SEMICONDUCTOR LIGHT EMITTING DEVICE

A semiconductor light emitting device includes a surface-emitting laser element including an element front surface from which a laser beam is emitted, a light-transmissive first resin portion that encapsulates the surface-emitting laser element and includes a first resin surface, and a second resin portion that differs from the first resin portion and is at least partially formed on the first resin surface facing the element front surface in a direction orthogonal to the element front surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-160241, filed on Sep. 25, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a semiconductor light emitting device.

2. Description of Related Art

A semiconductor light emitting device including a light emitting diode (LED) as a light source (refer to, for example, Japanese Laid-Open Publication No. 2013-41866) is a known light source device that may be used in various types of electronic devices.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Several embodiments of a semiconductor light emitting device will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. To aid understanding, hatching lines may not be shown in the cross-sectional drawings. The accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

This detailed description includes exemplary embodiments of devices, system, and methods in accordance with the present disclosure. This detailed description is illustrative and is not intended to limit embodiments of the present disclosure or the application and use of the embodiments.

In this specification, the phrase “at least one of” as used in this disclosure means “one or more” of a desired choice. As one example, the phrase “at least one of” as used in this disclosure means “only one of the two choices” or “both of the two choices” in a case where the number of choices is two. In another example, the phrase “at least one of” as used in this disclosure means “only one single choice” or “any combination of two or more choices” if the number of its choices is three or more.

In this specification, “the length (particle diameter, dimension) of A is equal to the length (particle diameter, dimension) of B,” or “the length (particle diameter, dimension) of A and the length (particle diameter, dimension) of B are equal” includes, for example, a relationship in which the difference is 10% or less between the length (particle diameter, dimension) of A and the length (particle diameter, dimension) of B.

First Embodiment

A semiconductor light emitting device10according to a first embodiment will now be described with reference toFIGS.1to4.

FIG.1is a schematic perspective view showing the structure of a semiconductor light emitting device10according to the first embodiment. InFIG.1, to aid understanding of the drawing, an element case30, which will be described later, is shown by the double-dashed lines, and a first resin portion70, which will be described later, is not shown.FIG.2is a schematic plan view showing the structure of the semiconductor light emitting device10ofFIG.1. InFIG.2, to aid understanding of the drawing, a second resin portion80, which will be described later, is not shown.FIG.3is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure of the semiconductor light emitting device10taken along line F3-F3inFIG.2.FIG.4is a schematic plan view showing the structure ofFIG.2in a state in which the first resin portion70and the second resin portion80are added. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are orthogonal to one another as shown inFIG.1. The term “plan view” as used in this specification is a view of the semiconductor light emitting device10or the elements of the semiconductor light emitting device10taken in the Z-direction.

As shown inFIG.1, the semiconductor light emitting device10includes a surface-emitting laser element20, which serves as a light source, and the element case30, which accommodates the surface-emitting laser element20.

The element case30includes a bottom wall40, on which the surface-emitting laser element20is arranged, and a peripheral wall50, which surrounds the surface-emitting laser element20in plan view. In one example, the bottom wall40and the peripheral wall50are formed integrally as an integrated structure. The element case30is composed of an insulative material. In one example, the element case30is composed of an opaque resin material. In one example, the element case30is composed of a black epoxy resin. The element case30may be composed of any material.

The bottom wall40has the form of a rectangular flat plate of which the thickness direction corresponds to the Z-direction. In one example, the bottom wall40is rectangular in plan view, with the X-direction corresponding to the longitudinal direction, and the Y-direction corresponding to the lateral direction. As shown inFIG.3, the bottom wall40includes a bottom wall front surface41and a bottom wall back surface42, which are located at opposite sides in the Z-direction, and four bottom wall side surfaces43, which connect the bottom wall front surface41and the bottom wall back surface42.

The bottom wall40includes terminals60extending through the bottom wall40in the Z-direction. Each terminal60includes a terminal front surface61, which faces the same direction as the bottom wall front surface41, and a terminal back surface62, which faces the same direction as the bottom wall back surface42. The terminal front surface61is exposed from the bottom wall front surface41. The terminal back surface62is exposed from the bottom wall back surface42. Each terminal60is composed of a material containing, for example, copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), or the like. In the first embodiment, each terminal60is composed of a material containing Cu. Each terminal60is formed by, for example, etching a metal plate containing Cu.

As shown inFIG.2, the terminals60include a first terminal60A and a second terminal60B. The first terminal60A is a terminal on which the surface-emitting laser element20is mounted. The second terminal60B is electrically connected to the surface-emitting laser element20. The first terminal60A and the second terminal60B are located at the same position in the Y-direction and separated from each other in the X-direction. The first terminal60A is rectangular in plan view, with the X-direction corresponding to its longitudinal direction, and the Y-direction corresponding to its lateral direction. The second terminal60B is rectangular in plan view, with the Y-direction corresponding to its longitudinal direction, and the X-direction corresponding to its lateral direction.

As shown inFIGS.1and2, the peripheral wall50rises from the peripheral portion of the bottom wall40in the Z-direction. The peripheral wall50has the form of a rectangular frame in plan view. The peripheral wall50includes a peripheral wall front surface51, which faces the same direction as the bottom wall front surface41, peripheral wall inner surfaces52, and peripheral wall outer surfaces53. In one example, as shown inFIG.3, the peripheral wall outer surfaces53are flush with the bottom wall side surfaces43of the bottom wall40. The peripheral wall inner surfaces52and the corresponding peripheral wall outer surfaces53are located at opposite sides of the peripheral wall50. The peripheral wall inner surfaces52are inclined toward the outer side of the element case30from the bottom wall front surface41to the peripheral wall front surface51. The peripheral wall inner surfaces52are inclined toward the peripheral wall outer surfaces53from the bottom wall front surface41to the peripheral wall front surface51.

The element case30includes an accommodation cavity31defined by the bottom wall40and the peripheral wall50. The accommodation cavity31accommodates the surface-emitting laser element20. The element case30is open in the direction the peripheral wall front surface51is facing. In one example, the accommodation cavity31has a planar area in a direction orthogonal to the Z-direction that increases as the bottom wall front surface41becomes farther.

The surface-emitting laser element20, which is accommodated in the accommodation cavity31of the element case30, has the form of a rectangular plate of which the thickness direction is the Z-direction. Thus, the Z-direction corresponds to the thickness direction of the surface-emitting laser element20. The surface-emitting laser element20may be a vertical cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) element or a two-dimensional photonic crystal surface-emitting laser element. In one example, the surface-emitting laser element20is a VCSEL element.

The surface-emitting laser element20includes an element front surface21and an element back surface22, which are located at opposite sides in the Z-direction, and four element side surfaces23, which connect the element front surface21and the element back surface22. The element front surface21faces the same direction as the peripheral wall front surface51of the peripheral wall50of the element case30. Thus, the element case30is open at the side the element front surface21is facing. The Z-direction is orthogonal to the element front surface21. Thus, a plan view refers to a view taken in the direction orthogonal to the element front surface21.

The surface-emitting laser element20is configured to emit a laser beam from the element front surface21. The laser beam is emitted from the element front surface21in the Z-direction. In one example, as shown inFIG.2, the surface-emitting laser element20includes light emitters24formed in the element front surface21. The light emitters24are each configured to emit a laser beam from the element front surface21in the Z-direction. The surface-emitting laser element20includes a light-emitting region25where the light emitters24are formed. The light-emitting region25is indicated by the broken lines and defined as the region in the element front surface21surrounding all of the light emitters24. The shape of the light-emitting region25in plan view is varied in accordance with the arrangement of the light emitters24. In the example ofFIG.2, the light-emitting region25has a rectangular shape in plan view.

As shown inFIG.3, the surface-emitting laser element20includes an element substrate26. The element substrate26may include, for example, a semiconductor substrate containing gallium arsenide (GaAs), and a semiconductor layer on the semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor layer may include a conductive layer and semiconductor layers, such as an active layer and a distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) layer. The light emitters24are arranged in the element substrate26.

As shown inFIG.2, a front surface electrode27is formed in the element front surface21. The surface-emitting laser element20includes a conductive layer arranged in the element substrate26and electrically connected to the light emitters24. The front surface electrode27is electrically connected to the conductive layer. The front surface electrode27has the form of a strip and extends in the Y-direction in plan view. In one example, the front surface electrode27is arranged on the one of the two ends of the element front surface21in the X-direction that is closer to the second terminal60B.

The front surface electrode27is electrically connected by a wire WR to the second terminal60B. The front surface electrode27is defined as a region where the wire WR is connected. In the example shown inFIG.2, the wire WR extends in the X-direction in plan view. The wire WR is, for example, a bonding wire. The wire WR contains at least one of gold (Au), Al, and Cu.

As shown inFIG.3, a back surface electrode28is formed on the element back surface22. In one example, the back surface electrode28is formed over the entire element back surface22. In one example, the back surface electrode28serves as a cathode electrode. In one example, the front surface electrode27serves as an anode electrode.

The surface-emitting laser element20is mounted on the first terminal60A. In further detail, the surface-emitting laser element20is bonded by conductive bonding material SD to the terminal front surface61of the first terminal60A. This electrically connects the back surface electrode28of the surface-emitting laser element20to the first terminal60A with the conductive bonding material SD.

As shown inFIG.3, the semiconductor light emitting device10includes the first resin portion70and the second resin portion80.

The accommodation cavity31of the element case30is filled with the first resin portion70. The first resin portion70encapsulates the surface-emitting laser element20and the wire WR. The first resin portion70is composed of a light-transmissive resin material. In one example, the first resin portion70is composed of a transparent resin material. The first resin portion70includes a first resin surface71. In the example ofFIG.3, the first resin surface71is located at the same position as the peripheral wall front surface51of the peripheral wall50in the Z-direction. Thus, the first resin portion70entirely covers the peripheral wall inner surfaces52of the peripheral wall50.

As shown inFIGS.3and4, the second resin portion80is in contact with the first resin surface71. The second resin portion80is selectively arranged on the first resin surface71. In one example, the second resin portion80is separated from a circumferential edge of the first resin surface71. In other words, the second resin portion80is separated from the peripheral wall50in plan view.

In one example, the second resin portion80, which is formed on at least part of the first resin surface71, faces the surface-emitting laser element20in the Z-direction. In the first embodiment, the second resin portion80entirely covers the light-emitting region25of the surface-emitting laser element20in plan view. That is, the second resin portion80faces all of the light emitters24in plan view.

As shown inFIG.4, the second resin portion80is circular in plan view. The second resin portion80is arranged so that the center CA of its circle is offset from the center CB of the element case30. In one example, the center CA of the second resin portion80is offset in the X-direction from the center CB of the element case30. The center CB of the element case30is defined by the intersecting point of the two diagonal lines connecting the four corners of the peripheral wall50.

The second resin portion80includes parts projecting out of the element front surface21of the surface-emitting laser element20in the Y-direction in plan view. In other words, the diameter of the second resin portion80is greater than the lateral direction dimension of the surface-emitting laser element20. The diameter of the second resin portion80is less than the longitudinal direction dimension of the surface-emitting laser element20. The second resin portion80may have any diameter in plan view. Further, the second resin portion80may have any shape in plan view.

The second resin portion80differs from the first resin portion70. In one example, the second resin portion80is composed of an opaque resin material. In one example, the second resin portion80is composed of a resin material having a higher light reflectance than the first resin portion70. That is, the second resin portion80is formed by a reflector. In the first embodiment, the second resin portion80is composed of a white resin material serving as the reflector. The white resin material may be, for example, an epoxy resin in which titanium oxide or silica is mixed.

As shown inFIG.3, the second resin portion80is curved outward and away from the first resin surface71. The second resin portion80includes a second resin surface81. The second resin surface81differs from the surface contacting the first resin surface71. The second resin surface81is curved outward and away from the first resin surface71in the Z-direction.

In the example shown inFIG.3, the second resin portion80and the bottom wall40are located at opposite sides of the peripheral wall front surface51of the peripheral wall50in the Z-direction. That is, the second resin surface81and the bottom wall40are located at opposite sides of the peripheral wall front surface51in the Z-direction.

Operation of First Embodiment

The operation of the semiconductor light emitting device10in accordance with the first embodiment will now be described.

FIGS.5and6illustrate far-field pattern (FFP) data indicating the laser beam emission pattern characteristic of the semiconductor light emitting device10. The far-field pattern is data indicating the relationship between the spreading angle and the relative light intensity of the laser beam.FIG.5shows the FFP data collected from a semiconductor light emitting device of a comparative example from which the second resin portion80is omitted.FIG.6illustrates the FFP data collected from the semiconductor light emitting device10in accordance with the first embodiment. InFIGS.5and6, the horizontal axis represents angle, and the vertical axis represents relative light intensity. InFIG.6, the reference angle (0°) is the position where the light intensity of the laser beam is maximum. InFIG.5, the FFP data collected from the semiconductor light emitting device of the comparative example is illustrated at an angular position corresponding to the FFP data collected from the semiconductor light emitting device10of the first embodiment. The spreading angle of the laser beam is illustrated as an angular range in which the light intensity is, for example, one-half of the maximum light intensity or greater.

As shown inFIG.5, in the semiconductor light emitting device of the comparative example, at the light-emitting region25of the surface-emitting laser element20, the relative light intensity increases prominently but the spreading angle θB of the laser beam is small. Thus, the semiconductor light emitting device of the comparative example emits a local laser beam from only the light-emitting region25.

In the semiconductor light emitting device10of the first embodiment, the laser beam emitted from the surface-emitting laser element20is reflected by the second resin portion80. The laser beam reflected by the second resin portion80is reflected again by the elements of the semiconductor light emitting device10, such as, for example, the first terminal60A, the second terminal60B, and the wire WR. The reflected laser beam is emitted through the first resin portion70and from around the second resin portion80out of the semiconductor light emitting device10. Thus, as shown inFIG.6, the spreading angle θA of the laser beam emitted from the semiconductor light emitting device10is increased.

Advantages of First Embodiment

The semiconductor light emitting device10of the first embodiment has the advantages described below.(1-1) The semiconductor light emitting device10includes the surface-emitting laser element20including the element front surface21from which the laser beam is emitted, the light-transmissive first resin portion70encapsulating the surface-emitting laser element20and including the first resin surface71, and the second resin portion80differing from the first resin portion70and at least partially formed on the first resin surface71facing the element front surface21in the Z-direction.

With this structure, the laser beam emitted from the surface-emitting laser element20and out of the semiconductor light emitting device10is affected by the first resin portion70and the second resin portion80, which differs from the first resin portion70. Thus, the first resin portion70and the second resin portion80improve the emission pattern characteristic of the laser beam emitted from the semiconductor light emitting device10.(1-2) The second resin portion80has a higher light reflectance than the first resin portion70.

With this structure, the laser beam emitted from the surface-emitting laser element20is reflected by the second resin portion80. This reduces local increases in the relative light intensity of the laser beam emitted from the semiconductor light emitting device10, while increasing the spreading angle of the laser beam.(1-3) The second resin portion80is formed by a reflector.

With this structure, the laser beam emitted from the surface-emitting laser element20is readily reflected by the second resin portion80. This further reduces local increases in the relative light intensity of the laser beam emitted from the semiconductor light emitting device10, while increasing the spreading angle of the laser beam.(1-4) The second resin portion80is selectively arranged on the first resin surface71of the first resin portion70.

With this structure, the laser beam emitted from the surface-emitting laser element20is reflected by the second resin portion80and then emitted out of the semiconductor light emitting device10from the part of the first resin portion70where the second resin portion80is not arranged. This reduces local increases in the relative light intensity of the laser beam emitted from the semiconductor light emitting device10, while increasing the spreading angle of the laser beam.(1-5) The second resin portion80is separated from the circumferential edge of the first resin surface71of the first resin portion70.

With this structure, the laser beam emitted from the surface-emitting laser element20is reflected by the second resin portion80and then emitted out of the semiconductor light emitting device10from at least the circumferential portion of the first resin surface71of the first resin portion70. This reduces local increases in the relative light intensity of the laser beam emitted from the semiconductor light emitting device10, while increasing the spreading angle of the laser beam.(1-6) The surface-emitting laser element20includes the light emitters24arranged in the element front surface21. The second resin portion80faces all of the light emitters24in plan view.

With this structure, the laser beam emitted from all of the light emitters24of the surface-emitting laser element20is reflected by the second resin portion80. This further reduces local increases in the relative light intensity of the laser beam emitted from the semiconductor light emitting device10.

Modified Example of First Embodiment

The semiconductor light emitting device10in accordance with the first embodiment may be modified as described below.FIG.7, which shows a modified example of the semiconductor light emitting device10in accordance with the first embodiment, is a schematic cross-sectional view of the modified example of the semiconductor light emitting device10taken along the same position as line F3-F3inFIG.2.

As shown inFIG.7, the first resin portion70contains diffusers72. The diffusers72are fine particles that diffuse light and are dispersed in the first resin portion70. The diffusers72reflect (scatter) light in the first resin portion70at the interface of the resin and the diffusers72to diffuse light inside the first resin portion70. The diffusers72act to diffuse the laser beam emitted from the element front surface21of the surface-emitting laser element20in the first resin portion70to increase the directivity of the laser beam emitted from the first resin portion70.

Although not particularly limited, the material of the diffusers72may be, for example, silica or other types of glass material. In one example, spherical silica fillers are used as the diffusers72. Although not particularly limited, the particle diameter of the diffusers72is selected to be, for example, small enough with respect to the wavelength of the laser beam emitted from the surface-emitting laser element20so that diffusion occurs dominantly.

The diffusers72are mixed into the first resin portion70at a predetermined compound ratio. In one example, the diffusers72are uniformly dispersed in the first resin portion70. Although the compound ratio of the diffusers72in the first resin portion70is not particularly limited, the compound ratio should be greater than 0% and less than 100%. A greater compound ratio of the diffusers72increases the laser beam directivity angle of the surface-emitting laser element20. Further, the upper limit of the compound ratio of the diffusers72is limited to a predetermined value to avoid large decreases in the output and emission intensity of the laser beam of the semiconductor light emitting device10.

In one example, the diffusers72, for example, have a smaller coefficient of linear expansion than the first resin portion70. In this structure, in comparison with when the first resin portion70is composed of only resin, the diffusers72reduce the thermal stress applied to the first resin portion70. Thus, breakage of the wire WR caused by thermal stress on the first resin portion70does not occur.

Second Embodiment

With reference toFIGS.8and9, a semiconductor light emitting device10in accordance with a second embodiment will now be described. The semiconductor light emitting device10of the second embodiment mainly differs from the semiconductor light emitting device10of the first embodiment in the shape of the first resin surface71of the first resin portion70. The description hereafter will focus on the differences from the first embodiment. The same reference characters are given to those components that are the same as the corresponding components of the first embodiment. Such components will not be described in detail.

FIG.8, which shows the semiconductor light emitting device10of the second embodiment, is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the semiconductor light emitting device10of the second embodiment taken along the same position as line F3-F3inFIG.2.

As shown inFIG.8, the first resin surface71of the first resin portion70is curved inward and toward the surface-emitting laser element20. In other words, the first resin surface71is a curved recess that is curved inward in the element case30from the peripheral wall front surface51of the peripheral wall50toward the bottom wall40. That is, the first resin portion70has a thickness that decreases toward the surface-emitting laser element20. The thickness of the first resin portion70is the distance in the Z-direction between the bottom wall front surface41of the bottom wall40and the first resin surface71.

The second resin portion80, which is arranged on the first resin surface71, has the same shape as the second resin portion80in the first embodiment. The positional relationship of the second resin portion80and the surface-emitting laser element20in plan view is the same as the first embodiment. The positional relationship of the second resin portion80and the surface-emitting laser element20in the Z-direction differs from the first embodiment. More specifically, the second resin portion80is located closer to the surface-emitting laser element20in the Z-direction than the first embodiment. The surface of the second resin portion80contacting the first resin surface71is located closer to the surface-emitting laser element20than the peripheral wall front surface51of the peripheral wall50. In the example shown inFIG.8, part of the second resin portion80is located in the Z-direction closer to the surface-emitting laser element20than the peripheral wall front surface51. In other words, the second resin surface81of the second resin portion80includes a part that is located in the Z-direction closer to the surface-emitting laser element20than the peripheral wall front surface51and a part that is projected in the Z-direction from the peripheral wall front surface51away from the bottom wall40.

FIG.9shows the FFP data collected from the semiconductor light emitting device10of the first embodiment and the FFP data collected from the semiconductor light emitting device10of the second embodiment. The FFP data of the first embodiment is shown by the graph of the broken lines inFIG.9. The FFP data of the second embodiment is shown by the graph of the solid lines inFIG.9. The FFP data of the second embodiment shows angular position using the FFP data of the first embodiment as a reference.

As shown inFIG.9, the spreading angle θC of the laser beam emitted from the semiconductor light emitting device10of the second embodiment is greater than that of the first embodiment. In peripheral regions RA and RB at the two ends where the angle is greater than the reference position (0°), the light intensity of the semiconductor light emitting device10of the second embodiment is less than the semiconductor light emitting device10of the first embodiment. Thus, the semiconductor light emitting device10of the second embodiment has an emission pattern characteristic in which the spreading angle θC is greater, and the light intensity at the peripheral regions RA and RB is less, than the semiconductor light emitting device10of the first embodiment.

In this manner, the emission pattern characteristic of the semiconductor light emitting device10is obtained by the first resin portion70and the second resin portion80. The shape of the first resin portion70, for example, the shape of the first resin surface71, the location of the second resin portion80, and the like, improve given emission pattern characteristics of the laser beam emitted from the semiconductor light emitting device10to the desired characteristics.

Advantages of Second Embodiment

The semiconductor light emitting device10of the second embodiment has the advantages described below.(2-1) The first resin surface71of the first resin portion70is curved inward and toward the surface-emitting laser element20.

With this structure, the laser beam emitted from the semiconductor light emitting device10has a greater spreading angle than the semiconductor light emitting device10of the first embodiment. In the peripheral regions RA and RB (refer toFIG.9) at the two ends where the angle is greater than the reference position (0°), the light intensity of the laser beam is less than that of the semiconductor light emitting device10of the first embodiment. In this manner, the shape of the first resin surface71is changed to vary the emission pattern characteristic.(2-2) Part of the second resin portion80in the Z-direction is located closer to the surface-emitting laser element20than the peripheral wall front surface51.

With this structure, in comparison with when the second resin portion80is entirely located at the side of the peripheral wall front surface51facing away from the surface-emitting laser element20, the semiconductor light emitting device10may be decreased in height.

Modified Example of Second Embodiment

The semiconductor light emitting device10of the second embodiment may be modified, for example, as described below.

The first resin portion70may be modified to have any structure. The semiconductor light emitting device10of such a modified example will now be described with reference toFIG.10.FIG.10, which shows a modified example of the semiconductor light emitting device10in accordance with the second embodiment, is a schematic cross-sectional view of the modified example of the semiconductor light emitting device10taken along the same position as line F3-F3inFIG.2.

As shown inFIG.10, the first resin portion70contains diffusers72. The diffusers72are fine particles that diffuse light and are dispersed in the first resin portion70. The diffusers72reflect (scatter) light in the first resin portion70at the interface of the resin and the diffusers72to diffuse light inside the first resin portion70. The diffusers72act to diffuse the laser beam emitted from the element front surface21of the surface-emitting laser element20in the first resin portion70to increase the directivity of the laser beam emitted from the first resin portion70. The diffusers72, for example, correspond to the diffusers72of the modified example of the semiconductor light emitting device10in accordance with the first embodiment shown inFIG.7.

The second resin surface81of the second resin portion80may entirely be arranged closer to the surface-emitting laser element20than the peripheral wall front surface51of the peripheral wall50is. This allows the semiconductor light emitting device10to be further decreased in height.

The first resin surface71of the first resin portion70may include a part that is curved inward and toward the surface-emitting laser element20and a flat surface that is orthogonal to the Z-direction. The flat surface may be formed, for example, in the part of the first resin surface71facing the surface-emitting laser element20in the Z-direction.

Third Embodiment

With reference toFIG.11, a semiconductor light emitting device10in accordance with a third embodiment will now be described. The semiconductor light emitting device10of the third embodiment mainly differs from the semiconductor light emitting device10of the first embodiment in the structure of the first resin portion70and the second resin portion80. The description hereafter will focus on the differences from the first embodiment. The same reference characters are given to those components that are the same as the corresponding components of the first embodiment. Such components will not be described in detail.

As shown inFIG.11, the first resin portion70encapsulates the surface-emitting laser element20and the wire WR. The first resin surface71of the first resin portion70is located closer to the bottom wall40of the element case30than the peripheral wall front surface51of the peripheral wall50. Thus, the first resin portion70covers the part of each peripheral wall inner surface52of the peripheral wall50that is located toward the bottom wall40. In the same manner as the first embodiment, the first resin portion70is composed of a light-transmissive resin material. In one example, the first resin portion70is composed of a transparent resin material.

The first resin portion70contains first diffusers72A. In one example, the first diffusers72A have the same structure as the diffusers72in the first resin portion70of the modified example of the first embodiment shown inFIG.7.

The second resin portion80entirely covers the first resin surface71of the first resin portion70. Thus, the second resin portion80covers the part of each peripheral wall inner surface52of the peripheral wall50that projects from the first resin portion70.

The second resin portion80is composed of a light-transmissive resin material. In one example, the second resin portion80is composed of a transparent resin material. In the third embodiment, the resin material of the second resin portion80is the same as that of the first resin portion70.

The second resin portion80contains second diffusers82. The second diffusers82are fine particles that diffuse light and are dispersed in the second resin portion80. The second diffusers82reflect (scatter) light in the second resin portion80at the interface of the resin and the second diffusers82to diffuse light inside the second resin portion80. The second diffusers82act to further diffuse the laser beam emitted from the first resin portion70in the second resin portion80to increase the directivity angle of the laser beam emitted from the second resin portion80.

Although not particularly limited, the material of the second diffusers82may be, for example, silica or other types of glass material. In one example, spherical silica fillers are used as the second diffusers82. Although not particularly limited, the particle diameter of the second diffusers82is selected to be, for example, small enough with respect to the wavelength of the laser beam emitted from the surface-emitting laser element20so that diffusion occurs dominantly. In one example, the second diffusers82are composed of the same material as the first diffusers72A.

The second diffusers82are mixed into the second resin portion80at a predetermined compound ratio. In one example, the second diffusers82are uniformly dispersed in the second resin portion80. Although the compound ratio of the second diffusers82in the second resin portion80is not particularly limited, the compound ratio should be greater than 0% and less than 100%. A greater compound ratio of the second diffusers82increases the laser beam directivity angle of the surface-emitting laser element20. Further, the upper limit of the compound ratio of the second diffusers82is limited to a predetermined value to avoid large decreases in the output and emission intensity of the laser beam of the semiconductor light emitting device10.

The second resin portion80differs from the first resin portion70. In the third embodiment, the compound ratio of the first diffusers72A in the first resin portion70differs from the compound ratio of the second diffusers82in the second resin portion80. More specifically, the concentration of the second diffusers82in the second resin portion80is greater than the concentration of the first diffusers72A in the first resin portion70. In one example, the concentration of the second diffusers82in the second resin portion80in percent by weight is greater than that of the first diffusers72A in the first resin portion70. In the third embodiment, the particle diameter of the second diffusers82is equal to the particle diameter of the first diffusers72A. In one example, the first diffusers72A and the second diffusers82use the same silica filler. The quantity of the second diffusers82per unit volume is greater than that of the first diffusers72A.

Advantages of Third Embodiment

The semiconductor light emitting device10of the third embodiment has the advantages described below.(3-1) The first resin portion70contains the first diffusers72A. The second resin portion80contains the second diffusers82. The concentration of the second diffusers82in the second resin portion80is greater than the concentration of the first diffusers72A in the first resin portion70.

With this structure, the laser beam emitted from the surface-emitting laser element20is more readily diffused in the second resin portion80, which is located at the laser beam emission side of the semiconductor light emitting device10, than in the first resin portion70. This increases the spreading angle of the laser beam emitted from the semiconductor light emitting device10.(3-2) The second resin portion80entirely covers the first resin surface71of the first resin portion70.

With this structure, the laser beam of the surface-emitting laser element20entirely passes through the second resin portion80before being emitted out of the semiconductor light emitting device10. This increases the spreading angle of the laser beam emitted from the semiconductor light emitting device10.

Modified Example of Third Embodiment

The semiconductor light emitting device10of the third embodiment may be modified, for example, as described below.

The first resin portion70may be modified to have any structure. In one example, the first diffusers72A may be omitted from the first resin portion70.

The second resin portion80may be modified to have any structure. The semiconductor light emitting device10of such a modified example will now be described with reference toFIG.12.FIG.12, which shows a modified example of the semiconductor light emitting device10in accordance with the third embodiment, is a schematic cross-sectional view of the modified example of the semiconductor light emitting device10taken along the same position as line F3-F3inFIG.2.

As shown inFIG.12, the second resin portion80is selectively arranged on the first resin surface71of the first resin portion70. The second resin portion80is separated from the circumferential edge of the first resin surface71. The second resin portion80has, for example, the same shape and size as the second resin portion80of the first embodiment.

In the same manner as the third embodiment, the second resin portion80is composed of a light-transmissive resin material. In one example, the second resin portion80is composed of a transparent resin material. Further, in the same manner as the third embodiment, the second resin portion80contains the second diffusers82. The second diffusers82have, for example, the same structure and size as the second diffusers82of the third embodiment.

As apparent fromFIG.12, the compound ratio of the first diffusers72A in the first resin portion70differs from the compound ratio of the second diffusers82in the second resin portion80. More specifically, the concentration of the second diffusers82in the second resin portion80is greater than the concentration of the first diffusers72A in the first resin portion70. In one example, the concentration of the second diffusers82in the second resin portion80in percent by weight is greater than that of the first diffusers72A in the first resin portion70.

In the modified example of the semiconductor light emitting device10shown inFIG.12, the first resin portion70may be modified to have any shape. In one example, in the same manner as the first embodiment, the first resin surface71of the first resin portion70may be located in the Z-direction at the same position as the peripheral wall front surface51of the peripheral wall50. In this case, the second resin portion80is located at the side of the peripheral wall front surface51facing away from the surface-emitting laser element20in the Z-direction. Further, in the modified example of the semiconductor light emitting device10shown inFIG.12, the first diffusers72A may be omitted from the first resin portion70.

Fourth Embodiment

With reference toFIGS.13to15, a semiconductor light emitting device10in accordance with a fourth embodiment will now be described. The semiconductor light emitting device10of the fourth embodiment mainly differs from the semiconductor light emitting device10of the first embodiment in the structure of the terminals60and the arrangement of a light-receiving element90. The description hereafter will focus on the differences from the first embodiment. The same reference characters are given to those components that are the same as the corresponding components of the first embodiment. Such components will not be described in detail.

As shown inFIG.13, the terminals60include first to third terminals60A to60C. The second terminal60B and the third terminal60C are separated from the first terminal60A in the Y-direction. The second terminal60B and the third terminal60C are located at the same position in the Y-direction and separated from each other in the X-direction. The second terminal60B and the third terminal60C both overlap the first terminal60A as viewed in the Y-direction.

In the semiconductor light emitting device10, the surface-emitting laser element20and the light-receiving element90are both accommodated in the accommodation cavity31of the element case30. The light-receiving element90is separated from the surface-emitting laser element20in the X-direction. The X-direction is one example of a first direction that intersects a direction orthogonal to the element front surface21of the surface-emitting laser element20.

The surface-emitting laser element20and the light-receiving element90are both mounted on the first terminal60A. The second terminal60B is located in the X-direction at a position corresponding to the surface-emitting laser element20. The third terminal60C is located in the X-direction at a position corresponding to the light-receiving element90.

The surface-emitting laser element20is arranged so that the front surface electrode27is opposite to the light-receiving element90in the X-direction. A first wire W1is connected to the front surface electrode27. The front surface electrode27is electrically connected by the first wire W1to the second terminal60B. In the example shown inFIG.13, the first wire W1extends in the Y-direction in plan view. The first wire W1is, for example, a bonding wire. The first wire W1contains at least one of Au, Al, and Cu.

As shown inFIG.14, in the same manner as the first embodiment, the surface-emitting laser element20is bonded by the conductive bonding material SD to the terminal front surface61of the first terminal60A. This electrically connects the back surface electrode28of the surface-emitting laser element20to the first terminal60A with the conductive bonding material SD.

As shown inFIGS.13and14, the light-receiving element90has the form of a rectangular plate of which the thickness direction is the Z-direction. The light-receiving element90includes a light-receiving front surface91and a light-receiving back surface92, which are located at opposite sides in the Z-direction, and a light-receiving side surface93, which connects the light-receiving front surface91and the light-receiving back surface92. The light-receiving element90is, for example, a photodiode.

The light-receiving front surface91faces the same direction as the element front surface21of the surface-emitting laser element20. The light-receiving front surface91includes a light-receiving region94and a front surface electrode95. The front surface electrode95, for example, overlaps the light-receiving region94in plan view.

The front surface electrode95is electrically connected by a second wire W2to the third terminal60C. In the example shown inFIG.13, the second wire W2extends in the Y-direction in plan view. The second wire W2is, for example, a bonding wire. The second wire W2contains at least one of Au, Al, and Cu. The second wire W2may be composed of, for example, the same material as the first wire W1.

As shown inFIG.14, the light-receiving back surface92faces the same direction as the element back surface22of the surface-emitting laser element20. A back surface electrode96is formed on the light-receiving back surface92. In one example, the back surface electrode96is formed over the entire light-receiving back surface92. In one example, the back surface electrode96serves as a cathode electrode. In one example, the front surface electrode95serves as an anode electrode.

The light-receiving element90is bonded by the conductive bonding material SD to the terminal front surface61of the first terminal60A. This electrically connects the back surface electrode96of the light-receiving element90to the first terminal60A with the conductive bonding material SD. Thus, the back surface electrode96of the light-receiving element90is electrically connected to the back surface electrode28of the surface-emitting laser element20. Further, the surface-emitting laser element20and the light-receiving element90are mounted on the same terminal front surface61of the first terminal60A. Thus, the surface-emitting laser element20and the light-receiving element90are mounted on the same plane.

As shown inFIGS.14and15, the semiconductor light emitting device10includes the first resin portion70and the second resin portion80.

The first resin portion70encapsulates both the surface-emitting laser element20and the light-receiving element90. Further, the first resin portion70, for example, encapsulates both the first wire W1and the second wire W2. The first resin portion70includes the first resin surface71. The first resin surface71is curved inward and toward the surface-emitting laser element20. Further, the first resin surface71is curved inward and toward the light-receiving element90. In one example, the parts of the first resin surface71facing the surface-emitting laser element20and the light-receiving element90may include flat surfaces that are orthogonal to the Z-direction.

The first resin portion70contains the diffusers72. The diffusers72are fine particles that diffuse light and are dispersed in the first resin portion70. The diffusers72reflect (scatter) light in the first resin portion70at the interface of the resin and the diffusers72to diffuse light inside the first resin portion70. The diffusers72act to diffuse the laser beam emitted from the element front surface21of the surface-emitting laser element20in the first resin portion70to increase the directivity of the laser beam emitted from the first resin portion70. The diffusers72, for example, correspond to the diffusers72of the modified example of the semiconductor light emitting device10in accordance with the first embodiment shown inFIG.7.

The light-receiving element90receives the part of the laser beam emitted from the element front surface21of the surface-emitting laser element20that is diffused by the diffusers72of the first resin portion70. A greater compound ratio of the diffusers72allows the light-receiving element90to readily receive the scattered light.

As shown inFIG.15, the second resin portion80is selectively arranged on the first resin surface71. The second resin portion80is separated from the circumferential edge of the first resin surface71. That is, the second resin portion80is separated from the peripheral wall50of the element case30in plan view.

The second resin portion80is formed on at least part of the first resin surface71at a position corresponding to the surface-emitting laser element20in the Z-direction. The second resin portion80faces all of the light emitters24in the surface-emitting laser element20in plan view. Further, the second resin portion80is separated from the light-receiving element90in plan view. More specifically, in plan view, the second resin portion80is arranged closer to the surface-emitting laser element20than the light-receiving element90is. The second resin portion80is identical in shape to the second resin portion80in the first embodiment shown inFIG.4.

In one example, the second resin portion80is composed of an opaque resin material. In one example, the second resin portion80is composed of a resin material having a higher light reflectance than the first resin portion70. In one example, the second resin portion80is formed by a reflector. In the fourth embodiment, the second resin portion80is composed of a white resin material. The white resin material may be, for example, an epoxy resin in which titanium oxide or silica is mixed.

With such a structure, the laser beam emitted in the Z-direction from the element front surface21of the surface-emitting laser element20is reflected by the second resin portion80. The light-receiving element90may receive the part of the beam reflected by the second resin portion80.

The light-receiving element90receives part of the laser beam emitted from the surface-emitting laser element20. Thus, the semiconductor light emitting device10is able to monitor the state of the surface-emitting laser element20with the light-receiving element90. Further, the semiconductor light emitting device10can use auto power control (APC) drive that controls the current supplied to the surface-emitting laser element20so that the light output of the laser beam emitted from the surface-emitting laser element20is constant. In further detail, a controller, which is arranged outside the semiconductor light emitting device10and controls the current supplied to the surface-emitting laser element20, receives signals corresponding to the laser beam of the surface-emitting laser element20that is reflected by the second resin portion80and received by the light-receiving element90. The controller is electrically connected to the third terminal60C to receive signals from the light-receiving element90. Further, the controller controls the current supplied to the surface-emitting laser element20in accordance with the difference of a received signal and a set output value, which is a preset light output. In one example, the controller controls the current supplied to the surface-emitting laser element20so that the level of the received signal matches the set output value.

Advantages of Fourth Embodiment

The semiconductor light emitting device10of the fourth embodiment has the advantages described below.(4-1) The semiconductor light emitting device10includes the light-receiving element90that is separated from the surface-emitting laser element20in the X-direction. The light-receiving element90receives the laser beam of the surface-emitting laser element20.

With this structure, the light output of the laser beam emitted from the surface-emitting laser element20can be recognized from the laser beam received by the light-receiving element90. This allows for control of the light output of the laser beam emitted from the surface-emitting laser element20.(4-2) The light emitters24are separated from the front surface electrode27in the X-direction on the element front surface21of the surface-emitting laser element20. The light-receiving element90and the front surface electrode27are arranged at opposite sides of the light emitters24in the X-direction.

With this structure, the distance in the X-direction can be shortened between the light emitters24of the surface-emitting laser element20and the light-receiving element90. This allows the light-receiving element90to readily receive the laser beam emitted from the element front surface21of the surface-emitting laser element20.

Modified Example of Fourth Embodiment

The semiconductor light emitting device10of the fourth embodiment may be modified, for example, as described below.

The first resin portion70may be modified to have any structure. In one example, the diffusers72may be omitted from the first resin portion70.

The second resin portion80may be modified to have any structure. The semiconductor light emitting device10of such modified examples will now be described with reference toFIGS.16to19.FIG.16, which shows a first modified example of the semiconductor light emitting device10in accordance with the fourth embodiment, is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first modified example of the semiconductor light emitting device10taken along the same position as line F3-F3inFIG.2.FIG.17, which shows a second modified example of the semiconductor light emitting device10in accordance with the fourth embodiment, is a schematic cross-sectional view of the second modified example of the semiconductor light emitting device10taken along the same position as line F3-F3inFIG.2.FIG.18is a schematic plan view of a third modified example of the semiconductor light emitting device10in accordance with the fourth embodiment.FIG.19is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure of the third modified example of the semiconductor light emitting device10taken along line F19-F19inFIG.18.

As shown inFIG.16, in the first modified example of the semiconductor light emitting device10, the first resin portion70contains the first diffusers72A. The first diffusers72A correspond to the diffusers72of the fourth embodiment. Thus, the first resin portion70of the semiconductor light emitting device10in the first modified example has the same structure as the first resin portion70of the fourth embodiment.

The location, shape, and size of the second resin portion80are the same as the fourth embodiment. In the same manner as the third embodiment, the second resin portion80is composed of a light-transmissive resin material. In one example, the second resin portion80is composed of a transparent resin material. In the first modified example, the resin material of the second resin portion80is the same as that of the first resin portion70. Further, in the same manner as the third embodiment, the second resin portion80contains the second diffusers82. The second diffusers82have, for example, the same structure and size as the second diffusers82of the third embodiment. In the example shown inFIG.16, the compound ratio of the first diffusers72A in the first resin portion70differs from the compound ratio of the second diffusers82in the second resin portion80. More specifically, the concentration of the second diffusers82in the second resin portion80is greater than the concentration of the first diffusers72A in the first resin portion70. In one example, the concentration of the second diffusers82in the second resin portion80in percent by weight is greater than that of the first diffusers72A in the first resin portion70.

The laser beam emitted from the surface-emitting laser element20is diffused by the first diffusers72A of the first resin portion70. The laser beam from the first resin portion70received by the second resin portion80is diffused by the second diffusers82of the second resin portion80. This increases the spreading angle of the laser beam emitted from the semiconductor light emitting device10.

As shown inFIG.17, in the second modified example of the semiconductor light emitting device10, the second resin portion80entirely covers the first resin surface71of the first resin portion70. Thus, the second resin portion80covers the part of each peripheral wall inner surface52of the peripheral wall50that projects from the first resin portion70.

The second resin portion80is composed of a light-transmissive resin material. In one example, the second resin portion80is composed of a transparent resin material. In the second modified example, the resin material of the second resin portion80is the same as that of the first resin portion70.

The second resin portion80contains second diffusers82. The second diffusers82are fine particles that diffuse light and are dispersed in the second resin portion80. The second diffusers82reflect (scatter) light in the second resin portion80at the interface of the resin and the second diffusers82to diffuse light inside the second resin portion80. The second diffusers82have, for example, the same structure and size as the second diffusers82of the third embodiment shown inFIG.11. The second diffusers82act to further diffuse the laser light emitted from the first resin portion70in the second resin portion80to increase the spreading angle of the laser beam emitted from the second resin portion80.

As shown inFIGS.18and19, in the third modified example of the semiconductor light emitting device10, the second resin portion80faces at least part of both the surface-emitting laser element20and the light-receiving element90in plan view. The second resin portion80entirely covers the light-emitting region25of the surface-emitting laser element20in plan view. That is, the second resin portion80faces all of the light emitters24in plan view. The second resin portion80partially covers the light-receiving front surface91of the light-receiving element90in plan view.

In the example shown inFIG.19, the second resin portion80is composed of an opaque resin material. In one example, the second resin portion80is composed of a resin material having a higher light reflectance than the first resin portion70. That is, the second resin portion80is formed by a reflector. In the third modified example, the second resin portion80is composed of a white resin material. The white resin material may be, for example, an epoxy resin in which titanium oxide or silica is mixed. In the third modified example of the semiconductor light emitting device10, the diffusers72may be omitted from the first resin portion70.

The terminals60may have any structure. In one example, the terminals60may include first to fourth terminals. The first terminal is a terminal on which the surface-emitting laser element20is mounted. The first terminal is electrically connected to the back surface electrode28of the surface-emitting laser element20. The second terminal is a terminal on which the light-receiving element90is mounted. The second terminal is electrically connected to the back surface electrode96of the light-receiving element90. The third terminal is electrically connected by the first wire W1to the front surface electrode27of the surface-emitting laser element20. The fourth terminal is electrically connected by the second wire W2to the front surface electrode95of the light-receiving element90. In another example, the terminals60may include a first terminal on which the surface-emitting laser element20is mounted, a second terminal on which the light-receiving element90is mounted, and a third terminal to which the first wire W1and the second wire W2are both connected.

Modification of Each Embodiment and Modified Examples of Each Embodiment

The above embodiments may be modified as described below. The modified examples described below may be combined as long as there is no technical contradiction.

The resin material of the first resin portion70may differ from the resin material of the second resin portion80.

In the second resin portion80entirely covering the first resin surface71of the first resin portion70, the second resin surface81may have any shape. In one example, the second resin surface81may be curved outward and away from the first resin surface71in the Z-direction.

In the semiconductor light emitting device10including the first resin portion70, which contains the first diffusers72A, and the second resin portion80, which contains the second diffusers82, the first diffusers72A and the second diffusers82may each have any particle diameter. In one example, as shown inFIG.20, the second diffusers82have a smaller particle diameter than the first diffusers72A. In the example shown inFIG.20, the compound ratio of the first diffusers72A in the first resin portion70differs from the compound ratio of the second diffusers82in the second resin portion80. More specifically, the concentration of the second diffusers82in the second resin portion80is greater than the concentration of the first diffusers72A in the first resin portion70. In one example, the concentration of the second diffusers82in the second resin portion80in percent by weight is greater than that of the first diffusers72A in the first resin portion70.

The second resin portion80and the surface-emitting laser element20may have any positional relationship. In one example, the second resin portion80may be arranged so as not to face some of the light emitters24of the surface-emitting laser element20in the Z-direction.

The concentration of the first diffusers72A in the first resin portion70and the concentration of the second diffusers82in the second resin portion80may have any relationship. In one example, the concentration of the second diffusers82in the second resin portion80may be less than the concentration of the first diffusers72A in the first resin portion70. In another example, the concentration of the second diffusers82in the second resin portion80may be equal to the concentration of the first diffusers72A in the first resin portion70.

The second diffusers82of the second resin portion80may have a greater particle diameter than the first diffusers72A of the first resin portion70.

The first diffusers72A of the first resin portion70may be composed of a material differing from that composing the second diffusers82of the second resin portion80.

The semiconductor light emitting device10may include a reflection body100covering at least one of the bottom wall40and the peripheral wall50in the accommodation cavity31of the element case30. In the example shown inFIG.21, the reflection body100covers both the bottom wall front surface41of the bottom wall40and the peripheral wall inner surfaces52of the peripheral wall50. In the example shown inFIG.21, the reflection body100covers both the element side surfaces23of the surface-emitting laser element20and the light-receiving side surface93of the light-receiving element90.

The reflection body100is composed of a resin material having a higher light reflectance than the first resin portion70. In one example, the reflection body100may be composed of a resin material having a higher light reflectance than the bottom wall40and the peripheral wall50. In one example, the reflection body100is composed of a white resin material. The white resin material may be, for example, an epoxy resin in which titanium oxide or silica is mixed.

The reflection body100includes a front surface101. The front surface101of the reflection body100is curved inward so that it approaches the peripheral wall surface51as it approaches from the surface emitting laser element20to the peripheral wall50. Further, the front surface101is curved inward so that it approaches the peripheral wall surface51as it approaches from the light-receiving element90to the peripheral wall50. The front surface101of the reflection body100is curved inward between the surface-emitting laser element20and the light-receiving element90.

The first resin portion70is arranged on the front surface101of the reflection body100. In the example shown inFIG.21, the first resin portion70is entirely formed on the front surface101of the reflection body100. The first resin portion70covers both the element front surface21of the surface-emitting laser element20and the light-receiving front surface91of the light-receiving element90. The first resin portion70contains the first diffusers72A. The first diffusers72A, for example, correspond to the diffusers72of the fourth embodiment.

The location, shape, and size of the second resin portion80are the same as the fourth embodiment. The second resin portion80is composed of a light-transmissive resin material. In one example, the second resin portion80is composed of a transparent resin material. The resin material of the second resin portion80is the same as that of the first resin portion70. The second resin portion80contains the second diffusers82. The second diffusers82have, for example, the same structure and size as the second diffusers82of the third embodiment. In the example shown inFIG.21, the compound ratio of the first diffusers72A in the first resin portion70differs from the compound ratio of the second diffusers82in the second resin portion80. More specifically, the concentration of the second diffusers82in the second resin portion80is greater than the concentration of the first diffusers72A in the first resin portion70. In one example, the concentration of the second diffusers82in the second resin portion80in percent by weight is greater than that of the first diffusers72A in the first resin portion70.

The second resin portion80may be formed by a reflector in the same manner as the second resin portion80in the fourth embodiment. In one example, the second resin portion80is composed of a white resin material. The white resin material may be, for example, an epoxy resin in which titanium oxide or silica is mixed.

The reflection body100may cover the bottom wall40without covering the peripheral wall50. In this case, the peripheral wall50is covered by, for example, the first resin portion70. The reflection body100may cover the peripheral wall50without covering the bottom wall40. In this case, the bottom wall40is, for example, covered by the first resin portion70.

The reflection body100may partially cover the element side surfaces23of the surface-emitting laser element20. The parts of the element side surfaces23that are not covered by the reflection body100are covered by the first resin portion70. The reflection body100does not have to cover the element side surfaces23of the surface-emitting laser element20. In this case, the element side surfaces23are covered by the first resin portion70. Further, the reflection body100may partially cover the light-receiving side surface93of the light-receiving element90. The part of the light-receiving side surface93that is not covered by the reflection body100is covered by the first resin portion70. The reflection body100does not have to cover the light-receiving side surface93of the light-receiving element90. In this case, the light-receiving side surface93is covered by the first resin portion70.

The element case30may have any structure. In one example, the bottom wall40and the peripheral wall50are separate. In this case, the bottom wall40and the peripheral wall50are fixed to each other by an adhesive agent. Further, the semiconductor light emitting device10may include a substrate, which serves as the bottom wall40of the element case30, and a case, which is arranged on the substrate and serves as the peripheral wall50. The surface-emitting laser element20is mounted on the substrate. The case surrounds the surface-emitting laser element20in plan view. When the semiconductor light emitting device10includes the light-receiving element90, the light-receiving element90is mounted on the substrate. The case surrounds both the surface-emitting laser element20and the light-receiving element90in plan view.

Instead of the terminals60, the semiconductor light emitting device10may include front surface electrodes arranged on the bottom wall front surface41of the bottom wall40. In one example, the front surface electrodes include a first front surface electrode and a second front surface electrode. The first front surface electrode is an electrode on which the surface-emitting laser element20is mounted. Thus, the first front surface electrode is electrically connected to the back surface electrode28of the surface-emitting laser element20. The second front surface electrode is electrically connected by the wire WR to the front surface electrode27of the surface-emitting laser element20. When the semiconductor light emitting device10includes the light-receiving element90, the front surface electrodes may include first to third front surface electrodes. The first front surface electrode is an electrode on which the surface-emitting laser element20and the light-receiving element90are both mounted. Thus, the first front surface electrode is electrically connected to both the back surface electrode28of the surface-emitting laser element20and the back surface electrode96of the light-receiving element90. The second front surface electrode is electrically connected by the first wire W1to the front surface electrode27of the surface-emitting laser element20. The third front surface electrode is electrically connected by the second wire W2to the front surface electrode95of the light-receiving element90.

One or more of the various examples described in this specification may be combined as long as there is no technical contradiction.

In this specification, the word “on” includes the meaning of “above” in addition to the meaning of “on” unless otherwise described in the context. Accordingly, for example, the expression of “first element arranged on second element” may mean that the first element is arranged directly on the second element in one embodiment and mean that the first element is arranged above the second element without contacting the second element in another embodiment. Thus, the word “on” will also allow for a structure in which another element is formed between the first element and the second element.

The Z-direction as referred to in this specification does not necessarily have to be the vertical direction and does not necessarily have to exactly coincide with the vertical direction. Accordingly, in the structures of the present disclosure, “up” and “down” in the Z-direction as referred to in this specification is not limited to “up” and “down” in the vertical direction. For example, the X-direction may be the vertical direction. Alternatively, the Y-direction may be the vertical direction.

CLAUSES

Technical concepts that can be understood from the present disclosure will now be described. Reference characters used in the above embodiments are added to corresponding elements in the clauses to aid understanding without any intention to impose limitations to these elements. The reference characters are given as examples to aid understanding and not intended to limit elements to the elements denoted by the reference characters.

A semiconductor light emitting device (10), including:a surface-emitting laser element (20) including an element front surface (21) from which a laser beam is emitted;a light-transmissive first resin portion (70) that encapsulates the surface-emitting laser element (20) and includes a first resin surface (71); anda second resin portion (80) that differs from the first resin portion (70) and is at least partially formed on the first resin surface (71) facing the element front surface (21) in a direction (Z-direction) orthogonal to the element front surface (21).

The semiconductor light emitting device according to clause 1, where the second resin portion (80) has a higher light reflectance than the first resin portion (70).

The semiconductor light emitting device according to clause 1 or 2, where the first resin surface (71) is curved inward and toward the surface-emitting laser element (20).

The semiconductor light emitting device according to any one of clauses 1 to 3, where the first resin portion (70) contains a diffuser (72).

The semiconductor light emitting device according to any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherethe first resin portion (70) contains a first diffuser (72A),the second resin portion (80) contains a second diffuser (82), anda concentration of the second diffuser (82) in the second resin portion (80) is greater than a concentration of the first diffuser (72A) in the first resin portion (70).

The semiconductor light emitting device according to any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherethe first resin portion (70) contains a first diffuser (72A),the second resin portion (80) contains a second diffuser (82), and the second diffuser (82) has a particle diameter that is smaller than that of the first diffuser (72A).

The semiconductor light emitting device according to clause 6, where a concentration of the second diffuser (82) in the second resin portion (80) is greater than a concentration of the first diffuser (72A) in the first resin portion (70).

The semiconductor light emitting device according any one of clauses 5 to 7, where the second resin portion (80) entirely covers the first resin surface (71).

The semiconductor light emitting device according to any one of clauses 1 to 7, where the second resin portion (80) is formed by a reflector.

The semiconductor light emitting device according to clause 9, where the second resin portion (80) is composed of a white resin material serving as the reflector.

The semiconductor light emitting device according to any one of clause 9 or 10, where the second resin portion (80) is selectively arranged on the first resin surface (71).

The semiconductor light emitting device according to clause 11, where the second resin portion (80) is separated from a circumferential edge of the first resin surface (71).

The semiconductor light emitting device according to any one of clauses 1 to 12, wherethe second resin portion (80) includes a second resin surface (81), andthe second resin surface (81) is curved outward and away from the first resin surface (71) in the direction (Z-direction) orthogonal to the element front surface (21).

The semiconductor light emitting device according to any one of clauses 1 to 13, wherethe surface-emitting laser element (20) includes light emitters (24) arranged in the element front surface (21), andthe second resin portion (80) faces all of the light emitters (24) as viewed in the direction (Z-direction) orthogonal to the element front surface (21).

The semiconductor light emitting device according to any one of clauses 1 to 14, further including a light-receiving element (90) configured to receive a laser beam of the surface-emitting laser element (20) and separated from the surface-emitting laser element (20) in a first direction (X-direction) that intersects the direction (Z-direction) orthogonal to the element front surface (21).

The semiconductor light emitting device according to clause 15, where the first resin portion (70) encapsulates both the surface-emitting laser element (20) and the light-receiving element (90).

The semiconductor light emitting device according to clause 15 or 16, where the second resin portion (80) faces at least part of both the surface-emitting laser element (20) and the light-receiving element (90) as viewed in the direction (Z-direction) orthogonal to the element front surface (21).

The semiconductor light emitting device according to any one of clauses 1 to 17, further including:an element case (30) including a bottom wall (40) on which the surface-emitting laser element (20) is arranged, and a peripheral wall (50) surrounding the surface-emitting laser element (20) as viewed in the direction (Z-direction) orthogonal to the element front surface (21), wherethe bottom wall (40) and the peripheral wall (50) define an accommodation cavity (31) that accommodates the surface-emitting laser element (20) and opens in a direction the element front surface (21) is facing, andthe first resin portion (70) is in contact with both the bottom wall (40) and the peripheral wall (50).

The semiconductor light emitting device according to clause 18, further including:a terminal (60) extending through the bottom wall (40), where the terminal (60) includesa terminal front surface (61) on which the surface-emitting laser element (20) is mounted, anda terminal back surface (62) facing a direction opposite the terminal front surface (61) and exposed from the bottom wall (40).

Exemplary descriptions are given above. In addition to the elements and methods (manufacturing processes) described to illustrate the technology of this disclosure, a person skilled in the art would recognize the potential for a wide variety of combinations and substitutions. All replacements, modifications, and variations within the scope of the claims are intended to be encompassed in the present disclosure.