Display device

Abstract

A display device includes: a thin film transistor; a pixel electrode electrically connected to the thin film transistor and including a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion, the third portion being located outside the first portion and the second portion; a pixel defining layer disposed on the pixel electrode and defining a first pixel opening exposing a first portion of the pixel electrode and a second pixel opening exposing a second portion of the pixel electrode; an emission layer disposed on the pixel electrode and overlapping the first pixel opening and the second pixel opening; a first refractive layer disposed on the pixel defining layer and defining a first opening overlapping the first pixel opening and a second opening overlapping the second pixel opening; and a second refractive layer disposed on the first refractive layer, filling the first opening and the second opening of the first refractive layer, and having a refractive index greater than a refractive index of the first refractive layer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments relate to a display device. Background Art

[0002] Flat panel display devices are replacing cathode ray tube display devices as display devices due to their light weight and thin characteristics. As representative examples of such flat panel display devices, there are liquid crystal display devices and organic light emitting diode display devices.

[0003] A display device may display an image using a light emitting element. In a display device, it is desirable that the light generated from the light emitting element is directed to a region in front of the display device. However, the light generated from the light emitting element propagates in multiple directions including a front direction and a side direction. Accordingly, the brightness in the front direction may be reduced. Summary of the invention

[0004] The embodiment provides a display device with improved display quality.

[0005] Additional features of the inventive concept will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the inventive concept.

[0006] According to an embodiment, a display device may include: a thin film transistor; a pixel electrode electrically connected to the thin film transistor and including a first portion, a second portion and a third portion, the third portion being located outside the first portion and the second portion; a pixel defining layer disposed on the pixel electrode and defining a first pixel opening exposing the first portion of the pixel electrode and a second pixel opening exposing the second portion of the pixel electrode; an emission layer disposed on the pixel electrode and overlapping the first pixel opening and the second pixel opening; a first refractive layer disposed on the pixel defining layer and defining a first opening overlapping the first pixel opening and a second opening overlapping the second pixel opening; and a second refractive layer disposed on the first refractive layer, filling the first opening and the second opening of the first refractive layer, and having a refractive index greater than that of the first refractive layer.

[0007] In an embodiment, the first portion, the second portion and the third portion of the pixel electrode may be integral.

[0008] In an embodiment, the first portion of the pixel electrode and the second portion of the pixel electrode may be spaced apart from each other. A portion of the third portion of the pixel electrode may be located between the first portion of the pixel electrode and the second portion of the pixel electrode.

[0009] In an embodiment, the first pixel opening and the second pixel opening may be spaced apart from each other.The first opening and the second opening may be spaced apart from each other.

[0010] In an embodiment, the first refraction layer between the first opening and the second opening may have a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape.

[0011] In an embodiment, the first opening and the second opening may have sidewalls inclined with respect to a lower surface of the first refractive layer.

[0012] In an embodiment, the first refractive layer may have a lower surface facing the pixel defining layer, an upper surface opposite to the lower surface, a first refractive sidewall defining a first opening, and a second refractive sidewall defining a second opening. A first upper edge of the first refractive layer may surround the first pixel opening in a plan view, the first upper edge being defined as an edge at which the upper surface of the first refractive layer and the first refractive sidewall of the first refractive layer are adjacent. A second upper edge of the first refractive layer may surround the second pixel opening in a plan view, the second upper edge being defined as an edge at which the upper surface of the first refractive layer and the second refractive sidewall of the first refractive layer are adjacent.

[0013] In an embodiment, an angle between a lower surface of the first refraction layer and a first refraction sidewall of the first refraction layer may be in a range of about 30 degrees to about 70 degrees.

[0014] In an embodiment, the emission layer may overlap all of the first portion of the pixel electrode, the second portion of the pixel electrode, and the third portion of the pixel electrode.

[0015] In an embodiment, the first portion of the pixel electrode and the second portion of the pixel electrode may abut each other.

[0016] In an embodiment, the first pixel opening and the second pixel opening may be adjacent to each other.The first opening and the second opening may be integral.

[0017] In an embodiment, the first refractive layer may have a lower surface facing the pixel defining layer, an upper surface opposite to the lower surface, and a sidewall defining the first opening and the second opening. The upper edge of the first refractive layer may surround the first pixel opening and the second pixel opening in a plan view, and the upper edge is defined as an edge at which the upper surface of the first refractive layer and the sidewall of the first refractive layer are adjacent.

[0018] In an embodiment, in a plan view, a size of the first opening may be larger than a size of the first pixel opening. A size of the second opening may be larger than a size of the second pixel opening.

[0019] In an embodiment, the display device may further include: an encapsulation layer disposed on the pixel defining layer and the emission layer; and a touch electrode layer disposed between the encapsulation layer and the first refraction layer.

[0020] According to an embodiment, a display device may include: a thin film transistor; a pixel electrode electrically connected to the thin film transistor and including a first portion, a second portion located outside the first portion, and a third portion located outside the second portion; a pixel defining layer disposed on the pixel electrode and defining a pixel opening exposing the second portion of the pixel electrode, the pixel opening having a ring shape in a plan view; an emission layer disposed on the pixel electrode and overlapping the pixel opening; a first refractive layer disposed on the pixel defining layer and defining an opening overlapping the pixel opening, the opening having a ring shape in a plan view; and a second refractive layer disposed on the first refractive layer, filling the opening of the first refractive layer, and having a refractive index greater than that of the first refractive layer.

[0021] In an embodiment, the first refraction layer may include a mesh portion located outside the second portion of the pixel electrode in a plan view, and an island portion spaced apart from the mesh portion and overlapping the first portion of the pixel electrode in a plan view.

[0022] In an embodiment, the island portion of the first refraction layer may have a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape.

[0023] In an embodiment, the mesh portion of the first refractive layer may have a mesh sidewall facing the island portion of the first refractive layer. The island portion of the first refractive layer may have an island sidewall facing the mesh portion of the first refractive layer. The opening of the first refractive layer may be defined by the mesh sidewall of the mesh portion and the island sidewall of the island portion.

[0024] In an embodiment, an upper edge of the mesh portion of the first refractive layer, defined as an edge where an upper surface of the mesh portion adjoins a mesh sidewall of the mesh portion, may surround the pixel opening in a plan view.

[0025] In an embodiment, the emission layer may overlap all of the first portion of the pixel electrode, the second portion of the pixel electrode, and the third portion of the pixel electrode.

[0026] According to the embodiment, the front brightness of the display device can be improved, and the display quality of the display device can be improved.

[0027] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the invention.

[0029] Figure 1 is a plan view illustrating a display device according to an embodiment.

[0030] Figure 2 The diagram is included in Figure 1 A plan view of a pixel unit in a display device.

[0031] Figures 3 to 5 is a plan view illustrating a pixel according to an embodiment.

[0032] Figure 6 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken along line II'.

[0033] Figure 7 is a plan view illustrating a pixel according to an embodiment.

[0034] Figure 8 It is along Figure 7 A cross-sectional view taken along line II-II'.

[0035] Fig. 9 is a plan view illustrating a pixel according to a comparative example.

[0036] Figures 10 to 12 is a plan view illustrating a pixel according to an embodiment.

[0037] Figures 13 to 15 is a plan view illustrating a pixel according to an embodiment.

[0038] Fig.16 It is along Fig.13 A cross-sectional view taken along line III-III'. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The present invention will now be more fully described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in which various embodiments are shown. However, the present invention can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. On the contrary, these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure will be thorough and complete, and these embodiments will fully convey the scope of the present invention to those skilled in the art. The same reference numerals refer to the same elements throughout.

[0040] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being associated with another element (such as, being "on" another element), it can be directly on the other element, or intervening elements may exist between them. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being associated with another element (such as, being "directly" "on" another element), there are no intervening elements.

[0041] It will be understood that although the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or portions, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or portions should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or portion from another element, component, region, layer or portion. Therefore, without departing from the teachings herein, the first element, component, region, layer or portion discussed below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer or portion.

[0042] The terms used in this article are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. As used in this article, "one", "the (described)" and "at least one" do not represent the limitation of quantity, and are intended to include both the singular and the plural, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, "element" has the same meaning as "at least one element", unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. "At least one" should not be interpreted as limiting "one". "Or" means "and / or". As used in this article, reference numerals can indicate single elements or multiple elements. For example, reference numerals marking singular elements in the accompanying drawings can be used to quote multiple singular elements in the text of the specification.

[0043] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that when used in this specification, the terms "include" or "comprises" and variations thereof specify the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or groups thereof.

[0044] In addition, relative terms such as "lower" or "bottom" and "upper" or "top" may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element to another element as illustrated in the various figures. It will be understood that, in addition to the orientation depicted in the various figures, relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device. For example, if the device in one of the various figures is flipped, the element described as being on the "lower" side of the other elements will then be oriented on the "upper" side of the other elements. Therefore, depending on the specific orientation of the figure, the term "lower" may include both the orientation of "lower" and "upper". Similarly, if the device in one of the various figures is flipped, the element described as being "below" or "below" the other elements will then be oriented "above" the other elements. Therefore, the term "below" or "below" may include both the orientation of the above and below.

[0045] As used herein, "about" or "approximately" includes the stated value and means within an acceptable range of deviation for that particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, taking into account the measurement in question and the errors associated with the measurement of a particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, "about" can mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ±30%, 20%, 10%, or 5% of the stated value.

[0046] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in this article have the same meaning as those commonly understood by ordinary technicians in the field to which the present disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant field and the present disclosure, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined as such in this article.

[0047] Embodiments are described herein with reference to schematic cross-sectional illustrations that are idealized embodiments. Therefore, variations in the shapes of the illustrations as a result of, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances are contemplated. Therefore, the embodiments described herein should not be interpreted as being limited to the specific shapes of the regions as illustrated herein, but rather to include deviations in shapes, for example, caused by manufacturing. For example, a region illustrated or described as flat may typically have rough and / or nonlinear features. In addition, illustrated sharp corners may be rounded. Therefore, the regions illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature, and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the precise shapes of the regions and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0048] Illustrative, non-limiting embodiments will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0049] Figure 1 is a plan view illustrating a display device according to an embodiment.

[0050] refer to Figure 1 , the display device 10 according to the embodiment may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA. An image may be displayed in the display area DA. A plurality of pixel units PU may be provided in the display area DA. For example, the pixel units PU may be arranged in a matrix along a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction.

[0051] Each of the pixel units PU may include a plurality of pixels emitting light of different colors (eg, Figure 21 to 3 pixels P1, P2, and P3 in FIG. 1 ). Each of the pixels may include at least one thin film transistor and a light emitting element. The thin film transistor may generate a driving current and provide the generated driving current to the light emitting element. The light emitting element may emit light based on the driving current. For example, the light emitting element may include an organic light emitting diode, an inorganic light emitting diode, or a quantum dot light emitting diode, etc. The light emitted from each of the pixels may be combined to generate an image.

[0052] The non-display area NDA may be located around the display area DA. For example, the non-display area NDA may surround the display area DA in a plan view. A driver that provides a driving signal to the display area DA may be disposed in the non-display area NDA. The driving signal may include various signals for driving pixels such as a driving voltage, a gate signal, or a data signal.

[0053] Figure 2 The diagram is included in Figure 1 A plan view of a pixel unit in a display device.

[0054] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In an embodiment, each of the pixel units PU may include a plurality of pixels emitting light of different colors. For example, each of the pixel units PU may include a first pixel P1 emitting red light, a second pixel P2 emitting green light, and a third pixel P3 emitting blue light. Figure 2 As illustrated in FIG. 1 , each of the pixel units PU may include two second pixels P2 that emit green light. Figure 2 The figure shows one first pixel P1, two second pixels P2 and one third pixel P3 constituting each of the pixel units PU. The configuration arrangement is described above, but this is an example and the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the first to third pixels P1, P2, and P3 constituting each of the pixel units PU may be arranged in various configurations such as a stripe configuration. In addition, the number or shape of the first to third pixels P1, P2, and P3 constituting each of the pixel units PU may be changed in various ways.

[0055] The first pixel P1 may include at least one thin film transistor and a first light emitting element. The first light emitting element may be electrically connected to the thin film transistor and may emit red light. The first light emitting element may include a first pixel electrode PE, a first emission layer and a common electrode. The first emission layer may include a light emitting material that emits red light.

[0056] The second pixel P2 may include at least one thin film transistor and a second light emitting element. The second light emitting element may be electrically connected to the thin film transistor and may emit green light. The second light emitting element may include a second pixel electrode PE', a second emission layer and a common electrode. The second emission layer may include a light emitting material that emits green light.

[0057] The third pixel P3 may include at least one thin film transistor and a third light emitting element. The third light emitting element may be electrically connected to the thin film transistor and may emit blue light. The third light emitting element may include a third pixel electrode PE", a third emission layer and a common electrode. The third emission layer may include a light emitting material that emits blue light.

[0058] The pixel defining layer 140 may be disposed on the first pixel electrode PE, the second pixel electrode PE′, and the third pixel electrode PE″. The pixel defining layer 140 may cover a portion of the first pixel electrode PE, a portion of the second pixel electrode PE′, and a portion of the third pixel electrode PE″.

[0059] The pixel defining layer 140 may define pixel openings corresponding to the first pixel electrode PE, the second pixel electrode PE′, and the third pixel electrode PE″, respectively. Two or more of the pixel openings may correspond to at least one of the first pixel electrode PE, the second pixel electrode PE′, and the third pixel electrode PE″. For example, Figure 2 It is illustrated that two pixel openings 140OP1 and 140OP2 correspond to one first pixel electrode PE, one pixel opening 140OP' corresponds to one second pixel electrode PE', and two pixel openings 140OP1" and 140OP2" correspond to one third pixel electrode PE", but this is an example and the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, two or more of the pixel openings may correspond to each of the first pixel electrode PE, the second pixel electrode PE', and the third pixel electrode PE".

[0060] Figures 3 to 5 is a plan view illustrating a pixel according to an embodiment. Figure 6 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken along line II'.

[0061] For example, Figure 3 The pixel P shown in the figure can be Figure 2 One of the first to third pixels P1, P2 and P3 illustrated in FIG. Figure 4 The diagram is included in Figure 3 A plan view of a pixel electrode PE in a pixel P, Figure 5 A further illustration Figure 4 A plan view of the pixel defining layer 140 in FIG. 1 , and Figure 3 A further illustration Figure 5180 is a plan view of the first refractive layer 180.

[0062] refer to Figures 3 to 6 In an embodiment, the display device 10 may include a substrate 110, a buffer layer 120, pixels P, a pixel defining layer 140, an encapsulation layer, a touch sensing layer, a first refractive layer 180, and a second refractive layer 190. Each of the pixels P may include a thin film transistor TR and a light emitting element LED.

[0063] The substrate 110 may be an insulating substrate formed of a transparent material or a non-transparent material. In an embodiment, the substrate 110 may include plastic. In this case, the display device 10 may be a flexible display device. In another embodiment, the substrate 110 may include glass. In this case, the display device 10 may be a rigid display device.

[0064] The buffer layer 120 may be disposed on the substrate 110. The buffer layer 120 may prevent or reduce impurities such as oxygen or moisture from penetrating into the upper portion of the substrate 110 through the substrate 110. The buffer layer 120 may include an inorganic material such as a silicon compound or a metal oxide. For example, the buffer layer 120 may include silicon oxide (SiO), silicon nitride (SiN), silicon oxynitride (SiON), silicon carbide oxide (SiOC), silicon carbon nitride (SiCN), aluminum oxide (AlO), aluminum nitride (AlN), tantalum oxide (TaO), hafnium oxide (HfO), zirconium oxide (ZrO) or titanium oxide (TiO), etc. These may be used alone or in combination. The buffer layer 120 may have a single-layer structure or a multilayer structure including a plurality of insulating layers.

[0065] The thin film transistor TR may be disposed on the buffer layer 120. The thin film transistor TR may include an active layer ACT, a gate electrode GE, a source electrode SE, and a drain electrode DE.

[0066] The active layer ACT may be disposed on the buffer layer 120. The active layer ACT may include an oxide semiconductor, a silicon semiconductor, an organic semiconductor, or the like. For example, the oxide semiconductor may include at least one of metal oxides formed of indium (In), gallium (Ga), tin (Sn), zirconium (Zr), vanadium (V), hafnium (Hf), cadmium (Cd), germanium (Ge), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), or zinc (Zn). The silicon semiconductor may include amorphous silicon or polycrystalline silicon, or the like. The active layer ACT may include a source region, a drain region, and a channel region between the source region and the drain region.

[0067] The first insulating layer 131 may be disposed on the active layer ACT. The first insulating layer 131 may cover the active layer ACT on the buffer layer 120. The first insulating layer 131 may include an inorganic insulating material.

[0068] The gate electrode GE may be disposed on the first insulating layer 131. The gate electrode GE may overlap the channel region of the active layer ACT. The gate electrode GE may include a conductive material such as metal, alloy, conductive metal nitride, conductive metal oxide, or a transparent conductive material. For example, the gate electrode GE may include gold (Au), silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), nickel (Ni), titanium (Ti), palladium (Pd), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), lithium (Li), chromium (Cr), tantalum (Ta), tungsten (W), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), scandium (Sc), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), aluminum alloy, silver alloy, copper alloy, molybdenum alloy, aluminum nitride (AlN), tungsten nitride (WN), titanium nitride (TiN), chromium nitride (CrN), tantalum nitride (TaN), strontium ruthenium oxide (SrRuO), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium tin oxide (ITO), tin oxide (SnO), indium oxide (InO), gallium oxide (GaO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO), etc. These may be used alone or in combination. The gate electrode GE may have a single-layer structure or a multilayer structure including a plurality of conductive layers.

[0069] The second insulating layer 132 may be disposed on the gate electrode GE. The second insulating layer 132 may cover the gate electrode GE on the first insulating layer 131. The second insulating layer 132 may include an inorganic insulating material.

[0070] The capacitor electrode CPE may be disposed on the second insulating layer 132. The capacitor electrode CPE may overlap the gate electrode GE. The gate electrode GE, the second insulating layer 132, and the capacitor electrode CPE may constitute a capacitor.

[0071] The third insulating layer 133 may be disposed on the capacitor electrode CPE. The third insulating layer 133 may cover the capacitor electrode CPE on the second insulating layer 132. The third insulating layer 133 may include an inorganic insulating material.

[0072] The source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE may be disposed on the third insulating layer 133. The source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE may be connected to the source region and the drain region of the active layer ACT, respectively. Each of the source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE may include a conductive material.

[0073] The fourth insulating layer 134 may be disposed on the source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE. The fourth insulating layer 134 may include an organic insulating material. For example, the fourth insulating layer 134 may include a photoresist, a polyacrylic resin, a polyimide resin, a polyamide resin, a siloxane resin, an acrylic resin, or an epoxy resin, etc. These may be used alone or in combination.

[0074] The pixel electrode PE may be disposed on the fourth insulating layer 134. The pixel electrode PE may include a conductive material. The pixel electrode PE may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure including a plurality of conductive layers.

[0075] like Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the pixel electrode PE may include a first portion PE1, a second portion PE2, and a third portion PE3. The first portion PE1 and the second portion PE2 may be spaced apart from each other. The third portion PE3 may surround each of the first portion PE1 and the second portion PE2 in a plan view. That is, a portion of the third portion PE3 may be located between the first portion PE1 and the second portion PE2. The first to third portions PE1, PE2, and PE3 of the pixel electrode PE may be provided integrally.

[0076] In an embodiment, the pixel electrode PE may include a Figure 4 The pixel electrode PE may be a contact portion protruding in the upward direction of the pixel electrode 130. For example, the contact portion may be a portion of the third portion PE3. Although not illustrated in the drawings, the contact portion of the pixel electrode PE may be connected to the drain electrode DE through a contact hole formed in the fourth insulating layer 134. Accordingly, the pixel electrode PE may be electrically connected to the thin film transistor TR.

[0077] The pixel defining layer 140 may be disposed on the pixel electrode PE. The pixel defining layer 140 may include an organic insulating material. The pixel defining layer 140 may define a first pixel opening 140OP1 exposing a first portion PE1 of the pixel electrode PE and a second pixel opening 140OP2 exposing a second portion PE2 of the pixel electrode PE. In a plan view, the first pixel opening 140OP1 and the second pixel opening 140OP2 may be spaced apart from each other. The pixel defining layer 140 may cover a third portion PE3 of the pixel electrode PE.

[0078] The pixel defining layer 140 may have a first inner sidewall defining a first pixel opening 140OP1 and a second inner sidewall defining a second pixel opening 140OP2. The first edge of the pixel defining layer 140 (defined as the edge at which the first inner sidewall of the pixel defining layer 140 adjoins the upper surface of the pixel electrode PE) may form a closed shape in a plan view. The second edge of the pixel defining layer 140 (defined as the edge at which the second inner sidewall of the pixel defining layer 140 adjoins the upper surface of the pixel electrode PE) may form a closed shape in a plan view. For example, each of the first edge and the second edge of the pixel defining layer 140 may have a quadrilateral shape in a plan view, but this is an example, and the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, each of the first edge and the second edge of the pixel defining layer 140 may have various shapes such as a circle, an ellipse, or an octagon, with or without a curve in a plan view. That is, each of the first pixel opening 140OP1 and the second pixel opening 140OP2 may have various shapes such as a quadrilateral shape, a circular shape, an elliptical shape, or an octagonal shape in a plan view.

[0079] In a plan view, an area inside the first edge of the pixel defining layer 140 may be defined as a first-first area A11 (in Figure 6 ), and the area inside the second edge of the pixel defining layer 140 may be defined as the second-first area A21 (in Figure 6 ). The size of the first-first area A11 may be equal to the size of the second-first area A21.

[0080] The emission layer EL may be disposed on the pixel electrode PE. In some embodiments, the emission layer EL may include at least one of an organic light emitting material or quantum dots.

[0081] In an embodiment, the organic light-emitting material may include a low molecular weight organic compound or a high molecular weight organic compound. Examples of low molecular weight organic compounds may include copper phthalocyanine, N,N'-diphenylbenzidine or tris-(8-hydroxyquinoline)aluminum, etc. Examples of high molecular weight organic compounds may include poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene), polyaniline, polyphenylene vinylene or polyfluorene, etc. These may be used alone or in combination.

[0082] In an embodiment, the quantum dot may include a core comprising a II-VI compound, a III-V compound, a IV-VI compound, a IV element, and / or a IV compound. In an embodiment, the quantum dot may have a core-shell structure including a core and a shell surrounding the core. The shell may act as a protective layer for preventing the core from being chemically denatured to maintain semiconductor properties, and may act as a charging layer for imparting electrophoretic properties to the quantum dot.

[0083] The emission layer EL may overlap the first pixel opening 140OP1 and the second pixel opening 140OP2 of the pixel defining layer 140. A portion of the emission layer EL may be disposed within the first pixel opening 140OP1, and another portion of the emission layer EL may be disposed within the second pixel opening 140OP2. That is, the portion of the emission layer EL may overlap the first portion PE1 of the pixel electrode PE, and the other portion of the emission layer EL may overlap the second portion PE2 of the pixel electrode PE. Light may be emitted only from the portion of the emission layer EL that overlaps the first-first area A11 and the second-first area A21.

[0084] In an embodiment, Figure 6 As shown in , the emission layer EL may overlap with the third portion PE3 of the pixel electrode PE. Light may not be emitted from the portion of the emission layer EL that overlaps with the third portion PE3 of the pixel electrode PE. For example, the emission layer EL may be on the pixel defining layer 140 to overlap with the entire upper surface of the corresponding pixel electrode PE without overlapping with the pixel electrode of the adjacent pixel. Specifically, the emission layer EL may be continuously disposed on the portion of the upper surface of the pixel defining layer 140 just above one pixel electrode PE, the first inner side wall of the pixel defining layer 140, the second inner side wall of the pixel defining layer 140, the first portion PE1 of the pixel electrode PE exposed by the first pixel opening 140OP1, and the second portion PE2 of the pixel electrode PE exposed by the second pixel opening 140OP2. In another embodiment, the emission layer EL may be disposed only on the first portion PE1 of the pixel electrode PE at the bottom of the first pixel opening 140OP1 and the second portion PE2 of the pixel electrode PE at the bottom of the second pixel opening 140OP2.

[0085] The common electrode CE may be disposed on the emission layer EL. The common electrode CE may also be disposed on the pixel defining layer 140. The common electrode CE may include a conductive material. The pixel electrode PE, the emission layer EL, and the common electrode CE may constitute a light emitting element LED. The light emitting element LED may further include various functional layers (e.g., a hole injection layer, a hole transport layer, an electron transport layer, or an electron injection layer, etc.) disposed between the pixel electrode PE and the emission layer EL or between the emission layer EL and the common electrode CE.

[0086] The encapsulation layer may be disposed on the common electrode CE. The encapsulation layer may cover the light emitting element LED. The encapsulation layer may include at least one inorganic encapsulation layer and at least one organic encapsulation layer. In an embodiment, the encapsulation layer may include a first inorganic encapsulation layer 151 disposed on the common electrode CE, an organic encapsulation layer 152 disposed on the first inorganic encapsulation layer 151, and a second inorganic encapsulation layer 153 disposed on the organic encapsulation layer 152.

[0087] The touch sensing layer may be disposed on the second inorganic encapsulation layer 153. In an embodiment, the touch sensing layer may include a first touch electrode layer 162, a first touch insulating layer 164, a second touch electrode layer 172, and a second touch insulating layer 174.

[0088] The first touch electrode layer 162 may be disposed on the second inorganic encapsulation layer 153. In an embodiment, an insulating layer may be disposed between the first touch electrode layer 162 and the second inorganic encapsulation layer 153. The first touch electrode layer 162 may include a conductive material.

[0089] The first touch insulating layer 164 may be disposed on the first touch electrode layer 162. The first touch insulating layer 164 may cover the first touch electrode layer 162 on the second inorganic encapsulation layer 153. The first touch insulating layer 164 may include an inorganic insulating material.

[0090] The second touch electrode layer 172 may be disposed on the first touch insulation layer 164. The second touch electrode layer 172 may include a conductive material.

[0091] The second touch insulation layer 174 may be disposed on the second touch electrode layer 172. The second touch insulation layer 174 may cover the second touch electrode layer 172 on the first touch insulation layer 164. The second touch insulation layer 174 may include an inorganic insulating material.

[0092] The first touch electrode layer 162 and the second touch electrode layer 172 may constitute a touch electrode. The touch electrode may have a grid structure in a plan view. In an embodiment, the touch electrode having a grid structure may not be located above the first pixel opening 140OP1 and the second pixel opening 140OP2 of the pixel defining layer 140. For example, the touch electrode may have a grid structure defining touch openings corresponding to the pixel electrodes, respectively, each of the touch openings being above the entire corresponding pixel electrode PE and having a size larger than the size of the corresponding pixel electrode PE. For example, in a plan view, the touch electrode may be disposed between adjacent pixel electrodes PE, but may not be disposed between the first pixel opening 140OP1 and the second pixel opening 140OP2.

[0093] The first refractive layer 180 may be disposed on the second touch insulating layer 174. The first refractive layer 180 may include an organic insulating material and may have a first refractive index. For example, the first refractive index may be in the range of about 1.4 to about 1.6, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0094] The first refraction layer 180 may define a first opening 180OP1 overlapping the first pixel opening 140OP1 and a second opening 180OP2 overlapping the second pixel opening 140OP2. Figure 3As illustrated in FIG. 1 , in a plan view, the first opening 180OP1 and the second opening 180OP2 may be spaced apart from each other.

[0095] The first refractive layer 180 may have a lower surface 181, an upper surface 182, a first refractive sidewall 183a, and a second refractive sidewall 183b. The lower surface 181 of the first refractive layer 180 may face the pixel defining layer 140. The upper surface 182 of the first refractive layer 180 may be opposite to the lower surface 181 and may face the second refractive layer 190. The first refractive sidewall 183a of the first refractive layer 180 may define a first opening 180OP1. The second refractive sidewall 183b of the first refractive layer 180 may define a second opening 180OP2.

[0096] The second refractive layer 190 may be disposed on the first refractive layer 180. The second refractive layer 190 may have a substantially flat upper surface. The second refractive layer 190 may fill the first opening 180OP1 and the second opening 180OP2 of the first refractive layer 180. For example, the second refractive layer 190 may contact the upper surface 182, the first refractive side wall 183a and the second refractive side wall 183b of the first refractive layer 180. The second refractive layer 190 may include an organic insulating material and may have a second refractive index greater than the first refractive index. For example, the second refractive index may be in the range of about 1.6 to about 1.8, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0097] In an embodiment, in a plan view, the size of the first opening 180OP1 of the first refraction layer 180 may be greater than the size of the first pixel opening 140OP1 of the pixel defining layer 140. Figure 3 As shown in , the first lower edge 184a of the first refractive layer 180 (defined as the edge where the first refractive sidewall 183a and the lower surface 181 are adjacent) can form a closed shape in a plan view. For example, in a plan view, the first lower edge 184a of the first refractive layer 180 can be outside the area surrounded by the first edge of the pixel defining layer 140, and can surround the first edge of the pixel defining layer 140. That is, in a plan view, the first lower edge 184a of the first refractive layer 180 can be spaced apart from the outer edge of the first pixel opening 140OP1, and can surround the first pixel opening 140OP1. As a result, the bottom of the first opening 180OP1 is wider than the bottom of the first pixel opening 140OP1. For example, in a plan view, the distance between the first lower edge 184a of the first refractive layer 180 and the first edge of the pixel defining layer 140 can be substantially constant.

[0098] In an embodiment, in a plan view, the size of the second opening 180OP2 of the first refractive layer 180 may be larger than the size of the second pixel opening 140OP2 of the pixel defining layer 140. The second lower edge 184b of the first refractive layer 180 (defined as the edge at which the second refractive sidewall 183b is adjacent to the lower surface 181) may form a closed shape in a plan view. For example, in a plan view, the second lower edge 184b of the first refractive layer 180 may be outside the area surrounded by the second edge of the pixel defining layer 140, and may surround the second edge of the pixel defining layer 140. That is, in a plan view, the second lower edge 184b of the first refractive layer 180 may be spaced apart from the outer edge of the second pixel opening 140OP2, and may surround the second pixel opening 140OP2. The bottom of the second opening 180OP2 is wider than the bottom of the second pixel opening 140OP2. For example, in a plan view, the distance between the second lower edge 184b of the first refractive layer 180 and the second edge of the pixel defining layer 140 may be substantially constant.

[0099] For example, in a plan view, a distance between a first lower edge 184 a of the first refraction layer 180 and a first edge of the pixel defining layer 140 may be equal to a distance between a second lower edge 184 b of the first refraction layer 180 and a second edge of the pixel defining layer 140 .

[0100] Each of the first refractive sidewall 183a and the second refractive sidewall 183b of the first refractive layer 180 may be inclined at a predetermined angle from the lower surface 181. As described above, the first refractive sidewall 183a and the second refractive sidewall 183b of the first refractive layer 180 may be adjacent to the second refractive layer 190 having a refractive index greater than that of the first refractive layer 180. Accordingly, a portion of the light emitted from the emission layer EL may be totally reflected at the interface between the first refractive sidewall 183a of the first refractive layer 180 and the second refractive layer 190. In addition, a portion of the light emitted from the emission layer EL may be totally reflected at the interface between the second refractive sidewall 183b of the first refractive layer 180 and the second refractive layer 190. Accordingly, the light emitted from the light emitting element LED may be guided to the area on the front side of the display device 10, and the front brightness of the display device 10 may be improved.

[0101] In an embodiment, an angle θ1 between the first refractive sidewall 183a of the first refractive layer 180 and the lower surface 181 may be in a range of about 30 degrees to about 70 degrees. If the angle θ1 between the first refractive sidewall 183a of the first refractive layer 180 and the lower surface 181 is less than 30 degrees, light emitted from the emission layer EL may not enter the interface between the first refractive sidewall 183a of the first refractive layer 180 and the second refractive layer 190, and thus, light emitted from the emission layer EL may not be completely reflected. If the angle θ1 between the first refractive sidewall 183a of the first refractive layer 180 and the lower surface 181 is greater than 70 degrees, light reflected at the interface between the first refractive sidewall 183a of the first refractive layer 180 and the lower surface 181 may not be emitted to the front of the display device 10. In some embodiments, the angle θ1 between the first refractive sidewall 183a of the first refractive layer 180 and the lower surface 181 may be in a range of about 40 degrees to about 50 degrees.

[0102] In an embodiment, the angle θ2 between the second refractive sidewall 183b of the first refractive layer 180 and the lower surface 181 may be in a range of about 30 degrees to about 70 degrees. For example, the angle θ2 between the second refractive sidewall 183b of the first refractive layer 180 and the lower surface 181 may be in a range of about 40 degrees to about 50 degrees. For example, the angle θ1 between the first refractive sidewall 183a and the lower surface 181 may be equal to the angle θ2 between the second refractive sidewall 183b and the lower surface 181.

[0103] like Figure 3 , the first upper edge 185a of the first refractive layer 180 (defined as the edge where the first refractive sidewall 183a and the upper surface 182 are adjacent) can form a closed shape in a plan view. For example, in a plan view, the first upper edge 185a of the first refractive layer 180 can be located outside the edge of the first lower edge 184a, and can surround the first lower edge 184a. For example, in a plan view, the distance between the first upper edge 185a and the first lower edge 184a of the first refractive layer 180 can be substantially constant. In a plan view, the first upper edge 185a of the first refractive layer 180 can be located outside the first pixel opening 140OP1, and can surround the first pixel opening 140OP1.

[0104] The second upper edge 185b of the first refractive layer 180 (defined as the edge where the second refractive sidewall 183b and the upper surface 182 are adjacent) can form a closed shape in a plan view. For example, in a plan view, the second upper edge 185b of the first refractive layer 180 can be outside the edge of the second lower edge 184b and can surround the second lower edge 184b. For example, in a plan view, the distance between the second upper edge 185b and the second lower edge 184b of the first refractive layer 180 can be substantially constant. In a plan view, the second upper edge 185b of the first refractive layer 180 can be outside the second pixel opening 140OP2 and can surround the second pixel opening 140OP2.

[0105] For example, in a plan view, a distance between a first upper edge 185 a and a first lower edge 184 a of the first refraction layer 180 may be equal to a distance between a second upper edge 185 b and a second lower edge 184 b of the first refraction layer 180 .

[0106] In an embodiment, Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , between the first opening 180OP1 and the second opening 180OP2, the first refraction layer 180 may have a gradually narrowing trapezoidal cross-sectional shape in which the length of the lower side is longer than the length of the upper side. That is, the first upper edge 185a and the second upper edge 185b of the first refraction layer 180a may not be adjacent to each other.

[0107] Figure 7 is a plan view illustrating a pixel according to an embodiment. Figure 8 It is along Figure 7 A cross-sectional view taken along line II-II'.

[0108] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 In an embodiment, the first refraction layer 180 may have a triangular cross-sectional shape between the first opening 180OP1 and the second opening 180OP2. That is, the first upper edge 185a and the second upper edge 185b of the first refraction layer 180a may be adjacent to each other.

[0109] Reference again Figures 3 to 6 , in a plan view, a region surrounded by the first upper edge 185a of the first refractive layer 180 may be defined as a first-second region A12, and a region surrounded by the second upper edge 185b may be defined as a second-second region A22. The size of the first-second region A12 may be greater than the size of the first-first region A11, and the size of the second-second region A22 may be greater than the size of the second-first region A21. In some embodiments, the size of the first-second region A12 may be equal to the size of the second-second region A22.

[0110] As described above, light may be emitted only from a portion of the emission layer EL overlapping the first-first area A11 and the second-first area A21, but a portion of the light emitted from the emission layer EL may be totally reflected at an interface between the first refractive sidewall 183a of the first refractive layer 180 and the second refractive layer 190 or at an interface between the second refractive sidewall 183b of the first refractive layer 180 and the second refractive layer 190. Accordingly, light may be emitted from the entire first-second area A12 and the second-second area A22 of the display device 10, the front brightness of the display device 10 may be improved, and the display quality of the display device 10 may be improved.

[0111] In addition, according to the display device 10 according to the embodiment, two first pixel openings 140OP1 and second pixel openings 140OP2 may be defined corresponding to one pixel electrode PE, and the first opening 180OP1 and second opening 180OP2 of the first refractive layer 180 may be defined corresponding to the first pixel opening 140OP1 and second pixel opening 140OP2, respectively. Accordingly, compared with the comparative example (e.g., Fig. 9 ), the area where the refractive side walls 183a and 183b of the first refractive layer 180 are provided (ie, the area that totally reflects a portion of the light emitted from the emission layer EL) can be larger. Accordingly, the front brightness of the display device 10 can be further improved.

[0112] In the following, the method according to the present invention will be described in more detail using specific examples. Figures 3 to 6 The effect of the display device 10 of the embodiment.

[0113] Fig. 9 is a plan view illustrating a pixel according to a comparative example.

[0114] Fig. 9 Can be used with Figure 3 Corresponding. Reference Fig. 9 , the pixel defining layer 940 may define one pixel opening 940OP corresponding to one pixel electrode 910, and the first refractive layer 980 may define one opening 980OP larger than the pixel opening 940OP. Assume that the plane shape of the pixel opening 940OP is a square with each side of 14 micrometers, and assume that the distance between the upper edge 985 of the first refractive layer 980 and the pixel opening 940OP is constant at 2 micrometers. In this case, the first size of the pixel opening 940OP is 196 square micrometers, and the second size of the inner area of ​​the upper edge 985 of the first refractive layer is 324 square micrometers.

[0115] In order to Fig. 9 Compared with the comparative example, Figures 3 to 6In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , it is assumed that the plane shape of each of the first pixel opening 140OP1 and the second pixel opening 140OP2 is a rectangle having a long side of 14 micrometers and a short side of 7 micrometers, and it is assumed that each of the distance between the first upper edge 185a of the first refraction layer 180 and the first pixel opening 140OP1 and the distance between the second upper edge 185b of the first refraction layer 180 and the second pixel opening 140OP2 is constant to 2 micrometers. In this case, the size of the first pixel opening 140OP1 (the size of the first-first area A11) is 98 square micrometers, and the size of the inner area of ​​the first upper edge 185a of the first refraction layer 180 (the size of the first-second area A12) is 198 square micrometers. Similarly, the size of the second pixel opening 140OP2 (the size of the second-first area A21) is 98 square micrometers, and the size of the inner area of ​​the second upper edge 185b of the first refraction layer 180 (the size of the second-second area A22) is 198 square micrometers. That is, the third size, which is the sum of the size of the first-first area A11 and the size of the second-first area A21, is 196 square micrometers, which is equal to Fig. 9 However, the fourth size, which is the sum of the size of the first-second area A12 and the size of the second-second area A22, is 396 square micrometers, which is larger than Fig. 9 The second size in the comparative example.

[0116] With reference to this, even if the size of the region where light is emitted from the emission layer EL is the same (the third size is the same as the first size), Figures 3 to 6 The size of the entire area emitting light from the front side of the display device is also larger than that in the embodiment of Fig. 9 The fourth dimension is larger than the second dimension. Figures 3 to 6 The area where the refractive side walls 183a and 183b of the first refractive layer 180 reflect a portion of the light emitted from the emission layer EL is larger than that in the embodiment of Fig. 9 In the comparative example, the refractive side wall of the first refractive layer 980 reflects a portion of the light emitted from the emission layer. Accordingly, the front brightness of the display device 10 can be further improved.

[0117] Figures 10 to 12 is a plan view illustrating a pixel according to an embodiment.

[0118] In the following, we will focus on the reference Figures 3 to 6 The difference between the pixel P described is described Figures 10 to 12 , and redundant descriptions may be omitted or simplified.

[0119] refer to Figures 10 to 12, the pixel electrode PE may include a first portion PE1, a second portion PE2, and a third portion PE3. In a plan view, the first portion PE1 and the second portion PE2 may be adjacent to each other. Fig.10 As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the vertex of the first portion PE1 may be adjacent to the vertex of the second portion PE2 in a plan view. The third portion PE3 may surround each of the first portion PE1 and the second portion PE2 in a plan view. The first to third portions PE1, PE2, and PE3 of the pixel electrode PE may be integrally provided.

[0120] The pixel defining layer 140 may define a first pixel opening 140OP1 exposing a first portion PE1 of the pixel electrode PE and a second pixel opening 140OP2 exposing a second portion PE2 of the pixel electrode PE. In a plan view, the first pixel opening 140OP1 and the second pixel opening 140OP2 may be adjacent to each other. The pixel defining layer 140 may cover a third portion PE3 of the pixel electrode PE.

[0121] The first refraction layer 180 may define a first opening 180OP1 overlapping the first pixel opening 140OP1 and a second opening 180OP2 overlapping the second pixel opening 140OP2. Fig.10 , in a plan view, the first opening 180OP1 and the second opening 180OP2 may be connected to each other to form the opening 180OP. That is, the first opening 180OP1 and the second opening 180OP2 of the first refractive layer 180 may be integrally provided.

[0122] The refractive sidewall of the first refractive layer 180 may define an opening 180OP. In an embodiment, in a plan view, the size of the opening 180OP of the first refractive layer 180 may be greater than the sum of the size of the first pixel opening 140OP1 of the pixel defining layer 140 and the size of the second pixel opening 140OP2 of the pixel defining layer 140. Fig.10 As shown in FIG. 1 , a lower edge 184 of the first refractive layer 180 (defined as an edge at which a refractive sidewall of the first refractive layer 180 adjoins a lower surface of the first refractive layer 180) may form a closed shape in a plan view. For example, in a plan view, the lower edge 184 of the first refractive layer 180 may be outside the first pixel opening 140OP1 and the second pixel opening 140OP2 of the pixel defining layer 140, and may surround the entire first pixel opening 140OP1 and the second pixel opening 140OP2.

[0123] The upper edge 185 of the first refractive layer 180 (defined as the edge at which the refractive sidewall of the first refractive layer 180 and the upper surface of the first refractive layer 180 are adjacent) may form a closed shape in a plan view. For example, in a plan view, the upper edge 185 of the first refractive layer 180 may be outside the lower edge 184 and may surround the lower edge 184. For example, in a plan view, the distance between the lower edge 184 and the upper edge 185 of the first refractive layer 180 may be substantially constant. For example, in a plan view, the upper edge 185 of the first refractive layer 180 may be outside the first pixel opening 140OP1 and the second pixel opening 140OP2 of the pixel defining layer 140 and may surround the entire first pixel opening 140OP1 and the second pixel opening 140OP2.

[0124] Figures 13 to 15 is a plan view illustrating a pixel according to an embodiment. Fig.16 It is along Fig.13 A cross-sectional view taken along line III-III'.

[0125] In the following, we will focus on the reference Figures 3 to 6 The difference between the pixel P described is described Figures 13 to 16 , and repeated descriptions may be omitted or simplified.

[0126] refer to Figures 13 to 16 , the pixel electrode PE may include a first portion PE1, a second portion PE2, and a third portion PE3. In a plan view, the second portion PE2 may be located outside the first portion PE1, and the third portion PE3 may be located outside the second portion PE2. For example, in a plan view, the second portion PE2 may surround the first portion PE1, and the third portion PE3 may surround the second portion PE2. That is, each of the second portion PE2 and the third portion PE3 of the pixel electrode PE may have a ring shape in a plan view. The first to third portions PE1, PE2, and PE3 of the pixel electrode PE may be provided integrally.

[0127] Fig.14 It is illustrated that the first portion PE1 of the pixel electrode PE has a circular shape in a plan view, and each of the second portion PE2 and the third portion PE3 has a circular shape in a plan view, wherein the first portion PE1, the second portion PE2 and the third portion PE3 are arranged concentrically. However, this is an example, and the embodiment is not limited to the arrangement explicitly depicted. For example, in a plan view, the first portion PE1 of the pixel electrode PE may have various shapes such as an ellipse, a square, or an octagon. Similarly, each of the second portion PE2 and the third portion PE3 may have various shapes such as an ellipse, a square, or an octagon.

[0128] The pixel defining layer 1400 may define a pixel opening 1400OP exposing the second portion PE2 of the pixel electrode PE. For example, the pixel opening 1400OP may have a ring shape in a plan view. For example, the pixel opening 1400OP may have a circular shape in a plan view.

[0129] like Fig.15 , the pixel defining layer 1400 may include a first grid portion 1410 and a first island portion 1420. The first grid portion 1410 may be located outside the second portion PE2 of the pixel electrode PE. The first grid portion 1410 may cover the third portion PE3 of the pixel electrode PE. The grid sidewall of the first grid portion 1410 may face the first island portion 1420. The first edge of the first grid portion 1410 (defined as the edge where the grid sidewall of the first grid portion 1410 is adjacent to the upper surface of the pixel electrode PE) may form a closed shape in a plan view.

[0130] The first island portion 1420 may be disposed to overlap with the first portion PE1 of each pixel electrode PE and may have the same shape as the first portion PE1. The first island portion 1420 may be spaced apart from the first grid portion 1410 and may overlap with the first portion PE1 of the pixel electrode PE. The island sidewall of the first island portion 1420 may face the first grid portion 1410. The second edge of the first island portion 1420 (defined as the edge at which the grid sidewall of the first island portion 1420 adjoins the upper surface of the pixel electrode PE) may form a closed shape in a plan view.

[0131] The pixel opening 1400OP may be defined by the grid sidewalls of the first grid portion 1410 and the island sidewalls of the first island portion 1420. In a plan view, an annular area of ​​the pixel defining layer 1400 inside the first edge and outside the second edge may be defined as a first area A1. For example, the first area A1 may have a circular shape in a plan view. Light may be emitted only from a portion of the emission layer EL overlapping the first area A1.

[0132] The first refraction layer 1800 may define an opening 1800OP overlapping the pixel opening 1400OP. The first refraction layer 1800 may include a second grid portion 1810 and a second island portion 1820. The second grid portion 1810 may be located outside the second portion PE2 of the pixel electrode PE. The second grid portion 1810 may overlap a portion of the third portion PE3 of the pixel electrode PE.

[0133] The second island portion 1820 may be disposed to correspond to the first portion PE1 of each pixel electrode PE. The second island portion 1820 may be disposed to correspond to the first island portion 1420. The second island portion 1820 may be spaced apart from the second grid portion 1810 and may overlap the first portion PE1 of the pixel electrode PE and the first island portion 1420 of the pixel defining layer 1400.

[0134] In one embodiment, Fig.16 As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the second island portion 1820 may have a gradually narrowing trapezoidal cross-sectional shape in which the length of the lower side is longer than the length of the upper side. In another embodiment, the second island portion 1820 may have a triangular cross-sectional shape.

[0135] The mesh sidewall 1813 of the second mesh portion 1810 may face the second island portion 1820. The island sidewall 1823 of the second island portion 1820 may face the second mesh portion 1810. The opening 1800OP may be defined by the mesh sidewall 1813 of the second mesh portion 1810 and the island sidewall 1823 of the second island portion 1820.

[0136] In an embodiment, in a plan view, a size of the opening 1800OP of the first refraction layer 1800 may be greater than a size of the pixel opening 1400OP of the pixel defining layer 1400 .

[0137] like Fig.13 As shown in , the first lower edge 1814 of the second grid portion 1810 (defined as the edge at which the grid sidewall 1813 and the lower surface 1811 are adjacent) can form a closed shape in a plan view. For example, in a plan view, the first lower edge 1814 of the second grid portion 1810 can be outside the first edge of the first grid portion 1410 and can surround the first edge of the first grid portion 1410. That is, in a plan view, the first lower edge 1814 of the second grid portion 1810 can be outside the pixel opening 1400OP and can surround the pixel opening 1400OP. For example, in a plan view, the distance between the first lower edge 1814 of the second grid portion 1810 and the first edge of the first grid portion 1410 can be substantially constant.

[0138] The second lower edge 1824 of the second island portion 1820 (defined as the edge at which the island sidewall 1823 adjoins the lower surface 1821) may form a closed shape in a plan view. For example, in a plan view, the second lower edge 1824 of the second island portion 1820 may be outside the second edge of the first island portion 1420. For example, in a plan view, the distance between the second lower edge 1824 of the second island portion 1820 and the second edge of the first island portion 1420 may be substantially constant.

[0139] For example, in a plan view, a distance between a first lower edge 1814 of the second grid portion 1810 and a first edge of the first grid portion 1410 may be equal to a distance between a second lower edge 1824 of the second island portion 1820 and a second edge of the first island portion 1420 .

[0140] The grid sidewall 1813 of the second grid portion 1810 may be inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the lower surface 1811. In an embodiment, the angle θ3 between the grid sidewall 1813 of the second grid portion 1810 and the lower surface 1811 may be in the range of about 30 degrees to about 70 degrees. For example, the angle θ3 between the grid sidewall 1813 of the second grid portion 1810 and the lower surface 1811 may be in the range of about 40 degrees to about 50 degrees.

[0141] The island sidewall 1823 of the second island portion 1820 may be inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the lower surface 1821. In an embodiment, the angle θ4 between the island sidewall 1823 of the second island portion 1820 and the lower surface 1821 may be in the range of about 30 degrees to about 70 degrees. For example, the angle θ4 between the island sidewall 1823 of the second island portion 1820 and the lower surface 1821 may be in the range of about 40 degrees to about 50 degrees. For example, the angle θ3 between the grid sidewall 1813 of the second grid portion 1810 and the lower surface 1811 may be equal to the angle θ4 between the island sidewall 1823 of the second island portion 1820 and the lower surface 1821.

[0142] like Fig.13 , the first upper edge 1815 of the second grid portion 1810 (defined as the edge at which the grid sidewall 1813 and the upper surface 1812 are adjacent) can form a closed shape in a plan view. For example, in a plan view, the first upper edge 1815 of the second grid portion 1810 can be outside the first lower edge 1814 and can surround the first lower edge 1814. For example, in a plan view, the distance between the first upper edge 1815 and the first lower edge 1814 of the second grid portion 1810 can be substantially constant. In a plan view, the first upper edge 1815 of the second grid portion 1810 can be outside the pixel opening 1400OP and can surround the pixel opening 1400OP.

[0143] The second upper edge 1825 of the second island portion 1820 (defined as the edge at which the island sidewall 1823 adjoins the upper surface 1822) may form a closed shape in a plan view. For example, in a plan view, the second upper edge 1825 of the second island portion 1820 may be spaced apart from and outside the second lower edge 1824. For example, in a plan view, the distance between the second upper edge 1825 and the second lower edge 1824 of the second island portion 1820 may be substantially constant.

[0144] In a plan view, a distance between a first upper edge 1815 and a first lower edge 1814 of the second mesh portion 1810 may be equal to a distance between a second upper edge 1825 and a second lower edge 1824 of the second island portion 1820 .

[0145] In a plan view, the area between the first upper edge 1815 of the second grid portion 1810 and the second upper edge 1825 of the second island portion 1820 may be defined as a second area A2. For example, the second area A2 may have a hollow circular shape in a plan view. The size of the second area A2 may be greater than that of the first area A1.

[0146] As described above, light may be emitted only from a portion of the emission layer EL in the first region A1. A portion of the light emitted from the emission layer EL may be totally reflected at an interface between the grid sidewall 1813 of the second grid portion 1810 and the second refractive layer 190 or at an interface between the island sidewall 1823 of the second island portion 1820 and the second refractive layer 190. Accordingly, light may be emitted from the entire second region A2 of the display device 10, thereby improving the front brightness of the display device 10. The improved front brightness in turn improves the display quality of the display device 10.

[0147] Although embodiments and implementations have been described herein, other embodiments and modifications will be apparent from this specification. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, but to the broader scope of the claims and to various obvious modifications and equivalent arrangements that will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: Thin film transistors; a pixel electrode electrically connected to the thin film transistor and comprising a first portion, a second portion and a third portion, wherein the third portion is located outside the first portion and the second portion; a pixel defining layer, disposed on the pixel electrode and defining a first pixel opening exposing the first portion of the pixel electrode and a second pixel opening exposing the second portion of the pixel electrode; an emission layer, disposed on the pixel electrode and overlapping the first pixel opening and the second pixel opening; a first refractive layer disposed on the pixel defining layer and defining a first opening overlapping the first pixel opening and a second opening overlapping the second pixel opening; as well as The second refractive layer is disposed on the first refractive layer, fills the first opening and the second opening of the first refractive layer, and has a refractive index greater than that of the first refractive layer.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The first portion, the second portion and the third portion of the pixel electrode are integrated.

3. The display device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first portion of the pixel electrode and the second portion of the pixel electrode are spaced apart from each other, and A portion of the third portion of the pixel electrode is located between the first portion of the pixel electrode and the second portion of the pixel electrode.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein: The first pixel opening and the second pixel opening are spaced apart from each other, and The first opening and the second opening are spaced apart from each other.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein: The first refractive layer has a lower surface facing the pixel defining layer, an upper surface opposite to the lower surface, a first refractive sidewall defining the first opening, and a second refractive sidewall defining the second opening, A first upper edge of the first refractive layer surrounds the first pixel opening in a plan view, the first upper edge being defined as an edge at which the upper surface of the first refractive layer adjoins the first refractive sidewall of the first refractive layer, and A second upper edge of the first refractive layer surrounds the second pixel opening in the plan view, the second upper edge being defined as an edge at which the upper surface of the first refractive layer adjoins the second refractive sidewall of the first refractive layer.

6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein: An angle between the lower surface of the first refractive layer and the first refractive side wall of the first refractive layer is in a range of 30 degrees to 70 degrees.

7. The display device according to claim 3, wherein: The emission layer overlaps all of the first portion of the pixel electrode, the second portion of the pixel electrode, and the third portion of the pixel electrode.

8. The display device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first portion of the pixel electrode and the second portion of the pixel electrode are adjacent to each other.

9. The display device according to claim 8, wherein: The first pixel opening and the second pixel opening are adjacent to each other, and The first opening and the second opening are integral.

10. The display device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first refractive layer has a lower surface facing the pixel defining layer, an upper surface opposite to the lower surface, and side walls defining the first opening and the second opening, and An upper edge of the first refractive layer surrounds the first pixel opening and the second pixel opening in a plan view, the upper edge being defined as an edge at which the upper surface of the first refractive layer adjoins the side wall of the first refractive layer.

Images