Multifunctional light escaping architecture inspired by compound eye surface structures: From understanding to experimental demonstration

We present bioinspired artificial compound eye surface structures that consist of antireflective subwavelength structures (SWSs) on hexagonally patterned microstructures (MSs), for the purpose of efficient light escaping inside light-emitting materials/devices. Theoretical understanding and geometrical optimization of SWSs on MSs are described together with rigorous coupled-wave analysis. As a proof of this concept, AlGaInP red light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with SWS/MSs were fabricated, and a light output power enhancement of 72.47% was achieved as compared to that of conventional LEDs. The artificial compound eye structures are not limited to LEDs, and the fabrication process is compatible with most semiconductor device manufacturing processes; hence, this concept opens up new possibilities for improving the optical performance of various optoelectronic device applications.