Patent Publication Number: US-2023154970-A1

Title: Monolithic Segmented LED Array Architecture With Islanded Epitaxial Growth

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. Application Serial No. 16/226,288, filed Dec. 19, 2018, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62/608,316 filed on Dec. 20, 2017 and EP Application No. 18159747.7 filed on Mar. 2, 2018, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Semiconductor light-emitting devices including light emitting diodes (LEDs), resonant cavity light emitting diodes (RCLEDs), vertical cavity laser diodes (VCSELs), and edge emitting lasers are among the most efficient light sources currently available. Materials systems currently of interest in the manufacture of high-brightness light emitting devices capable of operation across the visible spectrum include Group III-V semiconductors, particularly binary, ternary, and quaternary alloys of gallium, aluminum, indium, and nitrogen, also referred to as III-nitride materials. 
     Typically, III-nitride light emitting devices are fabricated by epitaxially growing a stack of semiconductor layers of different compositions and dopant concentrations on a sapphire, silicon carbide, III-nitride, or other suitable substrate by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD), molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), or other epitaxial techniques. The stack often includes one or more n-type layers doped with, for example, silicon, formed over the substrate, one or more light emitting layers in an active region formed over the n-type layer or layers, and one or more p-type layers doped with, for example, magnesium, formed over the active region. Electrical contacts are formed on the n- and p-type regions. 
     SUMMARY 
     A device may include a metal contact between a first isolation region and a second isolation region on a first surface of an epitaxial layer. The device may include a first sidewall and a second sidewall on a second surface of the epitaxial layer distal to the first isolation region and the second isolation region. The device may include a wavelength converting layer on the epitaxial layer between the first sidewall and the second sidewall. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A more detailed understanding can be had from the following description, given by way of example in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein: 
         FIG.  1 A  is a top view illustration of an LED array with an exploded portion; 
         FIG.  1 B  is a cross sectional illustration of an LED array with trenches; 
         FIG.  1 C  is a perspective illustration of another LED array with trenches; 
         FIG.  1 D  is a cross-section view illustrating forming trenches in a sapphire substrate; 
         FIG.  1 E  is a cross-section view illustrating forming a first semiconductor layer in the trenches; 
         FIG.  1 F  is a cross-section view illustrating forming an active region and a second semiconductor layer on the first semiconductor layer; 
         FIG.  1 G  is a cross-section view illustrating forming isolation regions and metal contacts on the second semiconductor layer; 
         FIG.  1 H  is a cross-section view illustrating removing the sapphire substrate; 
         FIG.  1 I  is a cross-section view illustrating forming a wavelength converting layer within wells; 
         FIG.  1 J  is a cross-section view illustrating forming a first semiconductor layer on a patterned sapphire substrate (PSS) substrate; 
         FIG.  1 K  is a cross-section view illustrating forming isolation regions on an upper surface the first semiconductor layer; 
         FIG.  1 L  is a cross-section view illustrating forming mesas on the first semiconductor layer and the isolation regions; 
         FIG.  1 M  is a cross-section view illustrating forming a second semiconductor layer on the mesas; 
         FIG.  1 N  illustrates forming a dielectric layer on the second semiconductor layer; 
         FIG.  1 O  illustrates removing a portion of the dielectric layer to expose an upper surface of the second semiconductor layer; 
         FIG.  1 P  is a cross-section view illustrating forming a metal contact layer over the mesas; 
         FIG.  1 Q  is a cross-section view illustrating forming a second contact through the isolation region; 
         FIG.  1 R  is a cross section view illustrating removing the PSS substrate; 
         FIG.  1 S  is a cross-section view illustrating removing the PSS substrate and forming a common contact layer; 
         FIG.  1 T  is a cross section view illustrating forming a metal contact layer on the second semiconductor layer; 
         FIG.  1 U  a cross section view illustrating removing the PSS substrate; 
         FIG.  1 V  is a flowchart illustrating a method of forming a device; 
         FIG.  2 A  is a top view of the electronics board with LED array attached to the substrate at the LED device attach region in one embodiment; 
         FIG.  2 B  is a diagram of one embodiment of a two channel integrated LED lighting system with electronic components mounted on two surfaces of a circuit board; 
         FIG.  2 C  is an example vehicle headlamp system; and 
         FIG.  3    shows an example illumination system. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Examples of different light illumination systems and/or light emitting diode (“LED”) implementations will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. These examples are not mutually exclusive, and features found in one example may be combined with features found in one or more other examples to achieve additional implementations. Accordingly, it will be understood that the examples shown in the accompanying drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only and they are not intended to limit the disclosure in any way. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. 
     It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element may be termed a second element and a second element may be termed a first element without departing from the scope of the present invention. As used herein, the term “and/or” may include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. 
     It will be understood that when an element such as a layer, region, or substrate is referred to as being “on” or extending “onto” another element, it may be directly on or extend directly onto the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on” or extending “directly onto” another element, there may be no intervening elements present. It will also be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it may be directly connected or coupled to the other element and/or connected or coupled to the other element via one or more intervening elements. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element, there are no intervening elements present between the element and the other element. It will be understood that these terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the element in addition to any orientation depicted in the figures. 
     Relative terms such as “below,” “above,” “upper,”, “lower,” “horizontal” or “vertical” may be used herein to describe a relationship of one element, layer, or region to another element, layer, or region as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that these terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. 
     Semiconductor light emitting devices (LEDs) or optical power emitting devices, such as devices that emit ultraviolet (UV) or infrared (IR) optical power, are among the most efficient light sources currently available. These devices (hereinafter “LEDs”), may include light emitting diodes, resonant cavity light emitting diodes, vertical cavity laser diodes, edge emitting lasers, or the like. Due to their compact size and lower power requirements, for example, LEDs may be attractive candidates for many different applications. For example, they may be used as light sources (e.g., flash lights and camera flashes) for hand-held battery-powered devices, such as cameras and cell phones. They may also be used, for example, for automotive lighting, heads up display (HUD) lighting, horticultural lighting, street lighting, torch for video, general illumination (e.g., home, shop, office and studio lighting, theater/stage lighting and architectural lighting), augmented reality (AR) lighting, virtual reality (VR) lighting, as back lights for displays, and IR spectroscopy. A single LED may provide light that is less bright than an incandescent light source, and, therefore, multi-junction devices or arrays of LEDs (such as monolithic LED arrays, micro LED arrays, etc.) may be used for applications where more brightness is desired or required. 
     According to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, LED arrays (e.g., micro LED arrays) may include an array of pixels as shown in  FIGS.  1 A,  1 B , and/or 1C. LED arrays may be used for any applications such as those requiring precision control of LED array segments. Pixels in an LED array may be individually addressable, may be addressable in groups/subsets, or may not be addressable. In  FIG.  1 A , a top view of a LED array  110  with pixels  111  is shown. An exploded view of a 3×3 portion of the LED array  110  is also shown in  FIG.  1 A . As shown in the 3×3 portion exploded view, LED array  110  may include pixels  111  with a width w 1  of approximately 100 µm or less (e.g., 40 µm). The lanes  113  between the pixels may be separated by a width, w 2 , of approximately 20 µm or less (e.g., 5 µm). The lanes  113  may provide an air gap between pixels or may contain other material, as shown in  FIGS.  1 B and  1 C  and further disclosed herein. The distance D 1  from the center of one pixel  111  to the center of an adjacent pixel  111  may be approximately 120 µm or less (e.g., 45 µm). It will be understood that the widths and distances provided herein are examples only, and that actual widths and/or dimensions may vary. 
     It will be understood that although rectangular pixels arranged in a symmetric matrix are shown in  FIG.  1 A , B and C, pixels of any shape and arrangement may be applied to the embodiments disclosed herein. For example, LED array  110  of  FIG.  1 A  may include, over 10,000 pixels in any applicable arrangement such as a 100×100 matrix, a 200×50 matrix, a symmetric matrix, a non-symmetric matrix, or the like. It will also be understood that multiple sets of pixels, matrixes, and/or boards may be arranged in any applicable format to implement the embodiments disclosed herein. 
       FIG.  1 B  shows a cross section view of an example LED array  1000 . As shown, the pixels  1010 ,  1020 , and  1030  correspond to three different pixels within an LED array such that a separation sections  1041  and/or n-type contacts  1040  separate the pixels from each other. According to an embodiment, the space between pixels may be occupied by an air gap. As shown, pixel  1010  includes an epitaxial layer  1011  which may be grown on any applicable substrate such as, for example, a sapphire substrate, which may be removed from the epitaxial layer  1011 . A surface of the growth layer distal from contact  1015  may be substantially planar or may be patterned. A p-type region  1012  may be located in proximity to a p-contact  1017 . An active region  1021  may be disposed adjacent to the n-type region and a p-type region  1012 . Alternatively, the active region  1021  may be between a semiconductor layer or n-type region and p-type region  1012  and may receive a current such that the active region  1021  emits light beams. The p-contact  1017  may be in contact with SiO2 layers  1013  and  1014  as well as plated metal (e.g., plated copper) layer  1016 . The n type contacts  1040  may include an applicable metal such as Cu. The metal layer  1016  may be in contact with a reflective layer  1015  which may serve as a contact. 
     Notably, as shown in  FIG.  1 B , the n-type contact  1040  may be deposited into trenches  1130  created between pixels  1010 ,  1020 , and  1030  and may extend beyond the epitaxial layer  1011 . Separation sections  1041  may separate all (as shown) or part of a wavelength converting layer  1050 . It will be understood that a LED array may be implemented without such separation sections  1041  or the separation sections  1041  may correspond to an air gap. The separation sections  1041  may be an extension of the n-type contacts  1040 , such that, separation sections  1041  are formed from the same material as the n-type contacts  1040  (e.g., copper). Alternatively, the separation sections  1041  may be formed from a material different than the n-type contacts  1040 . According to an embodiment, separation sections  1041  may include reflective material. The material in separation sections  1041  and/or the n-type contact  1040  may be deposited in any applicable manner such as, for example, but applying a mesh structure which includes or allows the deposition of the n-type contact  1040  and/or separation sections  1041 . Wavelength converting material  1050  may have features/properties similar to wavelength converting layer 205 of  FIG.  2 A . As noted herein, one or more additional layers may coat the separation sections  1041 . Such a layer may be a reflective layer, a scattering layer, an absorptive layer, or any other applicable layer. One or more passivation layers  1019  may fully or partially separate the n-contact  1040  from the epitaxial layer  1011 . 
     The epitaxial layer  1011  may be formed from any applicable material to emit photons when excited including sapphire, SiC, GaN, Silicone and may more specifically be formed from a III-V semiconductors including, but not limited to, AlN, AlP, AlAs, AlSb, GaN, GaP, GaAs, GaSb, InN, InP, InAs, InSb, II-VI semiconductors including, but not limited to, ZnS, ZnSe, CdSe, CdTe, group IV semiconductors including, but not limited to Ge, Si, SiC, and mixtures or alloys thereof. These example semiconductors may have indices of refraction ranging from about 2.4 to about 4.1 at the typical emission wavelengths of LEDs in which they are present. For example, III-Nitride semiconductors, such as GaN, may have refractive indices of about 2.4 at 500 nm, and III-Phosphide semiconductors, such as InGaP, may have refractive indices of about 3.7 at 600 nm. Contacts coupled to the LED device 200may be formed from a solder, such as AuSn, AuGa, AuSi or SAC solders. 
     The n-type region may be grown on a growth substrate and may include one or more layers of semiconductor material that include different compositions and dopant concentrations including, for example, preparation layers, and/or layers designed to facilitate removal of the growth substrate. These layers may be n-type or not intentionally doped, or may even be p-type device layers. The layers may be designed for particular optical, material, or electrical properties desirable for the light emitting region to efficiently emit light. Similarly, the p-type region  1012  may include multiple layers of different composition, thickness, and dopant concentrations, including layers that are not intentionally doped, or n-type layers. An electrical current may be caused to flow through the p-n junction (e.g., via contacts) and the pixels may generate light of a first wavelength determined at least in part by the bandgap energy of the materials. A pixel may directly emit light (e.g., regular or direct emission LED) or may emit light into a wavelength converting layer  1050  (e.g., phosphor converted LED, “PCLED”, etc.) that acts to further modify wavelength of the emitted light to output a light of a second wavelength. 
     Although  FIG.  1 B  shows an example LED array  1000  with pixels  1010 ,  1020 , and  1030  in an example arrangement, it will be understood that pixels in an LED array may be provided in any one of a number of arrangements. For example, the pixels may be in a flip chip structure, a vertical injection thin film (VTF) structure, a multi-junction structure, a thin film flip chip (TFFC), lateral devices, etc. For example, a lateral LED pixel may be similar to a flip chip LED pixel but may not be flipped upside down for direct connection of the electrodes to a substrate or package. A TFFC may also be similar to a flip chip LED pixel but may have the growth substrate removed (leaving the thin film semiconductor layers un-supported). In contrast, the growth substrate or other substrate may be included as part of a flip chip LED. 
     The wavelength converting layer  1050  may be in the path of light emitted by active region  1021 , such that the light emitted by active region  1021  may traverse through one or more intermediate layers (e.g., a photonic layer). According to embodiments, wavelength converting layer  1050  or may not be present in LED array  1000 . The wavelength converting layer  1050  may include any luminescent material, such as, for example, phosphor particles in a transparent or translucent binder or matrix, or a ceramic phosphor element, which absorbs light of one wavelength and emits light of a different wavelength. The thickness of a wavelength converting layer  1050  may be determined based on the material used or application/wavelength for which the LED array  1000  or individual pixels  1010 ,  1020 , and  1030  is/are arranged. For example, a wavelength converting layer  1050  may be approximately 20 µm, 50 µm or 200 µm. The wavelength converting layer  1050  may be provided on each individual pixel, as shown, or may be placed over an entire LED array  1000 . 
     Primary optic  1022  may be on or over one or more pixels  1010 ,  1020 , and/or  1030  and may allow light to pass from the active region  101  and/or the wavelength converting layer  1050  through the primary optic. Light via the primary optic may generally be emitted based on a Lambertian distribution pattern such that the luminous intensity of the light emitted via the primary optic  1022 , when observed from an ideal diffuse radiator, is directly proportional to the cosine of the angle between the direction of the incident light and the surface normal. It will be understood that one or more properties of the primary optic  1022  may be modified to produce a light distribution pattern that is different than the Lambertian distribution pattern. 
     Secondary optics which include one or both of the lens  1065  and waveguide  1062  may be provided with pixels  1010 ,  1020 , and/or  1030 . It will be understood that although secondary optics are discussed in accordance with the example shown in  FIG.  1 B  with multiple pixels, secondary optics may be provided for single pixels. Secondary optics may be used to spread the incoming light (diverging optics), or to gather incoming light into a collimated beam (collimating optics). The waveguide  1062  may be coated with a dielectric material, a metallization layer, or the like and may be provided to reflect or redirect incident light. In alternative embodiments, a lighting system may not include one or more of the following: the wavelength converting layer  1050 , the primary optics  1022 , the waveguide  1062  and the lens  1065 . 
     Lens  1065  may be formed form any applicable transparent material such as, but not limited to SiC, aluminum oxide, diamond, or the like or a combination thereof. Lens  1065  may be used to modify the a beam of light to be input into the lens  1065  such that an output beam from the lens  1065  will efficiently meet a desired photometric specification. Additionally, lens  1065  may serve one or more aesthetic purpose, such as by determining a lit and/or unlit appearance of the multiple LED devices 200B. 
       FIG.  1 C  shows a cross section of a three dimensional view of a LED array  1100 . As shown, pixels in the LED array  1100  may be separated by trenches which are filled to form n-contacts  1140 . The pixels may be grown on a substrate  1114  and may include a p-contact  1113 , a p-GaN semiconductor layer  1112 , an active region  1111 , and an n-Gan semiconductor layer  1110 . It will be understood that this structure is provided as an example only and one or more semiconductor or other applicable layers may be added, removed, or partially added or removed to implement the disclosure provided herein. A converter material  1117  may be deposited on the semiconductor layer  1110  (or other applicable layer). 
     Passivation layers  1115  may be formed within the trenches  1130  and n-contacts  1140  (e.g., copper contacts) may be deposited within the trenches  1130 , as shown. The passivation layers  1115  may separate at least a portion of the n-contacts  1140  from one or more layers of the semiconductor. According to an implementation, the n-contacts  1140 , or other applicable material, within the trenches may extend into the converter material  1117  such that the n-contacts  1140 , or other applicable material, provide complete or partial optical isolation between the pixels. 
     Manufacturing small addressable light LED pixel systems may be costly and difficult. Conventional pick and place techniques available for use with millimeter scale component sizes may be ill-suited for sub-100 micron components that might need to be positioned with micron accuracy. Forming continuous GaN layers for LED pixel systems may result in stress that causes wafer bowing. It may be desirable to form devices without thick continuous GaN layers to reduce wafer bowing and to allow for easier high temperature annealing. Providing wafer scale electrical connection to selectively grown GaN mesas is described in additional detail below. 
     The following description may include sub-100 µm to 300 µm pixels that may include selectively grown (SAG) and/or etched GaN mesas. The mesas may be partially or completely electrically isolated from one another. By reducing the thickness and/or overall number of continuous GaN layers, integrated film stress and wafer bowing may be reduced when forming multi-section LEDs in a matrix layout. In addition, higher temperature annealing may be used in particular sections of highly strained epitaxial layers to result in specific electrical and optical properties for multi-wavelength emission. The SAG GaN material may be formed on a sapphire substrate, which may be later removed to reduce light loss due to lateral wave guide effects. The SAG GaN material exposed after the removal of the sapphire substrate may be used for phosphor containment. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  1 D , a cross-section view illustrating forming trenches  122  in a sapphire substrate  120  is shown. The sapphire substrate  120  may be composed of a crystalline material, such as aluminum oxide, and may be a commercial sapphire wafer. The sapphire substrate  120  may be etched, pattern, or grooved, using conventional patterning and etching techniques to form the trenches  122 . In an example, the trenches  122  may be formed using wet etching. In another example, the trenches  122  may be formed by a dry etching technique, such as Reactive Ion Etching (RIE) and Inductively Coupled Plasma-Reactive Ion Etching (ICP-RIE). It should be noted that the trenches  122  are shown as a triangular shape in  FIG.  1 D , but may take any desired shape formed by the etching process. The sapphire substrate  120  may be similar to the substrate  1114  as described above with reference to  FIG.  1 C  and may be formed using similar techniques. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  1 E , a cross-section view illustrating forming a first semiconductor layer  126  in the trenches  122  is shown. The first semiconductor layer  126  may be composed of one or more materials optimized for lattice matching and coefficient of thermal expansion matching between the sapphire substrate  120  and subsequent semiconductor layers. The first semiconductor layer  126  may be composed of a semiconductor material, a metal oxide, a metal nitride, or a combination of a metal and semiconductor materials. Examples of materials that may be used for the first semiconductor layer  126  include, but are not limited to, SiC, Al 2 O 1 , GaN, AlN, and AlGaN. The first semiconductor layer  126  may be doped with an n-type dopant such as Si or a p-type dopant such as Mg. The concentration of dopant in the first semiconductor layer  126  may not have a large effect on the index of refraction of the first semiconductor layer  126 , but too large of a dopant concentration may strain the crystal structure of the first semiconductor layer  126 . This may adversely impact the quality of the subsequent semiconductor layers grown over the first semiconductor layer  126 . In an example, the first semiconductor layer  126  may be doped with Si to a nominally constant concentration of 3e18 cm -3  to 5e19 cm -3 . The first semiconductor layer  126  may also have a graded dopant concentration. 
     The first semiconductor layer  126  may be formed using conventional deposition techniques, such as metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD), molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), or other epitaxial techniques. In an epitaxial deposition process, chemical reactants provided by one or more source gases are controlled and the system parameters are set so that depositing atoms arrive at a deposition surface with sufficient energy to move around on the surface and orient themselves to the crystal arrangement of the atoms of the deposition surface. The temperature at which the first semiconductor layer  126  is grown may influence the surface morphology of the semiconductor layers grown over the nucleation layer. The first semiconductor layer  126  may be grown and/or annealed at a high temperature, for example between 900° C. and 1200° C. In another example, the first semiconductor layer  126  may be grown between 1080° C. and 1165° C. 
     The thickness, composition, dopant concentration, and fabrication temperature of the first semiconductor layer  126  may each selected such that the first semiconductor layer  126  both enhances a light extraction of the device by having an index of refraction close to that of the subsequent semiconductor layers and causes favorable surface properties in the subsequent semiconductor layers. 
     The first semiconductor layer  126  may be composed of any Group III-V semiconductors, including binary, ternary, and quaternary alloys of gallium, aluminum, indium, and nitrogen, also referred to as III-nitride materials. For example, the first semiconductor layer  126  may be composed of III-V semiconductors including but not limited to AlN, AlP, AlAs, AlSb, GaN, GaP, GaAs, GaSb, InN, InP, InAs, InSb, II-VI semiconductors including but not limited to ZnS, ZnSe, CdSe, CdTe, group IV semiconductors including but not limited to Ge, Si, SiC, and mixtures or alloys thereof. These semiconductors may have indices of refraction ranging from about 2.4 to about 4.1 at the typical emission wavelengths of LEDs in which they are present. For example, III-nitride semiconductors, such as GaN, may have refractive indices of about 2.4 at 500 nm, and III-phosphide semiconductors, such as InGaP, may have refractive indices of about 3.7 at 600 nm. In an example, the first semiconductor layer  126  may be composed of GaN. 
     The first semiconductor layer  126  may be formed using conventional deposition techniques, such as MOCVD, MBE, or other epitaxial techniques. The first semiconductor layer  126  may be doped with n-type dopants. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  1 F , a cross-section view illustrating forming an active region  128  and a second semiconductor layer  130  on the first semiconductor layer  126  is shown. The second semiconductor layer  130  and the active region  128  may be composed of any Group III-V semiconductors, including binary, ternary, and quaternary alloys of gallium, aluminum, indium, and nitrogen, also referred to as III-nitride materials. For example, the second semiconductor layer  130  and the active region  128  may be composed of III-V semiconductors including but not limited to AN, AlP, AlAs, AlSb, GaN, GaP, GaAs, GaSb, InN, InP, InAs, InSb, II-VI semiconductors including but not limited to ZnS, ZnSe, CdSe, CdTe, group IV semiconductors including but not limited to Ge, Si, SiC, and mixtures or alloys thereof. These semiconductors may have indices of refraction ranging from about 2.4 to about 4.1 at the typical emission wavelengths of LEDs in which they are present. For example, III-nitride semiconductors, such as GaN, may have refractive indices of about 2.4 at 500 nm, and III-phosphide semiconductors, such as InGaP, may have refractive indices of about 3.7 at 600 nm. In an example, the second semiconductor layer  130  and the active region  128  may be composed of GaN. 
     The second semiconductor layer  130  and the active region  128  may be formed using conventional deposition techniques, such as MOCVD, MBE, or other epitaxial techniques. The active region  128  and the second semiconductor layer  130  may be formed along with the first semiconductor layer  126  or may be formed separately. The active region  128  and the second semiconductor layer  130  may be composed of a similar semiconductor material as the first semiconductor layer  126  or their composition may vary. 
     The second semiconductor layer  130  may be doped with p-type dopants. Accordingly, the active region  128  may be a p-n diode junction associated with the interface of the first semiconductor layer  126  and the second semiconductor layer  130 . Alternatively, the active region  128  may include one or more semiconductor layers that are doped n-type, doped p-type, or are undoped. The active region  128  may emit light upon application of a suitable voltage through the first semiconductor layer  126  and the second semiconductor layer  130 . In alternative implementations, the conductivity types of the first semiconductor layer  126  and the second semiconductor layer  130  may be reversed. That is, the first semiconductor layer  126  may be a p-type layer and the second semiconductor layer  130  may be an n-type layer. The first semiconductor layer  126 , the active region  128 , and the second semiconductor layer  130  may be collectively referred to as an epitaxial layer  180 . The epitaxial layer  180  may be similar to the epitaxial layer  1011  as described above with reference to  FIG.  1 B  and may be formed using similar techniques. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  1 G , a cross-section view illustrating forming isolation regions  132  and metal contacts  134  on the second semiconductor layer  130  is shown. The isolation regions  132  may be composed of a dielectric material, such as, an oxide, a nitride, or an oxynitride. The isolation regions  132  may be formed using a conventional deposition technique, such as, for example, CVD, plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), MOCVD, atomic layer deposition (ALD), evaporation, reactive sputtering, chemical solution deposition, spin-on deposition, or other like processes. The isolation regions  132  may be patterned and etched using conventional techniques. The metal contacts  134  may be composed of one or more layers of a conductive metal or metal alloy, such as, gold, silver, copper. The metal contacts  134  may be formed using a conventional deposition technique, such as, for example, CVD, PECVD, MOCVD, ALD, evaporation, reactive sputtering, chemical solution deposition, plating, spin-on deposition, or other like processes. The metal contacts  134  may be patterned and etched using conventional techniques. The isolation regions  132  may be formed so they are located above the first semiconductor layer  126  formed in the trenches  122 . The isolation regions  132  may define the pixels  111  as described above with reference to  FIG.  1 A . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  1 H , a cross-section view illustrating removing the sapphire substrate  120  is shown. The sapphire substrate  120  may be removed by a conventional process such as grinding, chemical mechanical polishing (CMP), or laser lift-off. In an example, the sapphire substrate  120  may be removed selective to the first semiconductor layer  126  and the first semiconductor layer  126 . The removal of the sapphire substrate  120  may expose a bottom surface  136  of the first semiconductor layer  126  and one or more sidewalls  140  composed of the first semiconductor layer  126 . The one or more sidewalls  140  may form one or more protrusions  124 . The one or more sidewalls  140  of the first semiconductor layer  126  may extend below the bottom surface  136  of the first semiconductor layer  126 . Removing the sapphire substrate  120  may form a well  138  bounded by the one or more sidewalls  140  and the bottom surface  136  of the first semiconductor layer  126 . In an example, the bottom surface  136  may be roughened after it is exposed. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  1 I , a cross-section view illustrating forming a wavelength converting layer  142  within the wells  138  is shown. The wavelength converting layer  142  may be formed on the bottom surface  136  of the first semiconductor layer  126  between the sidewalls  140 . 
     The wavelength converting layer  142  may be composed of elemental phosphor or compounds thereof. The wavelength converting layer  142  may be formed using a conventional deposition technique, such as, for example, CVD, plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), MOCVD, atomic layer deposition (ALD), evaporation, reactive sputtering, chemical solution deposition, spin-on deposition, or other like processes. The wavelength converting layer  142  may contain one or more phosphors. Phosphors are luminescent materials that may absorb an excitation energy (usually radiation energy), and then emit the absorbed energy as radiation of a different energy than the initial excitation energy. The phosphors may have quantum efficiencies near 100%, meaning nearly all photons provided as excitation energy may be reemitted by the phosphors. The phosphors may also be highly absorbent. Because the light emitting active region  128  may emit light directly into the highly efficient, highly absorbent wavelength converting layer  142 , the phosphors may efficiently extract light from the device. The phosphors used in the wavelength converting layer  142  may include, but are not limited to any conventional green, yellow, and red emitting phosphors. 
     The wavelength converting layer  142  may be formed by depositing grains of phosphor on the bottom surface  136  of the first semiconductor layer  126 . The phosphor grains may be in direct contact with the first semiconductor layer  126 , such that light emitted from the active region  128  may be directly coupled to the phosphor grains. Although not shown in  FIG.  1 I , an optical coupling medium may be provided to hold the phosphor grains in place. The optical coupling medium may be selected to have a refractive index that is as close as possible without significantly exceeding the index of refraction of the first semiconductor layer  126 . For most efficient operation, no lossy media may be included between the first semiconductor layer  126 , the phosphor grains of the wavelength converting layer  142 , and the optical coupling medium. 
     The phosphor grains may have a grain size between 0.1 µm and 20 µm. The phosphor grains may be applied by, for example, electrophoretic deposition, spin coating, spray coating, screen printing, or other printing techniques to form the wavelength converting layer  142 . In techniques such as spin coating or spray coating, the phosphor may be disposed in a slurry with an organic binder, which may then evaporated after deposit of the slurry by, for example, heating. Optionally, the optical coupling medium may then be applied. Phosphor particles may be nanoparticles themselves (i.e., particles ranging from 100 nm to 1000 nm in size). Spherical phosphor particles, typically produced by spray pyrolysis methods or other methods can be applied, yielding a layer with a high package density which provides advantageous scattering properties. Also, phosphors particles may be coated, for example with a material with a band gap larger than the light emitted by the phosphor, such as SiO 2 , Al 2 O 3 , MePO 4  or -polyphosphate, or other suitable metal oxides. 
     The wavelength converting layer  142  may be a ceramic phosphor, rather than a phosphor powder. A ceramic phosphor may be formed by heating a powder phosphor at high pressure until the surface of the phosphor particles begin to soften and melt. The partially-melted particles may stick together to form a rigid agglomerate of particles. Uniaxial or isostatic pressing steps and vacuum sintering of the preformed “green body” may be necessary to form a polycrystalline ceramic layer. The translucency of the ceramic phosphor (i.e., the amount of scattering it produces) may be controlled from high opacity to high transparency by adjusting the heating or pressing conditions, the fabrication method, the phosphor particle precursor used, and the suitable crystal lattice of the phosphor material. Besides phosphor, other ceramic forming materials such as alumina may be included, for example to facilitate formation of the ceramic or to adjust the refractive index of the ceramic. 
     The wavelength converting layer  142  may be composed of a mixture of silicone and phosphor particles. In this example, the wavelength converting layer  142  may be diced from plates and placed on the bottom surface  136  of the first semiconductor layer  126 . 
     In another example, a PSS substrate having a preformed pattern of raised and recessed areas may be used to form SAG and etched GaN mesas. In yet another example, the first semiconductor layer  126  may be planarized after it is formed in the trenches  122 , such that an upper surface of the sapphire substrate  120  is exposed before the first semiconductor layer  126  is formed. Accordingly, the first semiconductor layer  126  may be formed directly on the first semiconductor layer  126  and an the upper surface of the sapphire substrate  120 . When the sapphire substrate  120  is removed, the wavelength converting layer  142  may be formed directly on a lower surface of the first semiconductor layer  126  and may be bounded by the sidewalls  140  of the first semiconductor layer  126 . 
     A shown in  FIG.  1 I , one or more n-type contacts  1040  may be formed on a sidewall  137  of the epitaxial layer  180  and may extend to the one or more sidewalls  140 . The one or more passivation layers  1019  may fully or partially separate one or more n-type contacts  1040  from the epitaxial layer  180  and the one or more sidewalls  140 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  1 J , a cross-section view illustrating forming a first semiconductor layer  148  on a PSS substrate  144  is shown. The PSS substrate  144  may be composed of a crystalline material, such as aluminum oxide, and may be a commercial sapphire wafer. The PSS substrate  144  may be etched, pattern, or grooved, using conventional patterning and etching techniques. Recessed areas in the PSS substrate  144  may be formed by a dry etching technique, such as RIE and ICP-RIE. The PSS substrate  144  may be similar to the substrate  1114  as described above with reference to  FIG.  1 C  and may be formed using similar techniques. 
     The first semiconductor layer  148  may be formed in the recesses of the PSS substrate  144 . The first semiconductor layer  148  may be composed of one or more materials optimized for lattice matching and coefficient of thermal expansion matching between the PSS substrate  144  and subsequent semiconductor layers. The first semiconductor layer  148  may be composed of a semiconductor material, a metal oxide, a metal nitride, or a combination of a metal and semiconductor materials. Examples of materials that may be used for the first semiconductor layer  148  include, but are not limited to, SiC, Al2O1, GaN, AlN, and AlGaN. The first semiconductor layer  148  may be doped with an n-type dopant such as Si or a p-type dopant such as Mg. The concentration of dopant in the first semiconductor layer  148  may not have a large effect on the index of refraction of the first semiconductor layer  148 , but too large of a dopant concentration may strain the crystal structure of the first semiconductor layer  148 . This may adversely impact the quality of the subsequent semiconductor layers grown over the first semiconductor layer  148 . In an example, the first semiconductor layer  148  may be doped with Si to a nominally constant concentration of 3e18 cm -3  to 5e19 cm -3 . The first semiconductor layer  148  may also have a graded dopant concentration. 
     The first semiconductor layer  148  may be formed using conventional deposition techniques, such as MOCVD, MBE, or other epitaxial techniques. In an epitaxial deposition process, chemical reactants provided by one or more source gases are controlled and the system parameters are set so that depositing atoms arrive at a deposition surface with sufficient energy to move around on the surface and orient themselves to the crystal arrangement of the atoms of the deposition surface. The temperature at which the first semiconductor layer  148  is grown may influence the surface morphology of the semiconductor layers grown over the nucleation layer. The first semiconductor layer  148  may be grown and/or annealed at a high temperature, for example between 900° C. and 1200° C. In another example, the first semiconductor layer  148  may be grown between 1080° C. and 1165° C. 
     The thickness, composition, dopant concentration, and fabrication temperature of the first semiconductor layer  148  may each selected such that the first semiconductor layer  148  both enhances a light extraction of the device by having an index of refraction close to that of the subsequent semiconductor layers and causes favorable surface properties in the subsequent semiconductor layers. 
     The first semiconductor layer  148  may be composed of any Group III-V semiconductors, including binary, ternary, and quaternary alloys of gallium, aluminum, indium, and nitrogen, also referred to as III-nitride materials. For example, the first semiconductor layer  148  may be composed of III-V semiconductors including but not limited to AlN, AlP, AlAs, AlSb, GaN, GaP, GaAs, GaSb, InN, InP, InAs, InSb, II-VI semiconductors including but not limited to ZnS, ZnSe, CdSe, CdTe, group IV semiconductors including but not limited to Ge, Si, SiC, and mixtures or alloys thereof. These semiconductors may have indices of refraction ranging from about 2.4 to about 4.1 at the typical emission wavelengths of LEDs in which they are present. For example, III-nitride semiconductors, such as GaN, may have refractive indices of about 2.4 at 500 nm, and III-phosphide semiconductors, such as InGaP, may have refractive indices of about 3.7 at 600 nm. In an example, the first semiconductor layer  148  may be composed of GaN. 
     The first semiconductor layer  148  may be formed using conventional deposition techniques, such as MOCVD, MBE, or other epitaxial techniques. The first semiconductor layer  148  may be doped with n-type dopants. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  1 K , a cross-section view illustrating forming isolation regions  150  on an upper surface  152  the first semiconductor layer  148  is shown. The isolation regions  150  may be composed of a dielectric material, such as, for example an oxide, a nitride, or an oxynitride. The isolation regions  150  may be formed using a conventional deposition technique, such as, for example, CVD, plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), MOCVD, atomic layer deposition (ALD), evaporation, reactive sputtering, chemical solution deposition, spin-on deposition, or other like processes. The isolation regions  150  may be patterned and etched using conventional techniques. The isolation regions  150  may be formed such that portions of the upper surface  152  of the first semiconductor layer  148  are exposed in openings  154 . A first contact  172  may be formed within the first semiconductor layer  148  prior to deposition of the isolation regions  150 . The first contact  172  may be formed by etching a trench in the first semiconductor layer  148  and filling it with one or more layers of a conductive metal or metal alloy, such as, gold, silver, copper. The first contact  172  may be formed using a conventional deposition technique, such as, for example, CVD, PECVD, MOCVD, ALD, evaporation, reactive sputtering, chemical solution deposition, plating, spin-on deposition, or other like processes. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  1 L , a cross-section view illustrating forming mesas  156  on the first semiconductor layer  148  and the isolation regions  150  is shown. The mesas  156  may be formed such that a first portion  158  of the mesas  156  is in contact with the upper surface  152  of the first semiconductor layer  148 , a second portion  160  of the mesas  156  is in contact with a sidewall of the isolation regions  150 , and a third portion  162  of the mesas  156  is in contact with an upper surface of the isolation regions  150 . 
     The mesas  156  may be composed of any Group III-V semiconductors, including binary, ternary, and quaternary alloys of gallium, aluminum, indium, and nitrogen, also referred to as III-nitride materials. For example, the mesas  156  may be composed of III-V semiconductors including but not limited to AN, AlP, AlAs, AlSb, GaN, GaP, GaAs, GaSb, InN, InP, InAs, InSb, II-VI semiconductors including but not limited to ZnS, ZnSe, CdSe, CdTe, group IV semiconductors including but not limited to Ge, Si, SiC, and mixtures or alloys thereof. These semiconductors may have indices of refraction ranging from about 2.4 to about 4.1 at the typical emission wavelengths of LEDs in which they are present. For example, III-nitride semiconductors, such as GaN, may have refractive indices of about 2.4 at 500 nm, and III-phosphide semiconductors, such as InGaP, may have refractive indices of about 3.7 at 600 nm. In an example, the mesas  156  may be composed of GaN. 
     The mesas  156  may be formed using conventional deposition techniques, such as MOCVD, MBE, or other epitaxial techniques. The mesas  156  may be formed along with the first semiconductor layer  126  and an active region to form an epitaxial layer  1011  as described above with reference to  FIG.  1 B , or they may be formed separately. The mesas  156  may be composed of a similar semiconductor material as the first semiconductor layer  148  or their composition may vary. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  1 M , a cross-section view illustrating forming a second semiconductor layer  164  on the mesas  156  is shown. The second semiconductor layer  164  may be selectively grown on the mesas  156  using a conventional deposition process, such as MOCVD, MBE, or other epitaxial techniques. 
     The second semiconductor layer  164  may be composed of any Group III-V semiconductors, including binary, ternary, and quaternary alloys of gallium, aluminum, indium, and nitrogen, also referred to as III-nitride materials. For example, the second semiconductor layer  164  may be composed of III-V semiconductors including but not limited to AN, AlP, AlAs, AlSb, GaN, GaP, GaAs, GaSb, InN, InP, InAs, InSb, II-VI semiconductors including but not limited to ZnS, ZnSe, CdSe, CdTe, group IV semiconductors including but not limited to Ge, Si, SiC, and mixtures or alloys thereof. These semiconductors may have indices of refraction ranging from about 2.4 to about 4.1 at the typical emission wavelengths of LEDs in which they are present. For example, III-nitride semiconductors, such as GaN, may have refractive indices of about 2.4 at 500 nm, and III-phosphide semiconductors, such as InGaP, may have refractive indices of about 3.7 at 600 nm. In an example, the second semiconductor layer  164  may be composed of AlGaN. 
     The second semiconductor layer  164  may be formed along with the mesas  156  or may be formed separately. The mesas  156  and the second semiconductor layer  164  may be composed of a similar semiconductor material as the first semiconductor layer  148  or their composition may vary. 
     The mesas  156  and the second semiconductor layer  164  may be doped with p-type dopants and the first semiconductor layer  148  may be doped with n-type dopants. Accordingly, portions of the mesas  156  may act as an active region. The active region may be a p-n diode junction associated with the interface of the first semiconductor layer  148  and the mesas  156 . Alternatively, the first semiconductor layer  148  and the mesas  156  may be doped with n-type dopants and the second semiconductor layer  164  may be doped with p-type dopants. Accordingly, portions of the mesas  156  may act as an active region. The active region may be a p-n diode junction associated with the interface of the mesas  156  and the second semiconductor layer  164 . The active region in the mesas  156  may include one or more semiconductor layers that are doped n-type, doped p-type, or are undoped. 
     The active region may emit light upon application of a suitable voltage through the first semiconductor layer  148  and/or the second semiconductor layer  164 . In alternative implementations, the conductivity types of the first semiconductor layer  148 , the mesas  156 , and the second semiconductor layer  164  may be reversed. 
     After the second semiconductor layer  164  is formed, the device may be processed in a number of ways to form topside electrical connections. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  14 - 15   , cross-section views illustrating an example of forming topside electrical connections on the structure of  FIG.  1 M  is shown.  FIG.  1 N  illustrates forming a dielectric layer  166  on the second semiconductor layer  164 . The dielectric layer  166  may be composed of a dielectric material, such as an oxide, a nitride, or an oxynitride. The dielectric layer  166  may be formed on the second semiconductor layer  164  using a conventional deposition technique, such as, for example, CVD, PECVD, MOCVD, ALD, evaporation, reactive sputtering, chemical solution deposition, spin-on deposition, or other like processes. In an example, the dielectric layer  166  may also be formed on the isolation regions  150  and removed using conventional patterning and etching techniques.  FIG.  1 O  illustrates removing a portion of the dielectric layer  166  to expose an upper surface  168  of the second semiconductor layer  164 . The exposed upper surface  168  of the second semiconductor layer  164  may serve as a contact. In an example, the second semiconductor layer  164  may be composed of a p-type material and the upper surface  168  may serve as a p-type contact. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  1 P , a cross-section view illustrating forming a metal contact layer  170  over the mesas  156  to form one or more of the pixels  111  is shown. The metal contact layer  170  may be formed on the dielectric layer  166  and the second semiconductor layer  164 . The metal contact layer  170  may be composed of one or more layers of a conductive metal or metal alloy, such as, gold, silver, copper. The metal contact layer  170  may be formed using a conventional deposition technique, such as, for example, CVD, PECVD, MOCVD, ALD, evaporation, reactive sputtering, chemical solution deposition, plating, spin-on deposition, or other like processes. The metal contact layer  170  may be patterned and etched using conventional techniques. The metal contact layer  170  may act as anode contact and a reflective layer. In an example, an airbridge may be used to form a contact in the first semiconductor layer. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  1 Q , a cross-section view illustrating forming a second contact  175  through the isolation region  150  is shown. The second contact  175  may be formed by etching a trench through the isolation region  150  and a portion of the first semiconductor layer  148  and filling it with one or more layers of a conductive metal or metal alloy, such as, gold, silver, copper. The second contact  175  may be formed using a conventional deposition technique, such as, for example, CVD, PECVD, MOCVD, ALD, evaporation, reactive sputtering, chemical solution deposition, plating, spin-on deposition, or other like processes. The second contact  175  may be similar to the n-type contact  1040  described above with reference to  FIG.  1 B . A passivation layer  177  may be formed between the second contact  175  and the metal contact layer  170 . It should be noted that although one second contact  175  is shown, more than one second contact  175  may be formed in one or more isolation regions  150 . It should be noted that the second contact  175  may be formed in any of the embodiments described herein using the process described above. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  1 R , a cross section view illustrating removing the PSS substrate  144  is shown. The PSS substrate  144  may be removed by a conventional process such as grinding, chemical mechanical polishing (CMP), or laser lift-off. 
     In another example, the PSS substrate may be removed to expose a backside of the device and a common contact may be formed. Referring now to  FIG.  1 S , a cross-section view illustrating removing the PSS substrate  144  and forming a common contact layer  174  is shown. The PSS substrate  144  may be removed by a conventional process such as grinding, chemical mechanical polishing (CMP), or laser lift-off. The removal of the PSS substrate  144  may expose a bottom surface  176  of the first semiconductor layer  148 . In an example, the bottom surface  176  may be roughened after it is exposed. 
     The common contact layer  174  may be formed on the bottom surface  176  of the first semiconductor layer  148 . The common contact layer  174  may be composed of a blanket transparent conductor. In an example, the common contact layer  174  may be composed of a transparent conductive oxide (TCO), such as indium tin oxide (ITO). The common contact layer  174  may be a p-type or an n-type contact. The common contact layer  174  may be formed using a conventional deposition technique, such as, for example, CVD, PECVD, MOCVD, ALD, evaporation, reactive sputtering, chemical solution deposition, spin-on deposition, or other like processes. Because the PSS substrate  144  is removed, a phosphor (not shown) may be mounted directly on the common contact layer  174  to form the LED emitters  102 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  1 T , a cross-section view illustrating another example of forming topside electrical connections in the structure of  FIG.  1 M  is shown.  FIG.  1 T  illustrates forming a metal contact layer  178  on the second semiconductor layer  164 . The metal contact layer  170  may be composed of one or more layers of a conductive metal or metal alloy, such as, gold, silver, copper. The metal contact layer  178  may be formed using a conventional deposition technique, such as, for example, CVD, PECVD, MOCVD, ALD, evaporation, reactive sputtering, chemical solution deposition, plating, spin-on deposition, or other like processes. The metal contact layer  178  may be patterned and etched using conventional techniques. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  1 U , a cross section view illustrating removing the PSS substrate  144  is shown. The PSS substrate  144  may be removed by a conventional process such as grinding, chemical mechanical polishing (CMP), or laser lift-off. 
     An epitaxial layer may be formed on a sapphire substrate. The sapphire substrate may have one or more trenches in which the epitaxial layer is grown. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  1 V , a flowchart illustrating a method of forming a device is shown., . In step  192 , a metal contact may be formed between a first isolation region and a second isolation region on a first surface of the epitaxial layer. In step  194 , a wavelength converting layer may be formed on a second surface of the epitaxial layer between the first sidewall and the second sidewall. The first surface may be distal to the second surface. The first sidewall and the second sidewall may be portions of the epitaxial layer that were formed in the trenches etched into the sapphire substrate. It should be noted that the term “distal” as used herein may be used as a directional term to mean a spatially opposites sides of an element, device, layer, or other structure. A first element and a second element that are on distal sides of a third element may be separated from one another by at least a portion of the third element. For example, an upper surface of a layer may be distal to a lower surface of the layer. 
       FIG.  2 A  is a top view of an electronics board with an LED array  410  attached to a substrate at the LED device attach region  318  in one embodiment. The electronics board together with the LED array  410  represents an LED system  400 A. Additionally, the power module  312  receives a voltage input at Vin  497  and control signals from the connectivity and control module  316  over traces  418 B, and provides drive signals to the LED array  410  over traces  418 A. The LED array  410  is turned on and off via the drive signals from the power module  312 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG.  2 A , the connectivity and control module  316  receives sensor signals from the sensor module  314  over trace  418 C. 
       FIG.  2 B  illustrates one embodiment of a two channel integrated LED lighting system with electronic components mounted on two surfaces of a circuit board  499 . As shown in  FIG.  2 B , an LED lighting system  400 B includes a first surface  445 A having inputs to receive dimmer signals and AC power signals and an AC/DC converter circuit  412  mounted on it. The LED system  400 B includes a second surface  445 B with the dimmer interface circuit  415 , DC-DC converter circuits  440 A and  440 B, a connectivity and control module  416  (a wireless module in this example) having a microcontroller  472 , and an LED array  410  mounted on it. The LED array  410  is driven by two independent channels  411 A and  411 B. In alternative embodiments, a single channel may be used to provide the drive signals to an LED array, or any number of multiple channels may be used to provide the drive signals to an LED array. 
     The LED array  410  may include two groups of LED devices. In an example embodiment, the LED devices of group A are electrically coupled to a first channel  411 A and the LED devices of group B are electrically coupled to a second channel  411 B. Each of the two DC-DC converters  440 A and  440 B may provide a respective drive current via single channels  411 A and  411 B, respectively, for driving a respective group of LEDs A and B in the LED array  410 . The LEDs in one of the groups of LEDs may be configured to emit light having a different color point than the LEDs in the second group of LEDs. Control of the composite color point of light emitted by the LED array  410  may be tuned within a range by controlling the current and/or duty cycle applied by the individual DC/DC converter circuits  440 A and  440 B via a single channel  411 A and  411 B, respectively. Although the embodiment shown in  FIG.  2 B  does not include a sensor module (as described in  FIG.  2 A ), an alternative embodiment may include a sensor module. 
     The illustrated LED lighting system  400 B is an integrated system in which the LED array  410  and the circuitry for operating the LED array  410  are provided on a single electronics board. Connections between modules on the same surface of the circuit board  499  may be electrically coupled for exchanging, for example, voltages, currents, and control signals between modules, by surface or sub-surface interconnections, such as traces  431 ,  432 ,  433 ,  434  and  435  or metallizations (not shown). Connections between modules on opposite surfaces of the circuit board  499  may be electrically coupled by through board interconnections, such as vias and metallizations (not shown). 
     According to embodiments, LED systems may be provided where an LED array is on a separate electronics board from the driver and control circuitry. According to other embodiments, a LED system may have the LED array together with some of the electronics on an electronics board separate from the driver circuit. For example, an LED system may include a power conversion module and an LED module located on a separate electronics board than the LED arrays. 
     According to embodiments, an LED system may include a multi-channel LED driver circuit. For example, an LED module may include embedded LED calibration and setting data and, for example, three groups of LEDs. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that any number of groups of LEDs may be used consistent with one or more applications. Individual LEDs within each group may be arranged in series or in parallel and the light having different color points may be provided. For example, warm white light may be provided by a first group of LEDs, a cool white light may be provided by a second group of LEDs, and a neutral white light may be provided by a third group. 
       FIG.  2 C  shows an example vehicle headlamp system  300  including a vehicle power  302  including a data bus  304 . A sensor module  307  may be connected to the data bus  304  to provide data related to environment conditions (e.g. ambient light conditions, temperature, time, rain, fog, etc), vehicle condition (parked, in-motion, speed, direction), presence/position of other vehicles, pedestrians, objects, or the like. The sensor module  307  may be similar to or the same as the sensor module  314  of  FIG.  2 A . AC/DC Converter  305  may be connected to the vehicle power  302 . 
     The AC/DC converter  312  of  FIG.  2 C  may be the same as or similar to the AC/DC converter  412  of  FIG.  2 B  and may receive AC power from the vehicle power  302 . It may convert the AC power to DC power as described in  FIG.  2 B  for AC-DC converter  412 . The vehicle head lamp system  300  may include an active head lamp  330  which receives one or more inputs provided by or based on the AC/DC converter  305 , connectivity and control module  306 , and/or sensor module  307 . As an example, the sensor module  307  may detect the presence of a pedestrian such that the pedestrian is not well lit, which may reduce the likelihood that a driver sees the pedestrian. Based on such sensor input, the connectivity and control module  306  may output data to the active head lamp  330  using power provided from the AC/DC converter  305  such that the output data activates a subset of LEDs in an LED array contained within active head lamp  330 . The subset of LEDs in the LED array, when activated, may emit light in the direction where the sensor module  307  sensed the presence of the pedestrian. These subset of LEDs may be deactivated or their light beam direction may otherwise be modified after the sensor module 207 provides updated data confirming that the pedestrian is no longer in a path of the vehicle that includes vehicle head lamp system. 
       FIG.  3    shows an example system  550  which includes an application platform  560 , LED systems  552  and  556 , and optics  554  and  558 . The LED System  552  produces light beams  561  shown between arrows 561a and 561b. The LED System  556  may produce light beams  562  between arrows 562a and 562b. In the embodiment shown in  FIG.  3   , the light emitted from LED System  552  passes through secondary optics  554 , and the light emitted from the LED System  556  passes through secondary optics  554 . In alternative embodiments, the light beams  561  and  562  do not pass through any secondary optics. The secondary optics may be or may include one or more light guides. The one or more light guides may be edge lit or may have an interior opening that defines an interior edge of the light guide. LED systems  552  and/or  556  may be inserted in the interior openings of the one or more light guides such that they inject light into the interior edge (interior opening light guide) or exterior edge (edge lit light guide) of the one or more light guides. LEDs in LED systems  552  and/or  556  may be arranged around the circumference of a base that is part of the light guide. According to an implementation, the base may be thermally conductive. According to an implementation, the base may be coupled to a heat-dissipating element that is disposed over the light guide. The heat-dissipating element may be arranged to receive heat generated by the LEDs via the thermally conductive base and dissipate the received heat. The one or more light guides may allow light emitted by LED systems  552  and  556  to be shaped in a desired manner such as, for example, with a gradient, a chamfered distribution, a narrow distribution, a wide distribution, an angular distribution, or the like. 
     In example embodiments, the system  550  may be a mobile phone of a camera flash system, indoor residential or commercial lighting, outdoor light such as street lighting, an automobile, a medical device, AR/VR devices, and robotic devices. The LED System  400 A shown in  FIG.  2 A  and vehicle head lamp system  300  shown in  FIG.  2 C  illustrate LED systems  552  and  556  in example embodiments. 
     The application platform  560  may provide power to the LED systems  552  and/or  556  via a power bus via line  565  or other applicable input, as discussed herein. Further, application platform  560  may provide input signals via line  565  for the operation of the LED system  552  and LED system  556 , which input may be based on a user input/preference, a sensed reading, a preprogrammed or autonomously determined output, or the like. One or more sensors may be internal or external to the housing of the application platform  560 . Alternatively or in addition, as shown in the LED system  400  of  FIG.  2 A , each LED System  552  and  556  may include its own sensor module, connectivity and control module, power module, and/or LED devices. 
     In embodiments, application platform  560  sensors and/or LED system  552  and/or  556  sensors may collect data such as visual data (e.g., LIDAR data, IR data, data collected via a camera, etc.), audio data, distance based data, movement data, environmental data, or the like or a combination thereof. The data may be related a physical item or entity such as an object, an individual, a vehicle, etc. For example, sensing equipment may collect object proximity data for an ADAS/AV based application, which may prioritize the detection and subsequent action based on the detection of a physical item or entity. The data may be collected based on emitting an optical signal by, for example, LED system  552  and/or  556 , such as an IR signal and collecting data based on the emitted optical signal. The data may be collected by a different component than the component that emits the optical signal for the data collection. Continuing the example, sensing equipment may be located on an automobile and may emit a beam using a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL). The one or more sensors may sense a response to the emitted beam or any other applicable input. 
     In example embodiment, application platform  560  may represent an automobile and LED system  552  and LED system  556  may represent automobile headlights. In various embodiments, the system  550  may represent an automobile with steerable light beams where LEDs may be selectively activated to provide steerable light. For example, an array of LEDs may be used to define or project a shape or pattern or illuminate only selected sections of a roadway. In an example embodiment, Infrared cameras or detector pixels within LED systems  552  and/or  556  may be sensors (e.g., similar to sensors module  314  of  FIGS.  2 A and  307    of  FIG.  2 C ) that identify portions of a scene (roadway, pedestrian crossing, etc.) that require illumination. 
     Having described the embodiments in detail, those skilled in the art will appreciate that, given the present description, modifications may be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit of the inventive concept. Therefore, it is not intended that the scope of the invention be limited to the specific embodiments illustrated and described.