Optoelectronic Construction Element Array with Light Guide Structure

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This patent describes an array of optoelectronic elements (such as tiny solar cells, photodiodes, or photoactive circuits) embedded in a matrix material, combined with a special light guiding structure. The key feature is a light-guide that directs incoming electromagnetic radiation (like light) into lateral waveguide modes, which are then efficiently coupled into the active layers of the array elements. The design leverages differences in refractive index to concentrate and direct light precisely, improving the absorption and energy conversion in the optoelectronic elements, without needing precise alignment between components.

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• High-efficiency solar cells with reduced material usage and improved light absorption.
• Photodetector arrays for imaging or sensor applications that require high sensitivity.
• Integrated optoelectronic circuits that benefit from efficient light management on the nano- or microscale.
• Designs for multi-junction or tandem solar cells where different wavelengths of light are directed to specific material layers.
• Miniaturized optical sensors in medical, industrial, or environmental monitoring devices.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enhanced light capture and concentration, leading to increased energy conversion efficiency.
• Material savings due to concentrated light delivery to active areas, enabling thinner or smaller active layers.
• Flexible manufacturing, as precise alignment between the light-guide and the active elements is not necessary.
• Ability to tune light absorption and response by altering array element materials, shapes, and arrangement.
• Versatility in application due to compatibility with various semiconductor and photoactive materials.
• Improved management of different light wavelengths, supporting advanced photovoltaic or sensing functions.

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Patent Abstract

Ein derartiges Bauelementearray ist charakterisiert durch eine Lichtleiterstruktur zum Leiten von in das Bauelementearray einfallender elektromagnetischer Strahlung, die mindestens Mittel aufweist, die die Strahlung in laterale Wellenleitermoden koppelt, sowie durch Arrayelemente (4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3), die benachbart zu den Mitteln, die die Strahlung in horizontale Wellenleitermoden koppeln, angeordnet sind, und jedes Arrayelement (4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3) mindestens eine aktive Schicht zur Ausbildung eines optoelektronischen Bauelements aufweist, und die Arrayelemente laterale Abmessungen im Nano- bis Mikrometerbereich aufweisen sowie mindestens von wenigstens einem Matrixmaterial (5) ummantelt sind, und durch einen Betrag des Realteils des Brechungsindex der mindestens einen aktiven Schicht, der größer ist als der Betrag des Realteils des Brechungsindex des das jeweilige Arrayelement (4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3) ummantelnden Matrixmaterials (5), wobei dieses Verhältnis der beiden Brechungsindizes in einem Abstand von der Lichtleiterstruktur bis mindestens der Abklinglänge der Felder der lateralen Wellenleitermoden gilt.