Display device and method of manufacturing a display device

Abstract

Embodiments relate to a display device and a method of manufacturing a display device. The display device can include a first electrode, a second electrode, an emissive layer, an intermediate layer, and a first encapsulation layer. The second electrode can overlap the first electrode. The emissive layer can be disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, can overlap the first electrode, and can include a light emitting material. The intermediate layer can directly contact the second electrode, can be spaced apart from each of the first electrode and the emissive layer, and can include a fluorine compound. A first portion of the first encapsulation layer can overlap the emissive layer. The intermediate layer can be between the second electrode and a second portion of the first encapsulation layer.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Embodiments relate to a display device and a method of manufacturing a display device. BACKGROUND

[0002] A display device can display an image according to an input signal.

[0003] The display device can include a light emitting element that emits light used to form an image, and can include an encapsulation layer that covers the light emitting element. The encapsulation layer can protect the light emitting element from impurities. When the encapsulation layer is damaged, impurities can flow into the light emitting element and can damage the light emitting element. SUMMARY

[0004] Embodiments can relate to a display device in which an encapsulation layer is not damaged.

[0005] Embodiments can relate to a method of manufacturing a display device that can prevent damage to an encapsulation layer of the display device.

[0006] A display device according to an embodiment can include a substrate on which a pixel area that displays an image and a transmissive area that transmits external light are defined; a first electrode disposed in the pixel area on the substrate; an interlayer disposed in the pixel area on the first electrode and including an emission layer and at least one common layer; a second electrode disposed in the pixel area on the interlayer; a surface control layer disposed between the second electrode on the interlayer and the transmissive area and including a fluorine compound; and an encapsulation layer disposed on the second electrode and the surface control layer in the pixel area and the transmissive area.

[0007] The second electrode can not overlap the surface control layer.

[0008] The second electrode can overlap only an edge of the surface control layer.

[0009] The display device can further include an aggregation particle disposed between the surface control layer and the encapsulation layer and including the same material as the second electrode.

[0010] In a cross-sectional view, the surface control layer can be parallel to the substrate.

[0011] In a cross-sectional view, the surface control layer can be inclined with respect to the substrate.

[0012] In a plan view, the surface control layer can surround the transmissive area.

[0013] The fluorine compound can include at least one of a difluoromethylene group, a trifluoromethyl group, and a fluorosilane.

[0014] The second electrode can include at least one of magnesium (Mg), silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), lithium (Li), calcium (Ca), indium (In), and ytterbium (Yb).

[0015] The surface control layer can have a surface energy greater than 0 mJ / m 2 and less than or equal to approximately 30 mJ / m 2 .

[0016] The display device can further include a capping layer disposed between the second electrode and the encapsulation layer in the pixel area.

[0017] The at least one common layer, the surface control layer, and the capping layer can each have a first opening, a second opening, and a third opening overlapping the transmissive area, and can define a transmissive window by the first opening, the second opening, and the third opening.

[0018] The encapsulation layer can include a first inorganic encapsulation layer, an organic encapsulation layer disposed on the first inorganic encapsulation layer, and a second inorganic encapsulation layer disposed on the organic encapsulation layer.

[0019] The emission layer can overlap the first electrode.

[0020] The at least one common layer can include a first common layer disposed between the first electrode and the emission layer, and a second common layer disposed between the emission layer and the second electrode.

[0021] A method of manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment can include the steps of forming a first electrode on a substrate in a pixel area displaying an image; forming an interlayer including an emission layer and at least one common layer on the first electrode in the pixel area and in a transmissive area transmitting external light; forming a surface control layer on the interlayer in the transmissive area; forming a second electrode on the interlayer in the pixel area, the second electrode being adjacent to the surface control layer; removing portions of the interlayer and the surface control layer overlapping the transmissive area to form a transmissive window; and forming an encapsulation layer on the surface control layer and the second electrode in the pixel area and the transmissive area.

[0022] The portions of the interlayer and the surface control layer can be removed by irradiation with a laser.

[0023] The laser can be irradiated inside the surface control layer.

[0024] The method can further include forming a capping layer on the surface control layer and the second electrode before removing the portion of the interlayer and the surface control layer, and a portion of the capping layer overlapping the transmissive region can be removed with the portion of the interlayer and the surface control layer.

[0025] The surface control layer can be formed by vapor deposition, wet coating, or screen printing.

[0026] Embodiments can relate to a display device. The display device can include a first electrode, a second electrode, an emissive layer, an intermediate layer, and a first encapsulation layer. The second electrode can overlap the first electrode. The emissive layer can be disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, can overlap the first electrode, and can include a light emitting material. The intermediate layer can directly contact the second electrode, can be spaced apart from each of the first electrode and the emissive layer, and can include a fluorine compound. A first portion of the first encapsulation layer can overlap the emissive layer. The intermediate layer can be between the second electrode and a second portion of the first encapsulation layer.

[0027] In a thickness direction of the intermediate layer, the second electrode can not overlap the intermediate layer.

[0028] In a thickness direction of the intermediate layer, the second electrode can overlap an edge of the intermediate layer and not overlap a central portion of the intermediate layer.

[0029] The display device can include an aggregated particle disposed between the intermediate layer and the first encapsulation layer and including a same material as the second electrode.

[0030] A maximum face of the intermediate layer can be parallel to a maximum face of the emissive layer.

[0031] A maximum face of the intermediate layer can be oblique with respect to a maximum face of the emissive layer.

[0032] The display device can include a substrate. The second electrode can not overlap a portion of the substrate. In a plan view of the display device, the intermediate layer can surround the portion of the substrate.

[0033] The fluorine compound can include at least one of a difluoromethylene group, a trifluoromethyl group, and a fluorosilane.

[0034] The second electrode can include at least one of magnesium (Mg), silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), lithium (Li), calcium (Ca), indium (In), and ytterbium (Yb).

[0035] The surface energy of the intermediate layer can be greater than 0 mJ / m 2 and less than or equal to 30 mJ / m 2 .

[0036] The display device can include a capping layer disposed between the second electrode and the first encapsulation layer and overlapping the emissive layer.

[0037] The display device can include a common layer and a substrate. The common layer can directly contact the emissive layer. The common layer, the intermediate layer, and the capping layer can have first, second, and third openings, respectively, that expose the same portion of the substrate.

[0038] The display device can include a second encapsulation layer and an organic encapsulation layer disposed between the first encapsulation layer and the second encapsulation layer. At least one of the first encapsulation layer and the second encapsulation layer can be formed of an inorganic material.

[0039] The intermediate layer can directly contact the second portion of the first encapsulation layer.

[0040] The display device can include the following elements: a first common layer disposed between the first electrode and the emissive layer; and a second common layer disposed between the emissive layer and the second electrode.

[0041] Embodiments can relate to a method of manufacturing a display device. The method can include the following steps: forming a first electrode; forming an emissive layer overlapping the first electrode and including a light-emitting material; forming an intermediate material layer spaced apart from each of the first electrode and the emissive layer and including a fluorine compound; forming a second electrode directly contacting the intermediate material layer; partially removing the intermediate material layer to form an intermediate layer including an exposed side; and forming a first encapsulation layer overlapping the emissive layer and directly contacting the exposed side of the intermediate layer.

[0042] The intermediate material layer can be partially removed by a laser to expose the exposed side of the intermediate layer.

[0043] The laser can be irradiated within a periphery of the intermediate material layer.

[0044] The method can further include forming a capping material layer on the intermediate material layer and the second electrode before partially removing the intermediate material layer. The capping material layer can be partially removed to form a capping layer when or just before the intermediate material layer is removed.

[0045] The intermediate material layer can be formed by vapor deposition, wet coating or screen printing.

[0046] A display device according to embodiments can include a surface control layer (or intermediate layer) disposed between the second electrode and the transmissive region and including a fluorine compound, such that the encapsulation layer can not be damaged by a burr on an end of the second electrode.

[0047] In a method of manufacturing a display device according to embodiments, portions of the intervening layer and the surface control layer (intermediate layer) that overlap the transmissive region of the substrate can be removed to form a transmissive window, such that there is no possibility of a significant burr on an end of the second electrode, or scattering particles from the second electrode can be minimized. Advantageously, the encapsulation layer of the display device can not be damaged. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0048] Figure 1 is a plan view showing a portion of a display device according to embodiments.

[0049] Figure 2 is a plan view showing a first region in Figure 1 according to embodiments.

[0050] Figure 3 is a plan view showing a second region in Figure 1 according to embodiments.

[0051] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a display device according to embodiments, taken along line I-I' in Figure 2 .

[0052] Figure 5 is a plan view showing a surface control layer and a second electrode in Figure 4 according to embodiments.

[0053] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a display device according to embodiments.

[0054] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a display device according to embodiments.

[0055] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a display device according to embodiments.

[0056] Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 , Figure 12 , Figure 13 , Figure 14 and Figure 15 are diagrams showing structures formed in a method of manufacturing a display device according to one or more embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] Example embodiments are described with reference to the drawings. Although the terms "first", "second", etc. can be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms can be used to distinguish one element from another. A first element could be termed a second element without departing from the teachings of one or more embodiments. An element described as "first" need not necessarily exist in the prior to a second element or other element. The terms "first", "second", etc. can be used to distinguish different types or sets of elements. For brevity, the terms "first", "second", etc. can represent "first type (or set)", "second type (or set)", etc. respectively.

[0058] The term "connected" can mean "electrically connected" or "electrically connected without an intervening element". The term "insulated" can mean "electrically insulated" or "electrically isolated". The term "electrically conductive" can mean "electrically conductive". The term "layer" can mean "member". The term "contact" can mean "direct contact". The term "surface control layer" can mean "intervening layer".

[0059] Figure 1 FIG. 1A is a plan view showing a portion of a display device 100 according to an embodiment.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 1A, Figure 1 The display device 100 can include a first area A1 and a second area A2. Each of the first area A1 and the second area A2 can be a display area for displaying an image. The first area A1 can include a transmissive area that transmits external light. Because the first area A1 includes the transmissive area, the transmissivity of the first area A1 can be greater than the transmissivity of the second area A2. The first area A1 can transmit external light incident into the first area A1 while displaying (a portion of) an image.

[0061] The first area A1 and the second area A2 can be adjacent to each other. The second area A2 can surround at least a portion of the first area A1. For example, in a plan view of the display device 100, the first area A1 can be disposed inside a display area and spaced apart from an edge of the display device 100, and the second area A2 can substantially surround the first area A1.

[0062] In a plan view, the first area A1 can have a circular shape. In a plan view of the display device 100, the first area A1 can have one or more of various polygonal shapes.

[0063] The function module 300 can be disposed on a rear surface of the display device 100. In a plan view, the function module 300 can be disposed in the first area A1. The function module 300 can receive external light transmitted through the first area A1.

[0064] The function module 300 can include at least one of a camera module for capturing (or recognizing) an image of an object positioned on a front surface of the display device 100, a face recognition sensor module for detecting a face of a user, a pupil recognition sensor for detecting an eye of a user, an acceleration sensor module and / or a geomagnetic sensor module for determining a motion of the display device 100, a proximity sensor module and / or an infrared sensor module for detecting whether the front surface of the display device 100 is close, and an illuminance sensor module for measuring an external brightness level.

[0065] Figure 2 is a plan view illustrating a first area A1 in a display device 100 according to an embodiment. Figure 1 Figure 3 is a plan view illustrating a second area A2 in the display device 100 according to an embodiment. Figure 1

[0066] Referring to Figures 1 to 3 , the first area A1 can include a first pixel area PA1, a transmission area TA, and a first surrounding area SA1; the second area A2 can include a second pixel area PA2 and a second surrounding area SA2. Each of the first pixel area PA1 and the second pixel area PA2 can include pixels for emitting light.

[0067] The first pixel area PA1 can include first sub-pixel areas SRA1, SGA1, and SBA1 that emit light having different colors. The second pixel area PA2 can include second sub-pixel areas SRA2, SGA2, and SBA2 that emit light having different colors. The first sub-pixel areas SRA1, SGA1, and SBA1 can include a first red pixel area SRA1 that emits red light, a first green pixel area SGA1 that emits green light, and a first blue pixel area SBA1 that emits blue light. The second sub-pixel areas SRA2, SGA2, and SBA2 can include a second red pixel area SRA2 that emits red light, at least one second green pixel area SGA2 that emits green light, and a second blue pixel area SBA2 that emits blue light.

[0068] ​​The transmissive region TA can transmit external light incident on the display device 100. Because the first region A1 includes the transmissive region TA that transmits external light, the functional module 300, located on the rear surface of the display device 100 and corresponding to the first region A1, can detect or identify objects or users positioned on the front surface of the display device 100 through the transmissive region TA. The first surrounding region SA1 can surround the first pixel region PA1 and the transmissive region TA. The second surrounding region SA2 can surround the second pixel region PA2. Each of the first surrounding region SA1 and the second surrounding region SA2 may not emit light and may substantially not transmit external light.

[0069] Because the first region A1 includes the transmission region TA, the number of first sub-pixel regions SRA1, SGA1, and SBA1 per unit area can be less than the number of second sub-pixel regions SRA2, SGA2, and SBA2 per unit area. The resolution of the first region A1 can be less than the resolution of the second region A2.

[0070] The arrangement or structure of the first sub-pixel regions SRA1, SGA1, and SBA1 may differ from the arrangement or structure of the second sub-pixel regions SRA2, SGA2, and SBA2. For example, in the plan view of the display device 100, the first sub-pixel regions SRA1, SGA1, and SBA1 may be arranged in a stripe pattern with edges parallel to the edges of the display device 100, and in the plan view of the display device 100, the second sub-pixel regions SRA2, SGA2, and SBA2 may be arranged in a PENTILE™ pattern with edges oblique relative to the edges of the display device 100. The first pixel region PA1 may include a first red pixel region SRA1, a first green pixel region SGA1, and a first blue pixel region SBA1. The second pixel region PA2 may include a second red pixel region SRA2, two second green pixel regions SGA2, and a second blue pixel region SBA2.

[0071] In a planar diagram, the transmission region TA can have at least one of various shapes. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the transmission region TA in the planar view can have an octagonal shape. The transmission region TA in the planar view can also have a hexagonal or circular shape, etc.

[0072] Figure 4 It is shown along the embodiment Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of the display device 100 taken by line I-I' in the figure. Figure 5 This illustrates an embodiment. Figure 4 A plan view of the surface control layer 210 and the second electrode 220.

[0073] The cross-sectional structure of the second pixel region PA2 and the second surrounding region SA2 of the second region A2 can be substantially the same as or similar to the cross-sectional structure of the first pixel region PA1 and the first surrounding region SA1 of the first region A1. Accordingly, the description of the first region A1 can be substantially applied to the second region A2.

[0074] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The display device 100 may include a substrate 110, a plurality of semiconductor or conductive layers 120, 140, 161 and 162, a plurality of inorganic insulating layers 130 and 150, a planarization layer 170, a first electrode 180, a pixel defining layer 190, an intermediate layer 200, a surface control layer 210, a second electrode 220, a capping layer 230 and an encapsulation layer 240.

[0075] The substrate 110 may be a transparent insulating substrate. For example, the substrate 110 may be formed of glass, quartz, or plastic. The substrate 110 may include pixel areas, transmissive areas, and surrounding areas corresponding to the pixel areas, transmissive areas, and surrounding areas of the display device 100.

[0076] Semiconductor or conductive layers 120, 140, 161, and 162 are located in different layers on substrate 110. Semiconductor or conductive layers 120, 140, 161, and 162 may include an active layer 120, a gate electrode 140, a source electrode 161, and a drain electrode 162. Semiconductor or conductive layers 120, 140, 161, and 162 may be disposed in a first pixel region PA1, a first surrounding region SA1, a second pixel region PA2, and / or a second surrounding region SA2. Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, semiconductor or conductive layers 120, 140, 161, and 162 are disposed in the first pixel region PA1.

[0077] Inorganic insulating layers 130 and 150 can perform insulation between semiconductor or conductive layers 120, 140, 161, and 162, and can be disposed on substrate 110. Inorganic insulating layers 130 and 150 may include gate insulating layer 130 and interlayer insulating layer 150.

[0078] An active layer 120 may be disposed on a substrate 110. The active layer 120 may be formed of amorphous silicon, polycrystalline silicon, or oxide semiconductor, etc. The active layer 120 may include a source region, a drain region, and a channel region disposed between the source and drain regions. P-type or N-type impurities may be doped in the source and drain regions, and impurities of a different type than those in the source and drain regions may be doped in the channel region.

[0079] The gate insulating layer 130 can be disposed on the active layer 120. The gate insulating layer 130 can cover the active layer 120 on the substrate 110. The gate insulating layer 130 can insulate the gate electrode 140 from the active layer 120. The gate insulating layer 130 can be formed of an inorganic insulating material such as silicon nitride, silicon oxide, or silicon oxynitride.

[0080] In an embodiment, the gate insulating layer 130 can be disposed in the first pixel area PA1, the transmission area TA, the first surrounding area SA1, the second pixel area PA2, and the second surrounding area SA2. As shown in FIG. 1A, the gate insulating layer 130 can be disposed in the first pixel area PA1, the transmission area TA, and the first surrounding area SA1 in the first area A1. Similarly, the gate insulating layer 130 can be disposed in the second pixel area PA2, the transmission area TA, and the second surrounding area SA2 in the second area A2. In another embodiment, the gate insulating layer 130 can be disposed in the first pixel area PA1, the first surrounding area SA1, the second pixel area PA2, and the second surrounding area SA2, and can not be disposed in the transmission area TA. Figure 4

[0081] The gate electrode 140 can be disposed on the gate insulating layer 130. The gate electrode 140 can overlap the channel region of the active layer 120. The gate electrode 140 can be formed of a conductive material such as a metal or an alloy. For example, the gate electrode 140 can be formed of molybdenum (Mo) or copper (Cu).

[0082] The interlayer insulating layer 150 can be disposed on the gate electrode 140. The interlayer insulating layer 150 can cover the gate electrode 140 on the gate insulating layer 130. The interlayer insulating layer 150 can insulate the source electrode 161 and the drain electrode 162 from the gate electrode 140. The interlayer insulating layer 150 can be formed of an inorganic insulating material such as silicon nitride, silicon oxide, or silicon oxynitride.

[0083] In an embodiment as shown in FIG. 1A, the interlayer insulating layer 150 can be disposed in the first pixel area PA1, the first surrounding area SA1, the second pixel area PA2, and the second surrounding area SA2, and can not be disposed in the transmission area TA. In another embodiment, the interlayer insulating layer 150 can be disposed in the first pixel area PA1, the transmission area TA, the first surrounding area SA1, the second pixel area PA2, and the second surrounding area SA2. Figure 4

[0084] ​​Source electrode 161 and drain electrode 162 can be disposed on interlayer insulating layer 150. Source electrode 161 can be connected to the source region of active layer 120, and drain electrode 162 can be connected to the drain region of active layer 120. Source electrode 161 and drain electrode 162 can be formed of conductive material such as metal or alloy. For example, source electrode 161 and drain electrode 162 can be formed of molybdenum (Mo) or copper (Cu). Active layer 120, gate electrode 140, source electrode 161 and drain electrode 162 can form transistor TR. Transistor TR can be disposed in each of the first pixel region PA1 and the second pixel region PA2.

[0085] A planarization layer 170 may be disposed on the source electrode 161 and the drain electrode 162. The planarization layer 170 may cover portions of the source electrode 161 and the drain electrode 162 that protrude beyond the interlayer insulating layer 150. The planarization layer 170 may protect the transistor TR and may provide a planarized surface above the transistor TR. The planarization layer 170 may be formed of an organic insulating material such as polyimide (PI). The planarization layer 170 may be disposed in the first pixel region PA1, the first surrounding region SA1, the second pixel region PA2, and the second surrounding region SA2, and may not be disposed in the transmission region TA.

[0086] The first electrode 180 may be disposed on the planarization layer 170. The first electrode 180 may be connected to the source electrode 161 or the drain electrode 162. The first electrode 180 may be disposed in each of the first pixel region PA1 and the second pixel region PA2. The first electrode 180 may be formed of a conductive material such as a metal or a transparent conductive oxide.

[0087] A pixel defining layer 190 may be disposed on the first electrode 180. The pixel defining layer 190 may include a pixel opening that exposes a central portion of the first electrode 180, thereby defining a first pixel region PA1 or a second pixel region PA2. The pixel defining layer 190 may space the edge of the first electrode 180 from the second electrode 220, thereby preventing potential arcing between the edge of the first electrode 180 and the second electrode 220. The pixel defining layer 190 may be formed of an organic insulating material such as polyimide (PI). The pixel defining layer 190 may be disposed in a first surrounding region SA1 and a second surrounding region SA2, and may not be disposed in the first pixel region PA1, the transmissive region TA, and / or the second pixel region PA2.

[0088] Intermediate layer 200 may be disposed on first electrode 180 and pixel defining layer 190. Intermediate layer 200 may include emitter layer 202 and at least one common layer 201 and / or 203. Intermediate layer 200 may include first common layer 201, emitter layer 202 and second common layer 203.

[0089] The first common layer 201 may be disposed on the first electrode 180 and the pixel defining layer 190. The first common layer 201 may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. The first common layer 201 may include a hole injection layer and / or a hole transport layer. The first common layer 201 may also include other functional layers on the hole injection layer and / or the hole transport layer. The first common layer 201 may be disposed in the first pixel region PA1, the first surrounding region SA1, the second pixel region PA2, and the second surrounding region SA2, and may not be disposed in the transmission region TA.

[0090] The emitting layer 202 may be disposed on the first common layer 201. The emitting layer 202 may overlap with the first electrode 180. The emitting layer 202 may be disposed in each of the first pixel region PA1 and the second pixel region PA2, and may not be disposed in the transmission region TA, the first surrounding region SA1, and the second surrounding region SA2. The emitting layer 202 may include at least one of organic light-emitting materials and quantum dots.

[0091] Organic light-emitting materials can include low-molecular-weight organic compounds or high-molecular-weight organic compounds. For example, low-molecular-weight organic compounds can include at least one of copper phthalocyanine (CuPc), N,N'-diphenylbenzidine (NPD), and tris-(8-hydroxyquinoline)aluminum (Alq3). High-molecular-weight organic compounds can include poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), polyaniline (PANI), polyphenylenevinylene (PPV), and polyfluorene (PF).

[0092] Quantum dots may include a core comprising at least one of the following: group II-VI compounds, group III-V compounds, group IV-VI compounds, group IV elements, group IV compounds, and combinations thereof. Quantum dots may have a core-shell structure comprising a core and a shell surrounding the core. The shell can prevent chemical degradation of the core and can act as a protective layer for maintaining semiconductor properties and as a charging layer for imparting electrophoretic properties to the quantum dots.

[0093] The second common layer 203 can be disposed on the first common layer 201 and the emission layer 202. The second common layer 203 can have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. The second common layer 203 may include an electron transport layer and / or an electron injection layer. The second common layer 203 may also include other functional layers on the electron transport layer and / or the electron injection layer. The second common layer 203 can be disposed in the first pixel region PA1, the first surrounding region SA1, the second pixel region PA2, and the second surrounding region SA2, and may not be disposed in the transmission region TA.

[0094] The second electrode 220 can be disposed on the intermediary layer 200. The second electrode 220 can be opposite to the first electrode 180, and the intermediary layer 200 is disposed between the first electrode 180 and the second electrode 220. The second electrode 220 can be disposed in the first pixel region PA1, the first surrounding region SA1, the second pixel region PA2, and the second surrounding region SA2, and may not be disposed in the transmissive region TA.

[0095] The second electrode 220 may include at least one of magnesium (Mg), silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), lithium (Li), calcium (Ca), indium (In), and ytterbium (Yb). The first electrode 180, the intercalary layer 200, and the second electrode 220 may form a light-emitting element EL. The light-emitting element EL may be disposed in each of the first pixel region PA1 and the second pixel region PA2.

[0096] The surface control layer 210 can be disposed on the intermediary layer 200 and between the second electrode 220 and the transmission region TA. The surface control layer 210 can be disposed in the first surrounding region SA1 and the second surrounding region SA2, and may not be disposed in the first pixel region PA1, the transmission region TA, and the second pixel region PA2. Because the surface control layer 210 is disposed between the second electrode 220 and the transmission region TA, the second electrode 220 can be spaced apart from the transmission region TA.

[0097] In the thickness direction of the substrate 110, the second electrode 220 may not overlap with the surface control layer 210. The side surface 220S of the second electrode 220 may contact the side surface 210S of the surface control layer 210. Since the second electrode 220 does not overlap with the surface control layer 210, the side surface 220S of the second electrode 220 may be spaced apart from the transmission region TA.

[0098] A cross-sectional view of the display device 100 (e.g., Figure 4 In this process, the surface control layer 210 can extend parallel to the substrate 110.

[0099] In the plan view of the display device 100 (e.g., Figure 5 In the display device 100, the surface control layer 210 may surround the transmission region TA. In the plan view of the display device 100, the second electrode 220 may surround the surface control layer 210. When the transmission region TA has an octagonal shape in the plan view, the surface control layer 210 may have an octagonal annular shape surrounding the transmission region TA in the plan view.

[0100] The surface control layer 210 may include one or more fluorine (F) compounds. The fluorine compounds may include at least one of the following: difluoromethylene group, trifluoromethyl group, and fluorosilane.

[0101] At room temperature, the surface energy of the surface control layer 210 can be greater than 0 mJ / m 2 And less than or equal to approximately 30 mJ / m 2 Because the surface control layer 210 has a surface energy within the above range, the adhesion between the second electrode 220 and the surface control layer 210 can be less than the adhesion between the second electrode 220 and the intermediary layer 200.

[0102] The second electrode 220 can be formed by a metal self-patterning method. Specifically, when the second electrode 220 is formed on the intermediary layer 200 after the surface control layer 210 has already been formed on the intermediary layer 200, given the relatively low adhesion between the second electrode 220 and the surface control layer 210, the second electrode 220 can be formed only on the portion of the intermediary layer 200 not covered by the surface control layer 210. Advantageously, the patterned second electrode 220 can be formed without an additional patterning process.

[0103] A capping layer 230 can be disposed on the surface control layer 210 and the second electrode 220. The capping layer 230 can protect the light-emitting element EL and help to effectively emit light from the light-emitting element EL. The capping layer 230 may include substances such as N,N'-bis(1-naphthyl)-N,N'-diphenyl[1,1'-biphenyl]-4,4'-diamine (α-NPD: N,N'-bis(1-naphthyl)-N,N'-diphenyl[1,1'-biphenyl]-4,4'-diamine), N,N'-bis(naphthalene-1-yl)-N,N'-diphenyl-benzidine (NPB: N,N'-di(naphthalene-1-yl)-N,N'-diphenyl-benzidine), N,N'-bis(3-methylphenyl)-N,N'-diphenyl-[ The capping layer 230 may be disposed in the first pixel region PA1, the first surrounding region SA1, the second pixel region PA2 and the second surrounding region SA2, and may not be disposed in the transmission region TA. The capping layer 230 may be disposed in the first pixel region PA1, the first surrounding region SA1, the second pixel region PA2 and the second surrounding region SA2, and may not be disposed in the transmission region TA.

[0104] The display device 100 may include a transmissive window TW that overlaps with the transmissive region TA. The transmissive window TW may be defined by an opening of an element of the display device 100 that coincides with the transmissive region TA. At least one of the gate insulating layer 130, interlayer insulating layer 150, planarization layer 170, pixel defining layer 190, intercalary layer 200, surface control layer 210, and capping layer 230 may have an opening that coincides with the transmissive region TA.

[0105] At least one common layer 201 and / or 203, surface control layer 210, and capping layer 230 may each include a first opening OP1, a second opening OP2, and a third opening OP3 that overlap with the transmission region TA. The first opening OP1 of at least one common layer 201 and / or 203, the second opening OP2 of the surface control layer 210, and the third opening OP3 of the capping layer 230 may form a transmission window TW.

[0106] When layers are stacked in the transmissive region TA, the reflectivity of external light reflected at the interfaces between adjacent layers may increase. The display device 100 according to an embodiment may include a transmissive window TW in the transmissive region TA, thereby reducing the number of interfaces between adjacent layers in the transmissive region TA. Advantageously, the reflectivity of external light reflected at the interfaces between adjacent layers can be reduced.

[0107] Encapsulation layer 240 may be disposed on capping layer 230. Encapsulation layer 240 may include at least one inorganic encapsulation layer 241 and / or 243 and at least one organic encapsulation layer 242.

[0108] A portion of the encapsulation layer 240 overlapping with the first pixel region PA1, the first surrounding region SA1, the second pixel region PA2, and the second surrounding region SA2 can be disposed on the light-emitting element EL. This can prevent external impurities from flowing into the light-emitting element EL and protect the light-emitting element EL from external impacts. A portion of the encapsulation layer 240 overlapping with the transmission region TA can fill the transmission window TW. The encapsulation layer 240 can have a planarized upper surface extending over the first pixel region PA1, the transmission region TA, the first surrounding region SA1, the second pixel region PA2, and the second surrounding region SA2.

[0109] The encapsulation layer 240 may include a first inorganic encapsulation layer 241 covering the capping layer 230 and formed along the transmission window TW, an organic encapsulation layer 242 disposed on the first inorganic encapsulation layer 241, and a second inorganic encapsulation layer 243 disposed on the organic encapsulation layer 242. The first inorganic encapsulation layer 241 and the second inorganic encapsulation layer 243 can reduce or substantially prevent impurities such as oxygen and moisture from flowing into the light-emitting element EL. The organic encapsulation layer 242 can improve the sealing characteristics of the encapsulation layer 240, can alleviate the internal stress of the first inorganic encapsulation layer 241 and the second inorganic encapsulation layer 243, can compensate for the deficiencies of the first inorganic encapsulation layer 241 and the second inorganic encapsulation layer 243, and can provide a planarized upper surface to the second inorganic encapsulation layer 243.

[0110] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view showing the display device 101 according to an embodiment. Except for the structure of the second electrode 220, refer to... Figure 6 The components of the described display device 101 can be compared with those in the reference. Figure 4 The components of the described display device 100 are substantially the same or similar.

[0111] Reference Figure 6The second electrode 220 may overlap with the edge (first portion) of the surface control layer 210 and may not overlap with the central portion (second portion) of the surface control layer 210. For example, the second electrode 220 may overlap with the outer edge of the surface control layer 210 and may not overlap with the central portion and inner edge of the surface control layer 210. The outer edge of the surface control layer 210 is the edge of the surface control layer 210 away from the transmission region TA, the inner edge of the surface control layer 210 is the edge of the surface control layer 210 opposite to the outer edge and close to the transmission region TA, and the central portion of the surface control layer 210 is the portion located between the outer edge and the inner edge of the surface control layer 210. The lower surface 220L of the side portion of the second electrode 220 may contact the upper surface 210U of the side portion of the surface control layer 210. Because the second electrode 220 only overlaps with the edge of the surface control layer 210, the side surface of the second electrode 220 may be spaced apart from the transmission region TA.

[0112] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view showing the display device 102 according to an embodiment. Except for the aggregated particles 225, refer to... Figure 7 The components of the described display device 102 can be compared with those in the reference. Figure 4 The components of the described display device 100 are substantially the same or similar.

[0113] Reference Figure 7 The display device 102 may include aggregated particles 225 disposed between the surface control layer 210 and the capping layer 230. The aggregated particles 225 may include a material substantially the same as that of the second electrode 220. For example, the aggregated particles 225 may include at least one of magnesium (Mg), silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), lithium (Li), calcium (Ca), indium (In), and ytterbium (Yb). When the second electrode 220 is formed by a metal self-patterning method, the material forming the second electrode 220 can aggregate and be retained as aggregated particles 225 on the surface control layer 210.

[0114] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing the display device 103 according to an embodiment. Apart from the structure of the surface control layer 210, the second electrode 220, etc., refer to... Figure 8 The components of the described display device 103 can be compared with those in the reference. Figure 4 The components of the described display device 100 are substantially the same or similar.

[0115] Reference Figure 8In the cross-sectional view, the surface control layer 210 may be inclined / oblique relative to the substrate 110. In the cross-sectional view, the surface control layer 210 may extend in a direction different from (and oblique relative to) the extension direction of the substrate 110. The surface control layer 210 may be disposed on the inclined sidewall of the intermediary layer 200, the inclined sidewall forming an acute angle with the surface of the underlying substrate 110, and correspondingly, in the cross-sectional view, the extension direction of the surface control layer 210 may form an acute angle with the extension direction of the substrate 110.

[0116] Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 , Figure 12 , Figure 13 , Figure 14 and Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating the structures formed in methods of manufacturing display devices 100, 101, 102, and 103 according to one or more embodiments. In the following method description, elements and layers used to form those elements may use the same element names and reference numerals.

[0117] In general, in the embodiments, a method of manufacturing a display device may include the following steps: forming a first electrode; forming an emitting layer overlapping the first electrode and including a light-emitting material; forming an intermediate material layer spaced apart from each of the first electrode and the emitting layer and including a fluorine compound; forming a second electrode in direct contact with the intermediate material layer; partially removing the intermediate material layer to form an intermediate layer including an exposed side; and forming a first encapsulation layer overlapping the emitting layer and in direct contact with the exposed side of the intermediate layer. The intermediate material layer can be partially removed by laser to expose the exposed side of the intermediate layer. The laser can be irradiated within the periphery of the intermediate material layer. The method may further include: forming a capping material layer on the intermediate material layer and the second electrode before partially removing the intermediate material layer. The capping material layer can be partially removed during or just before the partial removal of the intermediate material layer to form a capping layer.

[0118] Reference Figure 9 and Figure 10 A surface control layer (intermediate material layer) 210 can be formed on a substrate 110 on which the first electrode 180 and the intermediary layer 200 are formed.

[0119] An active layer 120, a gate insulating layer 130, a gate electrode 140, an interlayer insulating layer 150, a source electrode 161 and a drain electrode 162, a planarization layer 170, a first electrode 180, and a pixel defining layer 190 can be sequentially formed on a substrate 110. The active layer 120, gate electrode 140, source electrode 161, and drain electrode 162 can form a transistor TR. The gate insulating layer 130 can be formed in the pixel region PA (e.g., including sub-pixel regions SRA, SGA, and SBA), the transmissive region TA, and the surrounding region SA. The active layer 120, gate electrode 140, interlayer insulating layer 150, source electrode 161 and drain electrode 162, planarization layer 170, and first electrode 180 can be formed in the pixel region PA and the surrounding region SA. The pixel defining layer 190 can be formed in the surrounding region SA.

[0120] Subsequently, an intermediary layer 200 can be formed on the first electrode 180 and the pixel defining layer 190. A first common layer 201, an emission layer 202, and a second common layer 203 can be formed sequentially to form the intermediary layer 200. The first common layer 201 and the second common layer 203 can be formed in the pixel region PA, the transmission region TA, and the surrounding region SA. The emission layer 202 can be formed in the pixel region PA.

[0121] Subsequently, a surface control layer 210 can be formed on the intermediary layer 200 within the transmission region TA. The surface control layer 210 can also be formed in a portion of the surrounding region SA adjacent to the transmission region TA. Accordingly, in a plan view, the area of ​​the surface control layer 210 can be larger than the area of ​​the transmission region TA. In a plan view, the transmission region TA can be located inside the surface control layer 210.

[0122] The surface control layer 210 can be formed by vapor deposition, wet coating, or screen printing, such as chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or physical vapor deposition (PVD).

[0123] A surface control layer 210 may be formed on the planarized surface of the intermediary layer 200 disposed on the gate insulating layer 130 (see example). Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 (Display devices 100, 101, and 102 in the example). A surface control layer 210 may also be formed on the inclined surface of the intermediary layer 200 disposed on the planarization layer 170 and the pixel defining layer 190 (see, for example...). Figure 8 (Display device 103 in the middle).

[0124] Reference Figure 11 and Figure 12 A second electrode 220 adjacent to the surface control layer 210 can be formed on the intermediary layer 200.

[0125] A second electrode 220 can be formed on a portion of the intermediary layer 200 not covered by the surface control layer 210. The first electrode 180, the intermediary layer 200, and the second electrode 220 can form a light-emitting element (EL). The second electrode 220 can be formed in a pixel region PA and a portion of the surrounding region SA adjacent to the pixel region PA. The second electrode 220 can be formed using a metal self-patterning method. In particular, given the relatively low adhesion between the second electrode 220 and the surface control layer 210, the second electrode 220 can be formed only on a portion of the intermediary layer 200 not covered by the surface control layer 210. A patterned second electrode 220 can be formed without an additional patterning process.

[0126] In the thickness direction of the substrate 110, the second electrode 220 may not overlap with the surface control layer 210 (see example). Figure 4 The second electrode 220 may overlap with the edge of the surface control layer 210 (see, for example, the display device 100). Figure 6 (Display device 101 in the example). In the process of forming the second electrode 220 by metal self-patterning, the material forming the second electrode 220 can be aggregated and can be retained as aggregated particles 225 on the surface control layer 210 (see example). Figure 7 (Display device 102 in the middle).

[0127] Reference Figure 13 A capping layer (capping material layer) 230 can be formed on the surface control layer 210 and the second electrode 220. The capping layer 230 can be formed in the pixel region PA, the transmission region TA, and the surrounding region SA.

[0128] Reference Figure 14 The portions of the intermediary layer 200, the surface control layer 210, and the capping layer 230 that overlap with the transmission region TA can be removed to form a transmission window TW.

[0129] The portions of the intermediary layer 200, surface control layer 210, and capping layer 230 that overlap with the transmission region TA can be removed by laser irradiation. A first opening OP1, a second opening OP2, and a third opening OP3 can be formed in the portions of the intermediary layer 200 (e.g., the first common layer 201 and the second common layer 203), the surface control layer 210, and the capping layer 230 that overlap with the transmission region TA, and the transmission window TW can be defined by the first opening OP1, the second opening OP2, and the third opening OP3.

[0130] The laser can be directed to the inner side of the surface control layer 210. Accordingly, a transmission window TW can be formed inside the surface control layer 210 in a plan view. The laser may not be directed to the second electrode 220.

[0131] A laser can be irradiated from above the capping layer 230 to form a transmission window (TW). A laser can also be irradiated from below the substrate 110 to form a transmission window (TW).

[0132] Reference Figure 15 An encapsulation layer 240 can be formed on the capping layer 230. A first inorganic encapsulation layer 241, an organic encapsulation layer 242, and a second inorganic encapsulation layer 243 can be sequentially formed in each of the pixel region PA, the transmissive region TA, and the surrounding region SA to form the encapsulation layer 240, thereby obtaining the display device 100 (e.g., Figure 4 (Display device 100 in the middle).

[0133] If the surface control layer 210 is not formed in the transmission region TA, and if a laser is irradiated to partially remove the second electrode 220 formed in the pixel region PA, the transmission region TA, and the surrounding region SA, the laser may generate burrs on the end / edge portions of the second electrode 220, and scattered particles may be generated during the process of partially removing the second electrode 220. As a result, during the process of forming the encapsulation layer 240 on the capping layer 230, the burrs of the second electrode 220 may damage the first inorganic encapsulation layer 241 of the encapsulation layer 240, and the scattered particles may cause contamination. In an embodiment, the surface control layer 210 can be formed in the transmission region TA, and a laser can be irradiated within the periphery of the surface control layer 210 in a plan view (wherein the periphery of the surface control layer 210 is defined by the surrounding region PA). Figure 13 The two opposing edges of the surface control layer 210 shown in the diagram represent the following: burrs are not generated on the end / edge portions of the second electrode 220, and / or significant scattering particles are not generated from the second electrode 220. Advantageously, the first inorganic encapsulation layer 241 of the encapsulation layer 240 is not damaged.

[0134] The display device according to one or more embodiments may be included in a computer, notebook computer, mobile phone, smartphone, smart board, portable multimedia player (PMP), personal digital assistant (PDA), or MP3 player, etc.

[0135] Although exemplary embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, modifications and changes may be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A display device, wherein, The display device includes: First electrode; A second electrode, which overlaps with the first electrode; An emitting layer is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, overlaps with the first electrode, and includes a light-emitting material; An intermediate layer, which directly contacts the second electrode, and comprises a fluorine compound, wherein, in a plan view of the display device, the intermediate layer is spaced apart from each of the first electrode and the emitter layer; and A first encapsulation layer, wherein a first portion of the first encapsulation layer overlaps with the emitter layer, and wherein, in a plan view of the display device, the intermediate layer is located between the second electrode and a second portion of the first encapsulation layer.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, In the thickness direction of the intermediate layer, the second electrode does not overlap with the intermediate layer.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, In the thickness direction of the intermediate layer, the second electrode overlaps with the edge of the intermediate layer but does not overlap with the central portion of the intermediate layer.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The display device further includes: Aggregate particles, in the thickness direction of the intermediate layer, are disposed between the intermediate layer and the first encapsulation layer, and the aggregate particles comprise the same material as the second electrode.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The largest surface of the intermediate layer is parallel to the largest surface of the emission layer.

6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The maximum surface of the intermediate layer is oblique relative to the maximum surface of the emission layer.

7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The display device further includes: A substrate, wherein the second electrode does not overlap with a portion of the substrate, and wherein, in a plan view of the display device, the intermediate layer surrounds the portion of the substrate.

8. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The intermediate layer directly contacts the second portion of the first encapsulation layer, and / or, The display device further includes a transmissive region, and in a plan view of the display device, the intermediate layer is disposed between the second electrode and the transmissive region, and / or The fluorine compound includes at least one of a difluoromethylene group, a trifluoromethyl group, and a fluorosilane, and / or At room temperature, the surface energy of the intermediate layer is greater than 0 mJ / m. 2 And less than or equal to 30 mJ / m 2 And / or The second electrode comprises at least one of magnesium, silver, aluminum, lithium, calcium, indium, and ytterbium.

9. A method for manufacturing a display device, wherein, The method includes: Form the first electrode; An emitting layer is formed, which overlaps with the first electrode and includes a light-emitting material; An intermediate material layer is formed, which is spaced apart from each of the first electrode and the emitter layer in the plan view of the display device, and the intermediate material layer comprises a fluorine compound; A second electrode is formed, which directly contacts the intermediate material layer; Partially removing the intermediate material layer to form an intermediate layer, the intermediate layer including an exposed side; and A first encapsulation layer is formed, which overlaps with the emitter layer and directly contacts the exposed side of the intermediate layer.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The intermediate material layer is partially removed by laser to expose the exposed side of the intermediate layer.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein, The laser is irradiated within the periphery of the intermediate material layer.

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