Patent Description:
<CIT> discloses a light-emitting device including: a semiconductor laser element; a reflective body configured to reflect upward light emitted from the semiconductor laser element; a light-transmissive body through which the light reflected by the reflective body passes; and a wavelength conversion member on which the light emitted from the light-transmissive body is incident.

<CIT> discloses a phosphor member which includes a phosphor portion including a first surface and a second surface; and a surrounding portion connected to an outer edge of the first surface and connected to an outer edge of the second surface.

The present disclosure realizes a light-emitting device that includes a semiconductor laser element and a wavelength conversion member, and can be produced at a lower cost.

Alternatively or additionally to the above, the present disclosure realizes a light-emitting device that includes a semiconductor laser element and a wavelength conversion member, and includes a smaller number of parts that constitute the light-emitting device.

Alternatively or additionally to the above, the present disclosure realizes a light-emitting device that includes a semiconductor laser element and a wavelength conversion member, and can be produced by a simpler production process.

According to at least one embodiment disclosed herein, the above-described light-emitting device is realized.

In the present specification and the claims, as for polygons such as triangles and quadrangles, polygons with rounded corners, beveled corners, angled corners, reverse-rounded corners are also referred to as polygons. Likewise, not only shapes with such modification at corners (end of sides) but also shapes with modifications at intermediate portions of sides of the shapes are also referred to as polygons. That is, shapes based on polygons with partial modification are also interpreted as "polygons" in the present specification and the claims.

Such interpretation is applied not only to polygons but also applies to terms denoting specific shapes such as trapezoids, circles, projections, and recesses. The same applies to sides forming such shapes. That is, even if an end or an intermediate portion of a side is modified, the modified portion is interpreted as a portion of a "side. " When "polygons" and "sides" without such modified portions are intended to be distinguished from those with modifications, the term "exact" is added, such as an "exact quadrangle.

Also, in the present specification and the claims, such terms as "top and bottom (above/below)," "left and right," "front face and rear face," "back and forth (backward/forward)," and "front and back" just describe relative relationships of, for example, positions, orientations, and directions, and do not necessarily match actual relationships in use.

Also, in the drawings, directions such as an X direction, a Y direction, and a Z direction may be indicated by arrows. Directions of these arrows are consistent between a plurality of drawings according to the same embodiment. Also, in the drawings, the directions indicated by the arrows with X, Y, and Z are positive directions, and the opposite directions thereto are negative directions. For example, the direction indicated by the arrow with X at the tip thereof is the X direction and the positive direction. Note that a direction that is the X direction and the positive direction is referred to as a "positive X-direction," and the opposite direction thereto is referred to as a "negative X-direction. " The same applies to the Y direction and Z direction.

Also, in the present specification, the terms "member" and "portion" may be used, for example, when components are described. The term "member" refers to an object that is physically treated as a single body. The object that is physically treated as a single body can also be an object that is treated as a single part in a production process. Meanwhile, the term "portion" refers to an object that is not necessarily physically treated as a single body. For example, the term "portion" is used, for example, when a part of a single member is treated or when a plurality of members is collectively treated as a single object.

Note that use of the above different terms, "member" and "portion", is not intended to intentionally limit the claimed scope in the interpretation of the doctrine of equivalents. Specifically, even if there is a component expressed by the term "member" in the claims, the applicant does not necessarily imply only from the use of this term that it is indispensable that this component is physically treated as a single body in the application of the present invention.

Also, in the present specification and the claims, when there are a plurality of certain components and these components are distinguishably expressed, the terms "first" and "second" may be added before those components for distinction. Also, there may be a case in which an object distinguished is different between in the present specification and in the claims. Therefore, even if the claims describe a component having the same labelling term as in the present specification, an object that is specified by this component is not necessarily the same between in the present specification and in the claims.

For example, when the present specification describes components distinguished with "first," "second," and "third," and the components with "first" and "third" in the present specification are described in the claims, those components may be labelled with "first" and "second" in the claims from the viewpoint of readability. In this case, the components with "first" and "second" in the claims respectively refer to the components with "first" and "third" in the present specification. Note that this rule is not only applied to components but also applied to other objects reasonably and flexibly.

In more detail, referring to the drawings, specific embodiments of the present invention will also be described. Note that the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those specific embodiments of the present invention. In other words, the embodiments of the present invention are not only the embodiments that are illustrated in the drawings. Note that the sizes, positional relationships, etc. of the members illustrated in the drawings may be emphasized for the ease of understanding.

Light-emitting devices <NUM> according to the embodiments will be described. <FIG> are drawings each depicting one exemplary form of the light-emitting devices <NUM>. <FIG> is a perspective view of the light-emitting device <NUM>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of <FIG> taken along cross-sectional line II-II. <FIG> are drawings depicting the light-emitting device <NUM> including a wavelength conversion member 40A, which is the first example of a wavelength conversion member <NUM>. <FIG> are drawings depicting the light-emitting device <NUM> including a wavelength conversion member 40B, which is the second example of the wavelength conversion member <NUM>. <FIG> are drawings depicting the light-emitting device <NUM> including a wavelength conversion member 40C, which is the third example of the wavelength conversion member <NUM>. <FIG> are drawings depicting the light-emitting device <NUM> including a wavelength conversion member 40D, which is the fourth example of the wavelength conversion member <NUM>. <FIG> are drawings depicting the light-emitting device <NUM> including a wavelength conversion member 40E, which is the fifth example of the wavelength conversion member <NUM>. <FIG> are drawings depicting the light-emitting device <NUM> including a wavelength conversion member 40F, which is the sixth example of the wavelength conversion member <NUM>. <FIG> are drawings depicting the light-emitting device <NUM> including a wavelength conversion member <NUM>, which is the seventh example of the wavelength conversion member <NUM>. <FIG> are drawings depicting the light-emitting device <NUM> including a wavelength conversion member <NUM>, which is the eighth example of the wavelength conversion member <NUM>. <FIG> are drawings depicting the light-emitting device <NUM> including a wavelength conversion member 40I, which is the ninth example of the wavelength conversion member <NUM>. <FIG> are drawings depicting the light-emitting device <NUM> including a wavelength conversion member 40J, which is the tenth example of the wavelength conversion member <NUM>. <FIG> are drawings depicting the light-emitting device <NUM> including a wavelength conversion member <NUM>, which is the eleventh example of the wavelength conversion member <NUM>. <FIG> are drawings depicting the light-emitting device <NUM> including a wavelength conversion member <NUM>, which is the twelfth example of the wavelength conversion member <NUM>. <FIG> are drawings depicting the light-emitting device <NUM> including a wavelength conversion member <NUM>, which is the thirteenth example of the wavelength conversion member <NUM>. <FIG> are drawings depicting the light-emitting device <NUM> of the modified example including a wavelength conversion member 40N, which is the fourteenth example of the wavelength conversion member <NUM>. <FIG> are drawings depicting the light-emitting device <NUM> of the modified example including a wavelength conversion member 40P, which is the fifteenth example of the wavelength conversion member <NUM>. <FIG> are drawings depicting the light-emitting device <NUM> of the modified example including a wavelength conversion member 40Q, which is the sixteenth example of the wavelength conversion member <NUM>. Note that, except for <FIG>, the light-emitting device <NUM> is illustrated in a state of being seeable through the surface of a cover portion <NUM> including a light transmissive portion and a light-shielding film. Also, the six-face views are not the same as the actual sizes, and are illustrated without emphasizing differences in size and positional relationships between the members. Also, the six-face views are a front view indicated by arrow F1, a rear view indicated by arrow F2, a plan view indicated by arrow F3, a bottom view indicated by arrow F4, a right-hand side view indicated by arrow F5, and a left-hand side view indicated by arrow F6.

The light-emitting device <NUM> includes a plurality of components. The plurality of components includes a package <NUM>, a semiconductor laser element <NUM>, a submount <NUM>, and the wavelength conversion member <NUM>. Note that the light-emitting device <NUM> may further include other components. Also, the light-emitting device <NUM> may not include some of the plurality of components described above.

First, each of the components will be described.

The package <NUM> includes a base portion <NUM>, a frame portion <NUM>, and the cover portion <NUM>. The package <NUM> includes, for example, a base member constituting the base portion <NUM> and the frame portion <NUM>, and a cover member constituting the cover portion <NUM>. Note that the base member may be formed by bonding a mounted member constituting the base portion <NUM> to a frame member constituting the frame portion <NUM>. Alternatively, the package <NUM> may include a base member constituting the base portion <NUM>, and a cover member constituting the frame portion <NUM> and the cover portion <NUM>.

The package <NUM> includes a closed space in the interior thereof. This inner space (closed space formed in the interior) is a sealed space. Also, this inner space is a space that is hermetically sealed in a predetermined atmosphere.

The package <NUM> includes disposition regions where other components are disposed. The disposition regions are provided on the upper surface of the package <NUM>. Although the disposition regions are not necessarily provided on the same plane, the disposition regions are provided on planes facing toward the same direction (here, on planes facing upward).

A main material of the mounted member is, for example, a metal or a metal-containing composite. For example, the main material of the mounted member is copper. Also, a main material of the frame member is, for example, a ceramic. For example, the main material of the frame member is aluminum nitride, silicon nitride, or aluminum oxide. Also, a main material of the cover member is, for example, quartz, silicon carbide, sapphire, or glass. Note that, when the base portion <NUM> and the frame portion <NUM> are integrally formed using the same material, the main material of the base member is a ceramic.

As used herein, the main material refers to a material that has the highest weight or volume percentage in a formed product of interest. Note that, when the formed product of interest is formed from one material, that material is the main material. That is, the fact that a certain material is the main material includes a case in which the percentage of that material can be <NUM>%.

The semiconductor laser element <NUM> has emission end surfaces that emit light. The semiconductor laser element <NUM> has an upper surface, a lower surface, and a plurality of lateral surfaces. The lateral surfaces of the semiconductor laser element <NUM> become the emission end surfaces. The outer shape of the semiconductor laser element <NUM> in a top view is a rectangular shape having long sides and short sides. This outer shape is not necessarily such a rectangular shape.

The semiconductor laser element <NUM> to be used can be, for example, a semiconductor laser element that emits blue light. As used herein, the blue light refers to light having a light emission peak within the range of <NUM> to <NUM>. Note that the semiconductor laser element <NUM> to be used may be a semiconductor laser element that emits light of another color. The semiconductor laser element <NUM> to be used may be a semiconductor laser that emits light having a light emission peak within the range of <NUM> to <NUM>.

The semiconductor laser element <NUM> is, for example, a semiconductor laser element containing a nitride semiconductor. As the nitride semiconductor, for example, GaN, InGaN, and AlGaN can be used.

Here, the light emitted from the semiconductor laser element will be described. The light emitted from the semiconductor laser element (laser beam) exhibits divergence. The light emitted from the semiconductor laser element forms an elliptic far-field pattern (hereinafter referred to as "FFP") in a plane parallel to the emission end surface of the light. The FFP indicates the shape or light intensity distribution of emitted light at a position away from the emission end surface.

Here, light passing through the center of the elliptic shape of the FFP, in other words, light having a peak intensity in the light intensity distribution of the FFP, is referred to as light traveling along an optical axis or light lying along an optical axis. Also, light having an intensity of <NUM>/e<NUM> or more of the peak intensity in the light intensity distribution of the FFP is referred to as a main portion of the light.

The shape of the FFP of the light emitted from the semiconductor laser element is an elliptic shape that is longer in a stacking direction than in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction in the plane parallel to the emission end surface of the light. The stacking direction refers to a direction in which a plurality of semiconductor layers including an active layer are stacked in the semiconductor laser element. The direction perpendicular to the stacking direction can also be referred to as a plane direction of the semiconductor layers. Further, a direction along the major axis of the elliptic shape of the FFP can also be referred to as a fast axis direction of the semiconductor laser element, and a direction along the minor axis of the elliptic shape of the FFP can also be referred to as a slow axis direction of the semiconductor laser element.

On the basis of the light intensity distribution of the FFP, an angle at which light having a light intensity of <NUM>/e<NUM> of the peak light intensity diverges is referred to as an angle of divergence of the light of the semiconductor laser element. The angle of divergence may be determined from, for example, a light intensity half the peak light intensity, as well as from the light intensity of <NUM>/e<NUM> of the peak light intensity. In the description of the present specification, the term "angle of divergence" refers to the angle of divergence of the light at a light intensity of <NUM>/e<NUM> of the peak light intensity. Note that the angle of divergence in the fast axis direction is larger than the angle of divergence in the slow axis direction.

As the semiconductor laser element <NUM>, for example, it is possible to use a semiconductor laser element having an angle of divergence in the slow axis direction of <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees. As the semiconductor laser element <NUM>, for example, it is possible to use a semiconductor laser element having an angle of divergence in the fast axis direction of <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees.

The submount <NUM> has an upper surface and a lower surface. The submount <NUM> is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The submount <NUM> has, in a top view, a rectangular outer shape having long sides and short sides. The width of the submount <NUM> is the smallest in the up-and-down direction. The width of the submount <NUM> in the up-and-down direction can be <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less. Note that the shape of the submount <NUM> is not limited to a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The submount <NUM> can be formed using, for example, silicon nitride, aluminum nitride, or silicon carbide.

The wavelength conversion member <NUM> includes a wavelength conversion portion <NUM> and a reflective portion <NUM>. In the wavelength conversion member <NUM>, the surface of a part of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> is covered with the reflective portion <NUM>, and the surface of the other part thereof is not covered with the reflective portion <NUM>.

The wavelength conversion portion <NUM> has an upper surface 42A, a lower surface 42B, and one or more lateral surfaces <NUM>. In the wavelength conversion member <NUM>, the upper surface 42A of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> is not covered with the reflective portion <NUM>. In the wavelength conversion member <NUM>, a part of the one or more lateral surfaces <NUM> is covered with the reflective portion <NUM>, and the other part thereof is not covered with the reflective portion <NUM>. The part of the one or more lateral surfaces <NUM> covered with the reflective portion <NUM> contacts the reflective portion <NUM>.

The wavelength conversion portion <NUM> includes a light incident surface and a light-emitting surface. In the wavelength conversion portion <NUM>, a region of the one or more lateral surfaces <NUM> that is not covered with the reflective portion <NUM> can be the light incident surface. In the wavelength conversion portion <NUM>, a region of the upper surface 42A that is not covered with the reflective portion <NUM> can be the light-emitting surface. The reflective portion <NUM> is provided on a surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> that does not include the light incident surface and the light-emitting surface.

For example, the one lateral surface <NUM> not covered with the reflective portion <NUM> in the entirety thereof can be the light incident surface. Also, for example, an uncovered region of the one lateral surface <NUM> that is partially covered with the reflective portion <NUM> can be the light incident surface. Also, for example, one region that is formed by selectively combining these lateral surfaces <NUM> and is not covered with the reflective portion <NUM> can be the light incident surface.

The lower surface 42B of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> is not covered with the reflective portion <NUM>. Note that the lower surface 42B may be covered with the reflective portion <NUM>.

In the wavelength conversion portion <NUM>, a region of the one or more lateral surfaces <NUM> that is located opposite to the light incident surface is covered with the reflective portion <NUM>. In the wavelength conversion portion <NUM>, a region of the one or more lateral surfaces <NUM> that is continuous from the light incident surface is covered with the reflective portion <NUM>. In the wavelength conversion portion <NUM>, all of the one or more lateral surfaces <NUM> that intersect the light incident surface are covered with the reflective portion <NUM>. In the wavelength conversion portion <NUM>, the entire region of the one or more lateral surfaces <NUM> that is other than the light incident surface is covered with the reflective portion <NUM>.

On the surface of the wavelength conversion member <NUM>, the light incident surface and the light-emitting surface do not connect to each other. In other words, the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> can be formed of one single member, but on the surface of the wavelength conversion member <NUM>, the light incident surface and the light-emitting surface are not directly connected. On the surface of the wavelength conversion member <NUM>, the reflective portion <NUM> separates the light incident surface and the light-emitting surface from each other.

In a plan view perpendicular to the light-emitting surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM>, the reflective portion <NUM> surrounds the entire periphery of the light-emitting surface. In a plan view perpendicular to the light incident surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM>, the upper end of the light incident surface is located below the upper surface 42A.

The reflective portion <NUM> has a lateral surface that is flush with the light incident surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> and extends at least laterally. Also, this lateral surface is flush with the light incident surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> and can extend upward of the light incident surface. Note that, as used herein, the term "laterally" means the same direction as the Y direction in the light-emitting device <NUM> as illustrated. The reflective portion <NUM> includes a projecting portion that projects laterally of the light incident surface. The projecting portion is formed above the light incident surface. The projecting portion is formed between the upper end of the light incident surface and the upper end of the light-emitting surface. Further, a part of the projecting portion can be formed below the upper end of the light incident surface or above the upper end of the light-emitting surface.

The light-emitting surface and the light incident surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> satisfy a relationship that there is an imaginary line that runs in an inner region of the outer edge of the light-emitting surface (the inner region excluding the outer edge), is perpendicular to the light-emitting surface, and penetrates the light incident surface.

The wavelength conversion portion <NUM> contains a phosphor. Examples of the phosphor include cerium-activated yttrium-aluminum-garnet (YAG), cerium-activated lutetium-aluminum-garnet (LAG), europium-activated silicate ((Sr,Ba)<NUM>SiO<NUM>), α-SiAlON phosphors, and β-SiAlON phosphors. Among these phosphors, YAG phosphors have good heat resistance.

The wavelength conversion portion <NUM> is preferably formed using, as the main material, an inorganic material that is readily decomposed by irradiation with light. The main material of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> is, for example, a ceramic. Note that the main material is not limited to the ceramic. Also, the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> may be formed of a single crystal of the phosphor. Examples of the ceramic include aluminum oxide, aluminum nitride, silicon oxide, yttrium oxide, zirconium oxide, and magnesium oxide.

The wavelength conversion portion <NUM> is formed using, for example, a ceramic as the main material. Also, for example, the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> is a sintered body. The wavelength conversion portion <NUM> can be formed by sintering, for example, a phosphor and a light-transmissive material such as aluminum oxide. Also, for example, it may be possible to use a ceramic that is formed by sintering powder of a phosphor and substantially consists of the phosphor.

The main material of the reflective portion <NUM> is, for example, a ceramic. Examples of the ceramic to be used as the main material include aluminum oxide, aluminum nitride, silicon oxide, yttrium oxide, zirconium oxide, and magnesium oxide. The reflective portion <NUM> is formed using, for example, a ceramic as the main material. Also, for example, the reflective portion <NUM> is a sintered body.

The wavelength conversion member <NUM> can be formed by, for example, integrally sintering the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> and the reflective portion <NUM>. Note that the main material of the reflective portion <NUM> is not necessarily a ceramic. For example, the reflective portion <NUM> can be constituted of a metal film containing a metal as the main material, or a dielectric multilayer film formed by stacking dielectric layers to form a multilayer. Examples of the metal to be used as the main material include silver and aluminum. Also, the dielectric layers can be formed using, for example, silicon oxide, niobium oxide, aluminum oxide, aluminum nitride, titanium oxide, or tantalum oxide.

Next, the light-emitting device <NUM> including the above-described components will be described.

In the light-emitting device <NUM>, the semiconductor laser element <NUM> is disposed in the inner space of the package <NUM>. The semiconductor laser element <NUM> is disposed in the base portion <NUM> of the package <NUM>. The semiconductor laser element <NUM> is disposed in the disposition region of the package <NUM>.

The semiconductor laser element <NUM> emits laterally traveling light from the emission end surface. The semiconductor laser element <NUM> emits light traveling in the first direction from the emission end surface. The light that is emitted from the semiconductor laser element <NUM> and travels along the optical axis can be the light traveling in the first direction. In the light-emitting device as illustrated, the first direction is the same direction as the positive X-direction.

The semiconductor laser element <NUM> is mounted in the package <NUM> via the submount <NUM>. The submount <NUM> is bonded to the upper surface (disposition region) of the package <NUM>, and the semiconductor laser element <NUM> is disposed on the submount <NUM>. By including the submount <NUM>, a light-emission point of the semiconductor laser element <NUM> can be made high.

In the light-emitting device <NUM>, the wavelength conversion member <NUM> is disposed in the inner space of the package <NUM>. The wavelength conversion member <NUM> is disposed in the disposition region of the package <NUM>. The wavelength conversion member <NUM> is disposed at a position away in the first direction from a position at which the semiconductor laser element <NUM> is disposed. The wavelength conversion member <NUM> is disposed such that the light incident surface is oriented to face the emission end surface of the semiconductor laser element <NUM>. Note that, in a top view, a projecting portion of the wavelength conversion member <NUM> can partially overlap the semiconductor laser element <NUM>.

In a plan view perpendicular to the light-emitting surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM>, a region of at least <NUM>% or more of the light incident surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> is included in a region away in the first direction from an imaginary line that passes through the point of the light-emitting surface closest to the semiconductor laser element <NUM> and is parallel to the second direction. Note that the second direction is a perpendicular direction to the first direction in the plan view perpendicular to the light-emitting surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM>. In the light-emitting device as illustrated, the second direction is the same direction as the Y direction.

The semiconductor laser element <NUM> emits light traveling from the emission end surface toward the wavelength conversion member <NUM>. The light emitted from the semiconductor laser element <NUM> is incident on the light incident surface. In the light incident surface, a main portion of the light emitted from the semiconductor laser element <NUM> is included in the outer edge of the light incident surface. The wavelength conversion portion <NUM> emits light converted in wavelength based on the light emitted from the semiconductor laser element <NUM>. The wavelength conversion portion <NUM> emits the light converted in wavelength from the light-emitting surface.

The light incident surface of the wavelength conversion member <NUM> has such a shape that the maximum width thereof in a third direction is larger than the maximum width thereof in the second direction. On a plane perpendicular to the first direction, the main portion of the light emitted from the semiconductor laser element <NUM> preferably has such a shape that is longer in the third direction than in the second direction. Note that the second direction and the third direction are orthogonal to each other. In the light-emitting device as illustrated, the third direction is the same direction as the Z direction. For example, the fast axis direction of the FFP of the light emitted from the semiconductor laser element <NUM> is set to the same direction as the third direction, and the slow axis direction thereof is set to the same direction as the second direction. Thereby, it is possible to suppress emission of the light from the light incident surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM>, and efficiently output light from the light-emitting surface of the wavelength conversion member <NUM>.

Note that the light incident surface of the wavelength conversion member <NUM> may have such a shape that the maximum width thereof in the third direction is smaller than the maximum width thereof in the second direction. Adjustment of such a shape is possible by, for example, adjusting the length of the wavelength conversion member <NUM> in the third direction or adjusting the size of the light-emitting surface. In this case, on a plane perpendicular to the first direction, the main portion of the light emitted from the semiconductor laser element <NUM> preferably has a shape that is longer in the second direction than in the third direction. For example, the fast axis direction of the FFP of the light emitted from the semiconductor laser element <NUM> is set to the same direction as the second direction, and the slow axis direction thereof is set to the same direction as the third direction. Thereby, it is possible to suppress emission of the light from the light incident surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM>, and efficiently output light from the light-emitting surface of the wavelength conversion member <NUM>.

From the light-emitting surface of the wavelength conversion member <NUM>, the light from the semiconductor laser element <NUM> or the light converted in wavelength by the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> is emitted. Although it is possible to emit only the light converted in wavelength from the light-emitting surface, for example, it is also possible to emit white light by emitting the blue light emitted from the semiconductor laser element <NUM> in combination with yellow fluorescent light emitted from the phosphor contained in the wavelength conversion portion <NUM>.

The light emitted from the light-emitting surface of the wavelength conversion member <NUM> passes through the package <NUM>, and is emitted to the exterior of the package <NUM>. The light emitted from the light-emitting surface of the wavelength conversion member <NUM> passes through the cover portion <NUM> of the package <NUM>, and is emitted upward. In this way, when the wavelength conversion member having the light incident surface at the lateral surface thereof and the light-emitting surface at the upper surface thereof is used, the number of parts can be reduced as compared with a configuration including a mirror and a wavelength conversion member. Also, the production process thereof can be simplified as compared with a production process including mounting the mirror in a package and mounting the wavelength conversion member on the package. Also, the light-emitting device can be produced at a lower cost.

Also, because the semiconductor laser element <NUM> emits light laterally, it is possible to produce the light-emitting device having a structure in which the laser beam from the semiconductor laser element <NUM> is not directly emitted from the cover portion <NUM> of the package <NUM>. Therefore, safety of the light-emitting device utilizing the laser beam can be enhanced.

The reflective portion <NUM> reflects: the light emitted from the semiconductor laser element <NUM> and incident on the wavelength conversion portion <NUM>; and the light converted in wavelength by the wavelength conversion portion <NUM>. In a region of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> that is covered with the reflective portion <NUM>, the light incident on the reflective portion <NUM> from the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> is reflected by the reflective portion <NUM> and returned back to the wavelength conversion portion <NUM>. This suppresses emission of the light from the region other than the light incident surface or the light-emitting surface, and efficiently outputs the light from the light-emitting surface.

In the light-emitting device <NUM>, in a direction perpendicular to the lower surface of the package <NUM>, the length from the upper surface of the semiconductor laser element <NUM> to the lower surface of the cover portion <NUM> of the package <NUM> is smaller than the width of the wavelength conversion member <NUM>. By satisfying such a condition, even if the wavelength conversion member <NUM> mounted in the package <NUM> becomes detached from the package <NUM>, it is possible to restrict a movable range of the wavelength conversion member <NUM>, and contribute to increase in safety of the light-emitting device <NUM>.

The package <NUM> includes a light-shielding portion configured to shield light having the same wavelength range as the wavelength range of the light emitted from the semiconductor laser element <NUM>. Also, the package <NUM> includes a light transmissive portion configured to transmit therethrough the light emitted from the light-emitting surface of the wavelength conversion member <NUM> and emit the light to the exterior. For example, the light-shielding portion is provided at the frame portion <NUM> of the package <NUM>. Also, for example, the light transmissive portion is provided at the cover portion <NUM> of the package <NUM>.

In the light-emitting device <NUM>, the light-shielding portion is not necessarily disposed on an extension of an optical path through which the main portion of the light emitted from the emission end surface of the semiconductor laser element <NUM> is emitted from the emission end surface toward the uppermost point and incident on the wavelength conversion member <NUM>.

In the light-emitting device <NUM>, the light transmissive portion may be disposed on an extension of an optical path through which the main portion of the light is emitted from the emission end surface of the semiconductor laser element <NUM> toward the uppermost point and incident on the wavelength conversion member <NUM>, and on a line segment before intersection between the extension and the light-shielding portion.

In the light-emitting device <NUM>, the cover portion <NUM> of the package <NUM> is provided, at the upper or lower surface of the cover portion <NUM>, with the light-shielding film surrounding the light transmissive portion. The light-shielding film is provided, at the upper or lower surface of the cover portion <NUM>, over the entire region excluding the light transmissive portion. Thereby, it is possible to emit light from a desired region of the package <NUM>, and suppress emission of light from the other region. Note that, in the light-emitting device <NUM> as illustrated, the light-shielding film is provided on the lower surface of the cover portion <NUM>.

In the light-emitting device <NUM>, in a top view, the light-emitting surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> does not overlap the light-shielding film of the cover portion <NUM>. In the light-emitting device <NUM>, in a top view, the upper surface of the reflective portion <NUM> partially overlaps the light-shielding film of the cover portion <NUM>. In the light-emitting device <NUM>, in a top view, the outer edge of the wavelength conversion member <NUM> partially overlaps the light-shielding film of the cover portion <NUM>. Note that, in the light-emitting device <NUM>, in a top view, the outer edge of the wavelength conversion member <NUM> may entirely overlap the light-shielding film of the cover portion <NUM>. Alternatively, in the light-emitting device <NUM>, in a top view, the outer edge of the wavelength conversion member <NUM> does not necessarily entirely overlap the light-shielding film of the cover portion <NUM>.

Here, as examples of the wavelength conversion member <NUM> included in the light-emitting device <NUM>, a wavelength conversion member 40A to a wavelength conversion member 40Q will be described. Also, the light-emitting device <NUM> including the wavelength conversion member <NUM> of each of the examples will be described.

<FIG> are drawings in relation to the wavelength conversion member 40A. In a plan view perpendicular to the light-emitting surface, the light-emitting surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> has a shape having a first region decreasing in width in the second direction from the side closest to the semiconductor laser element <NUM> toward the first direction. Adjusting the shape of the light-emitting surface can adjust a distribution of the light emitted from the light-emitting device. Also, the light-emitting surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> is a triangular shape. Note that, in the wavelength conversion member 40A as illustrated, the first direction is the same direction as the positive X-direction.

The maximum width in the second direction of the light incident surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> is larger than the minimum width in the second direction in the first region of the light-emitting surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM>.

The maximum width in the second direction of the light incident surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> is the same as the maximum width in the second direction in the first region of the light-emitting surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM>.

At a position that passes through a point at which the light lying along the optical axis from the semiconductor laser element <NUM> is incident on the light incident surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM>, the maximum width in the second direction of the light incident surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> is smaller than the maximum width in the second direction in the first region of the light-emitting surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM>.

In a plan view perpendicular to the light-emitting surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM>, a region of at least <NUM>% or more of the light incident surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> is included in an inner region of the outer edge of the light-emitting surface (the inner region excluding the outer edge). Also, in the plan view perpendicular to the light-emitting surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM>, a region of at least <NUM>% or more of the light incident surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> is included in an inner region of the first region (the inner region excluding the outer edge of the first region). Such a shape can be simply produced because the shape can be formed by, for example, using a polygonal columnar wavelength conversion portion having an upper surface and a lower surface each having the same shape as the light-emitting surface and subjecting the polygonal columnar wavelength conversion portion to half-cut dicing so as to cut the lower surface while avoiding reaching the upper surface.

The shape of the outer edge of the upper surface of the reflective portion <NUM> is, in a plan view perpendicular to the upper surface, a shape having a second region that is constant in width in the second direction from the point closest to the semiconductor laser element <NUM> toward the first direction. The shape of the outer edge of the upper surface of the reflective portion <NUM> is a quadrangle.

<FIG> are drawings in relation to the wavelength conversion member 40B. In a plan view perpendicular to the light-emitting surface, the light-emitting surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> has a shape having a first region decreasing in width in the second direction from the side closest to the semiconductor laser element <NUM> toward the first direction. Adjusting the shape of the light-emitting surface can adjust a distribution of the light emitted from the light-emitting device. Also, the light-emitting surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> is a quadrangular shape. Note that, in the wavelength conversion member 40B as illustrated, the first direction is the same direction as the positive X-direction.

The maximum width in the second direction of the light incident surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> is the same as the minimum width in the second direction in the first region of the light-emitting surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM>.

The maximum width in the second direction of the light incident surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> is smaller than the maximum width in the second direction in the first region of the light-emitting surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM>.

At a position that passes through a point at which the light lying along the optical axis from the semiconductor laser element <NUM> is incident on the light incident surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM>, the width in the second direction of the light incident surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> is smaller than the minimum width in the second direction in the first region of the light-emitting surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM>.

In a plan view perpendicular to the light-emitting surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM>, a region of at least <NUM>% or more of the light incident surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> is included in an inner region of the outer edge of the light-emitting surface (the inner region excluding the outer edge). Also, in the plan view perpendicular to the light-emitting surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM>, a region of at least <NUM>% or more of the light incident surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> is included in an inner region of the first region (the inner region excluding the outer edge of the first region). Such a shape can be simply produced because the shape can be formed by, for example: using a frustum-shaped wavelength conversion portion having an upper surface and a lower surface each having the same shape as the light-emitting surface, the lower surface being smaller than the upper surface; and subjecting the frustum-shaped wavelength conversion portion to half-cut dicing so as to cut the lower surface while avoiding reaching the upper surface.

The shape of the outer edge of the upper surface of the reflective portion <NUM> is, in a plan view perpendicular to the upper surface, a shape having a second region being constant in width in the second direction from the point closest to the semiconductor laser element <NUM> toward the first direction. The shape of the outer edge of the upper surface of the reflective portion <NUM> is a quadrangle.

<FIG> are drawings in relation to the wavelength conversion member 40C. In a plan view perpendicular to the light-emitting surface, the light-emitting surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> has a shape having a first region decreasing in width in the second direction from the side closest to the semiconductor laser element <NUM> toward the first direction. Adjusting the shape of the light-emitting surface can adjust a distribution of the light emitted from the light-emitting device. Also, the light-emitting surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> is a quadrangular shape.

The maximum width in the second direction of the light incident surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> is smaller than the minimum width in the second direction in the first region of the light-emitting surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM>.

<FIG> are drawings in relation to the wavelength conversion member 40D. In a plan view perpendicular to the light-emitting surface, the light-emitting surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> has a shape having a first region that is constant in width in the second direction from the side closest to the semiconductor laser element <NUM> toward the first direction. Adjusting the shape of the light-emitting surface can adjust a distribution of the light emitted from the light-emitting device. Also, the light-emitting surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> is a quadrangular shape. Note that, in the wavelength conversion member 40D as illustrated, the first direction is the same direction as the positive X-direction.

The maximum width in the second direction of the light incident surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> is larger than the maximum width in the second direction in the first region of the light-emitting surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM>.

The minimum width in the second direction of the light incident surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> is larger than the minimum width in the second direction in the first region of the light-emitting surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM>.

The minimum width in the second direction of the light incident surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> is larger than the maximum width in the second direction in the first region of the light-emitting surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM>.

In a plan view perpendicular to the light-emitting surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM>, a region of at least <NUM>% or more of the light incident surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> is included in an inner region of the outer edge of the light-emitting surface (the inner region excluding the outer edge). Also, in the plan view perpendicular to the light-emitting surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM>, a region of at least <NUM>% or more of the light incident surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> is included in an inner region of the first region (the inner region excluding the outer edge of the first region). Such a shape can be simply produced because the shape can be formed by, for example: using a frustum-shaped wavelength conversion portion having an upper surface and a lower surface each having the same shape as the light-emitting surface, the lower surface being larger than the upper surface; and subjecting the frustum-shaped wavelength conversion portion to half-cut dicing so as to cut the lower surface while avoiding reaching the upper surface.

<FIG> are drawings in relation to the wavelength conversion member 40E. In a plan view perpendicular to the light-emitting surface, the light-emitting surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> has a shape having a first region that is constant in width in the second direction from the side closest to the semiconductor laser element <NUM> toward the first direction. Adjusting the shape of the light-emitting surface can adjust a distribution of the light emitted from the light-emitting device. Also, the light-emitting surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> is a quadrangular shape. Note that, in the wavelength conversion member 40E as illustrated, the first direction is the same direction as the positive X-direction.

The minimum width in the second direction of the light incident surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> is the same as the minimum width in the second direction in the first region of the light-emitting surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM>.

The minimum width in the second direction of the light incident surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> is the same as the maximum width in the second direction in the first region of the light-emitting surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM>.

<FIG> are drawings in relation to the wavelength conversion member 40F. In a plan view perpendicular to the light-emitting surface, the light-emitting surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> has a shape having a first region that is constant in width in the second direction from the side closest to the semiconductor laser element <NUM> toward the first direction. Adjusting the shape of the light-emitting surface can adjust a distribution of the light emitted from the light-emitting device. Also, the light-emitting surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> is a quadrangular shape. Note that, in the wavelength conversion member 40F as illustrated, the first direction is the same direction as the positive X-direction.

<FIG> are drawings in relation to the wavelength conversion member <NUM>. In a plan view perpendicular to the light-emitting surface, the light-emitting surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> has a shape having a first region increasing in width in the second direction from the point closest to the semiconductor laser element <NUM> toward the first direction. Adjusting the shape of the light-emitting surface can adjust a distribution of the light emitted from the light-emitting device. Also, the light-emitting surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> is a circular shape. Note that, in the wavelength conversion member <NUM> as illustrated, the first direction is the same direction as the positive X-direction.

The shape of the outer edge of the upper surface of the reflective portion <NUM> is, in a plan view perpendicular to the upper surface, a shape having a second region increasing in width in the second direction from the point closest to the semiconductor laser element <NUM> toward the first direction. The shape of the outer edge of the upper surface of the reflective portion <NUM> is a circle.

<FIG> are drawings in relation to the wavelength conversion member 40I. In a plan view perpendicular to the light-emitting surface, the light-emitting surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> has a shape having a first region increasing in width in the second direction from the side closest to the semiconductor laser element <NUM> toward the first direction. Adjusting the shape of the light-emitting surface can adjust a distribution of the light emitted from the light-emitting device. Also, the light-emitting surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> is a hexagonal shape. Note that, in the wavelength conversion member 40I as illustrated, the first direction is the same direction as the positive X-direction.

<FIG> are drawings in relation to the wavelength conversion member 40J. In a plan view perpendicular to the light-emitting surface, the light-emitting surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> has a shape having a first region increasing in width in the second direction from the point closest to the semiconductor laser element <NUM> toward the first direction. Adjusting the shape of the light-emitting surface can adjust a distribution of the light emitted from the light-emitting device. Also, the light-emitting surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> is a triangular shape. Note that, in the wavelength conversion member 40J as illustrated, the first direction is the same direction as the positive X-direction.

<FIG> are drawings in relation to the wavelength conversion member <NUM>. In a plan view perpendicular to the light-emitting surface, the light-emitting surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> has a shape having a first region increasing in width in the second direction from the point closest to the semiconductor laser element <NUM> toward the first direction. Adjusting the shape of the light-emitting surface can adjust a distribution of the light emitted from the light-emitting device. Also, the light-emitting surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> is a triangular shape. Note that, in the wavelength conversion member <NUM> as illustrated, the first direction is the same direction as the positive X-direction.

The shape of the outer edge of the upper surface of the reflective portion <NUM> is, in a plan view perpendicular to the upper surface, a shape having a second region increasing in width in the second direction from the point closest to the semiconductor laser element <NUM> toward the first direction. The shape of the outer edge of the upper surface of the reflective portion <NUM> is a triangle.

<FIG> are drawings in relation to the wavelength conversion member <NUM>. In a plan view perpendicular to the light-emitting surface, the light-emitting surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> has a shape having a first region increasing in width in the second direction from the side closest to the semiconductor laser element <NUM> toward the first direction. Adjusting the shape of the light-emitting surface can adjust a distribution of the light emitted from the light-emitting device. Also, the light-emitting surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> is a quadrangular shape. Note that, in the wavelength conversion member <NUM> as illustrated, the first direction is the same direction as the positive X-direction.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the wavelength conversion member <NUM> may be changed to any of the following wavelength conversion member 40N to 40Q. In the following, a light-emitting device <NUM> of Modified Example including a wavelength conversion member 40N, a light-emitting device <NUM> of Modified Example including a wavelength conversion member 40P, and a light-emitting device <NUM> of Modified Example including a wavelength conversion member 40Q will be described.

<FIG> are drawings in relation to the wavelength conversion member 40N. In a plan view perpendicular to the light-emitting surface, the light-emitting surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> has a shape having a first region that is constant in width in the second direction from the side closest to the semiconductor laser element <NUM> toward the first direction. Adjusting the shape of the light-emitting surface can adjust a distribution of the light emitted from the light-emitting device. Also, the light-emitting surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> is a quadrangular shape. Note that, in the wavelength conversion member 40N as illustrated, the first direction is the same direction as the positive X-direction.

In a plan view perpendicular to the light-emitting surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM>, a region of at least <NUM>% or more of the light incident surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> is included in an inner region of the outer edge of the light-emitting surface (the inner region excluding the outer edge). Also, in the plan view perpendicular to the light-emitting surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM>, a region of at least <NUM>% or more of the light incident surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> is included in an inner region of the first region (the inner region excluding the outer edge of the first region). Such a shape can be simply produced because the shape can be formed by, for example: using a frustum-shaped wavelength conversion portion having an upper surface and a lower surface each having the same shape as the light-emitting surface, the lower surface being smaller than the upper surface; and dicing the lower surface of the frustum-shaped wavelength conversion portion obliquely outward.

<FIG> are drawings in relation to the wavelength conversion member 40P. In a plan view perpendicular to the light-emitting surface, the light-emitting surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> has a shape having a first region increasing in width in the second direction from the side closest to the semiconductor laser element <NUM> toward the first direction. Adjusting the shape of the light-emitting surface can adjust a distribution of the light emitted from the light-emitting device. Also, the light-emitting surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> is a hexagonal shape. Note that, in the wavelength conversion member 40P as illustrated, the first direction is the same direction as the positive X-direction.

In a plan view perpendicular to the light-emitting surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM>, a region of at least <NUM>% or more of the light incident surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> is included in an inner region of the outer edge of the light-emitting surface (the inner region excluding the outer edge). Also, in the plan view perpendicular to the light-emitting surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM>, a region of at least <NUM>% or more of the light incident surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> is included in an inner region of the first region (the inner region excluding the outer edge of the first region). Such a shape can be simply produced because the shape can be formed by, for example, using a polygonal columnar wavelength conversion portion having an upper surface and a lower surface each having the same shape as the light-emitting surface and dicing the lower surface of the polygonal columnar wavelength conversion portion obliquely outward.

<FIG> are drawings in relation to the wavelength conversion member 40Q. In a plan view perpendicular to the light-emitting surface, the light-emitting surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> has a shape having a first region decreasing in width in the second direction from the side closest to the semiconductor laser element <NUM> toward the first direction. Adjusting the shape of the light-emitting surface can adjust a distribution of the light emitted from the light-emitting device. Also, the light-emitting surface of the wavelength conversion portion <NUM> is a triangular shape. Note that, in the wavelength conversion member 40Q as illustrated, the first direction is the same direction as the positive X-direction.

Claim 1:
A light-emitting device (<NUM>) comprising:
a semiconductor laser element (<NUM>);
a wavelength conversion member (<NUM>); and
a package (<NUM>); wherein:
the wavelength conversion member (<NUM>) comprises:
a wavelength conversion portion (<NUM>), and
a reflective portion (<NUM>);
the wavelength conversion portion (<NUM>) includes:
a light incident surface that is a lateral surface (<NUM>) of the wavelength conversion portion (<NUM>) on which light emitted from the semiconductor laser element (<NUM>) is incident, and
a light-emitting surface that is an upper surface (42A) of the wavelength conversion portion (<NUM>) from which light converted in wavelength is emitted, the light converted in wavelength being obtained by converting a wavelength of the light emitted from the semiconductor laser element (<NUM>);
the reflective portion (<NUM>) is provided on a surface of the wavelength conversion portion (<NUM>) that does not include the light incident surface and does not include the light-emitting surface, and the reflective portion (<NUM>) is configured to reflect:
the light emitted from the semiconductor laser element (<NUM>) and incident on the wavelength conversion portion (<NUM>), and
the light converted in wavelength by the wavelength conversion portion (<NUM>);
the package (<NUM>) includes a disposition region where the semiconductor laser element (<NUM>) and the wavelength conversion member (<NUM>) are disposed, and defines an inner space in which the semiconductor laser element (<NUM>) and the wavelength conversion member (<NUM>) are disposed;
the wavelength conversion member (<NUM>) is disposed at a position away in a first direction from a position at which the semiconductor laser element (<NUM>) is disposed; and
the light-emitting surface has a shape that, in a plan view perpendicular to the light-emitting surface, has a first region decreasing in width in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction from a side closest to the semiconductor laser element (<NUM>) toward the first direction,
wherein, in the plan view perpendicular to the light-emitting surface, a region of at least <NUM>% or more of the light incident surface is included in a region away in the first direction from an imaginary line that passes through a point of the light-emitting surface closest to the semiconductor laser element (<NUM>) and that is parallel to the second direction.