Open AccessLight extraction by directional sources within optically dense media
Author(s) -
James R. Nagel
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - Uncategorized
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.20.027530
Subject(s) - optics , fresnel equations , isotropy , physics , perpendicular , planar , radiator (engine cooling) , scattering , total internal reflection , dielectric , refractive index , optoelectronics , geometry , mathematics , computer graphics (images) , computer science
Light extraction efficiency (LEE) from a light-emitting diode is commonly referenced against an isotropic radiator within a dense dielectric medium. However, this description is not necessarily accurate for photonic devices with directional source elements. We therefore derive exact solutions for the LEE of a directive radiating source next to a planar dielectric boundary, accounting for any Fresnel reflections at the interface. These results can be used to validate numerical simulations and to quantify the baseline LEE for different source models. Four variations are explored, including the isotropic radiator, parallel and perpendicular orientations of the Hertzian dipole, and Lambertian scattering. Due to index matching, Fresnel reflections are generally negligible for materials with large escape cones, but reduce LEE by 20 % or more when critical angle is below 25°.