Monte Carlo simulation of light-emitting diode light-extraction characteristics

We employ a Monte Carlo ray-tracing technique to model light-extraction characteristics of light-emitting diodes. By keeping track of the various processes that photons can encounter in a packaged LED, consisting of a semiconductor chip, a reflector dish, and an epoxy magnifying lens, our model can provide valuable information for LED design. The simulations can be performed very effectively on modern workstations. Preliminary results from a sample parametric study indicate that, with some refinement, our method could be used as a computer-aided design tool for optimizing light-extraction efficiencies and for designing LED spatial emission characteristics.