Optical member and display device including the same

Abstract

The present invention discloses an optical component and a display device including the same. The optical component includes: a base substrate; a quantum dot layer disposed on the base substrate and having a first top surface including lower corrugations, the quantum dot layer including a dielectric layer and a plurality of quantum dots dispersed in the dielectric layer; a lower barrier layer disposed between the base substrate and the quantum dot layer; and an upper barrier layer covering the quantum dot layer, wherein the upper barrier layer has a second top surface having upper corrugations corresponding to the lower corrugations of the quantum dot layer.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2018-0107618, filed on September 10, 2018, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0027343, filed on March 11, 2019, which are each hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein. Technical Field

[0003] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an optical member and a display apparatus including the same, and more particularly, to a highly reliable optical member and a display apparatus including the same. Background Art

[0004] Display devices generally include self-luminous display devices, reflective display devices, and transmissive display devices. Transmissive display devices include a display panel for changing optical transmittance and a backlight unit for providing light to the display panel. The display panel controls the transmittance of light emitted from the backlight unit to display an image.

[0005] A display device may include various optical components in a backlight unit to improve the optical characteristics of the display device, such as optical efficiency and color reproduction characteristics. In addition, in order to meet the increasing demand for display devices with excellent optical characteristics, thin thickness, and high display quality, various optical components may be further added to the display device.

[0006] The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for understanding the background of the present inventive concept and therefore it may contain information that does not constitute prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0007] An optical member constructed according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention provides a thin, highly reliable optical member and a display device including the same.

[0008] Additional features of the inventive concept will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the inventive concept.

[0009] An optical component according to an exemplary embodiment includes: a base substrate; a quantum dot layer, which is disposed on the base substrate and has a first top surface including a lower corrugation, the quantum dot layer including a dielectric layer and a plurality of quantum dots dispersed in the dielectric layer; a lower barrier layer, which is disposed between the base substrate and the quantum dot layer; and an upper barrier layer, which covers the quantum dot layer, wherein the upper barrier layer has a second top surface, the second top surface having upper corrugations corresponding to the lower corrugations of the quantum dot layer.

[0010] The upper barrier layer may have a uniform thickness on the base substrate.

[0011] The quantum dot layer can have varying thickness on the base substrate.

[0012] The upper barrier layer may include an inorganic layer.

[0013] A plurality of upper pleats may be provided on the second top surface, and at least one of the plurality of upper pleats may have a curved shape when viewed in a plan view.

[0014] At least two of the plurality of upper pleats may be connected to each other.

[0015] The curved shape may include a closed loop shape.

[0016] The plurality of upper pleats may include a first pleat having a first closed loop shape and a second pleat having a second closed loop shape different from the first closed loop shape.

[0017] The first pleats and the second pleats may be connected to each other.

[0018] Each of the plurality of upper corrugations may have a vertical thickness of about 1 μm or less.

[0019] The distance between the plurality of upper corrugations may be less than 100 μm.

[0020] The optical member may further include a low-refractive layer disposed between the base substrate and the lower barrier layer and having a refractive index of 1.5 or less.

[0021] The base substrate may include a glass substrate.

[0022] The optical member may further include a protective layer including an organic material and disposed on the upper barrier layer, wherein the protective layer may cover the second top surface and have a flat top surface.

[0023] According to another exemplary embodiment, a display device includes: a light source configured to emit light; an optical member having an incident surface facing the light source; and a display panel disposed on the optical member and including a plurality of pixels, wherein the optical member includes: a base substrate including a top surface facing the display panel, a bottom surface opposite to the top surface, and a plurality of side surfaces connecting the top surface to the bottom surface, at least one of the plurality of side surfaces including the incident surface; a lower barrier layer disposed on the base substrate, the lower barrier layer having a flat top surface; an upper barrier layer disposed on the lower barrier layer, the upper barrier layer having a corrugated top surface, the corrugated top surface having a plurality of corrugations formed thereon; and a quantum dot layer disposed between the lower barrier layer and the upper barrier layer, the quantum dot layer including a dielectric layer and a plurality of quantum dots dispersed in the dielectric layer, wherein the corrugations have a curved shape when viewed in a plan view.

[0024] When viewed in a plan view, the corrugations may include first corrugations having a first shape and second corrugations having a second shape different from the first shape.

[0025] The first pleats and the second pleats may be connected to each other.

[0026] The top surface of the dielectric layer may have a corrugated shape different from the shape of the top surface of the base substrate.

[0027] The dielectric layer may have a non-uniform thickness on the base substrate, and the upper barrier layer may have a uniform thickness on the base substrate.

[0028] The upper barrier layer may include an inorganic layer.

[0029] The base substrate may include a glass substrate.

[0030] The display device may further include a low-refractive layer disposed between the base substrate and the quantum dot layer and may have a refractive index less than 1.5.

[0031] The display device may further include a protective layer disposed on the upper barrier layer and covering the corrugated top surface of the upper barrier layer, wherein the protective layer may have a flat top surface having a shape different from that of the corrugated top surface of the upper barrier layer.

[0032] The display panel may be bent along an axis extending in one direction.

[0033] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the inventive concept.

[0035] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a display apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0036] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Schematic cross-sectional view of a display device.

[0037] Figure 3A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a backlight unit according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0038] Figure 3B is a schematic cross-sectional view of a backlight unit according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0039] Figure 4is an exploded perspective view of an optical member according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0040] Figure 5A is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an optical member according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0041] Figure 5B is an image showing a portion of an optical member according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0042] Figure 6A is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an optical member according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0043] Figure 6B is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an optical member according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0044] Figure 7A 、 Figure 7B and Figure 7C is a cross-sectional view of an optical member according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0045] Figure 8A 、 Figure 8B 、 Figure 8C 、 Figure 8D and Figure 8E is a cross-sectional view illustrating a method of manufacturing an optical member according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0046] Figure 9A 、 Figure 9B 、 Figure 9C and Figure 9D is a cross-sectional view illustrating a method of manufacturing an optical member according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0047] Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of a display apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0048] Figure 11A 、 Figure 11B 、 Figure 11C and Figure 11D is a cross-sectional view illustrating a method of manufacturing an optical member according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] In the following description, for the purpose of explanation, many specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various exemplary embodiments or implementations of the present invention. As used herein, "implementation" and "implementation" are interchangeable terms that are non-limiting examples of devices or methods employing one or more inventive concepts disclosed herein. However, it is apparent that various exemplary embodiments may be practiced without these specific details or with one or more equivalent arrangements. In other cases, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to avoid unnecessary confusion among various exemplary embodiments. In addition, various exemplary embodiments may be different, but are not necessarily exclusive. For example, without departing from the present invention, the specific shape, construction, and characteristics of an exemplary embodiment may be used or implemented in another exemplary embodiment.

[0050] Unless otherwise indicated, the exemplary embodiments shown should be understood as providing exemplary features of details that vary in some ways in which the inventive concept can be implemented in practice. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, the features, components, modules, layers, films, panels, regions and / or aspects, etc. (hereinafter individually or collectively referred to as "elements") of the various embodiments may be further combined, separated, interchanged and / or rearranged without departing from the inventive concept.

[0051] The use of cross hatching and / or shading is generally provided in the accompanying drawings to make the boundaries between adjacent elements clear. Thus, unless otherwise indicated, the presence or absence of cross hatching or shading does not express or indicate any tendency or requirement for the specific materials, material properties, dimensions, proportions, commonalities between the elements shown and / or any other characteristics, attributes, properties, etc. of the elements. In addition, in the accompanying drawings, the sizes and relative sizes of the elements may be exaggerated for clarity and / or descriptive purposes. When the exemplary embodiments can be implemented differently, the specific process sequence may be carried out differently from the described sequence. For example, two consecutively described processes may be carried out substantially simultaneously or in an order opposite to the described sequence. Moreover, the same reference numerals represent the same elements.

[0052] When an element, such as a layer, is referred to as being "on", "connected to" or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, directly connected to or coupled to another element or layer, or there may be an intermediate element or layer. However, when an element or layer is referred to as being "directly" "on" another element or layer, "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there are no intermediate elements or layers. In view of this, the term "connected" may refer to a physical connection, an electrical connection and / or a fluid connection with or without an intermediate element. In addition, the D1-axis, D2-axis and D3-axis are not limited to the three axes of a rectangular coordinate system, such as the x-axis, the y-axis and the z-axis, and may be interpreted in a broader sense. For example, the D1-axis, the D2-axis and the D3-axis may be perpendicular to each other, or may represent different directions that are not perpendicular to each other. For the purposes of this disclosure, "at least one of X, Y, and Z" and "at least one selected from the group consisting of X, Y, and Z" may be interpreted as only X, only Y, only Z, or any combination of two or more of X, Y, and Z, such as, for example, XYZ, XYY, YZ, and ZZ. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0053] Although the terms "first," "second," etc. may be used herein to describe various types of elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element from another. Thus, the first element discussed below may be referred to as the second element without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0054] Spatially relative terms, such as "below," "beneath," "beneath," "above," "above," "on," "side" (e.g., as in "sidewall"), etc., may be used herein for descriptive purposes and, thereby, to describe the relationship of one element to another element(s) as shown in the accompanying drawings. Spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use, operation, and / or manufacture in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were turned over, elements described as being "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term "below" may encompass both the above and below orientations. Furthermore, the device may be oriented in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and as such, the spatially relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0055] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In addition, the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," and / or "including," when used in this specification, specifically define the presence of the recited features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. It should also be noted that, as used herein, the terms "substantially," "about," and other similar terms are used as terms of approximation rather than as terms of degree, and, as such, are used to account for the inherent deviations in measured, calculated, and / or provided values ​​that one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize.

[0056] Various exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional and / or exploded views that are schematic illustrations of idealized exemplary embodiments and / or intermediate structures. As such, variations from the illustrated shapes due, for example, to manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein should not necessarily be construed as limited to the specific illustrated shapes of regions, but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. Thus, the regions illustrated in the figures may be schematic in nature, and the shapes of such regions may not reflect the actual shapes of regions of a device and, as such, are not necessarily intended to be limiting.

[0057] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined as such herein.

[0058] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a display apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Schematic cross-sectional view of a display device. Figure 3A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a backlight unit according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 3B is a schematic cross-sectional view of a backlight unit according to an exemplary embodiment. Figures 1 to 3B A display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept is described.

[0059] like Figure 1As shown, the display device DA may include a display panel 100, a backlight unit BLU, an upper protective member 410, a lower protective member 420, and an optical film 500. The backlight unit BLU may include a light source 200 and an optical member 300.

[0060] The display panel 100 can receive electrical signals and display images based on the received electrical signals. A user can receive image information provided by the display panel 100 of the display device DA. The display panel 100 may include a display surface IS that is substantially parallel to a plane defined by a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2. The display surface IS may include an active area AA and a peripheral area NAA. The display panel 100 may display an image on the active area AA, which is substantially perpendicular to the third direction DR3. The active area AA may be selectively activated by an electrical signal. The display panel 100 may include a plurality of pixels PX disposed in the active area AA.

[0061] The peripheral area NAA may be adjacent to the active area AA. In an exemplary embodiment, the peripheral area NAA may surround the active area AA. Pads that provide electrical signals to various driving circuits of the pixels PX or receive electrical signals from external devices may be provided in the peripheral area NAA.

[0062] Figure 2 The area of ​​the display panel 100 is exemplarily shown, in which one pixel PX is provided. Figure 2 The display panel 100 is described.

[0063] The display panel 100 may include a first substrate 110, a second substrate 120, and a liquid crystal layer LCL. The first substrate 110 may include a first base layer S1, pixels PX, and a plurality of insulating layers 10, 20, and 30. Figure 2 As shown, the insulating layers 10 , 20 , and 30 may include a first insulating layer 10 , a second insulating layer 20 , and a third insulating layer 30 sequentially stacked in the third direction DR3 .

[0064] The first substrate layer S1 may be formed of, or may include, an insulating material. For example, the first substrate layer S1 may be formed of, or may include at least one of glass and plastic materials.

[0065] The pixel PX may include a thin film transistor TR and a pixel electrode PE. The thin film transistor TR may include a semiconductor pattern AL, a control electrode CE, an input electrode IE, and an output electrode OE. The semiconductor pattern AL may be disposed between the first substrate layer S1 and the first insulating layer 10. The semiconductor pattern AL may be formed of or include a semiconductor material. For example, the semiconductor material may include at least one of amorphous silicon, polycrystalline silicon, single crystal silicon, an oxide semiconductor, and a compound semiconductor. In some exemplary embodiments, the pixel PX may include a plurality of thin film transistors whose semiconductor materials are the same or different from each other, but the present inventive concept is not limited thereto.

[0066] The control electrode CE may be disposed between the first insulating layer 10 and the second insulating layer 20. The control electrode CE may be spaced apart from the semiconductor pattern AL with the first insulating layer 10 interposed therebetween.

[0067] The input electrode IE and the output electrode OE may be disposed between the second insulating layer 20 and the third insulating layer 30. The input electrode IE and the output electrode OE may be spaced apart from each other. Each of the input electrode IE and the output electrode OE may penetrate the first insulating layer 10 and the second insulating layer 20 and may be coupled to the semiconductor pattern AL.

[0068] The pixel electrode PE may be connected to the thin film transistor TR. The pixel electrode PE, the common electrode CME, and the liquid crystal layer LCL may form a liquid crystal capacitor CLC. In the liquid crystal capacitor CLC, the electric field generated between the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CME may be used to control the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer LCL, thereby controlling the optical transmittance of the liquid crystal layer LCL. The intensity of light emitted from the pixel PX may be determined by the optical transmittance of the liquid crystal layer LCL.

[0069] The pixel electrode PE may be disposed on the third insulating layer 30. The pixel electrode PE may penetrate the third insulating layer 30 and may be coupled to the thin film transistor TR. If a gate signal of an electrical signal is applied to the control electrode CE, the thin film transistor TR may be turned on. In this case, if a data signal of the electrical signal is applied to the input electrode IE, the data signal may be transmitted to the output electrode OE and the pixel electrode PE through the thin film transistor TR in a turned-on state.

[0070] The second substrate 120 may include a second base layer S2, a color filter layer CF, an overcoat layer CC, and a common electrode CME. The second base layer S2 may be formed of an insulating material or may include an insulating material. For example, the second base layer S2 may be formed of at least one of glass and plastic materials or may include at least one of glass and plastic materials.

[0071] The second substrate layer S2 may include a rear surface facing the first substrate layer S1 and a front surface facing the rear surface. At least a portion of the front surface may be used as a display surface IS (eg, see Figure 1 ). The color filter layer CF and the common electrode CME may be disposed on the rear surface of the second substrate layer S2.

[0072] The color filter layer CF may include a black matrix BM and color patterns CP. The black matrix BM may block light incident on the black matrix BM. For example, the black matrix BM may cover an area surrounding a pixel region displaying light, thereby defining the pixel region and preventing light from leaking through the area surrounding the pixel region.

[0073] The color pattern CP may be disposed adjacent to the black matrix BM. The color pattern CP may overlap with the pixel electrode PE of the pixel PX. In an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of color patterns CP may be provided on the pixel regions. Each of the pixel regions may be a region controlled by the liquid crystal capacitor CLC and corresponding to the pixel electrode PE.

[0074] The color pattern CP may allow light having a specific wavelength or color to pass therethrough. The color pattern CP may include at least one of a dye, a pigment, an organic fluorescent material, and an inorganic fluorescent material. In another exemplary embodiment, a color filter layer CF may be disposed on the first base layer S1 to form the first substrate 110. Alternatively, in some exemplary embodiments, the color filter layer CF may be omitted. The shape of the color filter layer CF may vary in various ways, and the present inventive concept is not limited to a specific shape of the color filter layer CF.

[0075] The overcoat layer CC may cover the color filter layer CF. The overcoat layer CC may be formed of, or may include, an insulating material. The overcoat layer CC may cover the rear surface of the color filter layer CF and may provide a flat surface for the common electrode CME. In some exemplary embodiments, the overcoat layer CC may be omitted from the display panel 100.

[0076] The common electrode CME may generate an electric field along the pixel electrode PE. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the common electrode CME may be disposed on the rear surface of the second substrate layer S2 and may be formed over a plurality of pixels. However, the present inventive concept is not limited thereto, and in some exemplary embodiments, the common electrode CME may be formed into a plurality of patterns, each provided on a pixel region. In other exemplary embodiments, the common electrode CME may be disposed on the first substrate layer S1 to form the first substrate 110. Figure 2 The display pixel electrode PE has a seamless shape, however, in some exemplary embodiments, at least one of the common electrode CME and the pixel electrode PE of the display panel 100 may be provided to have a plurality of slits.

[0077] The liquid crystal layer LCL may include liquid crystal molecules. The liquid crystal molecules may have a chemical structure whose orientation may be controlled by the electric field generated between the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CME. The optical transmittance of the liquid crystal layer LCL may be substantially controlled by the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules.

[0078] Figure 3A Shown in Figure 1 According to another exemplary embodiment, the backlight unit BLU-1 may further include additional elements, such as Figure 3B First, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3A Describe the backlight unit BLU.

[0079] The backlight unit BLU may provide light to the display panel 100. The display panel 100 may control transmittance of light in each of the pixels PX to display an image. In an exemplary embodiment, the display panel 100 may be a transmissive display panel.

[0080] The light source 200 can generate light and provide the light in a transverse direction to the optical member 300. The light source 200 can include a circuit substrate 210 and a plurality of light-emitting elements 220. The circuit substrate 210 can be a plate-like structure extending in a first direction DR1 and can have a length and a width measured in the first direction DR1 and a third direction DR3, respectively. The circuit substrate 210 can include an insulating substrate and circuit lines mounted on the insulating substrate. The circuit lines can be used to transmit electrical signals from the outside to the light-emitting elements 220 or to electrically connect the light-emitting elements 220 to each other.

[0081] Each of the light emitting elements 220 may generate light. The light emitting elements 220 may be disposed on the circuit substrate 210 and may be electrically connected to the circuit substrate 210. The light emitting elements 220 may be spaced apart from each other in the length direction of the circuit substrate 210. Figure 1 As shown, the light emitting elements 220 according to the exemplary embodiment may be arranged to form a single column in the first direction DR1.

[0082] The optical member 300 may be a plate-shaped element disposed substantially parallel to the display panel 100. The optical member 300 may be disposed such that its top surface 300-S (see Figure 1 ) faces the display panel 100.

[0083] The optical member 300 may receive light from the light source 200 and provide the light to the display panel 100. The optical member 300 may control a travel path of light emitted from the light source 200 so that the light may be uniformly incident on the display panel 100.

[0084] In an exemplary embodiment, the optical member 300 can convert incident light into white light. In this case, even if the light source 200 generates non-white (e.g., blue) light, the light provided to the display panel 100 through the optical member 300 can be white. More specifically, the optical member 300 can function as both a light guide plate and a light conversion member. In this case, the optical member 300, provided as a single structure, can be used to replace both the light guide plate and the light conversion member, which can reduce the overall thickness of the display device DA and simplify the process of assembling the display device DA.

[0085] The optical member 300 may include a base substrate 310 and a quantum dot unit 320. The base substrate 310 may include an incident surface SF1 facing the light source 200. Figure 3A As shown, one of the side surfaces of the base substrate 310 may serve as the incident surface SF1 , but the present inventive concept is not limited thereto. For example, at least two of the side surfaces of the base substrate 310 may serve as the incident surface SF1 .

[0086] The base substrate 310 may be formed of an insulating material or may include an insulating material. For example, the base substrate 310 may be formed of glass or may include glass.

[0087] The base substrate 310 may be configured to allow light incident through the incident surface SF1 to propagate toward the top surface of the base substrate 310. For example, the incident light may propagate along an initial path substantially parallel to the second direction DR2, and the base substrate 310 may change the propagation path in a direction substantially parallel to the third direction DR3. The light guiding function of the optical member 300 may be substantially realized by the base substrate 310.

[0088] The quantum dot unit 320 may be disposed on the base substrate 310. The quantum dot unit 320 may include a quantum dot layer 321, a lower barrier layer 322, and an upper barrier layer 323. The quantum dot layer 321 may include a plurality of quantum dots. The quantum dot layer 321 may change the wavelength of light incident thereon.

[0089] The lower barrier layer 322 and the upper barrier layer 323 may seal the quantum dot layer 321. The lower barrier layer 322 may be disposed between the quantum dot layer 321 and the base substrate 310 to protect the quantum dot layer 321 from lower components and prevent external moisture or water from entering the quantum dot layer 321. The upper barrier layer 323 may be disposed on the quantum dot layer 321 to cover the top surface of the quantum dot layer 321. The upper barrier layer 323 may protect the quantum dot layer 321 from upper components and prevent external moisture or water from entering the quantum dot layer 321.

[0090] Each of the lower barrier layer 322 and the upper barrier layer 323 may be formed of, or include, an inorganic material. For example, each of the lower barrier layer 322 and the upper barrier layer 323 may include at least one of a metal oxide and a metal nitride. More specifically, each of the lower barrier layer 322 and the upper barrier layer 323 may be formed of, or include at least one of silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, titanium oxide, and any combination thereof. However, the present inventive concept is not limited thereto, and various inorganic materials may be used as at least one of the lower barrier layer 322 and the upper barrier layer 323, as long as the lower barrier layer 322 and the upper barrier layer 323 seal the quantum dot layer 321. In an exemplary embodiment, the lower barrier layer 322 and the upper barrier layer 323 may be formed independently. Therefore, the lower barrier layer 322 and the upper barrier layer 323 may be formed of, or include, the same material or different materials.

[0091] exist Figure 3A , the lower barrier layer 322 and the upper barrier layer 323 are illustrated as exposing the side surface of the quantum dot layer 321. However, the present inventive concept is not limited thereto, and in some exemplary embodiments, the side surface of the quantum dot layer 321 may be covered with at least one of the lower barrier layer 322 and the upper barrier layer 323 and may not be exposed to the outside.

[0092] Now, see Figure 3B , the backlight unit BLU-1 may further include a low-refractive layer 330. The low-refractive layer 330 may be disposed between the base substrate 310 and the quantum dot unit 320. The low-refractive layer 330 may cover the top surface of the base substrate 310.

[0093] The low-refractive layer 330 may have a refractive index lower than that of the base substrate 310. For example, the low-refractive layer 330 may have a refractive index lower than about 1.5. The low-refractive layer 330 may improve light guiding performance of the base substrate 310.

[0094] Come back and see Figure 1 , the upper protective member 410 may be disposed on the display panel 100 to cover the display panel 100. The upper protective member 410 may include an opening 410-OP that exposes at least a portion of the display panel 100. For example, the opening 410-OP may expose at least the active area AA of the display panel 100 so that a user can recognize a portion of an image displayed on the active area AA (e.g., through the opening 410-OP). In an exemplary embodiment, the display device DA may further include a transparent protective member disposed in the opening 410-OP. Alternatively, the upper protective member 410 may be optically transparent. In this case, the opening 410-OP may be omitted.

[0095] The lower protective member 420 may be combined with the upper protective member 410 to protect the display panel 100 and the backlight unit BLU. The lower protective member 420 may include a bottom portion 420-B and a sidewall portion 420-W. The bottom portion 420-B may have an area equal to or greater than the area of ​​the display panel 100 and the area of ​​the optical member 300. The sidewall portion 420-W may be connected to the bottom portion 420-B and may be bent from the bottom portion 420-B substantially in the third direction DR3. The bottom portion 420-B and the sidewall portion 420-W may define an internal space 420-SS. The display panel 100 and the backlight unit BLU may be disposed in the internal space 420-SS and may be protected from external impact.

[0096] The optical film 500 may be disposed between the display panel 100 and the optical member 300. The optical film 500 may be configured to allow light emitted from the optical member 300 to be incident on the display panel 100 with improved efficiency or improved spatial uniformity. The optical film 500 may include a single sheet or multiple sheets. For example, the optical film 500 may include at least one of a mesh sheet, a prism sheet, and a diffusion sheet. In some exemplary embodiments, the optical film 500 may be omitted from the display device DA.

[0097] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an optical member according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 5A is a cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of an optical member according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 5B is an image showing a portion of an optical member according to an exemplary embodiment. For ease of illustration, the base substrate 310 and the quantum dot unit 320 are respectively Figure 4 Shown in. Figure 5A Shown in Figure 4 The region of the quantum dot unit 320. Figures 4 to 5B An optical member according to an exemplary embodiment is described.

[0098] The base substrate 310 may include a top surface SF-U, a bottom surface SF-L, and a plurality of side surfaces SF1, SF2, SF3, and SF4. The base substrate 310 may be disposed so that the top surface SF-U faces the display panel 100 (eg, see FIG. 1 ). Figure 1 ). The quantum dot unit 320 may be disposed on the top surface SF-U. The bottom surface SF-L opposite to the top surface SF-U may be the bottom portion 420-B facing the lower protection member 420 (eg, see Figure 1 ) surface.

[0099] The side surfaces SF1, SF2, SF3, and SF4 may include a first side surface SF1, a second side surface SF2, a third side surface SF3, and a fourth side surface SF4. Each of the first side surface SF1 and the second side surface SF2 may be substantially parallel to a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the third direction DR3 and may face each other in the second direction DR2. Each of the third side surface SF3 and the fourth side surface SF4 may be substantially parallel to a plane defined by the second direction DR2 and the third direction DR3 and may face each other in the first direction DR1.

[0100] As described above, at least one of the side surfaces SF1, SF2, SF3, and SF4 may be positioned to face the light source 200 (eg, see FIG. 2 ). Figure 1 ) and may be used as an incident surface. Hereinafter, the first side surface SF1 will be described as an incident surface.

[0101] The quantum dot unit 320 may include a lower barrier layer 322, a quantum dot layer 321, and an upper barrier layer 323 stacked in the third direction DR3. The lower barrier layer 322 may be disposed on the base substrate 310. A top surface 322-S of the lower barrier layer 322 (hereinafter, "LBL top surface") may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the top surface of the base substrate 310 disposed thereunder. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the LBL top surface 322-S may be substantially flat compared to a top surface 323-S of the upper barrier layer 323 (hereinafter, "UBL top surface").

[0102] The quantum dot layer 321 may include a dielectric layer MX, a plurality of quantum dots PT1 and PT2, and scattering particles SP. The quantum dots PT1 and PT2 and the scattering particles SP may be dispersed in the dielectric layer MX.

[0103] The dielectric layer MX can be formed from various resin compositions, commonly referred to as adhesives. For example, the dielectric layer MX can be formed from, or include, a polymer resin. More specifically, the dielectric layer MX can be formed from, or include at least one of an acrylic resin, a urethane resin, a silicone resin, and an epoxy resin. The dielectric layer MX can be an optically transparent resin. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and any element capable of dispersing the quantum dots PT1 and PT2 can be used as the dielectric layer MX.

[0104] Quantum dots PT1 and PT2 can change the wavelength of light incident on them. Each of quantum dots PT1 and PT2 can have a nanoscale crystalline material comprising hundreds to thousands of atoms. Due to the size of quantum dots PT1 and PT2, quantum dots PT1 and PT2 can exhibit an increase in band gap caused by the quantum confinement effect. When the energy of light incident on quantum dots PT1 and PT2 is greater than the band gap of each of quantum dots PT1 and PT2, each of quantum dots PT1 and PT2 can absorb light to have an excited state, and when returning to its ground state, each of quantum dots PT1 and PT2 can emit light having a specific wavelength. The wavelength of the emitted light can be determined by the band gap. In this way, the size or composition of each of quantum dots PT1 and PT2 can be controlled to adjust the quantum confinement effect, which affects the optical properties (e.g., wavelength) of the light to be emitted from quantum dots PT1 and PT2.

[0105] Each of the quantum dots PT1 and PT2 may be selected from the group consisting of: a II-VI compound, a III-V compound, a IV-VI compound, a Group IV element, a Group IV compound, and combinations thereof.

[0106] The II-VI compound may be selected from the group consisting of binary compounds (e.g., CdS, CdSe, CdTe, ZnS, ZnSe, ZnTe, ZnO, HgS, HgSe, HgTe, MgSe, and MgS), mixtures of binary compounds, ternary compounds (e.g., CdSeS, CdSeTe, CdSTe, ZnSeS, ZnSeTe, ZnSTe, HgSeS, HgSeTe, HgSTe, CdZnS, CdZnSe, CdZnTe, CdHgS, CdHgSe, CdHgTe, HgZnS, HgZnSe, HgZnTe, MgZnSe, and MgZnS), mixtures of ternary compounds, quaternary compounds (e.g., HgZnTeS, CdZnSeS, CdZnSeTe, CdZnSTe, CdHgSeS, CdHgSeTe, CdHgSTe, HgZnSeS, HgZnSeTe, and HgZnSTe), and mixtures of quaternary compounds.

[0107] The III-V compound can be selected from the group consisting of: binary compounds (e.g., GaN, GaP, GaAs, GaSb, AlN, AlP, AlAs, AlSb, InN, InP, InAs and InSb), mixtures of binary compounds, ternary compounds (e.g., GaNPs, GaNAs, GaNSb, GaPAs, GaPSb, AlNPs, AlNAs, AlNSb, AlPAs, AlPSb, InNPs, InNAs, InNSb, InPAs and InPSb), mixtures of ternary compounds, quaternary compounds (e.g., GaAlNPs, GaAlNAs, GaAlNSb, GaAlPAs, GaAlPSb, GaInNPs, GaInNAs, GaInNSb, GaInPAs, GaInPSb, InAlNPs, InAlNAs, InAlNSb, InAlPAs and InAlPSb), and mixtures of quaternary compounds. The IV-VI compound may be selected from the group consisting of binary compounds (e.g., SnS, SnSe, SnTe, PbS, PbSe, and PbTe), mixtures of binary compounds, ternary compounds (e.g., SnSeS, SnSeTe, SnSTe, PbSeS, PbSeTe, PbSTe, SnPbS, SnPbSe, and SnPbTe), mixtures of ternary compounds, quaternary compounds (e.g., SnPbSSe, SnPbSeTe, and SnPbSTe), and mixtures of quaternary compounds. The Group IV element may be selected from the group consisting of Si, Ge, and mixtures thereof. The Group IV compound may include a binary compound selected from the group consisting of SiC, SiGe, and mixtures thereof.

[0108] Here, the binary compound, ternary compound, or quaternary compound may have a uniform concentration throughout the particle, or may have a spatially varying concentration distribution in each particle.

[0109] Each of the quantum dots PT1 and PT2 may have a core-shell structure, including a core and a shell surrounding the core. In some exemplary embodiments, each of the quantum dots PT1 and PT2 may have a core / shell structure, in which one quantum dot is surrounded by another quantum dot. At the interface between the core and the shell, the concentration of the element contained in the shell may gradually decrease toward the center.

[0110] Each of the quantum dots PT1 and PT2 may be a nanoscale particle. Each of the quantum dots PT1 and PT2 may have an emission wavelength spectrum with a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of less than approximately 45 nm, and in some exemplary embodiments, less than approximately 40 nm, and in some other exemplary embodiments, less than approximately 30 nm. In this case, the quantum dots PT1 and PT2 may improve color purity or color reproduction characteristics. In addition, the quantum dots PT1 and PT2 may emit light in a radial direction, which may improve the viewing angle.

[0111] In an exemplary embodiment, the quantum dots PT1 and PT2 may be substantially spherical, conical, multi-armed or cubic nanoparticles. In another exemplary embodiment, the quantum dots PT1 and PT2 may be nanotubes, nanowires, nanofibers or nanoplate-shaped particles, but the present inventive concept is not limited thereto.

[0112] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the quantum dots PT1 and PT2 may include a first quantum dot PT1 and a second quantum dot PT2. The wavelengths of light incident on and emitted from the first and second quantum dots PT1 and PT2 may differ from each other. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and in some exemplary embodiments, the wavelength of light converted by the quantum dots PT1 and PT2 may be within a single wavelength range. In addition, in an exemplary embodiment, the quantum dots PT1 and PT2 may further include additional quantum dots that convert light of other wavelengths. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the type or number of the quantum dots PT1 and PT2 may vary in various ways.

[0113] The scattering particles SP may include nanoparticles formed of at least one of a highly reflective metal oxide (such as titanium oxide) and a silicon dioxide-based material. The scattering particles SP may scatter light emitted from the quantum dots PT1 and PT2 to improve light recycling efficiency in the quantum dot unit 320. In this way, the optical efficiency of light emitted from the quantum dot unit 320 may be improved. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and in some exemplary embodiments, the scattering particles SP may be omitted from the quantum dot unit 320.

[0114] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the top surface 321-S of the quantum dot layer 321 (hereinafter, "QDL top surface") may include a plurality of wrinkles or concavo-convex patterns WRK-Q (hereinafter, "QDL wrinkles"). The QDL wrinkles WRK-Q (i.e., lower wrinkles) may be a portion of the QDL top surface 321-S that protrudes substantially in the third direction DR3 when compared to a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. When measured in the vertical direction, the QDL wrinkles WRK-Q may have a thickness of approximately 1 μm or less. As such, the QDL top surface 321-S may be uneven when compared to the LBL top surface 322-S.

[0115] The QDL wrinkles WRK-Q may be formed by residual stress that occurs or remains in the quantum dot layer 321 during or after the formation of the quantum dot layer 321. Due to the presence of the QDL wrinkles WRK-Q, the QDL top surface 321-S may have a wrinkled shape. The uneven shape of the QDL wrinkles WRK-Q may be transferred to the top surface of the upper barrier layer 323. This will be described in more detail below.

[0116] The upper barrier layer 323 may be disposed on the quantum dot layer 321 to directly cover the QDL top surface 321-S. The upper barrier layer 323 may have a substantially uniform thickness on the base substrate 310. For example, the upper barrier layer 323 may have a thickness T2 in a region of the QDL top surface 321-S overlapping the QDL wrinkle WRK-Q, and a thickness T1 substantially equal to T2 in a region of the QDL top surface 321-S adjacent to the QDL wrinkle WRK-Q.

[0117] In the exemplary embodiment shown, a top surface 323-S of the upper barrier layer 323 (eg, a UBL top surface) may define a top surface 300-S of the optical member (eg, see Figure 1 ). The UBL top surface 323-S may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the QDL top surface 321-S disposed thereunder. In this way, the UBL top surface 323-S may include a plurality of wrinkles WRK (i.e., upper wrinkles) corresponding to the QDL wrinkles WRK-Q. The wrinkles WRK may be a portion of the UBL top surface 323-S that protrudes substantially in the third direction DR3 when compared to a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. Due to the presence of the wrinkles WRK, the UBL top surface 323-S may have an uneven portion when compared to the top surface SF-U of the base substrate 310. For example, due to the presence of the wrinkles WRK, the UBL top surface 323-S may have a wrinkled shape.

[0118] Figure 5B is an image showing the magnified shape of the region of the UBL top surface 323-S. Figure 5B , the wrinkles WRK may be randomly arranged on the top surface 323 -S of the upper barrier layer 323 .

[0119] When viewed in a plan view, at least one of the wrinkles WRK may have a substantially curved shape. The curved shape may refer to a shape having at least an arc portion or a curved portion, and may include an open or closed curved shape. Figure 5B , for ease of illustration, only some of the folds WRK (eg, the first fold WRK1 , the second fold WRK2 , and the third fold WRK3 ) are indicated by reference numerals.

[0120] When viewed in a plan view, the first wrinkle WRK1 may have a curved shape. For example, the first wrinkle WRK1 may have a non-closed (eg, open) curved shape. When viewed in a plan view, the second wrinkle WRK2 may have a curved shape. For example, the second wrinkle WRK2 may have an open curved shape.

[0121] The first and second folds WRK1 and WRK2 may have independent shapes. Specifically, the curved shapes of the first and second folds WRK1 and WRK2 may be the same or different from each other because they are independently controlled. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the first and second folds WRK1 and WRK2 are illustrated as having different curved shapes.

[0122] The first fold WRK1 and the second fold WRK2 may be connected to each other. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the end of the second fold WRK2 is connected to a portion of the first fold WRK1. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, the first fold WRK1 and the second fold WRK2 may be connected to each other at other locations or may be separated from each other.

[0123] The third wrinkle WRK3 may be spaced apart from the first wrinkle WRK1 and the second wrinkle WRK2. The third wrinkle WRK3 may have a curved shape. The curved shape of the third wrinkle WRK3 may be a closed loop shape.

[0124] According to an exemplary embodiment, when viewed in a plan view, the pleats WRK may have various shapes. As described above, some pleats WRK may be connected to each other, or may be separated or spaced apart from each other. In addition, some pleats WRK may be a non-closed (e.g., open) curved shape or a closed curved shape. In an exemplary embodiment, the distance between the pleats WRK may be equal to or less than about 100 μm.

[0125] In an exemplary embodiment, the upper barrier layer 323 may include an uneven top surface 323-S having a plurality of wrinkles WRK. The wrinkles WRK may be formed by the substantially uneven profile of the QDL top surface 321-S. In an exemplary embodiment, even when the quantum dot layer 321 is deformed by external impact or temperature changes, since the upper barrier layer 323 is formed along the QDL wrinkles WRK-Q, the upper barrier layer 323 can reduce various technical stresses caused by the deformation of the quantum dot layer 321. In this way, damage to the upper barrier layer 323 (e.g., delamination or destruction from the quantum dot layer 321) can be suppressed or prevented, and thus the reliability of the optical member 300 can be improved.

[0126] Figure 6A is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an optical member according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 6Bis a cross-sectional view of a portion of an optical member according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 6A and Figure 6B The cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 shows some regions of the quantum dot units 320-1 and 320-2. Figure 6A and Figure 6B Describing an optical component according to an exemplary embodiment, Figure 6A and Figure 6B May include reference to previous Figures 1 to 5B Thus, repeated descriptions of substantially the same elements will be omitted to avoid redundancy.

[0127] like Figure 6A As shown, the quantum dot unit 320-1 may include a lower barrier layer 322-1 having multiple layers, and an upper barrier layer 323-1 having multiple layers. The lower barrier layer 322-1 may include a first lower layer L11 and a second lower layer L21. Each of the first lower layer L11 and the second lower layer L21 may be formed of an inorganic material, or may include an inorganic material. For example, each of the first lower layer L11 and the second lower layer L21 may be formed of at least one of metal oxide, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and any combination thereof, or may include at least one of metal oxide, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and any combination thereof. The materials of the first lower layer L11 and the second lower layer L21 may be the same or different from each other, but are not limited thereto.

[0128] The upper barrier layer 323-1 may include a first upper layer L12 and a second upper layer L22. Each of the first upper layer L12 and the second upper layer L22 may be formed of an inorganic material or may include an inorganic material. The materials of the first upper layer L12 and the second upper layer L22 may be the same as or different from each other, but are not limited thereto.

[0129] like Figure 6B As shown, in Figure 5A Compared with the quantum dot unit 320, the quantum dot unit 320-2 may further include a capping layer 324. The capping layer 324 may be provided on the upper barrier layer 323 to cover the UBL top surface 323-S. In this case, Figure 1 The top surface 300 -S of the optical member 300 may correspond to the top surface of the cover layer 324 .

[0130] The cover layer 324 may cover the wrinkle WRK and provide a substantially flat top surface on the quantum dot unit 320-2. Thus, in the cover layer 324, the thickness T3 of the portion overlapping the wrinkle WRK may be different from the thickness T4 of the portion adjacent to the wrinkle WRK.

[0131] The cover layer 324 may be formed of an organic material or may include an organic material. The cover layer 324 may be optically transparent. Due to the transparency of the cover layer 324, the efficiency of light emitted from the quantum dot unit 320-2 is not reduced.

[0132] 7A to 7C are cross-sectional views each showing an optical member according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 7B and Figure 7C The optical member shown in FIG is exemplarily shown to be deformed by external impact or heat. Figure 7A The optical component 300 will be referred to below. 7A to 7C An optical member according to an exemplary embodiment is described.

[0133] like Figure 7A As shown, the optical member 300 may include a base substrate 310 and a quantum dot unit 320. The UBL top surface 323-S may include a wrinkle WRK. The upper barrier layer 323 may have a substantially uniform thickness. For example, the upper barrier layer 323 may have a thickness T1 at the wrinkle WRK and a thickness T2 substantially equal to T1 in an area adjacent to the wrinkle WRK. The quantum dot layer 321 may include a wrinkled top surface 321-S. Due to the presence of the wrinkle WRK, the quantum dot layer 321 may have a non-uniform thickness. The quantum dot layer 321 may have a maximum thickness TQ below the wrinkle WRK.

[0134] See also Figure 7B , when tensile stress TS-I is applied to the optical member 300-TS, the quantum dot layer 321 may be deformed. The degree of wrinkling of the QDL top surface 321-S may be reduced, and the quantum dot layer 321 may have a maximum thickness TQ1 less than Figure 7A The maximum thickness TQ of the quantum dot layer 321. The tensile stress TS-I may be caused by external impact or by residual stress that may remain in the quantum dot layer 321.

[0135] See also Figure 7C When compressive stress CS-1 is applied to optical member 300-CS, quantum dot layer 321 may be deformed. The degree of wrinkling of QDL top surface 321-S may increase, and quantum dot layer 321 may have a maximum thickness TQ2 greater than Figure 7A The compressive stress CS-1 may be caused by external impact or by residual stress that may remain in the quantum dot layer 321.

[0136] In an exemplary embodiment, the upper barrier layer 323 may be formed to have a substantially uniform thickness along the uneven QDL top surface 321-S, and thus, even when the degree of wrinkling of the QDL top surface 321-S changes, the upper barrier layer 323 may maintain stable contact with the quantum dot layer 321. The degree of wrinkling WRK-T and WRK-C of the UBL top surface 323-S may be reduced or increased by deformation of the QDL top surface 321-S; however, in Figure 7A In the optical member 300 , since the thickness of the upper barrier layer 323 is maintained uniformly, the position of the neutral plane of the upper barrier layer 323 does not change.

[0137] As such, the upper barrier layer 323 may be stably maintained under deformation of the QDL top surface 321 -S, and thus, the reliability of the optical members 300 -TS and 300 -CS may be improved.

[0138] Figures 8A to 8E is a cross-sectional view illustrating a method of manufacturing an optical member according to an exemplary embodiment. 9A to 9D is a cross-sectional view illustrating a method of manufacturing an optical member according to an exemplary embodiment. Figures 9A to 9C The corresponding Figures 8C to 8E Below, we will refer to 8A to 9D A method for manufacturing an optical member according to an exemplary embodiment will be described, and the descriptions related to the previous reference will be omitted. Figures 1 to 7C Elements in the described optical components are described repeatedly to avoid redundancy where the elements are substantially the same.

[0139] like Figure 8A As shown, a base substrate 310 may be provided. The base substrate 310 may be a glass substrate. The base substrate 310 may have a surface facing upward or in a third direction DR3 (eg, see Figure 1 )'s top surface 310-S.

[0140] Afterwards, if Figure 8B As shown, the lower barrier layer 322 and the initial quantum dot layer 321-I may be sequentially formed on the base substrate 310. For example, the lower barrier layer 322 may be formed by coating an inorganic material on the top surface 310-S of the base substrate 310. The coating process may include a deposition or printing process.

[0141] The initial quantum dot layer 321-I may be formed after forming the lower barrier layer 322. The initial quantum dot layer 321-I may include a dielectric layer MX, first quantum dots PT1, and second quantum dots PT2. The initial quantum dot layer 321-I may be formed by coating the dielectric layer MX, in which the first quantum dots PT1 and the second quantum dots PT2 are dispersed, on the lower barrier layer 322.

[0142] Afterwards, if Figure 8C and Figure 8DAs shown, the initial quantum dot layer 321-I can be cured to form a quantum dot layer 321. Figure 8C As shown, the curing process of the initial quantum dot layer 321-I may include a thermal curing process in which heat HT is provided. The process temperature or time in the thermal curing process may be variously adjusted according to the composition and amount of the initial quantum dot layer 321-I and the desired thickness of the quantum dot layer 321.

[0143] like Figure 8D As shown, the quantum dot layer 321 may be formed to have wrinkles WRK-Q (hereinafter, "QDL wrinkles") on a top surface 321-S (hereinafter, "QDL top surface"). After the curing process, the QDL top surface 321-S may have a wrinkled shape compared to the LBL top surface 322-S.

[0144] The QDL wrinkles WRK-Q may be formed by applying stress SS to the top surface 321-S of the initial quantum dot layer 321-I. When a stronger stress SS is applied, the wrinkles of the QDL wrinkles WRK-Q may be greater. As the wrinkles of the QDL wrinkles WRK-Q become greater, the protrusion of the QDL wrinkles WRK-Q may become greater.

[0145] The degree of wrinkling can be adjusted in various ways. For example, the degree of wrinkling can vary depending on the material properties of the initial quantum dot layer 321-I. Specifically, the degree of wrinkling can depend on the glass transition temperature of the initial quantum dot layer 321-I. As the initial quantum dot layer 321-I becomes less stable to the heat HT applied during the curing process, the degree of wrinkling can become greater.

[0146] In an exemplary embodiment, the degree of wrinkling may vary according to the thickness of the quantum dot layer 321. For example, a larger amount of the initial quantum dot layer 321-I may be provided to form a thicker initial quantum dot layer 321-I, and in this case, as the thickness of the quantum dot layer 321 becomes greater, the degree of wrinkling may become greater.

[0147] In an exemplary embodiment, the degree of wrinkling may vary depending on the difference in glass transition temperature between the base substrate 310 and the initial quantum dot layer 321-I. The base substrate 310 and the initial quantum dot layer 321-I may have different susceptibilities to the heat HT applied during the curing process. As a result, residual stress may occur in the initial quantum dot layer 321-I, and when the residual stress is compressive stress, the degree of wrinkling may increase.

[0148] Afterwards, if Figure 8E As shown, an upper barrier layer 323 may be formed on the quantum dot layer 321 to form the optical member 300. For example, the upper barrier layer 323 may be formed by coating an inorganic layer on the QDL top surface 321-S. The coating process may include a deposition or printing process.

[0149] The upper barrier layer 323 may be formed such that a top surface 323-S (hereinafter, "UBL top surface") is corrugated along the QDL top surface 321-S. The UBL top surface 323-S may have a vertical profile that is transcribed from the QDL top surface 321-S. In this way, the UBL top surface 323-S may include a plurality of corrugations WRK corresponding to the QDL corrugations WRK-Q.

[0150] In the optical member 300 according to the exemplary embodiment, since the upper barrier layer 323 including an inorganic material is formed on the quantum dot layer 321 having the corrugated top surface 321-S, the upper barrier layer 323 may be formed to have a corrugated top surface 323-S. Deformation of the quantum dot layer 321 during the curing process may be caused by thermal stress (such as thermal HT). Thus, by forming the quantum dot layer 321 according to the exemplary embodiment with the uneven top surface 321-S, the thermal stress caused by the thermal HT can be relieved.

[0151] According to exemplary embodiments, the upper barrier layer 323 may be formed directly on the deformed quantum dot layer 321, thereby suppressing or preventing the quantum dot layer 321 from deforming in subsequent steps. Furthermore, since the upper barrier layer 323 is formed along the wrinkles WRK-Q of the quantum dot layer 321, even when the wrinkles WRK-Q are deformed due to subsequent deformation of the quantum dot layer 321, damage or delamination problems in the upper barrier layer 323 can be prevented or suppressed.

[0152] See also 9A to 9D According to an exemplary embodiment, the QDL wrinkle WRK-Q and the wrinkle WRK of the top surface of the UBL may be formed substantially simultaneously. Figure 9A and Figure 9B As shown, the first initial quantum dot layer 321-I1 may be cured to form a second initial quantum dot layer 321-I2. The first initial quantum dot layer 321-I1 may correspond to Figure 8C The initial quantum dot layer 321-I is shown in FIG.

[0153] The second initial quantum dot layer 321-I2 may have a flat top surface 321-S20, unlike the first initial quantum dot layer 321-I1 formed by curing the first initial quantum dot layer 321-I2. Figure 8D The top surface 321-S10 of the first initial quantum dot layer 321-I1 may be substantially the same as the top surface 321-S20 of the second initial quantum dot layer 321-I2. In this case, although the second initial quantum dot layer 321-I2 may be exposed to thermal stress caused by thermal HT, its top surface 321-S20 is not deformed by the top surface 321-S10 of the first initial quantum dot layer 321-I1.

[0154] Afterwards, if Figure 9CAs shown, an initial upper barrier layer 323-I may be formed on the second initial quantum dot layer 321-I2. The initial upper barrier layer 323-I may have a top surface 323-S10 having a profile that is transcribed from the top surface 321-S20 of the second initial quantum dot layer 321-I2. Thus, the top surface 323-S10 of the initial upper barrier layer 323-I may be a substantially flat surface.

[0155] like Figure 9D As shown, the second initial quantum dot layer 321 - I2 and the initial upper barrier layer 323 -I may be deformed to form the quantum dot layer 321 and the upper barrier layer 323 . Figure 9C and Figure 9D The upper barrier layer 323 is shown to be deformed after its formation, however, the present inventive concept is not limited thereto. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, the upper barrier layer 323 may be deformed during its formation.

[0156] The quantum dot layer 321 may be formed due to deformation of the second initial quantum dot layer 321-I2 by residual stress SS (e.g., thermal stress from heat HT). Due to the residual stress SS, wrinkles WRK-Q and WRK may be formed on the QDL top surface 321-S and the top surface 323-S of the upper barrier layer 323, respectively. In an exemplary embodiment, the residual stress SS may be a compressive stress on the wrinkles WRK-Q and WRK.

[0157] According to exemplary embodiments, since upper barrier layer 323 can be formed directly on deformed quantum dot layer 321, further deformation of quantum dot layer 321 in subsequent steps can be prevented or suppressed. In addition, in exemplary embodiments, since upper barrier layer 323 is formed along wrinkles WRK-Q of quantum dot layer 321, even when wrinkles WRK-Q are deformed due to subsequent deformation of quantum dot layer 321, damage or delamination problems in upper barrier layer 323 can be prevented or suppressed.

[0158] Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of a display apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment. 11A to 11D is a cross-sectional view illustrating a method for manufacturing an optical member according to an exemplary embodiment. Figures 10 to 11D A display device according to an exemplary embodiment is described.

[0159] like Figure 10 As shown, the display device DA-C may have a curved shape. The display device DA-C may include a display panel 100C, a backlight unit BLU, an upper protective member 410C, a lower protective member 420C, and an optical film 500.

[0160] The display panel 100C may have a curved shape. The display panel 100C may include a first substrate 110C and a second substrate 120C. Each of the first substrate 110C and the second substrate 120C may also have a curved shape, and in addition to their curved shapes, the first substrate 110C and the second substrate 120C may have the same curved shape as the first substrate 110C. Figure 1 The first substrate 110 and the second substrate 120 have substantially the same features. As such, repeated descriptions of substantially the same elements and features will be omitted.

[0161] Each of the upper protective member 410C and the lower protective member 420C may have a curved shape. When assembled in the display device DA-C, the optical film 500 may be in a curved state. In addition to the curved shapes of the upper protective member 410C, the lower protective member 420C, and the optical film 500, they may have the same Figure 1 The upper protective member 410, the lower protective member 420 and the optical film 500 have substantially the same features. As such, repeated descriptions of substantially the same elements and features will be omitted.

[0162] The backlight unit BLU may include a light source 200C and an optical member 300C. The light source 200C may include a circuit substrate 210C and a plurality of light emitting elements 220C. In an exemplary embodiment, the light source 200C may have a Figure 1 The light source 200 has substantially the same features, and therefore, repeated descriptions thereof will be omitted to avoid redundancy.

[0163] The optical member 300C may have a curved shape in a specific direction. The optical member 300C may be disposed so that its top surface 300C-S faces the display panel 100C. In addition to its curved shape, the optical member 300C may correspond to Figure 1 The optical component 300 will be referred to below. 11A to 11D The optical member 300C is described in more detail.

[0164] like Figure 11A and Figure 11B As shown, the curved base substrate 310C can be formed by bending an initial base substrate 310C-I along a bending axis BX. Thus, stress SS1 may occur in the base substrate 310C. Stress SS1 may be a compressive stress. The base substrate 310C may bend along the bending axis BX due to stress SS1.

[0165] The base substrate 310C may be bent along the bending axis BX with a curvature radius RC. Figure 11B The base substrate 310C is shown to be uniformly curved with a single curvature radius (eg, curvature radius RC), however, the inventive concept is not limited thereto. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, the base substrate 310C may be curved with at least two different curvature radii.

[0166] Afterwards, if Figure 11C As shown, a lower barrier layer 322C, a quantum dot layer 321C, and an upper barrier layer 323C may be sequentially formed on a base substrate 310C to form an optical member 300C. Wrinkles WRK may be formed on the top surface of the upper barrier layer 323C. As described above, the wrinkles WRK may be formed when curing the quantum dot layer 321C, or may be formed by wrinkles formed when forming the upper barrier layer 323C. Therefore, a repeated description thereof will be omitted.

[0167] like Figure 11D As shown, stress SS2 may occur in the base substrate 310C after the optical member 300C is formed. Stress SS2 may be residual stress of the base substrate 310C and may be tensile stress. The residual stress may be caused by bending stress applied to the base substrate 310C.

[0168] In the exemplary embodiment, due to the UBL top surface 323C-S having the wrinkles WRK, even when the quantum dot layer 321C and the like are deformed due to the stress SS2, the adhesion strength between the upper barrier layer 323C and the quantum dot layer 321C can be stably maintained. Therefore, it is possible to prevent or suppress the upper barrier layer 323C from being delaminated or damaged from the quantum dot layer 321C, thereby improving the reliability of the optical member 300C.

[0169] According to exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concept, the inorganic barrier layer covering the quantum dot layer can be formed to have wrinkles. Therefore, even when the quantum dot layer is deformed due to thermal stress or external impact, damage to the inorganic barrier layer can be suppressed or prevented, thereby improving the reliability of the optical component.

[0170] Although certain exemplary embodiments and implementations have been described herein, other embodiments and modifications will be apparent from this description. Therefore, the inventive concept is not limited to such embodiments, but rather to the broader scope of the appended claims and various obvious modifications and equivalent arrangements that will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. An optical component comprising: base substrate; a quantum dot layer disposed on the base substrate and having a first top surface including a lower corrugation, the quantum dot layer comprising a dielectric layer and a plurality of quantum dots dispersed in the dielectric layer; a lower barrier layer, the lower barrier layer being disposed between the base substrate and the quantum dot layer; and an upper barrier layer, the upper barrier layer covering the quantum dot layer, wherein the upper barrier layer has a second top surface having upper wrinkles corresponding to the lower wrinkles of the quantum dot layer, wherein the lower wrinkles of the first top surface of the quantum dot layer and the upper wrinkles of the second top surface of the upper barrier layer have curved shapes that are randomly arranged when viewed in a plan view, wherein a plurality of said upper folds are provided on said second top surface, wherein at least two of the plurality of upper folds are connected to each other, and The upper barrier layer is an inorganic layer. 2 . The optical member of claim 1 , wherein the upper barrier layer has a uniform thickness on the base substrate. 3 . The optical member of claim 2 , wherein the quantum dot layer has a varying thickness on the base substrate. The optical member of claim 1 , wherein the curved shape comprises a closed loop shape. 5 . The optical member according to claim 4 , wherein the plurality of upper corrugations include first corrugations having a first closed loop shape and second corrugations having a second closed loop shape different from the first closed loop shape. The optical member according to claim 5 , wherein the first corrugations and the second corrugations are connected to each other. 7 . The optical member of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of upper corrugations has a vertical thickness of 1 μm or less. 8 . The optical member according to claim 7 , wherein a distance between the plurality of upper corrugations is less than 100 μm. 9 . The optical member of claim 1 , further comprising a low-refractive layer disposed between the base substrate and the lower barrier layer and having a refractive index of 1.5 or less. 10 . The optical member of claim 1 , wherein the base substrate comprises a glass substrate.

11. The optical member of claim 1 , further comprising a protective layer comprising an organic material and disposed on the upper barrier layer, The protection layer covers the second top surface and has a flat top surface.

12. A display device comprising: a light source configured to emit light; an optical member having an incident surface facing the light source; and a display panel provided on the optical member and comprising a plurality of pixels, The optical component comprises: a base substrate including a top surface facing the display panel, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and a plurality of side surfaces connecting the top surface to the bottom surface, at least one of the plurality of side surfaces including the incident surface; a lower barrier layer, the lower barrier layer being disposed on the base substrate, the lower barrier layer having a flat top surface; an upper barrier layer disposed on the lower barrier layer, the upper barrier layer being an inorganic layer and having a corrugated top surface having a plurality of corrugations formed thereon; and a quantum dot layer, the quantum dot layer being disposed between the lower barrier layer and the upper barrier layer, the quantum dot layer comprising a dielectric layer and a plurality of quantum dots dispersed in the dielectric layer, wherein at least two of the plurality of folds are connected to each other, and Wherein, when viewed in a plan view, the folds have a curved shape.

13. The display device according to claim 12, wherein: When viewed in a plan view, the corrugations include first corrugations having a first shape and second corrugations having a second shape different from the first shape.

14. The display device of claim 13, wherein the first corrugations and the second corrugations are connected to each other. 15 . The display device of claim 12 , wherein a top surface of the dielectric layer has a corrugated shape that is different from a shape of the top surface of the base substrate.

16. The display device according to claim 15, wherein: The dielectric layer has a non-uniform thickness on the base substrate; and The upper barrier layer has a uniform thickness on the base substrate.

17. The display device of claim 12, wherein the base substrate comprises a glass substrate. 18 . The display device of claim 12 , further comprising a low-refractive layer disposed between the base substrate and the quantum dot layer and having a refractive index less than 1.

5.

19. The display device of claim 12, further comprising a protective layer disposed on the upper barrier layer and covering a top surface of the wrinkles of the upper barrier layer, The protective layer has a flat top surface, and the flat top surface has a shape different from a shape of the corrugated top surface of the upper barrier layer.

20. The display device of claim 12, wherein the display panel is bent along an axis extending in one direction.

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