Organic light emitting device, display device, photoelectric conversion device, and electronic device

Abstract

An organic light-emitting device, a display device, a photoelectric conversion device, and an electronic device. The organic light-emitting device includes a first lower electrode, an upper electrode, and an organic compound layer arranged between the first lower electrode and the upper electrode over an insulating layer, wherein the organic compound layer includes a first light-emitting layer, a second light-emitting layer arranged between the first light-emitting layer and the upper electrode, and a first organic compound layer arranged between the first light-emitting layer and the second light-emitting layer, the first organic compound layer includes a second organic compound layer containing an alkali metal and a third organic compound layer arranged between the second organic compound layer and the upper electrode and containing a compound having a lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy level of −5.0 eV or less, and a projection of the first organic compound layer onto the insulating layer is smaller than a projection of the first light-emitting layer onto the insulating layer.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a light-emitting device, a display device, a photoelectric conversion device, and an electronic device that reduce a leakage current between organic light-emitting elements. BACKGROUND

[0002] An organic light-emitting element (also referred to as an organic electroluminescent element (organic EL element)) is an electronic element including a pair of electrodes and an organic compound layer arranged between the electrodes. Electrons and holes are injected from the pair of electrodes, so that an exciton of a light-emitting organic compound is generated in the organic compound layer; the organic light-emitting element emits light when the exciton returns to a ground state.

[0003] With recent remarkable improvement in such an organic light-emitting element, low driving voltage, various emission wavelengths, high-speed responsiveness, and a reduced thickness and a reduced weight of a light-emitting device have been achieved.

[0004] As an example, Figure 7 An existing organic light-emitting device 700 is exemplified. The organic light-emitting device 700 includes a lower electrode 702, a first stack 704, a charge generation layer 705, a second stack 706, an upper electrode 707, a protective layer 708, and a planarization layer 709 over an insulating layer 701. A pixel isolation layer 703 covers an end portion of the lower electrode 702. An electric field is applied between the lower electrode and the upper electrode, so that carriers are generated in the charge generation layer; the carriers are supplied to the first stack and the second stack to cause efficient light emission from both of a light-emitting layer included in the first stack and a light-emitting layer included in the second stack.

[0005] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-004970 (Patent Literature 1) describes an organic light-emitting element including a plurality of stacks between a first electrode and a second electrode and a charge generation layer between the plurality of stacks. Patent Literature 1 states that a blue light-emitting layer is formed as a common layer without being divided for subpixels, so that the number of high-resolution masks used is reduced.

[0006] In Patent Literature 1, as Figure 7 indicated, the charge generation layer arranged between the plurality of stacks is continuously arranged as a common layer of pixels. However, application of an electric field to the charge generation layer causes generation of charges, and thus application of the electric field also causes generation of charges in a region between the subpixels. The generated charges can reach an adjacent pixel via an organic layer that is not divided for subpixels, thereby causing unintended light emission. SUMMARY

[0007] The present application provides an organic light-emitting device in which a region where charges are generated is reduced, so that unintended light emission is reduced.

[0008] The present application provides an organic light emitting device including a first lower electrode, an upper electrode, and an organic compound layer disposed between the first lower electrode and the upper electrode on an insulating layer, wherein the organic compound layer includes a first light emitting layer, a second light emitting layer disposed between the first light emitting layer and the upper electrode, and a first organic compound layer disposed between the first light emitting layer and the second light emitting layer, the first organic compound layer includes a second organic compound layer containing an alkali metal and a third organic compound layer containing a compound having a lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy level of -5.0 eV or less disposed between the second organic compound layer and the upper electrode, and an orthogonal projection of the first organic compound layer on the insulating layer is smaller than an orthogonal projection of the first light emitting layer on the insulating layer.

[0009] Other features of the present application will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1A is a schematic cross-sectional view of an organic light emitting device according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 1B is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an example of an organic light emitting device in which a microlens is disposed according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0011] Figure 2A is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an example in which a first organic compound layer of an organic light emitting device according to an embodiment of the present application is not shared by a plurality of organic light emitting elements, in this example, for example, a third organic compound layer is not shared by a plurality of organic light emitting elements. Figure 2B is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an example in which a first organic compound layer of an organic light emitting device according to an embodiment of the present application is not shared by a plurality of organic light emitting elements, in this example, for example, a second organic compound layer is not shared by a plurality of organic light emitting elements.

[0012] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an example of an organic light emitting device according to an embodiment of the present application, in this example, a highest point of a microlens, a midpoint of an opening of a pixel isolation layer, and a midpoint of a first organic compound layer are located at different positions.

[0013] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an example of an organic light emitting device according to an embodiment of the present application, in this example, an optical resonator structure using a light reflecting layer, a transparent insulating layer, and a color filter is formed.

[0014] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an example of an organic light emitting device according to an embodiment of the present application, in this example, a first organic compound layer is in contact with a lower electrode.

[0015] Figure 6 is a plan view illustrating an example of an organic light emitting device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0016] Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a related art organic light emitting device including a charge generation layer.

[0017] Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a display device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0018] Figure 9 is a schematic view illustrating an example of a display device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0019] Figure 10A is a schematic view illustrating an example of an imaging device according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 10B is a schematic view illustrating an example of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0020] Figure 11A is a schematic view illustrating an example of a display device according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 11B is a schematic view illustrating an example of a foldable display device.

[0021] Figure 12A is a schematic view illustrating an example of an illumination device according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 12B is a schematic view illustrating an example of an automobile including a vehicle illumination unit according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0022] Figure 13A is a schematic view illustrating an example of a wearable device according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 13B is a schematic view illustrating an example of a wearable device including an imaging device according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] An organic light emitting device according to an embodiment of the present application includes a first lower electrode, an upper electrode, and an organic compound layer disposed between the first lower electrode and the upper electrode on an insulating layer, and has the following configuration.

[0024] The organic compound layer includes a first light-emitting layer, a second light-emitting layer disposed between the first light-emitting layer and the upper electrode, and a first organic compound layer disposed between the first light-emitting layer and the second light-emitting layer, wherein the first organic compound layer includes a second organic compound layer containing an alkali metal and a third organic compound layer disposed between the second organic compound layer and the upper electrode, the third organic compound layer containing a compound having a lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy level of -5.0 eV or less. The orthogonal projection of the third organic compound layer on the insulating layer is smaller than the orthogonal projection of the first light-emitting layer on the insulating layer. Since the orthogonal projection of the third organic compound layer on the insulating layer is small, the generation of charges is reduced compared to the prior art, thereby achieving a reduction in unexpected light emission. The first organic compound layer can be disposed only in a region where light emission is intended, while the first organic compound layer is not disposed in a region where light emission is not intended, i.e., a region between light-emitting elements. The region where the first organic compound layer is not disposed is a region where at least one of the second organic compound layer and the third organic compound layer is not disposed and one of these layers can be disposed.

[0025] In this specification, a light-emitting device includes a plurality of pixels. Each pixel includes a sub-pixel configured to individually emit light rays of different colors. The sub-pixel can emit light rays of different colors by making separate light rays individually pass through a color filter or by making light-emitting regions having different structures in the sub-pixel. When the light-emitting device includes an organic light-emitting element, it can be referred to as an organic light-emitting device.

[0026] Such a sub-pixel includes an organic light-emitting element and a pixel circuit configured to control the light-emitting luminance and light-emitting period of the organic light-emitting element. The organic light-emitting element successively includes a lower electrode, an organic compound layer, an upper electrode, a protective layer, and a resin layer, and can further include a component such as a color filter or an optical member such as a lens. The edge of the lower electrode is covered with a pixel isolation layer. The pixel isolation layer is disposed in contact with the edge of the lower electrode and the side surface of the lower electrode. When the resin layer is formed for the purpose of planarization, it can be referred to as a planarization layer.

[0027] A light-emitting layer of an organic light-emitting element can be referred to in accordance with the color of light emission. For example, a light-emitting layer configured to emit blue light is referred to as a blue light-emitting layer.

[0028] The lowest unoccupied molecular orbital level energy is an inherent energy of the organic compound, and is also referred to as LUMO (lowest unoccupied molecular orbital). The LUMO can also be estimated from the difference between the reduction potential or band gap of the organic compound and the HOMO. The HOMO (highest occupied molecular orbital) is the highest occupied molecular orbital level energy, and is an inherent energy value of the organic compound. The HOMO can also be estimated from the ionization potential.

[0029] Hereinafter, an organic light emitting device according to an embodiment of the present application will be described. The present application is not limited to the following description, and it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments and details of the present application can be varied in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application. Therefore, the configuration of the present application is not limited to the following description of the embodiments.

[0030] Note that, for ease of understanding, the drawings and the like can illustrate elements, and the positions, sizes, ranges, and the like of the elements can not represent actual positions, sizes, ranges, and the like. Therefore, the disclosed application is not necessarily limited to the positions, sizes, ranges, and the like disclosed in the drawings and the like.

[0031] First Embodiment

[0032] Figure 1A is a schematic cross-sectional view of an organic light emitting device according to the present embodiment. The organic light emitting device 100 includes an insulating layer 101, a plurality of lower electrodes 102, a pixel isolation layer 103, an organic compound layer 104, an upper electrode 110, a protective layer 111, and a resin layer 112 on a substrate. The structure of a single lower electrode and the overlying elements of the pixel isolation layer, the organic compound layer, the upper electrode, the protective layer, and the resin layer can be referred to as an organic light emitting element. In Figure 1A In, the reference numerals are described only for the rightmost organic light emitting element; however, it will be understood that the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals for the other organic light emitting elements. The plurality of lower electrodes includes a first lower electrode and a second lower electrode. Figure 1B is a schematic cross-sectional view of an organic light emitting device in which a microlens 113 is additionally arranged. In the organic light emitting device according to the present embodiment, a microlens can or can not be arranged.

[0033] The organic compound layer 104 includes an organic compound layer 105 having a first light-emitting layer, an organic compound layer 106 having a second light-emitting layer, and a first organic compound layer 107, and is shared by the plurality of organic light-emitting elements. In other words, the organic compound layer 104 is arranged as a common layer of the plurality of organic light-emitting elements. More specifically, the orthogonal projection of the single organic compound layer on the insulating layer overlaps the orthogonal projection of the plurality of lower electrodes on the insulating layer.

[0034] The first organic compound layer 107 includes a second organic compound layer 108 containing an alkali metal and a third organic compound layer 109 arranged between the second organic compound layer and the upper electrode. The third organic compound layer 109 contains a compound having a lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy level of -5.0 eV or less.

[0035] The first organic compound layer 107 having the combination of the alkali metal and the compound having a lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy level of -5.0 eV or less functions as a charge generation layer. The alkali metal can be lithium; the Li can be contained in the form of an elemental metal, a part of a compound, or a part of an organometallic complex. Non-limiting examples of the compound having a lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy level of -5.0 eV or less include hexaazatriphenylene compounds, fulvene compounds, and hexafluoroquinodiimethane. The lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy level is low enough to extract an electron from a highest occupied molecular orbital of the second organic compound layer, thereby causing generation of a charge.

[0036] This embodiment mode illustrates a case where the lower electrode 102 is an anode, and thus the first organic compound layer is composed of the second organic compound layer and the third organic compound layer arranged in this order from the insulating layer side. Alternatively, when the lower electrode 102 is a cathode, the first organic compound layer can be composed of the third organic compound layer and the second organic compound layer arranged in this order from the lower electrode side. In other words, the third organic compound layer is arranged between the second organic compound layer and the anode.

[0037] In this embodiment mode, the first organic compound layer is arranged in a one-to-one relationship with the lower electrode to provide a so-called side-by-side configuration. More specifically, the orthogonal projection of each first organic compound layer on the insulating layer is included in the orthogonal projection of the corresponding lower electrode on the insulating layer.

[0038] The first light-emitting layer can emit light of one of the three primary colors. The first light-emitting layer can have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. The second light-emitting layer can emit light of one of the three primary colors. For example, the first light-emitting layer and the second light-emitting layer can emit white light and the white light can be individually passed through different color filters.

[0039] For example, when the lower electrode is formed to reflect light to provide an optical interference effect, the arrangement can be performed in the order of the wavelengths of the blue light-emitting layer, the green light-emitting layer, and the red light-emitting layer from the lower electrode side. Alternatively, the red light-emitting layer, the green light-emitting layer, and the blue light-emitting layer can be arranged in this order in consideration of charge balance in the light-emitting element. Such a combination of light-emitting layers can be provided by arranging the light-emitting layers in the first light-emitting layer and the second light-emitting layer, respectively. For example, the first light-emitting layer can include the red light-emitting layer and the green light-emitting layer, and the second light-emitting layer can include the blue light-emitting layer. Alternatively, the first light-emitting layer can include the red light-emitting layer, and the second light-emitting layer can include the green light-emitting layer and the blue light-emitting layer.

[0040] The pixel isolation layer 103 is an insulating layer covering the edge of the first lower electrode 102. The first lower electrode 102 includes a first region in contact with the organic compound layer 104 and a second region in contact with the pixel isolation layer 103. The first region is also referred to as an opening of the pixel isolation layer.

[0041] The orthogonal projection of the first organic compound layer 107 on the insulating layer 101 can be larger or smaller than the orthogonal projection of the first region on the insulating layer. In the first organic compound layer 107 and the first region, the size of the orthogonal projection on the insulating layer that is smaller is the size of the light-emitting region.

[0042] The size relationship between the first organic compound layer 107 and the first region can be determined by the size relationship between the alignment error during vapor deposition and the first region.

[0043] When the position accuracy of forming the first organic compound layer 107 is low, the first organic compound layer can have a smaller orthogonal projection on the insulating layer than the first region. In this case, the orthogonal projection of the first organic compound layer 107 on the insulating layer 101 is smaller than the orthogonal projection of the first region on the insulating layer 101. Alternatively, the orthogonal projection of the third organic compound layer 109 on the insulating layer 101 can be made smaller than the orthogonal projection of the first region on the insulating layer 101, thereby providing the first organic compound layer with a smaller orthogonal projection on the insulating layer.

[0044] On the other hand, when the position accuracy of forming the first organic compound layer 107 is high, the first organic compound layer can have a larger orthogonal projection on the insulating layer than the first region. For the position accuracy, the alignment error between the vapor deposition substrate and the vapor deposition mask can be considered. Depending on the size of the alignment error, the above-described relationship can not be satisfied.

[0045] The upper electrode 110 can be a light-transmitting electrode. The upper electrode can be shared by a plurality of organic light-emitting elements. In other words, the upper electrode can be arranged as a common electrode of a plurality of organic light-emitting elements.

[0046] A protective layer 111 is disposed above the upper electrode 110 to reduce, for example, moisture and oxygen from entering the organic light emitting element. The protective layer can be an organic layer or an inorganic layer, or can be a single layer or multiple layers. A combination of an organic layer and an inorganic layer can be employed. The protective layer can be referred to as a sealing layer.

[0047] A resin layer 112 is disposed above the protective layer. The resin layer reduces unevenness of the protective layer that can be caused by a part of the organic light emitting element such as a pixel isolation film. Depending on the function of the resin layer, it can also be referred to as a planarization layer. For example, a color filter, a microlens, and a light-transmissive substrate can be disposed above the planarization layer. Between these members, a resin layer can be disposed. These resin layers can be the same as or different from the resin layer 112.

[0048] A microlens 113 is disposed above the resin layer. The microlens improves the light extraction efficiency of the organic light emitting device, and can change the light emission direction. The microlens can focus the light emission from the organic light emitting element forward. Specifically, the light emission in all directions from the organic compound layer is focused by the microlens in a direction perpendicular to the insulating layer. Thus, even when the light emission area is reduced, high luminance in the forward direction can be maintained. Furthermore, even when a change in the formation position of the first organic compound layer causes a change in the position of the light emission area, the microlens maintains high front luminance.

[0049] The organic light emitting element 100 having such a configuration can be connected to a pixel circuit (not shown) via the insulating layer 101. The pixel circuit includes a transistor and controls the light emission luminance and light emission period of the organic light emitting element. The transistor in the pixel circuit can be a transistor formed by doping a dopant on a Si substrate, or can be a thin film transistor. The pixel circuit controls the light emission luminance and light emission period of each organic light emitting element to perform active matrix control. Alternatively, the pixel circuit can perform passive control without a transistor.

[0050] The organic light emitting device according to the present embodiment has a so-called pixelation or side-by-side configuration in which the first organic compound layer 107 is disposed for each sub-pixel. Thus, among the charges generated by the first organic compound layer, unnecessary charges are reduced, thereby reducing the leakage current flowing to an adjacent sub-pixel or pixel. As a result, in the organic light emitting device according to the present embodiment, unintended light emission can be reduced.

[0051] Second Embodiment

[0052] Figure 2A is a schematic cross-sectional view of an organic light emitting device according to the present embodiment. Except that the second organic compound layer 108 is disposed to be shared by a plurality of organic light emitting elements, Figure 2A The organic light emitting device according to the present embodiment in is the same as in the first embodiment. In the organic light emitting device according to the present embodiment,Figure 2A In the drawings, reference numerals are merely for the rightmost organic light emitting element; however, it is understood that the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals for other organic light emitting elements.

[0053] The phrase "the second organic compound layer 108 is arranged to be shared by the plurality of organic light emitting elements" means that the second organic compound layer 108 is arranged to cover the plurality of lower electrodes. Specifically, the orthogonal projection of the single second organic compound layer on the insulating layer overlaps the orthogonal projection of the plurality of lower electrodes on the insulating layer. The second organic compound layer is shared by the plurality of organic light emitting elements, but the third organic compound layer is not shared by the plurality of organic light emitting elements, and thus the first organic compound layer 107 is not shared by the plurality of organic light emitting elements. Similarly, the third organic compound layer can be shared by the plurality of organic light emitting elements, but the second organic compound layer can not be shared by the plurality of organic light emitting elements. Figure 2B is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of the first organic compound layer of the organic light emitting device according to the embodiment of the present application, in which, for example, the second organic compound layer is not shared by the plurality of organic light emitting elements.

[0054] The alkali metal contained in the second organic compound layer has a high vapor deposition temperature; when the second organic compound layer is formed by vapor deposition as a layer not shared by the plurality of organic light emitting elements, i.e., a pixelated layer, the vapor deposition temperature is higher than the vapor deposition temperature of the organic compound. Such a high vapor deposition temperature can affect the vapor deposition mask used for pixelation, and thus, instead of forming the second organic compound layer as a pixelated layer, the third organic compound layer can be formed as a pixelated layer.

[0055] The organic light emitting device according to the present embodiment is illustrated as including a microlens; however, it is not necessary to arrange a microlens.

[0056] The present embodiment easily provides the advantages of the first embodiment compared to the case where both the second organic compound layer and the third organic compound layer are formed in each sub-pixel. Specifically, the leakage current flowing to the adjacent sub-pixel or pixel is reduced, and thus, unintended light emission is reduced.

[0057] Third Embodiment

[0058] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an organic light emitting device according to the present embodiment. The organic light emitting device according to the present embodiment differs from the organic light emitting device of the first embodiment in that, in a cross-section perpendicular to the insulating layer, the highest point 115 of the microlens is located between the midpoint of the first region of the lower electrode and the midpoint of the first organic compound layer in a direction parallel to the insulating layer. As described above, the first region of the lower electrode is also referred to as an opening of the pixel isolation layer. In the present embodiment, the highest point 115 of the microlens is located between the midpoint of the first region of the lower electrode and the midpoint of the first organic compound layer in a direction parallel to the insulating layer. Figure 3In the drawings, reference numerals are merely for the rightmost organic light emitting element; however, it is to be understood that the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals for other organic light emitting elements.

[0059] In the organic light emitting device according to the present embodiment, in a cross section perpendicular to the insulating layer, the midpoint 117 of the first organic compound layer in the direction parallel to the insulating layer is located at a position different from the highest point 115 of the microlens in the direction parallel to the insulating layer. Further, in the cross section perpendicular to the insulating layer, the midpoint 117 of the first organic compound layer in the direction parallel to the insulating layer is located at a position different from the midpoint 116 of the first region of the lower electrode in the direction parallel to the insulating layer.

[0060] According to the application of the organic light emitting device, as Figure 3 The microlens is arranged as shown. In this case, in the configuration of the present embodiment, both the light emission from the first light emitting layer and the light emission from the second light emitting layer can be effectively used by the microlens. In the configuration of the present embodiment, in a cross section perpendicular to the insulating layer, the highest point 115 of the microlens is located between the midpoint of the first region of the lower electrode and the midpoint of the first organic compound layer in the direction parallel to the insulating layer.

[0061] As Figure 3 When the first organic compound layer is formed using a vapor deposition mask, misalignment of the vapor deposition mask can occur; therefore, the configuration of the organic light emitting device according to the present embodiment can be employed.

[0062] In Figure 3 , as in the first embodiment, the first organic compound layer is arranged individually for the organic light emitting elements; alternatively, as in the second embodiment, the second organic compound layer can be shared by the plurality of organic light emitting elements. In other words, the third organic compound layer can be arranged in the form of a pixelated layer.

[0063] The fourth embodiment

[0064] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the organic light emitting device according to the present embodiment. The organic light emitting device according to the present embodiment differs from the organic light emitting device of the first embodiment in that the organic light emitting elements include a light reflecting electrode 119 and a transparent insulating layer 120 between the lower electrode and the insulating layer and include a color filter 121. In Figure 4 In the drawings, reference numerals are merely for the rightmost organic light emitting element; however, it is to be understood that the same configuration is also applicable to the leftmost and central organic light emitting elements.

[0065] In Figure 4In the three organic light-emitting elements (OLEDs), the rightmost element, the first OLED, includes a first reflective layer and a first transparent insulating layer between the first lower electrode and the insulating layer. The rightmost first OLED also includes a first color filter above the protective layer, the first color filter transmitting light of a first emission wavelength. Figure 4 In this design, among the three organic light-emitting elements (OLEDs), the central element, namely the second OLED, includes a second reflective layer and a second transparent insulating layer between the second lower electrode and the insulating layer. The second OLED also includes a second color filter above the protective layer, which transmits light of a second emission wavelength. Figure 4 In the three organic light-emitting elements, the leftmost element, namely the third organic light-emitting element, includes a third reflective layer and a third transparent insulating layer between the third lower electrode and the insulating layer. The third organic light-emitting element also includes a third color filter above the protective layer, which transmits light of a third emission wavelength.

[0066] The first and second transparent insulating layers have different thicknesses. The first and third transparent insulating layers have different thicknesses. The second and third transparent insulating layers have different thicknesses.

[0067] More specifically, the first transparent insulating layer has a thickness that provides an interference structure that induces constructive interference of a first emission wavelength in the emission from the first organic light-emitting element. In other words, the optical path between the first or second light-emitting layer and the first reflective electrode is the optical path that induces constructive interference of the first emission wavelength. Similarly, the second transparent insulating layer has a thickness that provides an interference structure that induces constructive interference of a second emission wavelength in the emission from the second organic light-emitting element. In other words, the optical path between the first or second light-emitting layer and the second reflective layer is the optical path that induces constructive interference of the second emission wavelength. The third transparent insulating layer has a thickness that provides an interference structure that induces constructive interference of a third emission wavelength in the emission from the third organic light-emitting element. In other words, the optical path between the first or second light-emitting layer and the third reflective layer is the optical path that induces constructive interference of the third emission wavelength.

[0068] Figure 4 A microlens is illustrated; however, this configuration is a non-limiting example. Microlenses are not always necessary in other cases.

[0069] In addition to the advantages of the first embodiment, the organic light-emitting device according to this embodiment can also provide constructive optical interference of light extracted by the color filter to provide increased luminous brightness.

[0070] Fifth Implementation Method

[0071] Figure 5is a schematic cross-sectional view of an organic light-emitting device according to the present embodiment. The organic light-emitting device according to the present embodiment differs from the organic light-emitting device of the first embodiment in that, among the first organic compound layers, only the third organic compound layer 109 is arranged in contact with the lower electrode. The third organic compound layer in the present embodiment is not necessarily used in combination with the second organic compound layer, and thus, unlike the other embodiments, the third organic compound layer is also referred to as a fourth organic compound layer 109. Unlike the other embodiments, the organic compound layer 104 is also referred to as a fifth organic compound layer.

[0072] Thus, the organic light-emitting device according to the present embodiment includes, on an insulating layer, a first lower electrode, an upper electrode, and an organic compound layer arranged between the first lower electrode and the upper electrode, wherein the organic compound layer includes an emission layer, a fourth organic compound layer containing a compound having a lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy level of -5.0 eV or less, and a fifth organic compound layer having a lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy level higher than that of the fourth organic compound layer, and a normal projection of the fourth organic compound layer on the insulating layer is smaller than a normal projection of the fifth organic compound layer on the insulating layer. The fifth organic compound layer can include a plurality of organic compound layers. Among the fifth organic compound layers, the layer in contact with the fourth organic compound layer is a layer in which holes are induced by the fourth organic compound layer attracting electrons. Among the fifth organic compound layers, the layer in contact with the fourth organic compound layer is formed of an organic compound having a highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy level different, preferably differing by 1.0 eV or less, more preferably differing by 0.5 eV or less, from the LUMO energy level of the compound contained in the fourth organic compound and having a LUMO of -5.0 eV or less. The definition and measurement of the highest occupied molecular orbital are the same as described above.

[0073] In Figure 5 , the reference numerals are explained only for the rightmost organic light-emitting element; however, it is understood that, for the other organic light-emitting elements, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals. The first organic compound layer is not arranged between the first emission layer and the second emission layer, and thus the first emission layer and the second emission layer can be in contact with or separated from each other. Alternatively, the first emission layer and the second emission layer can be arranged in a manner collectively referred to as a single emission layer. When the first emission layer and the second emission layer are arranged in contact with each other, formed of the same constituent parts, and indistinguishable from each other, the first emission layer and the second emission layer are collectively referred to as a single emission layer.

[0074] In the present embodiment, the first to third organic light-emitting elements can individually emit light rays having wavelengths different from each other. Alternatively, the first to third organic light-emitting elements can all emit white light and separated into a plurality of light rays by passing through a color filter (not shown).

[0075] In the organic light emitting device according to the present embodiment, the first organic compound layer is arranged in contact with the lower electrode and as a pixelated layer, thereby reducing the leakage current to adjacent pixels or sub-pixels to reduce unintended light emission.

[0076] Sixth Embodiment

[0077] Figure 6 is a schematic plan view of an organic light emitting device according to the present embodiment. The organic light emitting device comprises organic light emitting elements 118. The organic light emitting elements 118 are labeled with R, G or B, which stands for the color of light emitted by the organic light emitting element, respectively. R, G, B stand for red, green, blue, respectively. In particular, the organic light emitting element labeled with R represents an organic light emitting element emitting red light. The same applies to the other colors. For different color organic light emitting elements, the light emitting layer can emit different colors of light or the light can be separated into multiple colors of light by passing through a color filter. Even when the R, G and B light emitting layers have different configurations, respectively, the other organic compound layers can have the same configuration.

[0078] The first organic compound layer 107 can be a layer that is not shared by the organic light emitting elements of the plurality of organic light emitting elements that are configured to emit different colors of light, i.e. a so-called pixelated layer. In case of forming such a first organic compound layer that is not shared by the plurality of organic light emitting elements, as shown in Figure 6 the first organic compound layer of the organic light emitting elements configured to emit the same color of light is formed to extend continuously. On the other hand, the first organic compound layer of the organic light emitting elements configured to emit different colors of light is formed to not be connected together. In the present embodiment, in case of forming the first organic compound layer as a pixelated layer, the third organic compound layer can be formed as a pixelated layer, thereby realizing the pixelation of the first organic compound layer.

[0079] The organic light emitting device according to the present embodiment can be manufactured using a vapor deposition mask. In the organic light emitting device according to the present embodiment, the pixelated area is minimized, thereby reducing the aperture ratio of the vapor deposition mask to provide a vapor deposition mask with high strength. In the organic light emitting device according to the present embodiment, the first organic compound layer is not shared, thereby reducing the leakage current to adjacent pixels or sub-pixels to reduce unintended light emission.

[0080] For the embodiments that have been explained so far, features of the embodiments can be combined.

[0081] Configuration of the organic light emitting element

[0082] An organic light emitting element is provided by forming an insulating layer, a first electrode, an organic compound layer, and a second electrode on a substrate. For example, a protective layer, a color filter, or a microlens can be arranged above the cathode. In the case of forming a color filter, a planarization layer can be formed between the protective layer and the color filter. For example, the planarization layer can be formed of an acrylic resin. The same applies to the case of forming a planarization layer between the color filter and the microlens.

[0083] Substrate

[0084] For example, the substrate can be a quartz substrate, a glass substrate, a silicon wafer, a resin substrate, or a metal substrate. A switching element such as a transistor or a wiring can be arranged on the substrate, which can be covered with an insulating layer. The insulating layer can be formed of any material as long as a contact hole can be formed to allow the wiring to be formed to the first electrode and to ensure insulation from the wiring that is not connected. Examples of the material include resins such as polyimide, silicon oxide, and silicon nitride.

[0085] Electrode

[0086] As the electrode, a pair of electrodes can be used. The pair of electrodes can be an anode and a cathode. In the case where an electric field is applied in the light emitting direction of the organic light emitting element, the electrode at a higher potential is the anode, and the other electrode is the cathode. In other words, the electrode configured to supply holes to the light emitting layer is the anode, and the electrode configured to supply electrons is the cathode.

[0087] The material forming the anode can be a material having as high a work function as possible. Examples include: elemental metals such as gold, platinum, silver, copper, nickel, palladium, cobalt, selenium, vanadium, and tungsten; mixtures containing the above elemental metals; alloys of combinations of the above elemental metals; metal oxides such as tin oxide, zinc oxide, indium oxide, indium tin oxide (ITO), and indium zinc oxide. Other examples include conductive polymers such as polyaniline, polypyrrole, and polythiophene.

[0088] Such an electrode substance can be used alone or in a combination of two or more thereof. The anode can have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure.

[0089] In the case of forming a reflective electrode, it can be formed of, for example, chromium, aluminum, silver, titanium, tungsten, molybdenum, an alloy of the aforementioned metals, or a multilayer of the aforementioned metals. Such a material can be used to form a light reflecting layer that does not have an electrode function. In the case of forming a transparent electrode, non-limiting examples thereof include a transparent conductive layer of an oxide such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide. The electrode can be formed by photolithography.

[0090] On the other hand, the material forming the cathode can be a material having a low work function. Examples of the material include alkali metals such as lithium, alkaline earth metals such as calcium, elemental metals such as aluminum, titanium, manganese, silver, lead, and chromium, and mixtures of the foregoing metals. Other examples include alloys of combinations of these elemental metals, such as magnesium-silver, aluminum-lithium, aluminum-magnesium, silver-copper, and zinc-silver. Other examples include metal oxides such as indium tin oxide (ITO). Such electrode materials can be used alone or in combinations of two or more thereof. The cathode can have a single-layer configuration or a multi-layer configuration. In particular, silver can be used; in order to reduce aggregation of silver, a silver alloy can be used. The alloy ratio is not limited as long as aggregation of silver is reduced. For example, the ratio of silver to other metals can be 1:1 or 3:1.

[0091] The cathode is not particularly limited, and can be formed as a conductive layer of an oxide such as ITO to provide a top emission element, or can be formed as a reflective electrode of, for example, aluminum (Al) to provide a bottom emission element. The method of forming the cathode is not particularly limited; for example, a direct current or alternating current sputtering method can be used because high film coverage is achieved and the resistance tends to decrease.

[0092] Organic compound layer

[0093] The organic compound layer can have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. In the case of a multi-layer structure, the layer can be referred to as a hole injection layer, a hole transport layer, an electron blocking layer, a light emitting layer, a hole blocking layer, an electron transport layer, or an electron injection layer depending on the function. The organic compound layer is mainly formed of an organic compound and can contain inorganic atoms or inorganic compounds. For example, the organic compound layer can contain, for example, copper, lithium, magnesium, aluminum, iridium, platinum, molybdenum, or zinc. The organic compound layer can be disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and can be disposed in contact with the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0094] Protective layer

[0095] A protective layer can be disposed above the cathode. For example, a glass with a desiccant can be attached to the cathode to reduce entry of, for example, water into the organic compound layer, thereby reducing occurrence of display failure. In another embodiment, a passivation film of, for example, silicon nitride can be disposed above the cathode to reduce entry of, for example, water into the organic compound layer. For example, a cathode formed in a vacuum can be transported to another chamber in a vacuum, and a CVD process can be performed to form a silicon nitride film with a thickness of 2 μm as a protective layer. After the film is formed by the CVD process, an atomic layer deposition process (ALD process) can be performed to form a protective layer. The material of the film in the ALD process is not limited, and examples include silicon nitride, silicon oxide, and aluminum oxide. A silicon nitride film can also be formed by a CVD process above the film formed by the ALD process. The film formed by the ALD process can have a smaller thickness than the film formed by the CVD process. Specifically, the film formed by the ALD process can have a thickness of 50% or less or 10% or less of the thickness of the film formed by the CVD process.

[0096] Color filter

[0097] A color filter can be disposed above the protective layer. For example, a color filter formed on another substrate according to the size of the organic light emitting element can be attached to the substrate with the organic light emitting element. Alternatively, a color filter can be formed above the protective layer described above by patterning using photolithography. The color filter can be formed of a polymer.

[0098] Planarization layer

[0099] A planarization layer can be disposed between the color filter and the protective layer. The planarization layer is disposed in order to reduce unevenness of the underlying layer. In order not to limit the purpose, the planarization layer can also be referred to as a resin material layer. The planarization layer can be formed of a low molecular weight or high molecular weight organic compound, and can be formed of a high molecular weight organic compound.

[0100] Such a planarization layer can be disposed above and below the color filter, and the constituent materials can be the same or different. Specific examples of the materials include polyvinylcarbazole resin, polycarbonate resin, polyester resin, ABS resin, acrylic resin, polyimide resin, phenol resin, epoxy resin, silicone resin, and urea resin.

[0101] Microlens

[0102] An organic light-emitting device can include an optical member such as a microlens or the like on the light-emitting side thereof. For example, the microlens can be formed of an acrylic resin or an epoxy resin. The microlens can be used for the purpose of increasing the amount of light extracted from the organic light-emitting device and controlling the direction of the extracted light. The microlens can have a semispherical shape. When the microlens has a semispherical shape, in a tangent line contacting the semisphere, the tangent line extends in parallel to the insulating layer, and the contact point of the tangent line with the semisphere is the highest point of the microlens. The highest point of the microlens can also be determined in any cross-sectional view. Specifically, in a cross-sectional view, in a tangent line contacting a semicircle of the microlens, the tangent line extends in parallel to the insulating layer, and the contact point of the tangent line with the semicircle is the highest point of the microlens.

[0103] A midpoint of the microlens can also be defined. In a cross section of the microlens, a line segment extending from an end point of one arc to an end point of another arc is assumed, and a midpoint of the line segment can be referred to as a midpoint of the microlens. The cross section used to determine the highest point and the midpoint can be a cross section perpendicular to the insulating layer.

[0104] Opposite substrate

[0105] An opposite substrate can be arranged over the planarization layer. The opposite substrate is arranged at a position opposite to the above-described substrate, and thus is referred to as an opposite substrate. The material forming the opposite substrate can be the same as that in the above-described substrate. When the above-described substrate is referred to as a first substrate, the opposite substrate can be referred to as a second substrate.

[0106] Organic layer

[0107] An organic compound layer (e.g., a hole-injection layer, a hole-transport layer, an electron-blocking layer, a light-emitting layer, a hole-blocking layer, an electron-transport layer, or an electron-injection layer) of an organic light-emitting element according to an embodiment of the present application is formed in the following manner.

[0108] An organic compound layer of an organic light-emitting element according to an embodiment of the present application can be formed by a dry process such as a vacuum evaporation process, an ion plating process, sputtering, or a plasma process. Instead of the dry process, a wet process in which a material is dissolved in a suitable solvent and a layer is formed by a publicly known application process such as spin coating, dipping, casting, LB processing, or inkjet processing can be performed.

[0109] In the case where such a vacuum evaporation process or a solution application process is performed to form a layer, the layer is less likely to undergo, for example, crystallization and has high time stability. In the case where an application process is performed to form a film, a solution can be combined with a suitable binder resin to form a film.

[0110] Non-limiting examples of the binder resin include a polyvinylcarbazole resin, a polycarbonate resin, a polyester resin, an ABS resin, an acrylic resin, a polyimide resin, a phenolic resin, an epoxy resin, a silicone resin, and a urea resin.

[0111] Such a binder resin can be used alone as a homopolymer or a copolymer or in a combination of two or more thereof. In addition, known additives such as a plasticizer, an antioxidant, an ultraviolet absorber, and the like can be used as needed.

[0112] Pixel circuit

[0113] An organic light emitting device can include a pixel circuit connected to an organic light emitting element. The pixel circuit can be an active matrix circuit configured to individually control light emission of each of the first light emitting element and the second light emitting element. The active matrix circuit can be a voltage programming circuit or a current programming circuit. For the organic light emitting element, such a pixel circuit can be arranged in a one-to-one relationship. Such a pixel circuit can include a light emitting element, a transistor configured to control light emission luminance of the light emitting element, a transistor configured to control light emission time, a capacitor configured to hold a gate voltage of the transistor for controlling light emission luminance, and a transistor connected to GND without passing through the light emitting element.

[0114] Depending on the size of the light emitting area, the magnitude of the driving current can be determined. Specifically, in the case of causing the first light emitting element and the second light emitting element to emit light at the same luminance, the current value passing through the first light emitting element can be set to be smaller than the current value passing through the second light emitting element. This is because the light emitting area is small and a small current can be sufficient.

[0115] The pixel circuit receives an image signal from a signal circuit arranged around a display area in which a plurality of pixels are arranged, and causes the organic light emitting device to display a desired image.

[0116] Pixel

[0117] An organic light emitting device includes a plurality of pixels. The pixel includes sub-pixels configured to individually emit light rays of different colors from each other. The sub-pixels can individually have emission colors such as R, G, and B.

[0118] In such a pixel, an area also referred to as a pixel opening is configured to emit light. The area is the same as the first area. The size of the pixel opening can be 15 μm or less, or 5 μm or more. More specifically, examples of the size include 12 μm, 9.5 μm, 7.4 μm, and 6.4 μm.

[0119] The interval of the sub-pixels can be 10 μm or less; specific examples include 8 μm, 7.4 μm, and 6.4 μm.

[0120] In a plan view, the pixels can have a known arrangement such as a stripe arrangement, a delta arrangement, a PenTile arrangement, or a Bayer arrangement. The planar shape of the sub-pixels can be any known shape such as a quadrangle such as a rectangle or a rhombus, or a hexagon. It is to be understood that a shape that is not exactly a rectangle but similar to a rectangle is also considered to be a rectangle. The shape of the sub-pixels and the pixel arrangement can be used in combination.

[0121] Application of the organic light-emitting device according to the embodiment of the present application

[0122] The organic light-emitting device according to the embodiment of the present application can be used as a constituent member of a display device or an illumination device, and can also be applied to, for example, an exposure light source of an electrophotographic imaging device, a backlight of a liquid crystal display device, or a light-emitting device in which a white light source is equipped with a color filter.

[0123] The display device can be an image information processing device including an image input portion configured to input image information from, for example, a face array CCD, a line array CCD, or a memory card, and an information processing portion configured to process the input information, and configured to display the input image on a display unit.

[0124] The camera device or the inkjet printer can have a display unit having a touch panel function. The operation type of this touch panel function is not particularly limited, and can be an infrared type, an electrostatic capacitance type, a resistance film type, or an electromagnetic induction type. The display device can be used as a display unit of a multifunction printer.

[0125] Hereinafter, a display device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0126] Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an example of an organic light-emitting device including an organic light-emitting element and a transistor connected to the organic light-emitting element. The transistor is an example of an active element. The transistor is not limited to the configuration in Figure 8 in FIG. 1, and can be a thin film transistor (TFT).

[0127] In Figure 8 In FIG. 1, the organic light-emitting device includes an organic light-emitting element 124 and a transistor 122 arranged over an interlayer insulating layer 123. Figure 8 An organic compound layer in the organic light-emitting device is illustrated as a single layer; however, the organic compound layer can include a plurality of layers. A first protective layer for reducing degradation of the organic light-emitting element and a resin layer for achieving planarization of an upper surface are arranged over a cathode.

[0128] In Figure 8In the present embodiment, the transistor used for the organic light emitting device is not limited to a transistor using a single-crystal silicon wafer, and a compound semiconductor can be used. The active layer can be formed of a single-crystal silicon, a non-single-crystal silicon such as amorphous silicon or microcrystalline silicon, or a non-single-crystal oxide semiconductor such as indium zinc oxide or indium gallium zinc oxide.

[0129] In Figure 8 In the present embodiment, the transistor included in the organic light emitting device can be formed in a substrate such as a Si substrate. The phrase "formed in a substrate" means that the substrate itself such as a Si substrate is processed to form the transistor. In other words, the configuration in which the transistor is included in the substrate can also be considered as a configuration in which the substrate and the transistor are formed as a single unit.

[0130] The organic light emitting element according to the present embodiment is controlled in terms of light emission luminance by a transistor as an example of a switching element. A plurality of such organic light emitting elements are arranged in a plane to emit light rays of respective light emission luminances, thereby displaying an image. The phrase "on a substrate" includes "in a substrate". Whether the transistor is formed in the substrate or a TFT is used depends on the size of the display unit. For example, when the display unit has a size of about 0.5 inch, the organic light emitting element can be formed on a Si substrate.

[0131] Figure 9 is a schematic view illustrating an example of a display device according to the present embodiment. The display device 1000 can include a touch panel 1003, a display panel 1005, a frame 1006, a circuit substrate 1007, and a battery 1008 between an upper cover 1001 and a lower cover 1009. Flexible printed circuits FPCs 1002 and 1004 are connected to the touch panel 1003 and the display panel 1005, respectively. On the circuit substrate 1007, a transistor is formed by printing. When the display device is not a mobile device, the battery 1008 can not be mounted. When the display device is a mobile device, the battery 1008 can be mounted at another position.

[0132] The display device according to the present embodiment can include red, green, and blue color filters. The red, green, and blue color filters can be arranged in a delta arrangement.

[0133] The display device according to the present embodiment can be used as a display unit of a mobile terminal. In this case, the display device can have both a display function and an operation function. Examples of the mobile terminal include a mobile phone such as a smartphone, a tablet, and a head-mounted display.

[0134] The display device according to the present embodiment can be used as a display unit of an imaging device including an optical unit having a plurality of lenses and an imaging element configured to receive light that has passed through the optical unit. The imaging device can include a display unit configured to display information obtained by the imaging element. The display unit can be a display unit exposed outside the imaging device, or a display unit arranged inside a viewfinder. The imaging device can be a digital camera or a digital video camera.

[0135] Figure 10A is a schematic view illustrating an example of an imaging device according to the present embodiment. The imaging device 1100 can include a viewfinder 1101, a back display 1102, an operation unit 1103, and a housing 1104. The viewfinder 1101 can include a display device according to the present embodiment. In this case, the display device can display not only an image to be captured but also, for example, environmental information and shooting instructions. Examples of the environmental information include intensity of external light, orientation of external light, moving speed of a subject, and possibility that a subject is hidden behind an obstacle.

[0136] Since a suitable time for shooting lasts a very short period, it is desirable to display information with minimum delay. Therefore, a display device employing an organic light emitting device according to an embodiment of the present application can be used because the organic light emitting device responds at high speed. A display device employing an organic light emitting device can be more suitable for use in such an imaging device that requires displaying an image at high speed, compared to a liquid crystal display device.

[0137] The imaging device 1100 includes an optical unit (not shown). The optical unit includes a plurality of lenses and is configured to form an image in an imaging element contained in the housing 1104. The plurality of lenses can be adjusted in terms of relative positions, thereby adjusting a focal length. This operation can also be performed automatically. The imaging device can also be referred to as an opto-electric conversion device. The opto-electric conversion device can include a shooting mode such as a mode of detecting a difference from a previous image and a mode of extracting an image from continuously recorded images, instead of an imaging mode of continuously shooting images.

[0138] Figure 10B is a schematic view illustrating an example of an electronic device according to the present embodiment. The electronic device 1200 includes a display unit 1201, an operation unit 1202, and a housing 1203. The housing 1203 can include a circuit, a printed substrate including the circuit, a battery, and a communication unit. The operation unit 1202 can be a button or a touch panel type sensor unit. For example, the operation unit can be a biometric identification unit configured to scan a fingerprint to unlock. Such an electronic device including a communication unit can also be referred to as a communication device. The electronic device can also include a lens and an imaging element, thereby having a camera function. An image shot by the camera function is displayed on the display unit. Examples of the electronic device include a smartphone and a notebook computer.

[0139] Figure 11A is a schematic view illustrating an example of a display device according to the present embodiment. Figure 11A A display device such as a television monitor or a PC monitor is illustrated. The display device 1300 includes a frame 1301 and a display unit 1302. The display unit 1302 can employ a light-emitting device according to the present embodiment.

[0140] The display device includes a base 1303 which supports the frame 1301 and the display unit 1302. The base 1303 is not limited to the form shown. The lower side of the frame 1301 can also function as a base. Figure 11A

[0141] The frame 1301 and the display unit 1302 can be curved. The radius of curvature can be 5000 mm or more and 6000 mm or less.

[0142] Figure 11B is a schematic view illustrating another example of a display device according to the present embodiment. Figure 11B The display device 1310 in FIG. 13A can be foldable, i.e., a foldable display device. The display device 1310 includes a first display unit 1311, a second display unit 1312, a housing 1313, and a folding point 1314. The first display unit 1311 and the second display unit 1312 can include light-emitting devices according to the present embodiment. The first display unit 1311 and the second display unit 1312 can be collectively designed as a seamless single display device. The first display unit 1311 and the second display unit 1312 can be segmented with respect to the folding point. Specifically, the first display unit 1311 and the second display unit 1312 can display different images, respectively; and the first display unit and the second display unit can collectively display a single image.

[0143] Figure 12A is a schematic view illustrating an example of a lighting device according to the present embodiment. The lighting device 1400 can include a housing 1401, a light source 1402, a circuit substrate 1403, an optical film 1404, and a light-diffusing unit 1405. The light source can include an organic light-emitting device according to the present embodiment. A light filter can be provided to improve the color rendering property of the light source. The light-diffusing unit is configured to efficiently diffuse light from the light source to deliver light to a wide area, such as a spot. The light filter and the light-diffusing unit can be provided on the light-exit side of the lighting device. The lighting device can optionally be equipped with a cover for its outermost portion.

[0144] ​The lighting device is, for example, a device configured to illuminate the inside of a room. The lighting device can be configured to emit light in white, neutral white, and any color from blue to red. The lighting device can include a light modulation circuit for modulating light. The lighting device can include an organic light emitting device according to an embodiment of the present application and a power supply circuit connected to the organic light emitting device. The power supply circuit is configured to convert an alternating voltage into a direct voltage. "White" corresponds to a color temperature of 4200 K. "Neutral white" corresponds to a color temperature of 5000 K. The lighting device can include a color filter.

[0145] The lighting device according to the present embodiment can include a heat dissipation unit. The heat dissipation unit is configured to release heat inside the device to the outside of the device. The heat dissipation unit is formed of, for example, a metal or liquid silicon having a high specific heat.

[0146] Figure 12B A schematic view of a car that is an example of a moving body according to the present embodiment. The car includes a tail light that is an example of a lighting unit. For example, the car 1500 includes a tail light 1501 that can be configured to turn on when braking.

[0147] The tail light 1501 can include an organic light emitting device according to the present embodiment. The tail light can include a protective member for protecting the organic EL element. The protective member is not limited in terms of material as long as it has a high strength and is transparent. For example, the protective member can be formed of polycarbonate. The polycarbonate can be mixed with, for example, furandicarboxylic acid derivatives or acrylonitrile derivatives.

[0148] The car 1500 can include a car body 1503 and a window 1502 attached to the car body 1503. When the window is not a window for checking the front and rear of the car, it can be designed as a transparent display. The transparent display can include an organic light emitting device according to the present embodiment. In this case, the constituent members such as electrodes of the organic light emitting device are provided as transparent members.

[0149] For example, the moving body according to the present embodiment can be, for example, a ship, an airplane, or a drone. The moving body can include a main body and a lighting unit provided to the main body. The lighting unit can emit light to indicate the position of the main body. The lighting unit includes an organic light emitting device according to the present embodiment.

[0150] Figure 13A An example of a wearable device including an organic light emitting device according to the present embodiment is illustrated. The organic light emitting device is suitable for wearable devices such as smart glasses, HMDs, and smart contact lenses. The camera display device used in such application examples includes a camera device configured to perform photoelectric conversion of visible light and a display device configured to emit visible light.

[0151] Figure 13A An eyeglass 1600 (smart eyeglass) is illustrated as an application example. In the eyeglass 1600, on the front side of a lens 1601, a camera device 1602 such as a CMOS sensor or a SPAD is arranged. Further, on the back side of the lens 1601, a display device according to any of the above-described embodiments is arranged.

[0152] The eyeglass 1600 further includes a controller 1603. The controller 1603 functions as a power supply configured to supply power to the camera device 1602 and the display device according to any of the embodiments. The controller 1603 is configured to control the operation of the camera device 1602 and the display device. In the lens 1601, an optical system configured to focus light onto the camera device 1602 is formed.

[0153] Figure 13B An eyeglass 1610 (smart eyeglass) is illustrated as an application example. The eyeglass 1610 includes a controller 1612. On the controller 1612, a camera device and a display device corresponding to the camera device 1602 are mounted. In a lens 1611, an optical system configured to project light from the camera device and the display device inside the controller 1612 is formed, and an image is projected onto the lens 1611. The controller 1612 functions as a power supply configured to supply power to the camera device and the display device, and controls the operation of the camera device and the display device. The controller can include a gaze detection unit configured to detect the gaze of the wearer. The gaze can be detected using infrared radiation. An infrared light emitting unit emits infrared light to the eye of the user viewing the display image. The emitted infrared light is reflected by the eyeball, and the reflected light is detected by a camera unit including a light receiving element to provide a captured image of the eyeball. A reduction unit is configured to reduce light from the infrared light emitting unit to the display unit in a plan view to mitigate degradation of image quality.

[0154] From the captured image of the eyeball obtained by capturing the infrared light, the gaze of the user to the display image is detected. For the gaze detection using the captured image of the eyeball, a publicly known method can be appropriately applied. For example, a gaze detection method based on Purkinje images using reflection of the irradiation light on the cornea can be used.

[0155] More specifically, the gaze detection processing is performed using the pupil center corneal reflection technique. Based on the pupil image and the Purkinje image included in the captured image of the eyeball, the pupil center corneal reflection technique is used to calculate a gaze vector representing the orientation (rotation angle) of the eyeball, thereby detecting the gaze of the user.

[0156] The display device according to the embodiment of the present application includes a camera device having a light receiving element, and can control the display image of the display device based on the user gaze data from the camera device.

[0157] Specifically, the display device determines a first field of view in which the user gazes and a second field of view other than the first field of view based on the gaze data. The first field of view and the second field of view can be determined by a controller of the display device or based on a determination result received from an external controller. In a display area of the display device, a display resolution of the first field of view can be controlled to be higher than a display resolution of the second field of view. In other words, a resolution of the second field of view can be controlled to be lower than a resolution of the first field of view.

[0158] The display area includes a first display area and a second display area different from the first display area; based on the gaze data, a higher-priority area is determined from the first display area and the second display area. The first display area and the second display area can be determined by a controller of the display device or based on a determination result received from an external controller. A resolution of the higher-priority area can be controlled to be higher than a resolution of an area other than the higher-priority area. In other words, a resolution of a lower-priority area can be controlled to be lower.

[0159] Note that the first field of view or the higher-priority area can be determined using AI. The AI can be a model configured to estimate an angle of a gaze direction and a distance from a gaze target from an eye image based on supervised data of the eye image and an actual gaze direction of the eye in the image. The AI program can be stored in the display device, the imaging device, or an external device. When the AI program is stored in the external device, it is transmitted to the display device via communication.

[0160] In a case where the display is controlled based on visual recognition detection, smart glasses including an imaging device configured to capture an external image can be applied. The smart glasses are configured to display the captured external data in real time.

[0161] As explained so far, the device employing the organic light-emitting device according to the present embodiment is capable of stably displaying a high-quality image for a long time.

[0162] The present application provides an organic light-emitting device in which a region where charges are generated is reduced, thereby reducing unintended light emission.

[0163] While the present application has been described with reference to example embodiments, it is to be understood that the application is not limited to the disclosed example embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be given the broadest interpretation to encompass all such variations and equivalents.

Claims

1. An organic light emitting device comprising a first lower electrode, an upper electrode, and an organic compound layer disposed between the first lower electrode and the upper electrode over an insulating layer, characterized in that the organic compound layer comprising a first light emitting layer, a second light emitting layer disposed between the first light emitting layer and the upper electrode, and a first organic compound layer disposed between the first light emitting layer and the second light emitting layer, the first organic compound layer comprising a second organic compound layer containing an alkali metal and a third organic compound layer disposed between the second organic compound layer and the upper electrode and containing a compound having a lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy level of -5.0 eV or less, and a projection of the first organic compound layer onto the insulating layer is smaller than a projection of the first light emitting layer onto the insulating layer.

2. The organic light emitting device according to claim 1, further comprising a second lower electrode disposed between the insulating layer and the organic compound layer, wherein a projection of the first light emitting layer onto the insulating layer overlaps a projection of the second lower electrode onto the insulating layer, and a projection of the first organic compound layer onto the insulating layer does not overlap a projection of the second lower electrode onto the insulating layer.

3. The organic light emitting device according to claim 1, further comprising a pixel isolation layer covering edges of the first lower electrode, wherein the first lower electrode comprises a first region in contact with the organic compound layer and a second region in contact with the pixel isolation layer, and a projection of the first organic compound layer onto the insulating layer is smaller than a projection of the first region onto the insulating layer.

4. The organic light emitting device according to claim 3, wherein, a projection of the third organic compound layer onto the insulating layer is smaller than a projection of the first region onto the insulating layer.

5. The organic light emitting device according to claim 1, further comprising an optical member on the upper electrode, wherein a projection of the first organic compound layer onto the insulating layer is smaller than a projection of the optical member onto the insulating layer.

6. The organic light emitting device according to claim 5, further comprising a pixel isolation layer covering edges of the first lower electrode, wherein the first lower electrode comprises a first region in contact with the organic compound layer and a second region in contact with the pixel isolation layer, and a projection of the first region onto the insulating layer is smaller than a projection of the optical member onto the insulating layer and larger than a projection of the first organic compound layer onto the insulating layer.

7. The organic light emitting device according to claim 6, wherein, the optical member is a lens, and in a cross section perpendicular to the insulating layer, an apex of the lens is located between a midpoint of the first region and a midpoint of the first organic compound layer in a direction parallel to the insulating layer.

8. The organic light emitting device according to claim 1, further comprising a second lower electrode between the insulating layer and the organic compound layer, a first light reflecting layer between the first lower electrode and the insulating layer, a first transparent insulating layer between the first light reflecting layer and the first lower electrode, a second light-reflecting layer between the second lower electrode and the insulating layer and a second transparent insulating layer between the second light-reflecting layer and the second lower electrode, a thickness of the first transparent insulating layer is different from a thickness of the second transparent insulating layer.

9. The organic light-emitting device according to claim 8, further comprising a first color filter disposed on the first lower electrode and configured to transmit light of a first light-emitting wavelength and a second color filter disposed on the second lower electrode and configured to transmit light of a second light-emitting wavelength, wherein an optical path between the first light-emitting layer and the first light-reflecting layer is an optical path that causes constructive interference of light of the first light-emitting wavelength, and an optical path between the second light-emitting layer and the second light-reflecting layer is an optical path that causes constructive interference of light of the second light-emitting wavelength.

10. The organic light-emitting device according to claim 1, further comprising a second lower electrode and a third lower electrode adjacent to the first lower electrode and between the first organic compound layer and the insulating layer, a first color filter disposed on the first lower electrode and configured to transmit light of a first light-emitting wavelength, a second color filter disposed on the second lower electrode and configured to transmit light of a second light-emitting wavelength, and a third color filter disposed on the third lower electrode and configured to transmit light of a third light-emitting wavelength, wherein the first organic compound layer whose orthogonal projection on the insulating layer overlaps with the first lower electrode is arranged to be connected to the first organic compound layer whose orthogonal projection on the insulating layer overlaps with the third lower electrode, and the first organic compound layer whose orthogonal projection on the insulating layer overlaps with the second lower electrode is not connected to the first organic compound layer whose orthogonal projection on the insulating layer overlaps with the first lower electrode.

11. The organic light emitting device according to claim 1, wherein, a size of each orthogonal projection on the insulating layer is a length of the corresponding orthogonal projection on the insulating layer in a cross section perpendicular to the insulating layer.

12. A display device including the organic light-emitting device according to any one of claims 1 to 11 and a signal circuit configured to supply an image signal to the organic light-emitting device.

13. A photoelectric conversion device including an optical unit having a plurality of lenses, an image pickup element configured to receive light that has passed through the optical unit, and a display unit configured to display an image picked up by the image pickup element, characterized in that the display unit including the organic light-emitting device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

14. An electronic device including a display unit having the organic light-emitting device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, a housing having the display unit, and a communication unit disposed in the housing and configured to communicate with an external apparatus.

15. An organic light-emitting device including a first lower electrode, an upper electrode, and an organic compound layer disposed between the first lower electrode and the upper electrode on an insulating layer, characterized in that The organic compound layer includes a light-emitting layer, a fourth organic compound layer containing a compound having a lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy level of -5.0 eV or less, and a fifth organic compound layer having a higher lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy level than the fourth organic compound layer, and The orthogonal projection of the fourth organic compound layer on the insulating layer is smaller than the orthogonal projection of the fifth organic compound layer on the insulating layer.

16. The organic light-emitting device according to claim 15, further comprising a second lower electrode between the insulating layer and the organic compound layer, wherein the orthogonal projection of the fifth organic compound layer on the insulating layer overlaps the orthogonal projection of the second lower electrode on the insulating layer, and The orthogonal projection of the fourth organic compound layer on the insulating layer does not overlap the orthogonal projection of the second lower electrode on the insulating layer.

17. The organic light-emitting device according to claim 15 or 16, further comprising a second lower electrode between the insulating layer and the organic compound layer, wherein the fifth organic compound layer whose orthogonal projection on the insulating layer overlaps the first lower electrode is arranged to be connected to the fifth organic compound layer whose orthogonal projection on the insulating layer overlaps the second lower electrode, and The fourth organic compound layer whose orthogonal projection on the insulating layer overlaps the first lower electrode is not connected to the fourth organic compound layer whose orthogonal projection on the insulating layer overlaps the second lower electrode.

18. The organic light-emitting device according to claim 15, further comprising a pixel isolation layer covering edges of the first lower electrode, wherein the first lower electrode includes a first region in contact with the organic compound layer and a second region in contact with the pixel isolation layer, and The orthogonal projection of the fourth organic compound layer on the insulating layer is smaller than the orthogonal projection of the first region on the insulating layer.

19. The organic light-emitting device according to claim 15, further comprising an optical member on the upper electrode, wherein The orthogonal projection of the fourth organic compound layer on the insulating layer is smaller than the orthogonal projection of the optical member on the insulating layer.

20. The organic light-emitting device according to claim 19, further comprising a pixel isolation layer covering edges of the first lower electrode, wherein the first lower electrode includes a first region in contact with the organic compound layer and a second region in contact with the pixel isolation layer, and The orthogonal projection of the first region on the insulating layer is smaller than the orthogonal projection of the optical member on the insulating layer and larger than the orthogonal projection of the fourth organic compound layer on the insulating layer.

21. The organic light emitting device of claim 20, wherein, The optical member is a lens, In a cross section perpendicular to the insulating layer, the highest point of the lens is located between the midpoint of the first region and the midpoint of the fourth organic compound layer in a direction parallel to the insulating layer.

22. The organic light emitting device according to claim 15, further comprising a second lower electrode between the insulating layer and the organic compound layer, a first light reflecting layer between the first lower electrode and the insulating layer, a first transparent insulating layer between the first light reflecting layer and the first lower electrode, a second light reflecting layer between the second lower electrode and the insulating layer, and a second transparent insulating layer between the second light reflecting layer and the second lower electrode, a thickness of the first transparent insulating layer being different from a thickness of the second transparent insulating layer.

23. The organic light emitting device according to claim 22, further comprising a first color filter disposed on the first lower electrode and configured to transmit light of a first emission wavelength, and a second color filter disposed on the second lower electrode and configured to transmit light of a second emission wavelength, wherein an optical path between the first emission layer and the first light reflecting layer is an optical path that causes constructive interference of the light of the first emission wavelength, and an optical path between the second emission layer and the second light reflecting layer is an optical path that causes constructive interference of the light of the second emission wavelength.

24. The organic light emitting device according to claim 15, further comprising a second lower electrode and a third lower electrode adjacent to the first lower electrode and between the organic compound layer and the insulating layer, a first color filter disposed on the first lower electrode and configured to transmit light of a first emission wavelength, a second color filter disposed on the second lower electrode and configured to transmit light of a second emission wavelength, and a third color filter disposed on the third lower electrode and configured to transmit light of a third emission wavelength, wherein the fourth organic compound layer whose orthogonal projection on the insulating layer overlaps with the first lower electrode is disposed to be connected to the fourth organic compound layer whose orthogonal projection on the insulating layer overlaps with the third lower electrode, and the fourth organic compound layer whose orthogonal projection on the insulating layer overlaps with the second lower electrode is not connected to the fourth organic compound layer whose orthogonal projection on the insulating layer overlaps with the first lower electrode.

25. The organic light emitting device of claim 15, wherein, a size of each orthogonal projection on the insulating layer is a length of a corresponding orthogonal projection on the insulating layer in a cross section perpendicular to the insulating layer.

26. The organic light emitting device of claim 15, wherein, the emission layer is disposed such that the orthogonal projection on the insulating layer extends at least from a region overlapping with the first lower electrode to a region overlapping with a second lower electrode adjacent to the first lower electrode.

27. A display device comprising the organic light emitting device according to any one of claims 15 to 26 and a signal circuit configured to supply an image signal to the organic light emitting device.

28. A photoelectric conversion device comprising an optical unit having a plurality of lenses, an image pickup element configured to receive light that has passed through the optical unit, and a display unit configured to display an image picked up by the image pickup element, characterized in that the display unit comprising the organic light emitting device according to any one of claims 15 to 26. 29.An electronic device comprising a display unit having the organic light-emitting device according to any one of claims 15 to 26, a housing having the display unit, and a communication unit disposed in the housing and configured to communicate with an external apparatus.

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