Adjustable sub-pixel

Abstract

A light-emitting device having pixels includes a first untunable subpixel configured to emit light of a first untunable wavelength and a tunable subpixel configured to emit light of a tunable wavelength. The tunable subpixel includes: a primary light-emitting material configured to emit light of a primary wavelength in response to a primary electrical input; and a tuning element configured to modify the primary wavelength to a secondary wavelength in response to a second electrical input, wherein the secondary wavelength is tunable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of display technology, including the configuration of subpixels. Background Technology

[0002] In most existing display technologies, images are rendered by the merging of pixels. Pixels typically have fixed properties, such as color and spatial configuration. Pixels can be spatially configured into groups, such as striped patterns, where a group can include pixels of different colors, which can be combined to render an image of any color. For example, a common configuration is a triadic subpixel containing a red subpixel, a green subpixel, and a blue subpixel. Any color within the color gamut of a subpixel can be rendered by using a combination of the three subpixels, or by using the sum of the three pixels to achieve white light. Another example of a configuration is a group of four subpixels, including a red subpixel, a green subpixel, a blue subpixel, and a white subpixel.

[0003] The color of a subpixel is generally fixed, but it can degrade over time, losing brightness or changing color. This is also true in situations where the display may be used for applications requiring different resolutions or brightness levels. The object of this invention is to provide an adjustable subpixel that can be used to correct local defects, improve resolution, or increase brightness. Adjustable subpixels can also be used to modify the color gamut of a display.

[0004] Quantum dots are known to emit light. When an electron is excited from the valence band to the conduction band, a hole is left in the valence band. The resulting electron-hole pair is called an exciton, and the recombination of the electron and hole pair can produce the emission of a photon. The energy of the emitted photon is equal to the sum of the band gap energy, the confinement energies of the hole and the excited electron, and the binding energy of the exciton. Electrons can be excited by absorbing photons with energy equal to the band gap, or by electrical excitation. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In this context, a light-emitting device having pixels is provided, wherein the pixels include:

[0006] The first non-tunable sub-pixel is configured to emit light of a first non-tunable wavelength; and

[0007] Tunable subpixels are configured to emit light of tunable wavelengths, wherein the tunable subpixels include:

[0008] A primary luminescent material is configured to emit light of a primary wavelength in response to a primary electrical input; and

[0009] A tuning element is configured to modify the primary wavelength to a secondary wavelength in response to a secondary electrical input, wherein the secondary wavelength is tunable.

[0010] In this way, the color of the light emitted by the tunable subpixel can be modified, and the pixel's properties can be altered. For example, the pixel's resolution, brightness, or color gamut can be modified, or local defects can be corrected.

[0011] Primary luminescent materials may include quantum dots.

[0012] Advantageously, quantum dots can emit light through electric pumping or optically assisted electric pumping.

[0013] The tuning element may include a piezoelectric actuator that applies stress to the light-emitting material, causing strain in the quantum dot.

[0014] In this way, the secondary wavelength can be modified in real time, allowing the color of the tunable subpixels to be adjusted during use.

[0015] The second-order wavelength can be a function of strain, and the target wavelength for the second-order wavelength can correspond to the applied stress value.

[0016] In this way, the modification of the secondary wavelength can be controlled, so that the secondary wavelength can be tuned to a specific value.

[0017] The light-emitting device may also include a controller configured to determine whether the secondary wavelength is equal to a target wavelength corresponding to the applied stress value, and, if the secondary wavelength is not equal to the target wavelength, to modify the stress applied to the semiconductor material until the secondary wavelength is equal to the target wavelength.

[0018] The advantage is that the secondary wavelength can be adjusted if it is not the expected value.

[0019] The tunable subpixel may also include a light emitter that emits light at the light emitter wavelength.

[0020] Quantum dots can also be configured to modify the light emitted at the wavelength of the light emitter, so that the light emitted by the quantum dot is at a first-order wavelength.

[0021] In this way, quantum dots can be simultaneously optically pumped and electrically pumped, which can increase optical gain and thus improve color conversion efficiency.

[0022] The second-order wavelength can be a function of strain, and the target wavelength for the second-order wavelength can correspond to the applied stress value.

[0023] In this way, the modification of the secondary wavelength can be controlled, so that the secondary wavelength can be tuned to a specific value.

[0024] The tunable subpixel may also include a secondary light-emitting material comprising quantum dots, wherein the secondary light-emitting material may be configured to convert primary wavelength light into tertiary wavelength light and to emit tertiary wavelength light in response to a tertiary electrical input.

[0025] In this way, the wavelength of the light emitted by the primary luminescent material can be modified.

[0026] The tunable subpixel may also include a tertiary light-emitting material comprising quantum dots, wherein the tertiary light-emitting material may be configured to convert tertiary wavelength light into quaternary wavelength light and to emit quaternary wavelength light in response to a quaternary electrical input.

[0027] In this way, the wavelength of light emitted by primary and secondary luminescent materials can be modified.

[0028] Primary, secondary, and tertiary luminescent materials can emit light when the applied current is above a threshold and transmit light when the applied current is below a threshold.

[0029] In this way, the wavelength of light emitted by the tunable sub-pixel can be adjusted by controlling which of the primary, secondary, and tertiary luminescent materials emit and convert light. At any given time, zero, one, two, or three of the primary, secondary, and tertiary luminescent materials can emit light. The secondary wavelength can be modified in real time, allowing for adjustment of the tunable sub-pixel's color during use.

[0030] A secondary electrical input can be a combination of one or more of a primary electrical input, a tertiary electrical input, and a quaternary electrical input.

[0031] Advantageously, each of the primary, secondary, and tertiary luminescent materials can be individually controlled by the primary, tertiary, and quaternary electrical inputs, enabling the electrical tuning of the secondary wavelength of light emitted by the tunable subpixel.

[0032] Second-order wavelengths can be functions of first-order, third-order, and fourth-order wavelengths.

[0033] Advantageously, the second-order wavelength can be accurately tuned by controlling the emission of the primary, secondary, and tertiary luminescent materials.

[0034] The tunable subpixel may also include a light emitter that emits light at a light emitter wavelength, and wherein the primary light-emitting material may be configured to modify the light emitted at the light emitter wavelength such that the light emitted by the primary light-emitting material is at a primary wavelength.

[0035] In this way, quantum dots can be simultaneously optically pumped and electrically pumped, which can increase optical gain and thus improve color conversion efficiency.

[0036] Primary luminescent materials may include luminescent molecules configured to emit light at wavelengths tunable between primary and secondary wavelengths by applying an electric field via a secondary electrical input to influence the molecular topology of the luminescent molecules.

[0037] In this way, the second-order wavelength of the light emitted by the tunable subpixel can be electrically tuned in real time and accurately, allowing the color of the tunable subpixel to be adjusted during use.

[0038] The light-emitting device may also include a secondary light-emitting material comprising light-emitting molecules configured to convert primary wavelength light into tertiary wavelength light and to emit tertiary wavelength light in response to a tertiary electrical input.

[0039] In this way, the wavelength of the light emitted by the primary luminescent material can be modified.

[0040] The light-emitting device may also include a tertiary light-emitting material comprising light-emitting molecules that can be configured to convert tertiary wavelength light into quaternary wavelength light and emit quaternary wavelength light in response to a quaternary electrical input.

[0041] In this way, the wavelength of light emitted by primary and secondary luminescent materials can be modified.

[0042] Primary, secondary, and tertiary luminescent materials can emit light when the applied current is within a certain range, and transmit light when the applied current is outside the said range.

[0043] In this way, the wavelength of light emitted by the tunable sub-pixel can be adjusted by controlling which of the primary, secondary, and tertiary luminescent materials emit and transmit light. At any given time, zero, one, two, or three of the primary, secondary, and tertiary luminescent materials can emit light. The secondary wavelength can be modified in real time, allowing for adjustment of the tunable sub-pixel's color during use.

[0044] The tunable subpixel may also include a light emitter that emits light at a light emitter wavelength, wherein the primary light-emitting material may be configured to modify the light emitted at the light emitter wavelength such that the light emitted by the primary light-emitting material is at a primary wavelength.

[0045] In this way, quantum dots can be simultaneously optically pumped and electrically pumped, which can increase optical gain and thus improve color conversion efficiency.

[0046] One or more of the primary luminescent material, secondary luminescent material, or tertiary luminescent material can be dissolved in the main material.

[0047] In this way, primary, secondary, or tertiary luminescent materials can be deposited as thin films and patterned.

[0048] One or more of the primary luminescent materials, secondary luminescent materials, and tertiary luminescent materials can be nanopatterned.

[0049] Advantageously, primary, secondary, and tertiary luminescent materials can be nanopatterned, making them transparent when they are not emitting light.

[0050] A pixel may have: a second non-tunable sub-pixel configured to emit light of a second non-tunable wavelength; and a third non-tunable sub-pixel configured to emit light of a third non-tunable wavelength.

[0051] In this way, the pixel can emit light within the color gamut of the three non-tunable subpixels. Tunable subpixels can be used to change the color gamut, modify brightness or resolution, compensate for local defects, or for other purposes.

[0052] The first, second, and third non-adjustable sub-pixels can each emit one of red, green, or blue light.

[0053] Advantageously, tunable subpixels can be integrated into a display with a common color gamut.

[0054] The light-emitting device may also include a controller configured to modify the secondary electrical input.

[0055] Advantageously, the second wavelength can be electrically tuned during use.

[0056] The controller can also be configured to modify the secondary electrical input in response to an input.

[0057] Advantageously, the secondary wavelength can be electrically tuned in response to user commands or data from the display during use. Attached Figure Description

[0058] Specific embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0059] Figure 1 A simplified schematic planar diagram of the non-adjustable subpixel configuration known in the prior art is shown.

[0060] Figure 2 A simplified schematic plan view is shown, depicting a subpixel configuration that includes three non-adjustable subpixels and one adjustable subpixel.

[0061] Figure 3 A simplified schematic plan view is shown, illustrating a subpixel configuration that includes multiple non-adjustable subpixels and multiple adjustable subpixels.

[0062] Figure 4 A simplified schematic plan view shows a subpixel configuration including non-tunable and tunable subpixels, the tunable subpixels including luminescent material.

[0063] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the circuit elements, including the piezoelectric actuator, is shown.

[0064] Figure 6A and 6B This demonstrates the effect of quantum dot materials in strain-free ( Figure 6A ) and in strain ( Figure 6B A schematic diagram of the light emitted under the condition of ).

[0065] Figure 7 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of a pixel is shown, including non-tunable sub-pixels and tunable sub-pixels, the tunable sub-pixels including light-emitting material on a light emitter.

[0066] Figure 8A and 8B This shows the quantum dot material on the light emitter in strain-free ( Figure 8A ) and in strain ( Figure 8B A schematic diagram of the light emitted under the condition of ).

[0067] Figure 9 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of a pixel is shown, including non-tunable sub-pixels and tunable sub-pixels, the tunable sub-pixels comprising multiple light-emitting materials on a light emitter.

[0068] Figure 10 A schematic diagram showing light emitted and converted by multiple luminescent materials on a light emitter is displayed.

[0069] Figure 11 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of a pixel is shown, including non-tunable sub-pixels and tunable sub-pixels, wherein the tunable sub-pixels include multiple light-emitting materials.

[0070] Figure 12 A schematic diagram showing light emitted and converted by multiple luminescent materials is displayed.

[0071] Figure 13 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of a pixel is shown, comprising non-tunable sub-pixels and tunable sub-pixels, wherein the tunable sub-pixels include luminescent material.

[0072] Figure 14A and 14B This shows that the luminescent material remains unchanged in its molecular topology. Figure 14A ) and changes in molecular topology ( Figure 14BA schematic diagram of the light emitted under the condition of ).

[0073] Figure 15 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of a pixel is shown, including non-tunable sub-pixels and tunable sub-pixels, the tunable sub-pixels including light-emitting material on a light emitter.

[0074] Figure 16A and 16B This shows that the luminescent material on the light emitter has no change in molecular topology. Figure 16A ) and changes in molecular topology ( Figure 16B A schematic diagram of the emitted and converted light under the condition of ( ).

[0075] Figure 17 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of a pixel is shown, including non-tunable sub-pixels and tunable sub-pixels, the tunable sub-pixels comprising multiple light-emitting materials on a light emitter.

[0076] Figure 18 A schematic diagram showing light emitted and converted by multiple luminescent materials on a light emitter is displayed. Detailed Implementation

[0077] Figure 1 The diagram illustrates a common subpixel configuration for pixel 100. Pixel 100 includes first, second, and third subpixels 120, 130, and 140, where the first subpixel 120 may be red (R), the second subpixel 130 may be green (G), and the third subpixel 140 may be blue (B). This configuration may be referred to as an RGB triad. These subpixels emit light in response to an electric current. Subpixel configuration 100 may also include a substrate 110, which may include one or more electrodes. Each subpixel has an emission spectrum focused on a predetermined wavelength, so once fabricated, the color of the light emitted by each subpixel cannot be adjusted (although it may degrade over time and / or exhibit subtle color variations at different brightness levels). Combinations of the first, second, and third subpixels 120, 130, and 140 can be used to produce another color of light. The sum of the first, second, and third subpixels 120, 130, and 140 can be used to produce white light. The first, second, and third subpixels 120, 130, and 140 may include monochromatic micro-LEDs.

[0078] Reference Figure 2This illustration shows a subpixel configuration of a pixel 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Pixel 200 may include: at least one non-tunable subpixel configured to have an emission spectrum centered on a predetermined wavelength; and at least one tunable subpixel configured to have an emission spectrum that can be shifted in real time. Pixel 200 may include first, second, and third non-tunable subpixels 220, 230, and 240 on a substrate 210, and an tunable subpixel 250. The first, second, and third non-tunable subpixels 220, 230, and 240 and the tunable subpixel 250 are separated by a light-blocking material 260, which prevents optical crosstalk between subpixels. The first, second, and third non-tunable subpixels 220, 230, and 240 may be red, green, and blue. The first, second, and third non-tunable subpixels 220, 230, and 240 are configured to emit light in response to an electric current. The tunable subpixel 250 can be configured to emit first light centered at a first wavelength (also called a first-order wavelength) in response to a first electrical input (also called a first-order electrical input), wherein the first electrical input may include current. The tunable subpixel 250 may also include a tuning element configured to modify the first wavelength to a tuned wavelength (also called a second-order wavelength) in response to a tuning electrical input (also called a second-order electrical input). This tuning wavelength is modifiable. See reference... Figure 3 The pixel array 300 may include multiple pixels 200.

[0079] Reference Figure 4 The image shows a simplified cross-sectional view of pixel 200 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Tunable sub-pixel 251 may include a first luminescent material 440, also referred to as a primary luminescent material. The first luminescent material 440 may include a quantum dot material configured to emit first light having a spectrum centered on a first wavelength in response to a first electrical input via electrical pumping. Tuning elements of the tunable sub-pixel 251 are configured to modify the first wavelength to a tuning wavelength and may include a piezoelectric actuator that can be driven by a tuning electrical input. The piezoelectric actuator is configured to apply stress to the quantum dot material, causing strain in the quantum dot material. The tuning wavelength is a function of strain, such that the tuning wavelength can be modified by changing the stress applied to the quantum dot material. Therefore, the tuning wavelength can be modified by changing the tuning electrical input, which may include a voltage. The function of strain may depend on the thickness and composition of the quantum dot material, in other words, the stoichiometry of the quantum dot material. In the setup of the first embodiment, the tuning wavelength can be further optimized by sequentially graded QD and electrical injection (to counteract Auger decay).

[0080] Reference Figure 5The tunable subpixel 251 according to the first embodiment may further include a circuit element 500. The circuit element 500 may include a piezoelectric actuator 510, which may be driven by a voltage power supply 520. The piezoelectric actuator 510 applies stress to the quantum dot material 530, wherein the center wavelength of the emission spectrum of the quantum dot material 530 is a function of strain. The circuit element 500 may also include a connection to a timing control unit 540, which provides a signal to control the waveform of the electrical output provided by the voltage power supply 520. The circuit element 500 may also include a connection as part of a control feedback loop 550. The control feedback loop 550 modifies the signal from the voltage power supply when the tuning wavelength is not equal to the expected wavelength of the applied strain. This modifies the stress applied by the piezoelectric actuator 510, thereby modifying the strain on the quantum dot material 530 and modifying the tuning wavelength.

[0081] Reference Figure 6A The quantum dot material 530 can be configured to emit a first light L1 611 with a first wavelength λ1 in response to the application of a first electrical input. The quantum dot material 530 can be strained by a piezoelectric actuator, which can be driven by a tuned electrical input. Therefore, the first wavelength λ1 is modified to the tuned wavelength λ. t ,like Figure 6B As shown, the quantum dot 530 can thus be configured to emit a tuned wavelength λ. t The first light L1 612.

[0082] The quantum dot material 530 can be configured to emit light in response to an electrical input via electrical pumping. The quantum dot can also emit light via electrically assisted optical pumping, wherein the quantum dot can emit first light L1 of a first wavelength λ1 in response to an electric current, or convert light of an incident wavelength incident on the quantum dot into light of the first wavelength λ1. In the second embodiment, referring to… Figure 7 8. The tunable sub-pixel 252 may include quantum dot material 720 on a light emitter 730, wherein the light emitter 730 emits second light L2 810 at a second wavelength λ2 (also referred to as the light emitter wavelength), and wherein the light emitter 730 may include a blue micro-LED. The quantum dot material 720 may be configured to emit first light L1 611 at a first wavelength λ1 in response to a first electrical input. The quantum dot material 720 may also be configured to absorb the second light L2 810 at the second wavelength λ2 and, in response, emit a third light L3 821 at the first wavelength λ1, such that the second light L2 810 at the second wavelength λ2 emitted by the light emitter 730 is converted into the third light L3 821 at the first wavelength λ1. By tuning the electrical input, the first and third light L1 and L3 611 and L21 at the first wavelength λ1 emitted by the quantum dot material 720 may be modified from the first wavelength λ1 to the tuned wavelength λ1. tThe first and third light sources L1 and L3 are 612 and 822, respectively. Adjustable sub-pixels 252 may also include... Figure 5 The circuit element 500 shown causes a tuned electrical input to drive a piezoelectric actuator. The piezoelectric actuator is configured to apply stress to the quantum dot material 720, causing strain in the quantum dot material 720. The tuning wavelength λ... t It is a function of strain, so the tuning wavelength λ can be modified by changing the stress applied to the quantum dot material 720. t Therefore, the tuning wavelength λ can be modified by changing the tuning electrical input. t The tuning electrical input may include voltage. The strain may be a function of the thickness and composition of the quantum dot material 720, in other words, the stoichiometry of the quantum dot material 720.

[0083] In the third embodiment, the tunable subpixel 253 may include: a plurality of quantum dot materials that emit and convert light of different wavelengths; and a light emitter 940 that emits a second light L2 810 of a second wavelength λ2. (See also...) Figure 9 and Figure 10The adjustable pixel 253 may include a first quantum dot material 910 that emits first light L1 611 with a first wavelength λ1 in response to a first electrical input, wherein the first electrical input may include current. The first quantum dot material 910 may also be configured to absorb second light L2 810 with a second wavelength λ2 and, in response, emit third light L3 821 with the first wavelength λ1, thereby converting the second light L2 810 with the second wavelength λ2 into the third light L3 821 with the first wavelength λ1. The adjustable pixel 253 may also include a second light-emitting material (also referred to as a secondary light-emitting material) that includes a second quantum dot material 920, which may be configured to emit a fourth light L4 1010 with a third wavelength λ3 (also referred to as a tertiary wavelength) in response to a second electrical input (also referred to as a tertiary electrical input). The second quantum dot material 920 may also be configured to absorb first and third light L1 and L3 611 and 821 of a first wavelength λ1, and in response, emit a fifth light L5 1020 of a third wavelength λ3, thereby converting the first and third light L3 611 and 821 of the first wavelength λ1 into the fifth light L5 1020 of the third wavelength λ3. The tunable pixel 253 may also include a third light-emitting material (also referred to as a tertiary light-emitting material), which includes a third quantum dot material 930, which may be configured to emit a sixth light L6 1030 of a fourth wavelength λ4 (also referred to as a quaternary wavelength) in response to a third electrical input (also referred to as a quaternary electrical input). The third quantum dot material 930 can also be configured to absorb the fourth and fifth light L4 and L5 1010 and 1020 of the third wavelength λ3, and in response, emit the seventh light L7 1040 of the fourth wavelength λ4, such that the fourth and fifth light L4 and L5 1010 and 1020 of the third wavelength λ3 are converted into the seventh light L7 1040 of the fourth wavelength λ4.

[0084] The first, second, and third quantum dot materials 910, 920, and 930 can emit or convert light only when the current is above a threshold. When the current is below the threshold, the quantum dot materials can be transparent and may not emit or convert light. When the current is above the threshold, the quantum dot materials can both emit and convert light. Thus, the tuning wavelength λ of the light emitted by the tunable pixel can be modified by changing the tuning electrical input. tThe tuning electrical inputs include first, second, and third electrical inputs to modify which of the first, second, and third quantum dot materials 910, 920, and 930 emit light. In one configuration of the third embodiment, the first quantum dot material can emit blue light and convert it to blue light with a specific blue wavelength range, the second quantum dot material can emit green light and convert it to green light, and the third quantum dot material can emit red light and convert it to red light. In one configuration of the third embodiment, the light emitted by the tunable subpixel 253 can be white when the first, second, and third electrical inputs are all above a threshold. In one configuration of the third embodiment, the first, second, and third quantum dot materials 910, 920, and 930 can be nanopatterned so that the quantum dot materials are transparent when they do not emit or convert light. In one configuration of the third embodiment, the quantum dot materials can be dissolved in a transparent host matrix and deposited into a patternable thin film. The host matrix can be an epoxy resin, and the thin film can be patterned by nanoimprinting, photolithography, electron beam lithography, or self-assembly.

[0085] The first, third, and fourth wavelengths can be predetermined values, so the tuning wavelength of the light emitted by the tunable sub-pixel 255 can be modified simply by changing the combination of the first, second, and third luminescent materials 910, 920, and 930. In another configuration, the first, third, and fourth wavelengths can be modified such that the tuning wavelength of the light emitted by the tunable sub-pixel 253 can be modified by changing the combination of the first, second, and third luminescent materials 910, 920, and 930 and by changing the wavelength of the light emitted by the first, second, and third luminescent materials 910, 920, and 930.

[0086] Reference Figure 11 and 12The fourth embodiment is shown. The tunable sub-pixel 254 of the fourth embodiment may be similar to that of the third embodiment, but may not include the light emitter 940. Therefore, the first quantum dot material may only be electrically pumped. The tunable pixel 254 may include a first quantum dot material 910 that emits a first light L1 611 with a first wavelength λ1 in response to a first electrical input, wherein the first electrical input may include current. The tunable pixel 254 may also include a second quantum dot material 920 that may be configured to emit a fourth light L4 1010 with a third wavelength λ3 in response to a second electrical input. The second quantum dot material 920 may also be configured to absorb the first light L1 611 with the first wavelength λ1 and emit a fifth light L5 1020 with the third wavelength λ3 in response, such that the first light L1 611 with the first wavelength λ1 is converted into the fifth light L5 1020 with the third wavelength λ3. The tunable pixel 254 may further include a third quantum dot material 930, which may be configured to emit a sixth light L6 1030 of a fourth wavelength λ4 in response to a third electrical input. The third quantum dot material 930 may also be configured to absorb the fourth and fifth light L4 1010 and L5 1020 of a third wavelength λ3, and in response, emit a seventh light L7 1040 of a fourth wavelength λ4, such that the fourth and fifth light L4 and L5 1010 and 1020 of the third wavelength λ3 are converted into the seventh light L7 1040 of the fourth wavelength λ4. Similar to the third embodiment, the first, second, and third quantum dot materials 910, 920, and 930 may emit and convert light only when the first, second, and third electrical inputs are above a threshold, thus the tuning wavelength λ of the light emitted by the tunable sub-pixel 254 can be modified by modifying the tuning electrical input. t The tuning electrical input includes first, second, and third electrical inputs. In one configuration of the fourth embodiment, the first, second, and third quantum dot materials 910, 920, and 930 can be nanopatterned such that the quantum dot materials are transparent without emitting or converting light. The quantum dot materials can be dissolved in a transparent host matrix and deposited into a patternable thin film. The host matrix can be an epoxy resin, and the thin film can be patterned by nanoimprinting, photolithography, electron beam lithography, or self-assembly.

[0087] In the fifth embodiment, reference is made to... Figure 13 And 14, the first luminescent material 1310 may include luminescent molecules that emit first light L1 with a first wavelength λ1 in response to a first electrical input. Figure 14A This involves modifying the molecular topology of the luminescent molecules to induce folding or frustration, thereby changing the first wavelength λ1 to the tuned wavelength λ. t The molecular topology can be modified by tuning the electrical input, which can include an electric field and a tuning wavelength λ.t It can be a function of the tuning electrical input. Therefore, the wavelength of the light emitted by the tunable sub-pixel 255 can be modified by changing the tuning electrical input, so that the luminescent material 1310 emits a first light L1 with a tuning wavelength λ1. Figure 14B In a certain configuration of the fifth embodiment, the tunable sub-pixel 255 can emit light only when the light-emitting molecules have a molecular topology (which is within a certain range of light-emitting molecular topologies). When the tuning electrical input results in a molecular topology (which is not a light-emitting molecular topology), the light-emitting molecules do not emit light. Thus, the tuning wavelength λ of the light emitted by the tunable sub-pixel 255 can be modified by changing the tuning electrical input. t The tunable subpixel can stop emitting light at a certain value of the tuning input.

[0088] Reference Figure 15 In a first variant of the fifth embodiment, the tunable subpixel 256 may further include a light emitter 1510 that emits second light L2 1610 at a second wavelength λ2 (also referred to as the light emitter wavelength). A first luminescent material 1310 comprising luminescent molecules may also be configured to absorb the second light L2 1610 at the second wavelength λ2 and, in response, emit third light L3 1621 at a first wavelength λ1. This is in Figure 16A As shown in the image, the first wavelength λ1 can be modified to the tuned wavelength λ by altering the molecular topology of the luminescent molecule 910 via a tuning electrical input. t This causes the first luminescent material 1310 to emit a tuned wavelength λ. t The first and third light L1 and L3 1412 and 1622 ( Figure 16B ).

[0089] Reference Figure 17 and 18In a second variant of the fifth embodiment, the tunable sub-pixel 257 may further include a light emitter 1510, a second light-emitting material 1710 (also referred to as a secondary light-emitting material), and a third light-emitting material 1720 (also referred to as a tertiary light-emitting material). The light emitter 1510 may emit a second light L2 1610 with a second wavelength λ2, such that the first light-emitting material 1310, including light-emitting molecules, may also be configured to absorb the second light L2 1610 with the second wavelength λ2 and, in response, emit a third light L3 1621 with a first wavelength λ1. The second light-emitting material 1710 may include light-emitting molecules configured to emit a fourth light L4 1810 with a third wavelength λ3 (also referred to as a third wavelength) in response to a second electrical input (also referred to as a third electrical input). The second light-emitting material 1710 may also be configured to absorb light with the first wavelength λ1 and emit a fifth light L5 1820 with the third wavelength λ3. Therefore, the second luminescent material 1710 can emit a fourth light L4 1810 with a third wavelength λ3, and convert the first and third light L1 and L3 1411 and 1621 with a first wavelength λ1 into a fifth light L5 1820 with a third wavelength λ3. The third luminescent material 1720 may include luminescent molecules configured to emit a sixth light L6 1830 with a fourth wavelength λ4 (also called a quaternary wavelength) in response to a third electrical input (also called a quaternary electrical input). The third luminescent material can also be configured to absorb light with a third wavelength λ3 and emit a seventh light L7 1840 with a fourth wavelength λ4. Therefore, the third luminescent material 1720 can emit a sixth light L6 1830 with a fourth wavelength λ4, and convert the fourth and fifth light L4 and L5 1810 and 1820 with a third wavelength λ3 into a seventh light L7 1840 with a fourth wavelength λ4. The first, second, and third light-emitting materials 1310, 1710, and 1720 can only emit and convert light when the first, second, and third electrical inputs are within predetermined ranges. When the first, second, and third electrical inputs are not within predetermined ranges and the first, second, and third light-emitting materials 1310, 1710, and 1720 do not emit or convert light, the first, second, and third light-emitting materials 1310, 1710, and 1720 can be transparent to visible light. Therefore, the tuning wavelength of the light emitted by the tunable pixel 257 can be modified by changing the first, second, and third electrical inputs. The first, third, and fourth wavelengths can be predetermined values, so that the tuning wavelength of the light emitted by the tunable sub-pixel 257 can be modified only by changing the combination of the first, second, and third light-emitting materials 1310, 1710, and 1720 that emit light. In another configuration, the first, third, and fourth wavelengths can be modified by altering the first, second, and third electrical inputs within a predetermined range, thereby modifying the tuning wavelength of the light emitted by the tunable sub-pixel 257 by modifying the combination of the first, second, and third light-emitting materials 1310, 1710, and 1720 and by modifying the wavelength of the light emitted by the first, second, and third light-emitting materials 1310, 1710, and 1720.

[0090] In a third variant of the fifth embodiment (not shown in the figures), the tunable sub-pixel may further include second and third luminescent materials 1710 and 1720 comprising luminescent molecules. The second luminescent material 1710 may be configured to emit a fourth light L4 with a third wavelength λ3 and convert a first light L1 with a first wavelength λ1 into a fifth light L5 with a third wavelength λ3. The third luminescent material 1720 may be configured to emit a sixth light L6 with a fourth wavelength λ4 and convert the fourth and fifth lights L4 and L5 with third wavelengths λ3 into a seventh light L7 with a fourth wavelength λ4. The first, third, and fourth wavelengths may be predetermined values, thus modifying the tuning wavelength of the light emitted by the tunable sub-pixel by only modifying the combination of the first, second, and third luminescent materials 1710, 1710, and 1720 that emit the light. In another configuration, the first, third, and fourth wavelengths can be modified by altering the first, second, and third electrical inputs within a predetermined range, thereby modifying the tuning wavelength of the light emitted by the tunable sub-pixel by modifying the combination of the first, second, and third light-emitting materials 1310, 1710, and 1720 and by modifying the wavelength of the light emitted by the first, second, and third light-emitting materials 1310, 1710, and 1720.

[0091] In one configuration of the fifth embodiment, one or more of the first, second, and third luminescent materials 1310, 1710, and 1720 can be dissolved in a transparent host matrix and deposited into a patternable thin film that is transparent when not emitting light. The host matrix can be an epoxy resin, and the thin film can be patterned by nanoimprinting, photolithography, electron beam lithography, or self-assembly.

[0092] Non-tunable subpixels can emit light in response to an electric current. The current can be applied to the non-tunable subpixel via an electrode pair, wherein the electrode pair can apply current to only one subpixel, or one or more electrodes can be shared with one or more subpixels. Tunable subpixels 250 can emit light in response to an electrical input, wherein the electrical input can be applied via one or more electrodes. In a first embodiment, light-emitting material 440 can emit light in response to a first electrical input, wherein the first electrical input can be applied via electrode 410. Electrode 410 can be driven by a digital backplane, wherein substrate 210 can include a digital backplane. In a second embodiment, light emitter 730 can emit light in response to an electric current, wherein the current can be applied via an electrode (not shown). Quantum dot material 720 can emit light in response to a first electrical input, which can be applied via an electrode. In a third embodiment, light emitter 940 can emit light in response to an electric current, wherein the current can be applied via an electrode (not shown). In the third and fourth embodiments, the first, second, and third quantum dot materials 910, 920, and 930 can emit light in response to first, second, and third electrical inputs, which can be applied via one or more electrodes. The first, second, third, and fourth embodiments may also include an electrode layer comprising electrodes for applying electrical inputs to the quantum dot materials. In the fifth embodiment, a tuned electrical input including an electric field can be applied using one or more electrodes. In a first variant of the fifth embodiment, the light emitter can emit light in response to a current applied through the electrodes. In the second and third variants of the fifth embodiment, the first, second, and third light-emitting materials can emit light in response to first, second, and third electrical inputs applied through the electrodes. In any embodiment, the tuned electrical input can be applied via a tuned electrode, wherein the tuned electrode can be shared with another electrode or can be separate from other electrodes.

[0093] In use, the tunable subpixel can be used to modify the brightness, resolution, or color of pixel 200. One way to increase the brightness of pixel 200 is to have the tunable subpixel 250 emit white light. One way to increase the resolution of pixel 200 is to have the tunable subpixel 250 emit green light. This can also be achieved by modifying the tuning wavelength λ of the light emitted by the tunable subpixel 250. tTo modify the color gamut of pixel 200, tunable subpixels 250 can be configured to emit light at wavelengths outside the color gamut of non-tunable subpixels. Local defects can also be compensated for. For example, if pixel 200 is designed to be white and a yellow shift occurs, one way to compensate for the shift is to configure tunable subpixels 250 to emit blue light. If a subpixel degrades over time, such as changing color or losing brightness, one way to compensate for the degradation is to use tunable subpixels 250 to make pixel 200 emit light of a predetermined color and brightness. In the event of a failed subpixel, tunable subpixels 250 can be configured to simply replace the failed subpixel. Therefore, tunable subpixels provide flexibility at the subpixel level and can increase the lifespan of displays including pixel 200.

[0094] The tunable subpixel 250 may also include a controller configured to drive an electrode to which a tuning electrical input has been applied, such that the tuning wavelength λ t It can be modified. The controller can also be configured to modify the tuning electrical input based on input, which can be obtained from user instructions or from measurements of light emitted by pixel 200. For example, user instructions may include usage modes, where the user can select a mode that may include higher brightness or higher resolution. In another example, measurements of light emitted by pixel 200 can be used to modify the tuning electrical input such that the tuning wavelength λ t Compensate for color degradation or other local defects in non-tunable subpixels.

[0095] When light is described as having a specific wavelength, the light can be only at that specific wavelength, or the light can have a finite full width at half maximum (FWHM) spectrum centered on that specific wavelength. If the light has a spectrum that can be centered on that specific wavelength, the spectrum can be narrow or wide.

Claims

1. A light-emitting device having pixels, comprising: The first non-tunable sub-pixel is configured to emit light of a first non-tunable wavelength; as well as Tunable subpixels, configured to emit light of tunable wavelengths, wherein the tunable subpixels include: A primary luminescent material is configured to emit light of a primary wavelength in response to a primary electrical input; and A tuning element is configured to modify the primary wavelength to a secondary wavelength in response to a secondary electrical input, wherein the secondary wavelength is tunable; The primary luminescent material comprises luminescent molecules configured to emit light of the following wavelengths by applying an electric field via the secondary electrical input to influence the molecular topology of the luminescent molecules: the primary wavelength and the secondary wavelength are tunable.

2. The light-emitting device according to claim 1 further includes a secondary light-emitting material, the secondary light-emitting material comprising light-emitting molecules configured to convert light of the primary wavelength into light of the tertiary wavelength and to emit light of the tertiary wavelength in response to a tertiary electrical input.

3. The light-emitting device according to claim 2 further includes a tertiary light-emitting material, the tertiary light-emitting material comprising light-emitting molecules configured to convert light of the tertiary wavelength into light of the quaternary wavelength, and to emit light of the quaternary wavelength in response to a quaternary electrical input.

4. The light-emitting device according to claim 3, wherein the primary light-emitting material, the secondary light-emitting material and the tertiary light-emitting material emit light when the applied current is within a certain range, and transmit light when the applied current is outside the range.

5. The light-emitting device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the tunable sub-pixel further comprises a light emitter that emits light at a light emitter wavelength, and wherein the primary light-emitting material is further configured to modify the light emitted at the light emitter wavelength such that the light emitted by the primary light-emitting material is at the primary wavelength.

6. The light-emitting device according to claim 1, wherein the primary light-emitting material is dissolved in the main material.

7. The light-emitting device according to claim 1, wherein the primary light-emitting material is nanopatterned.

8. The light-emitting device according to claim 1, wherein the pixel has: a second non-tunable sub-pixel configured to emit light of a second non-tunable wavelength; and a third non-tunable sub-pixel configured to emit light of a third non-tunable wavelength.

9. The light-emitting device according to claim 8, wherein the first non-adjustable sub-pixel, the second non-adjustable sub-pixel, and the third non-adjustable sub-pixel each emit one of red light, green light, and blue light.

10. The light-emitting device of claim 1, further comprising a controller configured to modify the secondary electrical input.

11. The light-emitting device of claim 10, wherein the controller is further configured to modify the secondary electrical input in response to an input.

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