Sony patents LED design that bends light using variable thickness
Sony describes a surface light-emitting device that uses a thin insulating layer with a changing thickness or optical density to control how light moves. This setup allows the device to manage the path of light inside the component rather than just emitting it straight out.
In the filing’s own words
[Problem] To make it possible to perform complex optical path control inside a device. [Solution] A surface light-emitting device includes: an active layer; a first reflector that reflects light emitted by the active layer and propagating in a direction of a light-emitting surface; a second reflector that reflects light emitted by the active layer and propagating in a direction opposite from the light-emitting surface; and an insulating film disposed at least one of between the active layer and the first reflector and between the active layer and the second reflector, at least one of a film thickness or a refractive index of the insulating film changing continuously or in stages within a plane.
What exactly they claim (claim 1)
1. A surface light-emitting device comprising: an active layer; a first reflector that reflects light emitted by the active layer and propagating in a direction of a light-emitting surface; a second reflector that reflects light emitted by the active layer and propagating in a direction opposite from the light-emitting surface; and an insulating film disposed at least one of between the active layer and the first reflector and between the active layer and the second reflector, at least one of a film thickness or a refractive index of the insulating film changing continuously or in stages within a plane.
Facts
- Company
- Sony (Sony Group Corporation)
- Official title
- SURFACE LIGHT-EMITTING DEVICE
- Publication number
- US20260269572A1
- Application number
- 19164518
- Filed
- Mar 22, 2024
- Published
- Sep 10, 2026
- Inventors
- 7
- Claims
- 19
Classified under
H01S 5/18369 Electricity & electronicsH01S 5/18305 Electricity & electronicsMore from Sony in Chips & hardware
- Sony patents light sensor that adjusts how it counts incoming photons Sep 1, 2026
- Sony patents camera sensor with two pixel types for better motion detection Sep 1, 2026
- Sony patents game graphics that adjust quality based on hardware heat Sep 8, 2026
- Sony patents camera sensor design that stacks chips to shrink pixels Sep 8, 2026
- Sony patents chip design that measures internal temperature from outside Sep 8, 2026
Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.