Optoelectronic semiconductor chip, method of manufacturing an optoelectronic component and optoelectronic component

An optoelectronic semiconductor chip, a method for manufacturing an optoelectronic component and an optoelectronic component are disclosed. In an embodiment an optoelectronic semiconductor chip includes a semiconductor layer sequence having an emission side, the emission side comprising a plurality of emission fields, partition walls on the emission side in a region between two adjacent emission fields and a conversion element on one or more emission fields, wherein the conversion element includes a matrix material with first phosphor particles incorporated therein, wherein the first phosphor particles are sedimented in the matrix material such that a mass fraction of the first phosphor particles is greater in a lower region of the conversion element facing the semiconductor layer sequence than in a remaining region of the conversion element, and wherein the partition walls are attached to the emission side without any additional connectors.

This patent application is a national phase filing under section 371 of PCT/EP2019/051753, filed Jan. 24, 2019, which claims the priority of German patent application 102018111637.3, filed May 15, 2018, which claims the priority of German patent application 102018101781.2, filed Jan. 26, 2018, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

An optoelectronic semiconductor chip is specified. In addition, a method of manufacturing an optoelectronic component and an optoelectronic component are specified.

SUMMARY

Embodiments provide a pixelated optoelectronic semiconductor chip with optically clearly separated pixels and high colour homogeneity within the individual pixels. Other embodiments provide an optoelectronic component with high colour homogeneity. Yet other embodiments provide a method of manufacturing of such an optoelectronic component, in particular such an optoelectronic semiconductor chip.

According to at least one embodiment, the optoelectronic semiconductor chip comprises a semiconductor layer sequence with an emission side, the emission side comprising a plurality of emission fields. The semiconductor chip can emit radiation during intended operation.

Here and in the following a semiconductor chip is understood to be an element that can be handled separately and can be electrically contacted separately. A semiconductor chip is formed in particular by separation from a wafer compound. In particular, the side surfaces of a semiconductor chip then show traces from the separation process of the wafer compound, for example. A semiconductor chip preferably comprises exactly one originally contiguous region of the semiconductor layer sequence grown in the wafer compound. The semiconductor layer sequence of the semiconductor chip is preferably formed contiguously. The optoelectronic semiconductor chip comprises a contiguous or a segmented active layer. The lateral extension of the semiconductor chip, measured parallel to the main extension direction of the active layer, is, for example, at most 1% or at most 5% larger than the lateral extension of the active layer or of the semiconductor layer sequence.

The semiconductor chip may also include the growth substrate on which the semiconductor layer sequence is grown. In this case it is, for example, a so-called volume emitter.

Alternatively, the growth substrate for the semiconductor layer sequence can also be removed. In this case it is, for example, a so-called thin film chip or surface emitter.

The semiconductor layer sequence comprises an active layer for generating electromagnetic radiation. The semiconductor layer sequence is based on a III-V compound semiconductor material, for example. The semiconductor material is, for example, a nitride compound semiconductor material, such as AlnIn1-n-mGamN, or a phosphide compound semiconductor material, such as AlnIn1-n-mGamP, or an arsenide compound semiconductor material, such as AlnIn1-n-mGamAs or AlnIn1-n-mGamAsP, where 0≤n≤1, 0≤m≤1 and m+n≤1 respectively. The semiconductor layer sequence may contain dopants and additional components. For the sake of simplicity, however, only the essential constituents of the crystal lattice of the semiconductor layer sequence, i.e., Al, As, Ga, In, N or P, are given, even if these may be partially replaced and/or supplemented by small amounts of other substances. Preferably the semiconductor layer sequence is based on AlInGaN.

The active layer of the semiconductor layer sequence contains in particular at least one pn junction and/or at least one quantum well structure and can, for example, generate electromagnetic radiation in the blue or green or red spectral range or in the UV range during normal operation. For example, the semiconductor chip comprises one, in particular exactly one, contiguous active layer.

Via the emission side at least 50% or at least 75% of the total radiation decoupled from the semiconductor layer sequence is decoupled during normal operation of the semiconductor chip, for example. The emission side, for example, runs essentially parallel to a main plane of extension of the semiconductor layer sequence.

The emission fields are areas, in particular simply-connected areas, of the emission side through which radiation is emitted from the semiconductor layer sequence during operation. In particular, during operation of an emission field, radiation is emitted over the entire area of the emission field. The emission fields can be controlled individually and independently of each other. For this purpose, an individually and independently energizable contact element can be assigned to each emission field, for example, at a rear side of the semiconductor layer sequence opposite the emission side. Radiation is emitted via a controlled emission field. The emission side, for example, is flat within the manufacturing tolerance.

For example, the semiconductor chip has at least 16 or at least 100 or at least 1000 or at least 1500 such emission fields. For example, each emission field has an area of at least 10 μm2or at least 100 μm2or at least 1000 μm2. Alternatively or additionally, the area of each emission field is at most 100000 μm2or at most 50000 μm2or at most 25000 μm2.

According to at least one embodiment, the semiconductor chip comprises partition walls, in particular reflecting or absorbing partition walls, on the emission side in the region between two adjacent emission fields. For example, in a plan view of the emission side, the partition walls surround the emission fields at least partially, in particular completely. Preferably, partition walls are arranged between all adjacent emission fields.

The partition walls are preferably attached to the emission side without any additional connecting means, such as adhesive. The distance between the partition walls and the semiconductor material of the semiconductor layer sequence, for example, is at most 1 μm or at most 500 nm.

The partition walls preferably provide an optical separation between a controlled emission field and an adjacent emission field. In other words, for an observer at usual distances of ≥10 cm from the semiconductor chip, two directly adjacent emission fields are sharply separated from each other. A controlled emission field therefore does not outshine a directly adjacent, non-controlled emission field or does not do so noticeably for the observer. Crosstalk between adjacent emission fields is thus reduced by the partition walls.

Particularly preferably, the partition walls are part of a grid, in particular a contiguous grid, with meshes arranged next to each other, for example in a matrix-like manner, wherein the partition walls form a grid with meshes and wherein, in plan view of the main side of each of the emission fields, they are uniquely located in one mesh of the grid. In particular, in plan view of the main side, one or more of the emission fields are then completely surrounded by a contiguous and uninterrupted rail of partition walls.

For example, the partition walls are made of a material different from the semiconductor material of the semiconductor layer sequence. In particular, the partition walls are not integrally formed with the semiconductor layer sequence. The partition walls may be reflective or diffusely scattering or absorbing for the radiation emitted by the semiconductor chip or the semiconductor layer sequence. In particular, the partition walls are opaque to the radiation emitted by the semiconductor chip or the semiconductor layer sequence in the direction parallel and/or perpendicular to the emission side. The partition walls have, for example, a reflectance or absorption coefficient for this radiation of at least 30% or at least 50% or at least 80% or at least 90% or at least 95%. The material of the partition walls may, for example, be an epoxide or silicone provided with reflecting particles, such as titanium dioxide particles, in short TiO2, and/or metal particles, such as silver or aluminium or gold, and/or barium titanium oxide particles, such as BaTiO3, and/or yittrium boron oxide particles, such as YBO3, and/or alkaline earth metal carbon oxide particles, such as CaCO3or MgCO3, and/or ZnS and/or ZnO and/or ZrO2and/or BaSO4. The partition walls may further comprise or consist of one or more of the following materials: Ni, Al, Au, Si, Cu.

The partition walls may, for example, have a height measured perpendicular to the main side of, for example, at least 10 μm or at least 30 μm or at least 50 μm. Alternatively or additionally, the height of the partition walls can be ≤150 μm or ≤100 μm or ≤80 μm. For example, the maximum width of the partition walls parallel to the emission side is at most 50 μm or at most 20 μm or at most 10 μm. Alternatively or additionally, the maximum width can be ≥1 μm or ≥5 μm≥10 μm.

According to at least one embodiment, the optoelectronic semiconductor chip comprises a conversion element on one or more emission fields. For example, a conversion element is applied to at least every second emission field or to every emission field. The conversion element is configured to partially or completely convert the electromagnetic radiation emerging from the emission fields during normal operation.

Some or all emission fields can each be uniquely assigned their own conversion element. Alternatively, some or all emission fields may have a common conversion element assigned to them.

The characteristics of a conversion element are described below. If the semiconductor chip comprises several conversion elements, several or all conversion elements can have these characteristics.

The conversion element is preferably formed in one piece. This means that all regions of the conversion element are formed integrally with each other. In particular, the conversion element is formed contiguously, preferably in a simply-connected manner.

If the semiconductor chip comprises several conversion elements, these are preferably not connected. In this case, the partition walls can limit and separate the conversion elements in a lateral direction.

For example, the conversion element covers the associated emission field(s) to least 80% or 90% or completely. For example, a distance between the conversion element and the semiconductor material of the semiconductor layer sequence is not more than 1 μm or not more than 500 nm. The conversion element preferably comprises two main sides running essentially parallel to the main plane of extension of the semiconductor layer sequence.

The conversion element preferably adjoins the partition walls in lateral direction. This means that the partition walls comprise lateral surfaces running transversely or perpendicularly to the emission side, which are in contact with surfaces of the conversion element running transversely or perpendicularly to the emission side. The lateral direction is a direction parallel to the emission side or the main plane of extension of the semiconductor layer sequence. The conversion element preferably lies form-fittingly against the partition walls. For example, the conversion element partially or completely fills one or more meshes in the grid of partition walls.

According to at least one embodiment, the conversion element comprises a matrix material with first phosphor particles incorporated therein. The first phosphor particles are embedded in and enclosed by the matrix material.

The matrix material is preferably a material which is transparent to the radiation emitted by the semiconductor layer sequence. The matrix material is preferably an organic material. The matrix material is, for example, a siloxane, like silicone, especially transparent silicone.

The first phosphor particles are configured for the conversion of the radiation emitted from the semiconductor layer sequence. For example, the first phosphor particles are particles of an inorganic or organic phosphor. Particles are microscopically small solid bodies which are not directly connected to each other by covalent or ionic or metallic bonds. For example, a particle has an extension of no more than 30 μm or no more than 20 μm in any direction in space.

According to at least one embodiment, the first phosphor particles are sedimented in the matrix material in such a way that the mass fraction of the first phosphor particles is greater in a lower region of the conversion element facing the semiconductor layer sequence than in the remaining region of the conversion element.

The lower region has, for example, a thickness, measured perpendicular to the emission side, of 50% or 34% or 25% or 10% of the total thickness of the conversion element. The lower region extends over the lateral extent of the conversion element. The lower region is in particular the region closest to the semiconductor layer sequence. This means that the lower region comprises an outer surface or outer side of the conversion element facing the semiconductor layer sequence.

The remaining region is the region of the conversion element which does not belong to the lower region. For example, the remaining region of the conversion element also extends over the lateral extent of the conversion element and has a thickness of 50% or 66% or 75% or 90% of the total thickness of the conversion element.

The total thickness of the conversion element is, for example, between 5 μm and 150 μm inclusive, preferably between 20 μm and 150 μm inclusive, especially preferably between 40 μm and 100 μm inclusive. Different conversion elements can have different thicknesses.

The thickness of the conversion element(s) is preferably at most as large as the height of the partition walls. Especially the thickness of the lower part is preferably smaller than the height of the partition walls. In the direction away from the emission side, the partition walls preferably project beyond the lower region of the conversion element located in the region of an emission field.

In the lower region, the first phosphor particles are preferably homogeneously distributed. The mass fraction of the first phosphor particles in the remaining region of the conversion element is, for example, at most 85% or at most 80% or at most 75% or at most 70% or at most 60% or at most 50% of the mass fraction of the first phosphor particles in the lower region of the conversion element. For example, the mass fraction of the first phosphor particles in the lower region is at least 65% or at least 70% or at least 75%. In the remaining region of the conversion element, for example, the mass fraction is at most 60% or at most 50% or at most 40% or at most 30%. The indication of a mass fraction in one region refers to the mass fraction integrated over the entire region.

For example, the mass fraction of the matrix material in the conversion element is at least 20% or at least 30%. For example, the mass fraction of the first phosphor particles in the entire conversion element is between 30% and 75% inclusive.

In at least one embodiment, the optoelectronic semiconductor chip comprises a semiconductor layer sequence with an emission side, the emission side comprising a plurality of emission fields. The semiconductor chip comprises partition walls on the emission side in the region between two adjacent emission fields. The semiconductor chip further comprises a conversion element on one or more emission fields. The conversion element comprises a matrix material with first phosphor particles incorporated therein. The first phosphor particles are sedimented in the matrix material in such a way that the mass fraction of the first phosphor particles in a lower region of a conversion element facing the semiconductor layer sequence is greater than in the remaining region of the conversion element.

Embodiments are based, inter alia, on the realization that the color homogeneity of a pixel of a semiconductor chip is often unsatisfactory. Furthermore, it may be desirable to convert pixels of a semiconductor layer sequence differently. By using partition walls, in particular reflecting or absorbing partition walls, on the one hand the optical separation of different pixels can be improved, on the other hand the partition walls allow to equip different emission fields with different conversion elements or to fill them up with different conversion materials. The sedimentation of the phosphor particles within the matrix material results in a thin, compressed, uniform layer near the emission side. Such a layer is homogeneous, which leads to a high color homogeneity of the corresponding pixel.

According to at least one embodiment, the mass fraction of the first phosphor particles in an upper region of the conversion element facing away from the semiconductor layer sequence is at most 80% or at most 75% or at most 70% or at most 60% or at most 50% of the mass fraction of the first phosphor particles in the lower region of the conversion element.

The upper region has a thickness, measured perpendicular to the emission side, of 50% or 34% or 25% or 10% of the total thickness of the conversion element. The upper regions extends over the lateral extent of the associated conversion element. The upper region is the region furthest away from the emission side. That is, the upper region comprises an outer surface or outer side of the conversion element facing away from the semiconductor layer sequence.

For example, the mass fraction of the first phosphor particles in the upper region of the conversion element is not more than 60% or not more than 55% or not more than 50% or not more than 40% or not more than 30%.

The regions of the conversion element specified herein are preferably simply-connected areas or regions of the conversion element.

According to at least one embodiment, the conversion element comprises scattering particles embedded in the matrix material. The scattering particles serve to scatter the radiation coming from the semiconductor layer sequence or the radiation converted by phosphor particles. For example, the mass fraction of scattering particles in the lower region of the conversion element is at most 80% or at most 70% or at most 50% or at most 1% of the mass fraction of scattering particles in the remaining region and/or in the upper region of the conversion element.

The scattering particles comprise or consist of, for example, one of the following materials: Al2O3, SiO2, TiO2. However, the scattering particles may also be particles that have been added to the matrix material anyway to adjust the viscosity, such as LPS5547-S1.

According to at least one embodiment, the first phosphor particles comprise or consist of an inorganic phosphor. The phosphor can be a nitride-based phosphor. For example, the phosphor comprises or consists of an alkaline earth silicon nitride or an alkaline earth aluminium silicon nitride. For example, the alkaline earth metal is barium or calcium or strontium. For conversion, the phosphor can be doped with a rare earth ion, such as Eu2+, as an activator. The phosphor can also be a garnet-based phosphor. For example, the phosphor has or consists of a rare earth-doped garnet, such as yttrium aluminium garnet, YAG for short, or luthetium aluminium garnet, LuAG for short, or luthetiumyttrium aluminium garnet, LuYAG for short. For conversion, the phosphor can be doped with an activator, for example, with a rare earth element such as cerium.

According to at least one embodiment, some or all emission fields are uniquely assigned their own conversion element.

According to at least one embodiment, the partition walls project beyond the conversion elements in the direction away from the semiconductor layer sequence or terminate flush with the conversion elements. For example, the partition walls project beyond the conversion elements by at least 1 μm or at least 5 μm or at least 10 μm. Alternatively or additionally, the partition walls project beyond the conversion elements by at most 50 μm or at most 20 μm or at most 10 μm.

According to at least one embodiment, a contiguous conversion element covers several emission fields. For example, the conversion element is drawn over the partition walls on a side of the partition walls opposite the semiconductor layer sequence.

According to at least one embodiment, the conversion element comprises second phosphor particles which comprise or consist of a different phosphor than the first phosphor particles. The second phosphor particles may, for example, comprise one of the above-mentioned phosphors.

For example, the semiconductor chip comprises several conversion elements, wherein first conversion elements comprise only first phosphor particles and second conversion elements comprise first and second phosphor particles.

According to at least one embodiment, the mass fraction of the second phosphor particles in the lower region of the conversion element is smaller than in the remaining region of the conversion element. For example, the mass fraction of the second phosphor particles in the lower region is at most 90% or at most 80% or at most 75% or at most 60% or at most 50% of the mass fraction of the second phosphor particles in the remaining region. For example, the mass fraction of the second phosphor particles in the conversion element is between 30% and 70% inclusive.

According to at least one embodiment, the second phosphor particles comprise or consist of an organic phosphor.

According to at least one embodiment, the second phosphor particles are quantum dots. The maximum extension of the quantum dots in one direction is, for example, at most 100 nm or at most 50 nm or at most 30 nm or at most 20 nm or at most 10 nm. The quantum dots include, for example, a semiconductor material such as InGaAs or CdSe or GaInP or InP.

According to at least one embodiment, the second phosphor particles have a lower density and/or a smaller average particle size than the first phosphor particles. For example, the density of the first phosphor particles is at least 120% or at least 130% or at least 150% of the density of the second phosphor particles. Alternatively or additionally, the average volume of the first phosphor particles is at least twice or at least ten times or at least a hundred times the average volume of the second phosphor particles.

By using different sizes and/or densities, it is possible to achieve that the first and second phosphor particles sediment to different degrees within the conversion element. In this way, the first phosphor particles and the second phosphor particles can be separated.

According to at least one embodiment, several different conversion elements with different conversion properties are used on the semiconductor layer sequence or on the emission side. For example, the semiconductor chip comprises first conversion elements which convert the radiation emitted by the semiconductor layer sequence into cold white light, and second conversion elements which convert the radiation emitted by the semiconductor layer sequence into warm white light. For example, the first conversion elements and the second conversion elements are alternately arranged side by side. The first conversion elements and the second conversion elements can be arranged in a checkerboard pattern, for example.

An optoelectronic semiconductor chip described herein can be used, for example, in headlights for motor vehicles.

In addition, a method of manufacturing an optoelectronic component, such as an optoelectronic semiconductor chip, is also specified. The method is particularly suitable for producing an optoelectronic semiconductor chip as described above. This means that all features disclosed in connection with the optoelectronic semiconductor chip are also disclosed for the method and vice versa.

According to at least one embodiment, the method comprises a step A) in which an optoelectronic base element is provided. The optoelectronic base element comprises an emission side. The emission side comprises a plurality of emission fields.

The base element is an optoelectronic element which is set up to generate electromagnetic radiation during normal operation and to emit it via the emission side. For example, at least 50% or at least 75% of the total radiation decoupled from the base element during normal operation of the base element is decoupled via the emission side. For example, the emission side runs essentially parallel to a main plane of extension of the base element.

The characteristics of the emission side and the emission fields described in connection with the optoelectronic semiconductor chip, in particular their geometric configurations, may also apply to the component and vice versa. In particular, the emission fields can be controlled individually and independently of each other.

The emission side is preferably designed flat within the manufacturing tolerance. For example, elevations or depressions on the emission side then have heights and depths of no more than 2 μm or no more than 1 μm.

For example, the emission side of the base element comprises at least two or at least four emission fields. For example, the area of an emission field of the base element is at most 250000 μm2or at most 200000 μm2.

According to at least one embodiment, the method comprises a step B) in which a plurality of partition walls are formed on the emission side. The partition walls form at least one mesh which, viewed in plan view of the emission side, surrounds an emission field, in particular exactly one emission field, and in so doing runs at least in part between two adjacent emission fields. In other words, the partition walls form a frame which, when viewed in plan view on the emission side, surrounds an emission field, in particular exactly one emission field. “At least in part” means in particular that at least one partition wall of the mesh runs between two adjacent emission fields.

The features of the partition walls described in connection with the optoelectronic semiconductor chip may also apply to the partition walls of the component and vice versa. In particular, the partition walls form a grid as described above, which comprises a plurality of meshes. An emission field can be uniquely assigned to each mesh. The partition walls may be reflective or absorptive for radiation from the base element or component, for example with the reflectance or absorbance mentioned above.

The partition walls created in step B) are preferably all connected. Particularly preferably, the partition walls are formed in one piece with each other.

According to at least one embodiment, the method comprises a step C) in which a region surrounded by the mesh of partition walls is filled with a liquid or viscous filling material. If several meshes are formed by the partition walls, preferably several or all regions surrounded by meshes are filled with a liquid or viscous filling material.

The filling material can be a transparent material, like clear silicone, or a conversion material. A conversion material preferably comprises a matrix material with distributed first phosphor particles.

For example, the filling material can be applied by jetting or dispensing or spraying or squeegee. A mask or stencil can be used as an aid. The partition walls are preferably designed to enclose the liquid filler material and prevent the liquid filler material from flowing off in a lateral direction. In other words, the partition walls form barriers for the liquid filling material.

In this case, “filling” can mean that the filling material is filled up to the height of the partition walls at most.

According to at least one embodiment, the method comprises a step E) in which the filling material is cured to at least one filling element, such as a conversion element. The filling element then covers an emission field, in particular exactly one emission field. If several regions surrounded by meshes are filled with filling material, preferably several filling elements are formed, each of which is uniquely assigned to an emission field, for example. The resulting filling elements are preferably separated and spaced from each other.

According to at least one embodiment, steps A), B), C) and E) are carried out in the specified order and one after the other.

The partition walls applied in step B) can be temporary partition walls or final partition walls. Temporary partition walls are removed in particular after the filling material has cured and are replaced, for example, by final partition walls. Final partition walls remain in the optoelectronic component. All the information given up to now and in the following concerning partition walls, in particular their geometric configurations, may apply to temporary and final partition walls.

According to at least one embodiment, the optoelectronic base element is a semiconductor layer sequence. The semiconductor layer sequence is provided, for example, in a wafer compound. In plan view, different emission fields then preferably overlap with different regions of the semiconductor layer sequence. The semiconductor layer sequence is, for example, contiguous or comprises several separate regions that were originally connected.

According to at least one embodiment, the optoelectronic base element is separated after step E), so that individual optoelectronic components are created. Each optoelectronic component then preferably comprises a section of the emission side with exactly one or more emission fields and exactly one or more filling elements, which, viewed in plan view, is completely surrounded by the partition walls.

According to at least one embodiment, the method comprises a step D) in which the first phosphor particles sediment or are sedimented in the matrix material so that the mass fraction of the first phosphor particles is greater in a lower region of the conversion material facing the semiconductor layer sequence than in the remaining region of the conversion material.

According to at least one embodiment, steps A) to E) are carried out in the specified order and successively.

According to at least one embodiment, the conversion material is centrifuged in step D) to accelerate the sedimentation. For example, the semiconductor layer sequence with the conversion material on top is placed in a centrifuge and then centrifuged.

According to at least one embodiment, the partition walls are formed reflective or absorbent in step B). For example, the partition walls appear white or black to a user.

According to at least one embodiment, a structured mask, for example, a mask made of photoresist or a dielectric, is used for the application of the partition walls in step B). The mask is produced, for example, by means of a lithography process or by means of laser direct imaging, or LDI for short. The mask is designed in such a way that there are trenches in the region where the partition walls are to be created. Within the trenches, the partition walls are then created.

According to at least one embodiment, the partition walls are formed from a photoresist in step B). The partition walls of the photoresist then form a photoresist mask. The partition walls of the photoresist are produced, for example, by a lithography process or direct laser imaging. For this purpose, for example, a photoresist layer can be applied to the emission side, e.g. sprayed on or applied as a film. The photoresist layer can then be developed using a mask and exposure. It is also conceivable that the photoresist layer is exposed and developed by means of direct laser imaging without an additional mask. With direct laser imaging, particularly precise structures can be produced from the photoresist layer. It is advantageous to have an automated, optical detection of the position of the emission fields before the laser direct imaging. This avoids displacement of the filling elements with respect to the emission fields. This would have a negative effect on the color homogeneity.

The partition walls of the photoresist can also be absorbing or reflecting.

According to at least one embodiment, the partition walls of the photoresist are removed after step C). This means that, in step B), the partition walls of the photoresist are temporary partition walls.

According to at least one embodiment, after step C), final partition walls are arranged in the region where the partition walls of the photoresist were previously formed. The final partition walls can be reflective or absorbent.

According to at least one embodiment, after step E) or already after step D), the partition walls and/or the filling element are ground. For example, protruding regions of the partition walls and/or the filling element are ground in such a way that the partition walls and the filling element terminate flush with each other after the grinding process.

According to at least one embodiment, the partition walls are galvanically grown in step B). The partition walls then preferably comprise or consist of a metal, such as copper or aluminium or nickel. In particular, such partition walls are final partition walls.

To form the partition walls, for example, an electrically conductive layer is first deposited on the emission side, for example by sputtering. The electrically conductive layer is preferably metallic. For example, the electrically conductive layer has a thickness between 100 nm and 500 nm inclusive. The electrically conductive layer, for example, is simply-connected and covers a plurality of the emission fields.

Subsequently, for example, an electrically insulating layer is applied to the electrically conductive layer. The electrically insulating layer is then preferably structured, for example by LDI. The electrically insulating layer is preferably removed where the partition walls are to be created. In the regions where the partition walls are to be created, the electrically conductive layer is exposed again. In contrast, the electrically insulating layer preferably remains on the emission side in the region of the emission fields and covers these regions completely, for example.

The partition walls can then be grown galvanically using an electrophoresis process in the region of the exposed electrically conductive layer.

After the galvanic growth of the partition walls, the electrically insulating layer can be removed also from the remaining regions. The electrically conductive layer can be removed from the emission fields, for example by etching.

The galvanically grown partition walls can simultaneously serve or be configured for the electrical contacting of the optoelectronic base element or the optoelectronic component.

An optoelectronic component is also specified. The optoelectronic component can be manufactured in particular by the method described herein. All features disclosed in connection with the method are therefore also disclosed for the optoelectronic component and vice versa. The optoelectronic component may, for example, be the optoelectronic semiconductor chip described above. Therefore all features disclosed in connection with the optoelectronic semiconductor chip are also disclosed for the optoelectronic component and vice versa.

According to at least one embodiment, the optoelectronic component comprises an optoelectronic base element with an emission side that is flat within the manufacturing tolerance. The emission side comprises exactly one or more emission fields.

According to at least one embodiment, the optoelectronic component comprises several partition walls on the emission side, wherein the partition walls surround the emission field when viewed in plan view of the emission side. For example, the partition walls form meshes of a grid, where each mesh is uniquely assigned to an emission field. In plan view of the emission side, partition walls can run between adjacent emission fields.

According to at least one embodiment, the optoelectronic component comprises a filling element which, viewed in plan view of the emission side, is surrounded by the partition walls and rests form-fittingly against the partition walls. The filling element can be limited laterally by the partition walls. The filling element can be a transparent or translucent element for the electromagnetic radiation of the base element. The filling element can also be a conversion element, for example, a conversion element as described above.

According to at least one embodiment, the partition walls are not formed integrally with the optoelectronic base element or are not formed integrally with the emission side. This means that the partition walls are elements of the component different from the base element. In particular, an interface is formed between the partition walls and the emission side, which indicates that the partition walls were applied to the emission side after completion of the flat emission side.

According to at least one embodiment, when viewed in plan view of the emission side, the filling element overlaps with the emission field surrounded by the partition walls. In particular, when viewed in plan view of the emission side, the filling element completely covers the emission field. Preferably, the filling element only overlaps with a single emission field.

The component may comprise several filling elements, each of which is preferably uniquely assigned to an emission field and only overlaps with this emission field. Each filling element is preferably surrounded by a specially assigned mesh of partition walls when viewed from above.

Emission fields can also be covered by the partition walls, for example, completely covered. In this case the partition walls are preferably transparent for the radiation from the emission fields. This can be realized especially if the partition walls are made of photoresist.

The partition walls surrounding the filling element can protrude beyond the filling element in a direction away from the base element or can terminate flush with the filling element.

According to at least one embodiment, an area of the region of the emission side covered by the filling element is at most 50% or at most 25% or at most 10% or at most 5% larger than the area of the emission field covered by the filling element.

All information given up to now and in the following for a filling element may apply to several or all filling elements.

According to at least one embodiment, the optoelectronic base element comprises a semiconductor chip arranged on a carrier and a potting around the semiconductor chip.

The semiconductor chip is preferably designed as a thin film semiconductor chip or as a surface emitter. The semiconductor chip comprises, for example, a semiconductor layer sequence, for example, a semiconductor layer sequence as described above. The semiconductor chip preferably comprises a contiguous active layer. For example, the lateral extent of the semiconductor chip is at most 1% or at most 5% larger than the lateral extent of the active layer of the semiconductor chip.

The potting around the semiconductor chip can be a plastic or an epoxy or silicone. The potting is preferably reflective or absorptive for radiation emitted by the semiconductor chip. For example, the reflectance or absorption coefficient for this radiation is at least 90%. The potting may appear white or black to a user. The potting surrounds the semiconductor chip preferably completely, when viewed in plan view of the emission side. The encapsulation rest form-fittingly against the semiconductor chip.

The carrier can be a ceramic carrier, for example. Between the carrier and the semiconductor chip, a conductor track can be arranged for electrical contacting of the semiconductor chip.

According to at least one embodiment, the semiconductor chip comprises a radiation exit side. Via the radiation exit side, the semiconductor chip emits, for example, at least 50% or at least 75% or at least 90% of the radiation emitted by the semiconductor chip in its intended operation. The radiation exit side can have a rectangular basic shape. In a corner region, the radiation exit side may have a recess for electrical contacting of the semiconductor chip. The radiation exit side is facing away from the carrier.

The semiconductor chip is preferably not segmented or pixelated. Preferably, the semiconductor chip has lateral expansions, measured parallel to the emission side, of at most 500 μm or at most 400 μm.

According to at least one embodiment, the radiation exit side of the semiconductor chip together with a side of the potting facing away from the carrier forms at least part of the emission side. In particular, the radiation exit side of the semiconductor chip and the potting terminate flush at the emission side within the manufacturing tolerance. For example, the semiconductor chip is encapsulated with the potting using an injection moulding process such as Film-Assisted-Molding Technology.

According to at least one embodiment, the radiation exit side of the semiconductor chip forms the emission field. In the region next to the radiation exit side of the semiconductor chip, i.e., in the region where the potting is located, the optoelectronic base element preferably does not emit any radiation.

The optoelectronic base element can comprise several semiconductor chips. All the above information on one semiconductor chip may apply to several or all semiconductor chips. In particular, the radiation exit sides of the semiconductor chips each form an emission field of the emission side. In this case, the potting preferably extends between the semiconductor chips. Viewed in plan view of the emission side, the potting may form a grid with meshes, wherein exactly one semiconductor chip is arranged in each mesh. The individual semiconductor chips can be controlled individually and independently of one another, which means that the individual emission fields can be controlled individually and independently of one another.

According to at least one embodiment, the partition walls on the emission side are formed in the region of the potting. This means that, viewed in plan view of the emission side, the partition walls overlap with the potting around the semiconductor chip. Preferably, the partition walls do not overlap with the semiconductor chip when viewed in plan view.

According to at least one embodiment, the partition walls are metallic. The partition walls can be configured in particular for electrical contacting of the semiconductor chip. In this case, each semiconductor chip is preferably assigned a frame of partition walls, wherein the partition walls of the frame are uniquely assigned to the semiconductor chip.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1Ashows a first position in an exemplary embodiment of the method. An optoelectronic base element1in the form of a semiconductor layer sequence1, for example, an AlInGaN-based semiconductor layer sequence1, is provided. The semiconductor layer sequence1comprises an emission side10, through which electromagnetic radiation is coupled out of the semiconductor layer sequence1during operation. The emission side10is divided into a plurality of emission fields11,12. Between the emission fields11,12there are non-luminous regions14. For example, contact elements are arranged on a rear side of the semiconductor layer sequence1opposite the emission side10, via which the semiconductor layer sequence is energized. The size of the emission fields11,12, for example, is essentially defined by the projection of the contact elements on the emission side10. For example, no contact elements are arranged in the region of the non-luminous regions14. In the region of the non-luminous regions14, the semiconductor layer sequence1may also have trenches which penetrate an active layer of the semiconductor layer sequence1.

For example, the emission fields11,12each have a square shape with dimensions of approximately 125 μm×125 μm. The non-luminous regions14between the emission fields11,12, for example, have a width, measured parallel to the main plane of the semiconductor layer sequence1, of about 10 μm.

FIG. 1Bshows the semiconductor layer sequence1in plan view of the emission side10. The emission fields11,12are square and arranged in a regular matrix pattern. The non-luminous regions14form a grid around the emission fields11,12, with the emission fields11,12being surrounded by meshes of the grid.

FIG. 1Cshows another position in the method. A photoresist mask22is applied to the emission side10. The photoresist mask22comprises trenches in the region of the non-luminous regions14. The emission fields11,12are completely covered by the photoresist material of the photoresist mask22. The photoresist mask22is produced by means of a lithography process or direct laser imaging, for example.

FIG. 1Dshows a subsequent position in the method in which reflective partition walls20are formed in the trenches of photoresist mask22. The reflective partition walls20comprise, for example, silicone with TiO2particles embedded therein. The material of the reflective partition walls20may be applied by jetting or dispensing or spraying or squeegee.

In the position shown inFIG. 1E, the reflective partition walls20are cured and the photoresist mask22is removed. This exposes the emission fields11,12of the emission side10.

FIG. 1Fshows a position of the method in which a conversion material40,41is applied to the emission fields11,12in the region between the reflective partition walls20. For example, the conversion material40,41is applied in a liquid or viscous state by means of jetting or dispensing. The conversion material42,41comprises a matrix material40, e.g. silicone, in which first phosphor particles41are distributed.

In this case, different conversion materials40,41are applied to different emission fields11,12. In particular, the emission side10is divided into first ii and second12emission fields. The first ii and second12emission fields are arranged alternately next to each other on emission side10. A first conversion material40,41is applied to the first emission fields11and a second conversion material40,41is applied to the second emission fields12. The conversion materials40,41on the different emission fields11,12differ, for example, with regard to the first phosphor particles41. For example, the conversion materials40,41on the first ii and second12emission fields11are selected so that during operation of the finalized semiconductor chip cold white light is emitted in the region of the first emission fields11and warm white light is emitted in the region of the second emission fields12. The resulting optoelectronic semiconductor chip then comprises warm white and cold white pixels.

The first phosphor particles41used are, for example, inorganic phosphor particles and can be based on a nitride or a garnet.

FIG. 1Gshows a position in the method where, unlike inFIG. 1F, the same conversion material40,41is applied to all emission fields11,12. In this case, the conversion material40,41may be sprayed or squeegeed on, for example.

In the position ofFIG. 1H, a position is shown in the method where the first phosphor particles41are sedimented within the conversion material40,41or within the matrix material40. The sedimentation process may have been accelerated by centrifugation. Subsequently, the conversion material40,41was cured, resulting in conversion elements31. By an optional separation process of the semiconductor layer sequence1, an optoelectronic component100in the form of an optoelectronic semiconductor chip100was created, which is shown in a cross-sectional view inFIG. 1H.

As a result of the sedimentation, the first phosphor particles41have settled within the matrix material40, so that in a lower region of the conversion elements31, which in each case in the present case, for example, has a thickness of 50% of the total thickness of the conversion element31, the mass fraction of the first phosphor particles41is greater than in the remaining region of the conversion elements31. For example, the mass fraction of the first phosphor particles41in the remaining region of the conversion element31is at most 50% of the mass fraction of the first phosphor particles41in the lower region.

Due to the sedimentation process, the first phosphor particles41are distributed particularly homogeneously in the lower region, so that particularly color homogeneous pixels are realized with the semiconductor chip100shown.

FIGS. 2A to 2Cshow different positions in exemplary embodiments of the method, in which the photoresist mask22is designed differently than inFIG. 1C.

InFIG. 2A, the trenches in the photoresist mask22widen towards the emission side10. With such a photoresist mask22, partition walls20are formed with increasing width towards the emission side10.

InFIG. 2B, the trenches in the photoresist mask22taper towards the emission side10, so that ultimately partition walls20are formed whose width decreases towards the emission side10.

InFIG. 2C, the trenches in the photoresist mask22show an undercut. The resulting partition walls20initially widen in the direction away from the emission side10. After the widening section, there is a step in the partition walls20where the width of the partition walls20decreases again. This is followed by a section in the partition walls20, where the width of the partition walls20remains essentially constant.

FIG. 3Ashows an exemplary embodiment of the optoelectronic semiconductor chip100, such as can be manufactured using the method described above. The semiconductor chip100differs from the semiconductor chip100inFIG. 1Honly in that additional scattering particles43are distributed in the conversion elements31. The scattering particles43are embedded in the matrix material40of the conversion elements31. In this case, a mass fraction of the scattering particles43in the remaining region of the conversion elements31is greater than in the lower region of the conversion elements31. The scattering particles43may, for example, have lower densities and/or a smaller average particle size than the first phosphor particles41, so that they sediment less strongly during the sedimentation process than the first phosphor particles41.

The scattering particles43are, for example Al2O3particles. Even if such scattering particles43are not shown in all exemplary embodiments, they can be used in any of the exemplary embodiments described so far and in the following.

FIG. 3Bshows an exemplary embodiment of the optoelectronic semiconductor chip100, in which a scattering layer44is applied to the side of the conversion elements31facing away from the semiconductor layer sequence1. Like the scattering particles34inFIG. 3A, the scattering layer44serves to scatter and homogenize the emitted radiation. The scattering layer44may be sprayed on.

FIG. 4Ashows an exemplary embodiment of an optoelectronic semiconductor chip100in which conversion elements31are arranged on the first emission fields11, which only contain first, sedimented phosphor particles41. Conversion elements32are formed on the second emission fields12, which comprise both, first sedimented phosphor particles41and second phosphor particles42. The second phosphor particles42are less sedimented or not sedimented at all. For example, the first phosphor particles41are inorganic phosphor particles and the second phosphor particles42are organic phosphor particles. The mass fraction of the second phosphor particles42in the lower region of the conversion elements32is smaller than in the remaining region of the conversion elements32.

FIGS. 4B and 4Cshow possible sections of the conversion element32ofFIG. 4A.

FIG. 4Bshows that the lower region with the higher mass fraction of the first phosphor particles41is approximately ⅓ of the thickness of the conversion element32. In the remaining region of the conversion element32, for example, the mass fraction of the first phosphor particles41is only about 70% as great as in the lower region of the conversion element32. Instead, in the remaining region of the conversion element32, the mass fraction of the second phosphor particles42is greater than in the lower region.

InFIG. 4C, the lower region with the increased mass fraction of first phosphor particles41is approximately half the thickness of the conversion element312. In a central region, the mass fraction of the second phosphor particles42is greater than in the remaining region of the conversion element32. The central region, for example, makes up approximately 10% of the thickness of the conversion element32. In an upper region of the conversion element32, which is about ⅓ of the thickness of the conversion element32, the mass fraction of the first phosphor particles41is smaller than in the lower region. Likewise, the mass fraction of the second phosphor particles42is smaller in the upper region than in the central region.

FIGS. 5A to 5Cshow positions in another exemplary embodiment of the method.

In contrast toFIG. 1, a photoresist mask22made of temporary partition walls21is first formed (seeFIG. 5A). The temporary partition walls21thus consist of the photoresist material. The photoresist mask22only covers the non-luminous regions14. On the other hand holes are provided in the photoresist mask22in the region of the emission fields11,12, so that the emission fields11,12are exposed and not covered by the photoresist mask22.

In the position shown inFIG. 5B, the holes in the photoresist mask22are filled with a conversion material40,41. The conversion material40,41is then cured so that a conversion element31is formed above each emission field11,12. In addition, the temporary partition walls21made of the photoresist material have been removed. In the region between adjacent conversion elements31and in the places where the temporary partition walls21were previously located, trenches have now been formed.

In the position ofFIG. 5C, an exemplary embodiment of the optoelectronic semiconductor chip100is shown, in which the trenches between the conversion elements31are filled with final reflective partition walls20.

FIG. 6shows another exemplary embodiment of an optoelectronic semiconductor chip100. The semiconductor chip100differs from the semiconductor chip100ofFIG. 1Honly in the shape of the reflective partition walls20. In the present case, the reflective partition walls20widen in the direction away from the emission side10. Such reflective partition walls20can, for example, be produced with the photoresist mask22ofFIG. 2B.

FIG. 7shows an exemplary embodiment of an optoelectronic semiconductor chip100in which a contiguous conversion element31covers several emission fields11,12. The conversion element31is drawn over the partition walls20. For example, the conversion material40,41is sprayed or squeegeed onto the emission fields11,12and the reflective partition walls20so that the conversion material40,41forms over the reflective partition walls20.

FIG. 8Ashows a first position in a further exemplary embodiment of the method of manufacturing an optoelectronic component. Here a carrier6, for example a ceramic carrier, is provided with semiconductor chips13applied to it. The semiconductor chips13are preferably thin-film chips and are based on AlInGaN, for example. The sides of the semiconductor chips13facing away from the carrier6each form a radiation exit side16, through which a large part of the radiation decoupled from the semiconductor chip13is coupled out during intended operation of a semiconductor chip13. The semiconductor chips13are preferably not segmented or pixelated.

FIG. 8Bshows a second position in which a potting15, in particular a reflective or absorptive potting, for example comprising silicone or epoxy, is arranged between the semiconductor chips13. The potting15is formed between the semiconductor chips13by means of an injection moulding process, for example.

The carrier6, the semiconductor chips13and the potting15together form an optoelectronic base element1with an emission side10. The radiation exit sides16of the semiconductor chips13together with the side of the potting15facing away from the carrier6form this emission side10. The emission side10is flat within the manufacturing tolerance.

The radiation exit sides16of the semiconductor chips13also form the emission fields11,12or pixels of the emission side10.

FIG. 8Cshows a third position in which a photoresist layer2is applied to the emission side10of the base element1.

In the position shown inFIG. 8D, the photoresist layer20is structured into a plurality of partition walls20, for example by means of direct laser imaging, or LDI for short. The partition walls20are arranged in the region between adjacent semiconductor chips13, i.e., in the region of the potting15.

In the position shown inFIG. 8E, a liquid or viscous filling material, in the present case in the form of a conversion material40,41,42, is applied to the emission fields11,12. The conversion material40,41,42is only filled up to such an extent that the conversion material40,41,42does not flow over the partition walls20. Thus, in particular, the partition walls20protrude above the conversion material40,41,42in a direction away from support6.

FIG. 8Fshows another position of the method in which the conversion material40,41,42is cured to form filling elements31in the form of conversion elements31. Individual conversion elements31are then uniquely assigned to the individual emission fields11,12or the individual semiconductor chips13.FIG. 8Fshows a cross-sectional view of a finalized optoelectronic component100. However, a separation process, for example with cutting planes through the potting15, could also be carried out to produce several optoelectronic components100.

FIG. 8Gshows the optoelectronic component100ofFIG. 8Fin plan view of the emission side10. In particular, it can be seen in this plan view that the partition walls20form a grid with a plurality of meshes. Each mesh is uniquely assigned a conversion element31, so that the mesh surrounds the associated conversion element31and the associated semiconductor chip13. The conversion elements31also cover the entire associated semiconductor chip13when viewed in plan view.

A sharper optical separation of the individual semiconductor chips13can be achieved by the partition walls20. It is also advantageous that each semiconductor chip13is assigned its own filling element31or conversion element31, wherein the conversion elements31do not protrude far beyond the assigned semiconductor chip13. This increases the colour homogeneity.

FIGS. 9A to 9Hshow a further exemplary embodiment of the method of manufacturing an optoelectronic component.

In the first position shown inFIG. 9A, a carrier6is again provided with a plurality of semiconductor chips13mounted on it. A conductor track61is arranged between the semiconductor chips13and the carrier6. The conductor track61is configured for common electrical contacting of the semiconductor chips13arranged in a row.

The position ofFIG. 9Bis essentially the same as ofFIG. 8B. Again, a potting15is arranged between the semiconductor chips13in such a way that a side of the potting15facing away from the carrier6together with the radiation exit sides16of the semiconductor chips13forms an essentially flat emission side10.

In the position shown inFIG. 9C, an electrically conductive layer3, for example a metal layer such as a copper layer, is applied to the emission side10. The electrically conductive layer3is sputtered on, for example. A thickness of the electrically conductive layer3, for example, is between 100 nm and 500 nm inclusive.

FIG. 9Dshows a position in the method where a structured, electrically insulating layer4is deposited on top of the electrically conductive layer3. For this purpose, for example, an electrically insulating layer4was first applied over the entire surface of the electrically conductive layer3and then structured using a laser.

The electrically insulating layer4is structured in such a way that the electrically conductive layer3is exposed in regions where partition walls are to be created afterwards. These regions are located between the semiconductor chips13, where the emission side10is formed by the potting15. In particular, the emission fields11,12are completely covered by the electrically insulating layer4.

FIG. 9Eshows another position in the method in which partition walls20have grown galvanically in the exposed regions of the electrically conductive layer3. The partition walls20are made of copper, for example.

In the cross-sectional view shown inFIG. 9E, it can be seen that between two adjacent semiconductor chips13, two partition walls20are formed at a distance from each other. This is advantageous, since the partition walls20are used here for the electrical contacting of the semiconductor chips13.

FIG. 9Fshows a position in the method in which the electrically insulating layer4has been removed. In addition, the electrically conductive layer3is removed in the region of the emission fields11,12. For this purpose, the electrically conductive layer3has been etched away, for example, after removing the electrically insulating layer4.

InFIG. 9Gfilling elements31in the form of conversion elements31are formed between the partition walls20. For this purpose, for example, a liquid or viscous conversion material was again placed in the region between the partition walls20and then cured.FIG. 9Gshows also a finished optoelectronic component100in cross-sectional view.

FIG. 9Hshows the optoelectronic component100ofFIG. 9Gin a plan view of the emission side10. It can again be seen that each conversion element31and the corresponding semiconductor chip13is surrounded by a mesh of partition walls20. In this case, the partition walls20of a column of semiconductor chips13are electrically connected to each other. As a result, the semiconductor chips13are also electrically connected to one another along a column via the partition walls20. Along a row of semiconductor chips13, however, the partition walls20are electrically insulated from each other. Instead, conductor tracks61are provided between the semiconductor chips13and the carrier, which contact the semiconductor chips13in a row. A semiconductor chip13can be controlled and supplied with current in a targeted manner by electrically contacting a column via corresponding partition walls20and a row via a corresponding conductor track61.

The invention is not limited to the description based on the exemplary embodiments. Rather, the invention comprises each new feature as well as each combination of features, which in particular includes each combination of features in the claims, even if these features or this combination itself is not explicitly stated in the claims or exemplary embodiments.