient index filled micro-horn collimators

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new design for micro-LEDs that improves light efficiency and directionality, making them better for AR/VR and compact displays.

Contribution

A novel µLED design combining gradient index coatings and horn collimators to achieve high efficiency and ultra-directional emission.

Findings

A tenfold increase in light extraction within a ±15° cone with 80% overall efficiency.

31% of emitted power is concentrated within a narrow ±15° cone.

The design is compact and efficient compared to traditional ellipsoidal lenses.

Abstract

Micro-LEDs (µLEDs) are poised to transform near-eye AR/VR, display, and optical communication technologies, but they are currently hindered by low light extraction efficiency and non-directional emission. Our study introduces an innovative approach using a descending index multilayer anti-reflection coating combined with a horn collimator structure atop the µLED pixel. This design leverages the propagation of light outside the critical angle to enhance both the directionality and extraction efficiency of emitted light. By implementing either discrete or continuous refractive index gradients within the horn, we achieve a tenfold increase in light extraction within a \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
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\begin{document}$$\pm 15^\circ$$\end{document} cone, with an overall light extraction efficiency reaching approximately 80%, where 31% of the power is concentrated within this narrow cone. The enhancement is furthermore maintained across a broad range of Quantum well position variations. This performance surpasses that of an optimized SiO2 half-ellipsoidal lens, which diameter and height is 24X and 26X larger than the pixel width respectively, while our design only slightly increases the device height and expands the final light escape surface to 3 times and roughly 4 times the pixel width respectively. Such efficiency, directionality enhancement, and compactness make this solution particularly suitable for high-resolution, densely packed µLED arrays, promising advancements in high-performance, miniaturized display systems.

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