Display apparatus and method of manufacturing same

Abstract

The display device includes: pixels in a display area; a first alignment electrode and a second alignment electrode spaced apart from each other within the pixel and extending in a first direction; a first auxiliary electrode and a second auxiliary electrode extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction while intersecting the pixel; and light emitting elements disposed between the first alignment electrode and the second alignment electrode, in which a first end portion of a respective light emitting element faces the first alignment electrode and a second end portion of a respective light emitting element faces the second alignment electrode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a display device and a method of manufacturing the display device. Background Art

[0002] Recently, with the increasing interest in information display, research and development of display devices have been continuously carried out. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Technical Problem

[0004] Aspects to be solved by the present disclosure are to provide a display device and a method of manufacturing the display device that can improve the alignment degree of light-emitting elements.

[0005] Aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to the above aspects, and other technical aspects not described will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0006] Technical Solution

[0007] According to an embodiment, a display device may include: pixels in a display area; a first alignment electrode and a second alignment electrode spaced apart from each other in the pixels and extending in a first direction; a first auxiliary electrode and a second auxiliary electrode intersecting the pixels and extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction; and a light-emitting element disposed between the first alignment electrode and the second alignment electrode. A first end of the light-emitting element may face the first alignment electrode, and a second end of the light-emitting element may face the second alignment electrode.

[0008] The display device may further include auxiliary lines extending in the first direction in a non-display area surrounding the display area.

[0009] The first auxiliary electrode and the second auxiliary electrode may be electrically connected to the auxiliary lines.

[0010] The display device may further include alignment lines extending in the second direction between the pixels.

[0011] The first alignment electrode and the second alignment electrode may be electrically connected to the alignment lines.

[0012] The first alignment electrode and the second alignment electrode may be alternately disposed in the second direction.

[0013] The first auxiliary electrode and the second auxiliary electrode may be alternately disposed in the first direction.

[0014] A distance between the first alignment electrode and the second alignment electrode may be less than a distance between the first auxiliary electrode and the second auxiliary electrode.

[0015] The display device may further include an insulating layer disposed between the first auxiliary electrode and the second auxiliary electrode and the first alignment electrode and the second alignment electrode.

[0016] The display device may further include connection electrodes disposed on the light-emitting elements.

[0017] According to an embodiment, a method of manufacturing a display device may include: disposing a first alignment electrode and a second alignment electrode, the first alignment electrode and the second alignment electrode being spaced apart from each other in pixels disposed in a display area; first aligning light-emitting elements in a first alignment direction between the first alignment electrode and the second alignment electrode; disposing a first auxiliary electrode and a second auxiliary electrode extending across the pixels; second aligning the light-emitting elements in a second alignment direction intersecting the first alignment direction between the first auxiliary electrode and the second auxiliary electrode; and third aligning the light-emitting elements in the first alignment direction such that a first end face of the light-emitting element faces the first alignment electrode and a second end face of the light-emitting element faces the second alignment electrode.

[0018] The first alignment electrode and the second alignment electrode may extend in a first direction.

[0019] The first alignment direction may be perpendicular to the first direction.

[0020] The first auxiliary electrode and the second auxiliary electrode may extend in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0021] The second direction may be perpendicular to the second alignment direction.

[0022] The first auxiliary electrode and the second auxiliary electrode may extend in a second direction inclined with respect to the first direction.

[0023] The second direction may be perpendicular to the second alignment direction.

[0024] The method may further include forming auxiliary lines extending in the first direction in a non-display area surrounding the display area and electrically connected to the first auxiliary electrode and the second auxiliary electrode.

[0025] The distance between the first alignment electrode and the second alignment electrode may be less than the distance between the first auxiliary electrode and the second auxiliary electrode.

[0026] The method may further include forming connection electrodes on the light-emitting elements aligned for the third time.

[0027] Details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and the drawings.

[0028] Advantageous Effects

[0029] According to an embodiment, by precisely controlling the position and direction of the light-emitting elements using alignment electrodes and auxiliary electrodes, the light-emitting elements may be biased and aligned.

[0030] The effects according to the embodiments are not limited by the above description, and various additional effects are included in the specification. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a light-emitting element according to an embodiment.

[0032] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a light-emitting element according to an embodiment.

[0033] Figure 3 is a schematic plan view showing a display device according to an embodiment.

[0034] Figures 4 to 7 is a schematic plan view showing a pixel according to an embodiment.

[0035] Figure 8 is along Figure 4 a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line A-A'.

[0036] Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a display panel according to an embodiment.

[0037] Figures 10 to 13 is a schematic plan view of each process step of a method of manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment.

[0038] Figures 14 to 17 is a schematic plan view of each process step of a method of manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] With reference to the embodiments described in detail below together with the accompanying Figure 1 drawings, the advantages and features of the present disclosure and the methods for realizing them will become apparent. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and can be implemented in various different forms. The embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains can fully understand the scope of this disclosure.

[0040] The terms used in the specification are for describing embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. In this specification, unless otherwise stated, the singular forms also include the plural forms. When used in this specification, the terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes" and / or "including", "has", "have" and / or "having" and their variants specify the presence of the features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof.

[0041] The term "coupled" or "connected" can commonly represent a physical coupling or connection and / or an electrical coupling or connection. This can commonly mean a direct coupling or connection or an indirect coupling or connection and an integral coupling or connection or a non-integral coupling or connection.

[0042] The case where an element or layer is referred to as "on" another element or layer may include the case where the element or layer is directly provided on the other element or layer or there are other elements or layers therebetween. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals denote the same components.

[0043] Although terms such as "first", "second" etc. are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another component. Thus, within the technical spirit of the present disclosure, the first component described below may be the second component.

[0044] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a light-emitting element according to an embodiment. Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a light-emitting element according to an embodiment. Figure 1 and Figure 2 show a light-emitting element LD having a column shape, but the type and / or shape of the light-emitting element LD are not limited thereto.

[0046] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the light-emitting element LD may include a first semiconductor layer 11, an active layer 12, a second semiconductor layer 13 and / or an electrode layer 14.

[0047] The light-emitting element LD may be formed in a columnar shape extending in one direction. The light-emitting element LD may have a first end EP1 and a second end EP2. One of the first semiconductor layer 11 and the second semiconductor layer 13 may be provided at the first end EP1 of the light-emitting element LD. The other of the first semiconductor layer 11 and the second semiconductor layer 13 may be provided at the second end EP2 of the light-emitting element LD. For example, the first semiconductor layer 11 may be provided at the first end EP1 of the light-emitting element LD, and the second semiconductor layer 13 may be provided at the second end EP2 of the light-emitting element LD.

[0048] According to an embodiment, the light-emitting element LD may be a light-emitting element manufactured in a columnar shape by an etching method or the like. In this specification, the columnar shape includes a rod-shaped or bar-shaped shape having an aspect ratio greater than 1, such as a circular column or a polygonal column, and the shape of its cross section is not limited.

[0049] The light-emitting element LD may have a size as small as the nanometer scale to the micrometer scale. For example, each light-emitting element LD may have a diameter D (or width) and / or a length L in the range of the nanometer scale to the micrometer scale. However, the size of the light-emitting element LD is not limited thereto, and the size of the light-emitting element LD may vary variously according to the design conditions of various devices (such as display devices, etc.) that use the light-emitting device (which uses the light-emitting element LD as a light source).

[0050] The first semiconductor layer 11 may be a semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type. For example, the first semiconductor layer 11 may include a p-type semiconductor layer. For example, the first semiconductor layer 11 may include at least one semiconductor material such as InAlGaN, GaN, AlGaN, InGaN, and AlN, and may be a p-type semiconductor layer doped with a first conductivity type dopant such as Mg. However, the material configuring the first semiconductor layer 11 is not limited thereto, and various other materials may configure the first semiconductor layer 11.

[0051] The active layer 12 may be provided between the first semiconductor layer 11 and the second semiconductor layer 13. The active layer 12 may include at least one of a single-well structure, a multi-well structure, a single quantum well structure, a multi-quantum well (MQW) structure, a quantum dot structure, or a quantum wire structure, but is not limited thereto. The active layer 12 may include GaN, InGaN, InAlGaN, AlGaN, and / or AlN, and various other materials may configure the active layer 12.

[0052] When a voltage equal to or greater than the threshold voltage is applied across the light-emitting element LD, electron-hole pairs may recombine in the active layer 12, and thus the light-emitting element LD emits light. By controlling the light emission of the light-emitting element LD using this principle, the light-emitting element LD can be used as a light source for various light-emitting devices including pixels of a display device.

[0053] The second semiconductor layer 13 may be disposed on the active layer 12 and may include a semiconductor layer of a type different from that of the first semiconductor layer 11. The second semiconductor layer 13 may include an n-type semiconductor layer. For example, the second semiconductor layer 13 may include at least one semiconductor material among InAlGaN, GaN, AlGaN, InGaN, and AlN, and may include an n-type semiconductor layer doped with a second-conductivity-type dopant such as Si, Ge, and / or Sn. However, the material configuring the second semiconductor layer 13 is not limited thereto, and various other materials may configure the second semiconductor layer 13.

[0054] The electrode layer 14 may be disposed on the first end EP1 and / or the second end EP2 of the light-emitting element LD. Figure 2 The case where the electrode layer 14 is formed on the first semiconductor layer 11 is shown, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, a separate contact electrode may be further disposed on the second semiconductor layer 13.

[0055] The electrode layer 14 may include a transparent metal or a transparent metal oxide. For example, the electrode layer 14 may include at least one of indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), and tin zinc oxide (ZTO), but is not limited thereto. As described above, when the electrode layer 14 is formed of a transparent metal or a transparent metal oxide, the light generated in the active layer 12 of the light-emitting element LD may pass through the electrode layer 14 and may be emitted to the outside of the light-emitting element LD.

[0056] The insulating film INF may be disposed on the surface of the light-emitting element LD. The insulating film INF may be directly disposed on the surfaces of the first semiconductor layer 11, the active layer 12, the second semiconductor layer 13, and / or the electrode layer 14. The insulating film INF may expose the first end EP1 and the second end EP2 of the light-emitting element LD having different polarities. According to an embodiment, the insulating film INF may expose side portions of the electrode layer 14 and / or the second semiconductor layer 13 adjacent to the first end EP1 and the second end EP2 of the light-emitting element LD.

[0057] The insulating film INF may prevent an electrical short circuit that may occur when the active layer 12 comes into contact with a conductive material other than the first semiconductor layer 11 and the second semiconductor layer 13. The insulating film INF may minimize surface defects of the light-emitting element LD, thereby improving the lifetime and emission efficiency of the light-emitting element LD.

[0058] The insulating film INF may include silicon oxide (SiO x ), silicon nitride (SiN x ), silicon oxynitride (SiO x N y ), aluminum nitride (AlN x ), aluminum oxide (AlOx ) one or more of zirconium oxide (ZrO x ), hafnium oxide (HfO x ), and titanium oxide (TiO x ). For example, the insulating film INF may be configured as a bilayer, and each layer configuring the bilayer may include a different material. For example, the insulating film INF may be configured as a bilayer composed of aluminum oxide (AlO x ) and silicon oxide (SiO x ), but is not limited thereto. According to an embodiment, the insulating film INF may be omitted.

[0059] A light-emitting device including the above-described light-emitting element LD can be used in various types of devices (including display devices) that require a light source. For example, the light-emitting element LD may be disposed in each pixel of the display panel, and the light-emitting element LD may be used as a light source for each pixel. However, the application field of the light-emitting element LD is not limited to the above example. For example, the light-emitting element LD may also be used in other types of devices that require a light source (such as lighting devices).

[0060] Figure 3 is a schematic plan view showing a display device according to an embodiment.

[0061] In Figure 3 , as an example of an electronic device that can use the light-emitting element LD described in the embodiments that can be used in Figure 1 and Figure 2 as a light source, a display device is shown. Specifically, a display panel PNL provided in the display device is shown.

[0062] For ease of description, the structure of the display panel PNL is shown based on the display area DA in Figure 3 . However, according to an embodiment, at least one driving circuit unit (for example, at least one of a scan driver and a data driver) and lines that are not shown may be further provided on the display panel PNL.

[0063] Referring to Figure 3 , the display panel PNL and the substrate SUB for forming the display panel PNL may include a display area DA for displaying an image and a non-display area NDA other than the display area DA. The display area DA may configure a screen on which an image is displayed, and the non-display area NDA may be an area other than the display area DA.

[0064] The pixel unit PXU can be disposed in the display area DA. The pixel unit PXU may include a first pixel PXL1, a second pixel PXL2, and / or a third pixel PXL3. Hereinafter, when at least one of the first pixel PXL1, the second pixel PXL2, and the third pixel PXL3 is arbitrarily mentioned, or when two or more types of pixels are mentioned together, the at least one pixel or the two or more types of pixels are referred to as "pixel PXL" or "multiple pixels PXL".

[0065] The pixels PXL can be regularly arranged according to a stripe arrangement structure or a PENTILE TM arrangement structure or the like. However, the arrangement structure of the pixels PXL is not limited thereto, and the pixels PXL can be arranged in the display area DA in various structures and / or methods.

[0066] According to an embodiment, two or more types of pixels PXL that emit light of different colors can be disposed in the display area DA. For example, in the display area DA, a first pixel PXL1 that emits light of a first color, a second pixel PXL2 that emits light of a second color, and a third pixel PXL3 that emits light of a third color can be arranged. At least one of the first pixel PXL1, the second pixel PXL2, and the third pixel PXL3 that are arranged adjacent to each other can configure a pixel unit PXU capable of emitting light of various colors. For example, each of the first pixel PXL1, the second pixel PXL2, and the third pixel PXL3 can be a pixel that emits light of a predetermined or selected color. According to an embodiment, the first pixel PXL1 can be a red pixel that emits red light, the second pixel PXL2 can be a green pixel that emits green light, and the third pixel PXL3 can be a blue pixel that emits blue light, but is not limited thereto.

[0067] In an embodiment, the first pixel PXL1, the second pixel PXL2, and the third pixel PXL3 may include light-emitting elements that emit light of the same color, and may include color conversion layers and / or color filter layers of different colors disposed on the corresponding light-emitting elements to emit light of a first color, a second color, and a third color, respectively. In another embodiment, the first pixel PXL1, the second pixel PXL2, and the third pixel PXL3 may include a light-emitting element of a first color, a light-emitting element of a second color, and a light-emitting element of a third color as light sources to emit light of a first color, a second color, and a third color, respectively. However, the color, type, number, etc. of the pixels PXL that configure each pixel unit PXU are not particularly limited. For example, the color of the light emitted by each pixel PXL can be variously changed.

[0068] A pixel PXL may include at least one light source driven by a predetermined or selected control signal (e.g., a scan signal and a data signal) and / or a predetermined or selected power (e.g., a first power and a second power). In an embodiment, the light source may include at least one light-emitting element LD according to any one of the embodiments of Figure 1 and Figure 2 , such as an ultra-small column-shaped light-emitting element LD with a size as small as nanometers to micrometers. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and various types of light-emitting elements LD may be used as the light source of the pixel PXL.

[0069] In an embodiment, each pixel PXL may be configured as an active pixel. However, the type, structure, and / or driving method of the pixel PXL applicable to the display device are not particularly limited. For example, each pixel PXL may be configured as a pixel of a passive or active light-emitting display device with various structures and / or driving methods.

[0070] A non-display area NDA may be provided around the display area DA. A pad PAD may be provided in the non-display area NDA. The pad PAD may be electrically connected to at least one driving circuit unit. The pixel PXL may be electrically connected to the pad PAD through a fan-out line to receive a driving signal from the driving circuit unit. In Figure 3 , the pad PAD is only provided on the lower side of the display panel PNL, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, each pad PAD may be provided on the upper side and the lower side of the display panel PNL.

[0071] Figures 4 to 7 is a schematic plan view showing a pixel according to an embodiment. Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A' of Figure 4 .

[0072] Figures 4 to 8 The pixel PXL shown in may be any one of a first pixel PXL1, a second pixel PXL2, and a third pixel PXL3 provided in the display panel PNL of Figure 3 . The first pixel PXL1, the second pixel PXL2, and the third pixel PXL3 may have the same or similar structures to each other. Figure 7 shows an embodiment in which the pixel PXL includes light-emitting elements LD provided in two series stages, and Figure 8 shows an embodiment in which the pixel PXL includes light-emitting elements LD provided in four series stages. However, according to an embodiment, the number of series stages of each pixel PXL may be variously changed.

[0073] Referring to Figures 4 to 7 , each pixel PXL may include an emission area EMA. The emission area EMA may include a light-emitting element LD and may be an area capable of emitting light.

[0074] The pixel PXL may include an alignment electrode AE, an auxiliary electrode SE, a light-emitting element LD, and / or a connection electrode CE.

[0075] The alignment electrode AE may be disposed at least in the emission area EMA. The alignment electrode AE may extend in a first direction DR1 and may be spaced apart from each other in a second direction DR2.

[0076] Each of the first alignment electrode AE1 and the second alignment electrode AE2 may extend in the first direction DR1 and may be alternately disposed in the second direction DR2 intersecting the first direction DR1. For example, the first direction DR1 may be the Y-axis direction, the second direction DR2 may be the X-axis direction, and the third direction DR3 may be the Z-axis direction, but the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto. Some of the alignment electrodes AE may be connected to the pixel circuit and / or a predetermined or selected power line through a contact hole, but the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0077] The alignment electrode AE may receive an alignment signal during the step of aligning the light-emitting element LD. Thus, the light-emitting element LD may be arranged in one direction (e.g., in the second direction DR2) between the alignment electrodes AE. During the alignment step of the light-emitting element LD, a pair of adjacent alignment electrodes AE may receive different signals. For example, in the case where the first alignment electrode AE1 and the second alignment electrode AE2 are alternately arranged, the first alignment electrode AE1 and the second alignment electrode AE2 may receive different alignment signals. Refer to Figure 11 、 Figure 13 、 Figure 15 、 Figure 17 、 etc. for the description of the step of aligning the light-emitting element LD using the alignment electrode AE.

[0078] The alignment electrode AE may be electrically connected to the alignment line AL. The alignment line AL may supply an alignment signal to the alignment electrode AE. The first alignment line AL1 may be electrically connected to the first alignment electrode AE1, and the second alignment line AL2 may be electrically connected to the second alignment electrode AE2.

[0079] The alignment line AL may be disposed around the emission area EMA. For example, the alignment line AL may be disposed in the display area DA and between the emission areas EMA (or pixels PXL). The alignment line AL may extend in the second direction DR2 and may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1.

[0080] The auxiliary electrode SE may extend in one direction while intersecting the pixel PXL. For example, as Figure 4As shown, the auxiliary electrodes SE can extend in the second direction DR2 and can be spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1. Each of the first auxiliary electrode SE1 and the second auxiliary electrode SE2 can extend in the second direction DR2 and can be alternately arranged in the first direction DR1.

[0081] According to an embodiment, as Figure 5 shown, the auxiliary electrodes SE can extend in a fourth direction DR4 that is a diagonal direction intersecting the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2, and can be spaced apart from each other in a fifth direction DR5 intersecting the fourth direction DR4. Each of the first auxiliary electrode SE1 and the second auxiliary electrode SE2 can extend in the fourth direction DR4 and can be alternately arranged in the fifth direction DR5.

[0082] In the step of aligning the light-emitting element LD, the auxiliary electrodes SE can receive an auxiliary signal. Thus, the light-emitting element LD can be arranged in a biased state between the auxiliary electrodes SE in the first direction DR1 (or the fifth direction DR5). During the biased alignment of the light-emitting element LD, a pair of adjacent auxiliary electrodes SE can receive different signals. For example, in the case where the first auxiliary electrode SE1 and the second auxiliary electrode SE2 are alternately arranged, the first auxiliary electrode SE1 and the second auxiliary electrode SE2 can receive different auxiliary signals. Refer to Figure 12 、 Figure 16 etc. for the description of the step of bias-aligning the light-emitting element LD using the auxiliary electrodes SE.

[0083] The auxiliary electrodes SE can be electrically connected to the auxiliary lines SL. The auxiliary lines SL can supply an auxiliary signal to the auxiliary electrodes SE. The first auxiliary line SL1 can be electrically connected to the first auxiliary electrode SE1, and the second auxiliary line SL2 can be electrically connected to the second auxiliary electrode SE2.

[0084] The auxiliary lines SL can be arranged in the non-display area NDA. The auxiliary lines SL can extend in the first direction DR1 and can be spaced apart from each other in the second direction DR2.

[0085] Each of the light-emitting elements LD can be aligned between a pair of alignment electrodes AE in the emission area EMA. The first end EP1 of the light-emitting element LD can be adjacent to the first alignment electrode AE1, and the second end EP2 of the light-emitting element LD can be adjacent to the second alignment electrode AE2. The first end EP1 of the light-emitting element LD can face the first alignment electrode AE1, and the second end EP2 of the light-emitting element LD can face the second alignment electrode AE2. The first end EP1 of the light-emitting element LD can overlap with the first alignment electrode AE1, and the second end EP2 of the light-emitting element LD can overlap with the second alignment electrode AE2. For example, the light-emitting element LD can be biased and aligned between the first alignment electrode AE1 and the second alignment electrode AE2.

[0086] Each of the light-emitting elements LD can be electrically connected between a pair of connection electrodes CE. As Figure 6 shown, the first light-emitting element LD1 can be electrically connected between the first connection electrode CE1 and the second connection electrode CE2. For example, the first end EP1 of the first light-emitting element LD1 can be electrically connected to the first connection electrode CE1, and the second end EP2 of the first light-emitting element LD1 can be electrically connected to the second connection electrode CE2.

[0087] The second light-emitting element LD2 can be electrically connected between the second connection electrode CE2 and the third connection electrode CE3. The first end EP1 of the second light-emitting element LD2 can be electrically connected to the second connection electrode CE2, and the second end EP2 of the second light-emitting element LD2 can be electrically connected to the third connection electrode CE3.

[0088] The first connection electrode CE1 can be disposed on the first end EP1 of the first light-emitting element LD1 and electrically connected to the first end EP1 of the first light-emitting element LD1.

[0089] The first region of the second connection electrode CE2 can be disposed on the second end EP2 of the first light-emitting element LD1 and electrically connected to the second end EP2 of the first light-emitting element LD1.

[0090] The second region of the second connection electrode CE2 can be disposed on the first end EP1 of the second light-emitting element LD2 and electrically connected to the first end EP1 of the second light-emitting element LD2.

[0091] The third region may be disposed between the first region and the second region of the second connection electrode CE2. The first region and the second region of the second connection electrode CE2 may be connected through the third region. Accordingly, the second connection electrode CE2 may electrically connect the second end EP2 of the first light-emitting element LD1 and the first end EP1 of the second light-emitting element LD2. The first region to the third region of the second connection electrode CE2 may be integrally disposed. For example, the first region to the third region of the second connection electrode CE2 may be formed simultaneously in the same process.

[0092] The third connection electrode CE3 may be disposed on the second end EP2 of the second light-emitting element LD2 and electrically connected to the second end EP2 of the second light-emitting element LD2.

[0093] The first connection electrode CE1, the second connection electrode CE2, and the third connection electrode CE3 may be formed of the same conductive layer. According to an embodiment, the first connection electrode CE1, the second connection electrode CE2, and the third connection electrode CE3 may be formed of a plurality of conductive layers. For example, the first connection electrode CE1 and the third connection electrode CE3 may be formed of a first conductive layer, and the second connection electrode CE2 may be formed of a second conductive layer different from the first conductive layer.

[0094] According to an embodiment, as Figure 7 shown, the first light-emitting element LD1 may be electrically connected between the first connection electrode CE1 and the second connection electrode CE2. For example, the first end EP1 of the first light-emitting element LD1 may be electrically connected to the first connection electrode CE1, and the second end EP2 of the first light-emitting element LD1 may be electrically connected to the second connection electrode CE2.

[0095] The second light-emitting element LD2 may be electrically connected between the second connection electrode CE2 and the third connection electrode CE3. The first end EP1 of the second light-emitting element LD2 may be electrically connected to the second connection electrode CE2, and the second end EP2 of the second light-emitting element LD2 may be electrically connected to the third connection electrode CE3.

[0096] The third light-emitting element LD3 may be electrically connected between the third connection electrode CE3 and the fourth connection electrode CE4. The first end EP1 of the third light-emitting element LD3 may be electrically connected to the third connection electrode CE3, and the second end EP2 of the third light-emitting element LD3 may be electrically connected to the fourth connection electrode CE4.

[0097] The fourth light-emitting element LD4 may be electrically connected between the fourth connection electrode CE4 and the fifth connection electrode CE5. The first end EP1 of the fourth light-emitting element LD4 may be electrically connected to the fourth connection electrode CE4, and the second end EP2 of the fourth light-emitting element LD4 may be electrically connected to the fifth connection electrode CE5.

[0098] Each of the connection electrodes CE may be disposed at least in the emission region EMA, and may be disposed to overlap with at least one alignment electrode AE and / or light-emitting element LD. For example, each of the connection electrodes CE may be formed on the alignment electrode AE and / or light-emitting element LD to overlap with the alignment electrode AE and / or light-emitting element LD, and electrically connected to the light-emitting element LD.

[0099] The first connection electrode CE1 may be disposed on the first end EP1 of the first light-emitting element LD1 and electrically connected to the first end EP1 of the first light-emitting element LD1.

[0100] A first region of the second connection electrode CE2 may be disposed on the second end EP2 of the first light-emitting element LD1, and electrically connected to the second end EP2 of the first light-emitting element LD1.

[0101] A second region of the second connection electrode CE2 may be disposed on the first end EP1 of the second light-emitting element LD2, and electrically connected to the first end EP1 of the second light-emitting element LD2.

[0102] A third region may be disposed between the first region and the second region of the second connection electrode CE2. The first region and the second region of the second connection electrode CE2 may be connected through the third region. Thus, the second connection electrode CE2 may electrically connect the second end EP2 of the first light-emitting element LD1 and the first end EP1 of the second light-emitting element LD2. The first region to the third region of the second connection electrode CE2 may be integrally disposed. For example, the first region to the third region of the second connection electrode CE2 may be formed simultaneously in the same process.

[0103] A first region of the third connection electrode CE3 may be disposed on the second end EP2 of the second light-emitting element LD2, and electrically connected to the second end EP2 of the second light-emitting element LD2.

[0104] A second region of the third connection electrode CE3 may be disposed on the first end EP1 of the third light-emitting element LD3, and electrically connected to the first end EP1 of the third light-emitting element LD3.

[0105] A third region may be disposed between the first region and the second region of the third connection electrode CE3. The first region and the second region of the third connection electrode CE3 may be connected through the third region. Thus, the third connection electrode CE3 may electrically connect the second end EP2 of the second light-emitting element LD2 and the first end EP1 of the third light-emitting element LD3. The first region to the third region of the third connection electrode CE3 may be integrally disposed. For example, the first region to the third region of the third connection electrode CE3 may be formed simultaneously in the same process.

[0106] The first region of the fourth connection electrode CE4 may be disposed on the second end EP2 of the third light-emitting element LD3 and electrically connected to the second end EP2 of the third light-emitting element LD3.

[0107] The second region of the fourth connection electrode CE4 may be disposed on the first end EP1 of the fourth light-emitting element LD4 and electrically connected to the first end EP1 of the fourth light-emitting element LD4.

[0108] The third region may be disposed between the first region and the second region of the fourth connection electrode CE4. The first region and the second region of the fourth connection electrode CE4 may be connected through the third region. Accordingly, the fourth connection electrode CE4 may electrically connect the second end EP2 of the third light-emitting element LD3 and the first end EP1 of the fourth light-emitting element LD4. The first region to the third region of the fourth connection electrode CE4 may be integrally disposed. For example, the first region to the third region of the fourth connection electrode CE4 may be formed simultaneously in the same process.

[0109] The fifth connection electrode CE5 may be disposed on the second end EP2 of the fourth light-emitting element LD4 and electrically connected to the second end EP2 of the fourth light-emitting element LD4.

[0110] The first connection electrode CE1, the second connection electrode CE2, the third connection electrode CE3, the fourth connection electrode CE4, and the fifth connection electrode CE5 may be formed of the same conductive layer. According to an embodiment, the first connection electrode CE1, the second connection electrode CE2, the third connection electrode CE3, the fourth connection electrode CE4, and the fifth connection electrode CE5 may be formed of a plurality of conductive layers. For example, the first connection electrode CE1, the third connection electrode CE3, and / or the fifth connection electrode CE5 may be formed of a first conductive layer, and the second connection electrode CE2 and the fourth connection electrode CE4 may be formed of a second conductive layer different from the first conductive layer. An insulating layer may be disposed between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer.

[0111] As described above, in the case where the light-emitting elements LD are connected in a series / parallel structure, the power efficiency can be improved as compared with the case where the same number of light-emitting elements LD are only connected in parallel. In the pixel PXL in which the light-emitting elements LD are connected in a series / parallel structure, even if a short-circuit defect or the like occurs in a partial series stage, a predetermined or selected brightness can be presented by the light-emitting elements LD in the remaining series stages, and thus the possibility of a dark point defect in the pixel PXL can be reduced. However, the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto, and the light-emitting unit may be configured by only connecting the light-emitting elements LD in series, or the light-emitting unit may be configured by only connecting the light-emitting elements LD in parallel.

[0112] Hereinafter, Figure 8 the cross-sectional structure of the pixel PXL will be described in detail.Figure 8 Schematically shows a cross-sectional structure of a pixel circuit layer PCL and a display element layer DPL according to an embodiment. In Figure 8 , one pixel PXL is simplified, such as showing each electrode as a single-layer electrode and each insulating layer as only a single-layer insulating layer, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0113] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, "connection" between two configurations may mean including the use of both electrical connection and physical connection.

[0114] Referring to Figure 8 , each pixel PXL may include a pixel circuit layer PCL and a display element layer DPL provided on a substrate SUB.

[0115] The pixel circuit layer PCL may include a buffer layer BFL, a transistor T, and a protective layer PSV.

[0116] The buffer layer BFL may be provided and / or formed on the substrate SUB, and may prevent impurities from diffusing into the transistor T. The buffer layer BFL may be an inorganic insulating layer including an inorganic material. The buffer layer BFL may include silicon nitride (SiN x ), silicon oxide (SiO x ), silicon oxynitride (SiO x N y ), and at least one of metal oxides such as aluminum oxide (AlO x ). The buffer layer BFL may be provided as a single layer, or may be provided as a multi-layer of at least two layers. In the case where the buffer layer BFL is provided as a multi-layer, each layer may be formed of the same material or different materials. Depending on the material of the substrate SUB, process conditions, etc., the buffer layer BFL may be omitted.

[0117] The transistor T may be a driving transistor that controls the driving current supplied to the light-emitting element LD. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the transistor T may be a switching transistor that transmits a signal to the driving transistor or performs another function other than the driving transistor.

[0118] The transistor T may include a semiconductor pattern SCL, a gate electrode GE, a first terminal TE1, and a second terminal TE2. The first terminal TE1 may be one of a source electrode and a drain electrode, and the second terminal TE2 may be the other electrode. For example, in the case where the first terminal TE1 is a source electrode, the second terminal TE2 may be a drain electrode.

[0119] The semiconductor pattern SCL may be provided and / or formed on the buffer layer BFL. The semiconductor pattern SCL may include a first contact region in contact with the first terminal TE1 and a second contact region in contact with the second terminal TE2. The region between the first contact region and the second contact region may be a channel region. The channel region may overlap with the gate electrode GE of the corresponding transistor T. The semiconductor pattern SCL may be a semiconductor pattern formed of amorphous silicon, polycrystalline silicon, low-temperature polycrystalline silicon, oxide semiconductor, organic semiconductor, etc. The channel region is, for example, a semiconductor pattern not doped with impurities and may be an intrinsic semiconductor. The first contact region and the second contact region may be semiconductor patterns doped with impurities.

[0120] The gate electrode GE may be provided and / or formed on the gate insulating layer GI to correspond to the channel region of the semiconductor pattern SCL. The gate electrode GE may be provided on the gate insulating layer GI and may overlap with the channel region of the semiconductor pattern SCL. The gate electrode GE may be formed as a single layer of a material selected from the group consisting of copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W), aluminum neodymium (AlNd), titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), and alloys thereof (either alone or a mixture thereof), or may be formed as at least a bilayer structure of molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), or silver (Ag) as low-resistance materials to reduce the line resistance.

[0121] The gate insulating layer GI may be an inorganic insulating layer including an inorganic material. For example, the gate insulating layer GI may include silicon nitride (SiN x ), silicon oxide (SiO x ), silicon oxynitride (SiO x N y ), and at least one of metal oxides such as aluminum oxide (AlO x ). However, the material of the gate insulating layer GI is not limited to the above embodiments, and according to the embodiments, various materials providing insulation for the gate insulating layer GI may be applied. For example, the gate insulating layer GI may be formed of an organic insulating layer including an organic material. The gate insulating layer GI may be provided as a single layer, but may also be provided as a multilayer of at least a bilayer.

[0122] Each of the first terminal TE1 and the second terminal TE2 may be provided and / or formed on the second interlayer insulating layer ILD2, and may be in contact with the first contact region and the second contact region of the semiconductor pattern SCL through contact holes sequentially passing through the gate insulating layer GI and the first interlayer insulating layer ILD1 and the second interlayer insulating layer ILD2. For example, the first terminal TE1 may be in contact with the first contact region of the semiconductor pattern SCL, and the second terminal TE2 may be in contact with the second contact region of the semiconductor pattern SCL. Each of the first terminal TE1 and the second terminal TE2 may include the same material as the gate electrode GE, or may include one or more materials selected from the materials discussed as the constituent materials of the gate electrode GE.

[0123] The first interlayer insulating layer ILD1 may include the same material as the gate insulating layer GI, or may include one or more materials selected from the materials discussed as the constituent materials of the gate insulating layer GI.

[0124] The second interlayer insulating layer ILD2 may be provided and / or formed on the first interlayer insulating layer ILD1. The second interlayer insulating layer ILD2 may be an inorganic insulating layer including an inorganic material or an organic insulating layer including an organic material. According to an embodiment, the second interlayer insulating layer ILD2 may include the same material as the first interlayer insulating layer ILD1, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The second interlayer insulating layer ILD2 may be provided as a single layer, or may be provided as a multi-layer of at least two layers. According to an embodiment, the second interlayer insulating layer ILD2 may be omitted.

[0125] In the above embodiment, the first terminal TE1 and the second terminal TE2 of the transistor T are separate electrodes electrically connected to the semiconductor pattern SCL through contact holes sequentially passing through the gate insulating layer GI and the first interlayer insulating layer ILD1 and the second interlayer insulating layer ILD2, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. According to an embodiment, the first terminal TE1 of the transistor T may be the first contact region adjacent to the channel region of the semiconductor pattern SCL, and the second terminal TE2 of the transistor T may be the second contact region adjacent to the channel region of the semiconductor pattern SCL. The second terminal TE2 of the transistor T may be electrically connected to the light-emitting element LD of the pixel PXL through a separate connection such as a bridging electrode.

[0126] The transistor T may be configured by a low-temperature polysilicon thin-film transistor (LTPS TFT), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. According to an embodiment, the transistor T may be configured by an oxide semiconductor thin-film transistor. Although the case where the transistor T is a thin-film transistor of a top-gate structure is described as an example in the above embodiment, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the transistor T may be variously changed. For example, the transistor T may be a thin-film transistor having a bottom-gate structure.

[0127] The pixel circuit layer PCL may further include a storage capacitor that stores the voltage applied between the gate electrode of the transistor T and the first terminal TE1 (or the source electrode), a driving voltage line that supplies a driving voltage to the transistor T (or the pixel PXL), and the like.

[0128] The protective layer PSV may be provided and / or formed on the transistor T. The protective layer PSV may be provided in the form of including an organic insulating layer, an inorganic insulating layer, or an organic insulating layer provided on the inorganic insulating layer. The inorganic insulating layer may include, for example, at least one of silicon oxide (SiO x ), silicon nitride (SiN x ), silicon oxynitride (SiO x N y ), and metal oxides such as aluminum oxide (AlO x ). The organic insulating layer may include, for example, at least one of acrylic resin (polyacrylate resin), epoxy resin, phenolic resin, polyamide resin, polyimide resin, unsaturated polyester resin, polyphenylene ether resin, polyphenylene sulfide resin, and benzocyclobutene resin.

[0129] The display element layer DPL may be provided on the protective layer PSV. The display element layer DPL may include an auxiliary electrode SE, a bank pattern BNP, an alignment electrode AE, a light-emitting element LD, and / or a connection electrode CE. The display element layer DPL may include a first insulating layer INS1, a second insulating layer INS2, a third insulating layer INS3, and a fourth insulating layer INS4.

[0130] The auxiliary electrode SE may be provided on the protective layer PSV of the pixel circuit layer PCL. The auxiliary electrode SE may be used as an auxiliary alignment electrode for biasing the alignment of the light-emitting element LD by receiving an auxiliary signal. For example, the first auxiliary electrode SE1 may be used as the first auxiliary electrode by receiving the first auxiliary signal, and the second auxiliary electrode SE2 may be used as the second auxiliary electrode by receiving the second auxiliary signal. After the light-emitting element LD is biased and aligned in the pixel PXL, the auxiliary electrode SE may be floating, but is not necessarily limited thereto. Refer to Figure 12 and Figure 16 for a description of the steps of biasing and aligning the light-emitting element LD using the auxiliary electrode SE.

[0131] The auxiliary electrode SE can be formed of a reflective material to guide the light emitted from the light-emitting element LD in the image display direction of the display panel PNL. The auxiliary electrode SE can be formed of a reflective conductive material. The conductive material can include an opaque metal that is conducive to reflecting the light emitted from the light-emitting element LD in the image display direction of the display panel PNL. The opaque metal can include, for example, metals such as silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), and their alloys. According to an embodiment, the auxiliary electrode SE can include a transparent conductive material. The transparent conductive material can include a conductive oxide, such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO), or indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO). In the case where the auxiliary electrode SE includes a transparent conductive material, a separate conductive layer formed of an opaque metal can be added to reflect the light emitted from the light-emitting element LD in the image display direction of the display panel PNL. However, the material of each of the auxiliary electrodes SE is not limited to the above materials.

[0132] The auxiliary electrode SE can be provided and / or formed as a single layer, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. According to an embodiment, the auxiliary electrode SE can be provided and / or formed as a multilayer in which at least two materials among a metal, an alloy, a conductive oxide, and a conductive polymer are stacked on each other.

[0133] The first insulating layer INS1 can be provided on the auxiliary electrode SE. The first insulating layer INS1 can include an inorganic insulating layer formed of an inorganic material or an organic insulating layer formed of an organic material. For example, the first insulating layer INS1 can include silicon nitride (SiN x ), silicon oxide (SiO x ), silicon oxynitride (SiO x N y ), and at least one of metal oxides such as aluminum oxide (AlO x ), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0134] The bank pattern BNP can be provided on the first insulating layer INS1. The bank pattern BNP can be located in the emission area EMA of Figure 4 , and can be provided to be spaced apart from each other. The bank pattern BNP can change the surface profile (or shape) in the third direction DR3 of each of the alignment electrodes AE. For example, the bank pattern BNP can be a support member that supports each of the alignment electrodes AE to guide the light emitted from the light-emitting element LD in the image display direction (e.g., the front surface direction) of the display panel PNL. For example, the bank pattern BNP can be provided and / or formed between the protective layer PSV and the corresponding electrode in the emission area EMA of the corresponding pixel PXL.

[0135] The bank pattern BNP may be an inorganic insulating layer including an inorganic material or an organic insulating layer including an organic material. According to an embodiment, the bank pattern BNP may include a single-layer organic insulating layer and / or a single-layer inorganic insulating layer, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. According to an embodiment, the bank pattern BNP may be provided in a multi-layer form in which at least one organic insulating layer and at least one inorganic insulating layer are stacked on each other. However, the material of the bank pattern BNP is not limited to the above embodiments.

[0136] The bank pattern BNP may have a trapezoidal cross-section whose width narrows upward along the third direction DR3, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. According to an embodiment, the bank pattern BNP may include a curved surface having a cross-section such as a semi-elliptical shape, a semi-circular shape (or a hemispherical shape), etc., whose width narrows upward along the third direction DR3. The cross-sectional shape of the bank pattern BNP is not limited to the above embodiments and may be variously changed within a range capable of improving the efficiency of light emitted from each of the light-emitting elements LD.

[0137] In the above embodiment, the case where the bank pattern BNP is provided as a separate layer on the first insulating layer INS1 is an example, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. According to an embodiment, the bank pattern BNP and the first insulating layer INS1 may be formed by the same process using a halftone mask.

[0138] The alignment electrode AE may be provided on the bank pattern BNP. Each of the alignment electrodes AE may be formed of a reflective material to allow the light emitted from the light-emitting element LD to advance in the image display direction of the display panel PNL. Each of the alignment electrodes AE may be formed of a reflective conductive material. The conductive material may include an opaque metal that is advantageous for reflecting the light emitted from the light-emitting element LD in the image display direction of the display panel PNL. The opaque metal may include, for example, metals such as silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti) and their alloys. According to an embodiment, each of the alignment electrodes AE may include a transparent conductive material. The transparent conductive material may include conductive oxides such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) and / or indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO).

[0139] In the case where each of the alignment electrodes AE includes a transparent conductive material, a separate conductive layer formed of an opaque metal may be added to reflect the light emitted from the light-emitting element LD in the image display direction of the display panel PNL. However, the material of each of the alignment electrodes AE is not limited to the above materials.

[0140] Each of the alignment electrodes AE may be provided and / or formed as a single layer, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. According to an embodiment, each of the alignment electrodes AE may be provided and / or formed as a multi-layer in which at least two materials among metals, alloys, conductive oxides, and conductive polymers are stacked on each other. Each of the alignment electrodes AE may be formed as a multi-layer of at least two layers to minimize distortion caused by signal delay in the case where a signal (or voltage) is transmitted to both ends of each of the light-emitting elements LD. For example, each of the alignment electrodes AE may be formed as a multi-layer in which indium tin oxide (ITO) / silver (Ag) / indium tin oxide (ITO) are sequentially stacked on each other.

[0141] According to an embodiment, the first alignment electrode AE1 may be electrically connected to the above-described transistor T, and the second alignment electrode AE2 may be electrically connected to the driving voltage line of the pixel circuit layer PCL, but the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0142] Each of the first alignment electrode AE1 and the second alignment electrode AE2 may be used as an electrode for aligning the light-emitting element LD by receiving an alignment signal. For example, the first alignment electrode AE1 may receive a first alignment signal, and the second alignment electrode AE2 may receive a second alignment signal. After the light-emitting element LD is aligned, the first alignment electrode AE1 and the second alignment electrode AE2 may be used as driving electrodes for driving the light-emitting element LD. For example, after the light-emitting element LD is aligned in the pixel PXL, some of the alignment electrodes AE located between adjacent pixels PXL may be removed to drive the pixel PXL individually (or independently), but the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0143] Figure 8 An embodiment in which the alignment electrode AE is formed on the auxiliary electrode SE is shown, but the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto. According to an embodiment, the alignment electrode AE may be provided on the pixel circuit layer PCL, the first insulating layer INS1 may be provided on the alignment electrode AE, and the auxiliary electrode SE may be provided on the first insulating layer INS1.

[0144] The second insulating layer INS2 may be provided on the alignment electrode AE. The second insulating layer INS2 may include an inorganic insulating layer formed of an inorganic material or an organic insulating layer formed of an organic material. The second insulating layer INS2 may be formed of an inorganic insulating layer that is advantageous for protecting the light-emitting element LD from the pixel circuit layer PCL of the pixel PXL. For example, the second insulating layer INS2 may include silicon nitride (SiN x ), silicon oxide (SiO x ), silicon oxynitride (SiO x N y ), and alumina (AlO x) or at least one of the metal oxides, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. According to an embodiment, the second insulating layer INS2 may be formed of an organic insulating layer to planarize the support surface of the light-emitting element LD.

[0145] The light-emitting element LD may be disposed on the second insulating layer INS2. The light-emitting element LD may be disposed between the alignment electrodes AE between the bank patterns BNP.

[0146] At least two to several tens of light-emitting elements LD may be aligned and / or disposed in the emission area EMA, but the number of light-emitting elements LD aligned and / or disposed in the emission area EMA is not limited thereto. According to an embodiment, the number of light-emitting elements LD aligned and / or disposed in the emission area EMA may vary in various ways.

[0147] Each of the light-emitting elements LD may emit light of any color and / or white light. In an embodiment, each of the light-emitting elements LD may emit blue light in a short wavelength range, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0148] The third insulating layer INS3 may be disposed on the light-emitting element LD. The third insulating layer INS3 may be partially disposed on the light-emitting element LD and may expose the first end EP1 and the second end EP2 of the light-emitting element LD.

[0149] The third insulating layer INS3 may be configured as a single layer or multiple layers and may include an inorganic insulating layer containing at least one inorganic material or an organic insulating layer containing at least one organic material. According to an embodiment, the third insulating layer INS3 may be formed of an inorganic insulating layer including an inorganic material or an organic insulating layer including an organic material. By forming the third insulating layer INS3 on the light-emitting element LD after aligning the light-emitting element LD in the pixel PXL, separation of the light-emitting element LD from the alignment position can be prevented.

[0150] The connection electrode CE may be disposed on the light-emitting element LD and the third insulating layer INS3. The first connection electrode CE1 may be disposed on the first end EP1 of the light-emitting element LD exposed by the third insulating layer INS3. The first connection electrode CE1 may contact the first end EP1 of the light-emitting element LD. The second connection electrode CE2 may be disposed on the second end EP2 of the light-emitting element LD exposed by the third insulating layer INS3. The second connection electrode CE2 may contact the second end EP2 of the light-emitting element LD.

[0151] The connection electrode CE can be formed of various transparent conductive materials to allow the light emitted from the light-emitting element LD and reflected by the alignment electrode AE to travel without loss in the image display direction of the display panel PNL. For example, the connection electrode CE can include at least one of various transparent conductive materials (or substances), the transparent conductive materials including indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO), and indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO), and the connection electrode CE can be configured to be substantially transparent or translucent to meet the light transmittance (or transmittance). However, the material of the connection electrode CE is not limited to the above embodiments. According to an embodiment, the connection electrode CE can be formed of various opaque conductive materials (or substances). The connection electrode CE can be formed of a single layer or multiple layers.

[0152] The shape of the connection electrode CE is not limited to a specific shape and can be variously changed within the range where the connection electrode CE is stably electrically connected to the light-emitting element LD. Considering the connection relationship with the electrode disposed thereunder, the shape of the connection electrode CE can be variously changed.

[0153] The connection electrode CE can be disposed on the same layer as each other, but is not necessarily limited thereto. According to an embodiment, the connection electrode CE can be formed of multiple conductive layers, and an insulating layer can be disposed between the multiple conductive layers.

[0154] The fourth insulating layer INS4 can be disposed and / or formed on the connection electrode CE. The fourth insulating layer INS4 can be an inorganic insulating layer including an inorganic material or an organic insulating layer including an organic material. For example, the fourth insulating layer INS4 can have a structure in which at least one inorganic insulating layer or at least one organic insulating layer is alternately stacked. The fourth insulating layer INS4 can completely cover the display element layer DPL to block water, moisture, etc. from entering the display element layer DPL including the light-emitting element LD from the outside.

[0155] Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a display panel according to an embodiment. In Figure 9 it shows the display panel PNL based on the display area DA.

[0156] Refer to Figure 9, the substrate SUB may include a first pixel PXL1, a second pixel PXL2, and a third pixel PXL3. According to an embodiment, the first pixel PXL1, the second pixel PXL2, and the third pixel PXL3 may emit light of different colors. For example, the first pixel PXL1 may be a red pixel that emits red light, the second pixel PXL2 may be a green pixel that emits green light, and the third pixel PXL3 may be a blue pixel that emits blue light. However, the color, type, number, etc. of the pixels PXL are not particularly limited, and for example, the color of the light emitted by each of the pixels PXL may be variously changed. According to an embodiment, the first pixel PXL1, the second pixel PXL2, and the third pixel PXL3 may emit light of the same color. For example, each of the first pixel PXL1, the second pixel PXL2, and the third pixel PXL3 may be a blue pixel that emits blue light.

[0157] The pixel circuit layer PCL and the display element layer DPL may be disposed on the substrate SUB. For ease of description, the pixel circuit layer PCL is shown together with the substrate SUB, but as described with reference to Figure 8 the pixel circuit layer PCL may be disposed between the substrate SUB and the display element layer DPL.

[0158] The display element layer DPL may include a light-emitting element LD disposed in each emission area EMA. The light-emitting element LD may be configured by an inorganic light-emitting diode such as a quantum dot light-emitting diode or an organic light-emitting diode. In an embodiment, the light-emitting element LD may be an ultra-small light-emitting diode using a material having an inorganic crystal structure (e.g., having a size as small as nanometers to micrometers). The light-emitting element LD may be connected in parallel and / or in series with the light-emitting elements LD disposed adjacent to each other in each pixel PXL, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The light-emitting element LD may configure the light source of each pixel PXL. In other words, each pixel PXL may include at least one light-emitting element LD driven by a signal (e.g., a scan signal and a data signal) and / or power (e.g., a first driving power and a second driving power).

[0159] The light conversion pattern layer LCPL may include a color conversion layer CCL, an insulating layer INS0 (or a refractive index conversion layer), a color filter layer CFL (or a color filter CF), and an outer coating OC.

[0160] The color conversion layer CCL may include a bank BANK and a first color conversion pattern CCL1, a second color conversion pattern CCL2, and a third color conversion pattern CCL3 (or a first color conversion layer to a third color conversion layer).

[0161] The bank can be provided on the display element layer DPL. The bank can be located in the non-emission area NEA of the first pixel PXL1, the second pixel PXL2, and the third pixel PXL3. The bank can be formed between the first pixel PXL1, the second pixel PXL2, and the third pixel PXL3 to surround each emission area EMA, and can define the emission area EMA of each of the first pixel PXL1, the second pixel PXL2, and the third pixel PXL3. The bank can prevent the solution for forming the first color conversion pattern CCL1, the second color conversion pattern CCL2, and the third color conversion pattern CCL3 in the emission area EMA from flowing into the emission area EMA of adjacent pixels PXL, or the bank can be used as a dam structure that controls a predetermined or selected amount of solution to be provided to each emission area EMA.

[0162] An opening exposing the display element layer DPL can be formed in the bank corresponding to the emission area EMA. The first color conversion pattern CCL1, the second color conversion pattern CCL2, and the third color conversion pattern CCL3 can be provided in each opening of the bank.

[0163] The first color conversion pattern CCL1, the second color conversion pattern CCL2, and the third color conversion pattern CCL3 can include a base resin BR, color conversion particles QD, and light scattering particles SCT. The base resin BR can have a high light transmittance and excellent dispersion characteristics for the color conversion particles QD. For example, the base resin BR can include an organic material such as an epoxy-based resin, an acrylic-based resin, a cardo-based resin, and / or an imide-based resin.

[0164] The color conversion particles QD can convert light of one color emitted from the light-emitting element LD into light of a specific color. For example, in the case where the first pixel PXL1 is a red pixel, the first color conversion layer CCL1 can include the first color conversion particles QD1 of red quantum dots that convert the light emitted from the light-emitting element LD into red light. As another example, in the case where the second pixel PXL2 is a green pixel, the second color conversion layer CCL2 can include the second color conversion particles QD2 of green quantum dots that convert the light emitted from the light-emitting element LD into green light. As yet another example, in the case where the third pixel PXL3 is a blue pixel, the third color conversion layer CCL3 can include the third color conversion particles QD3 of blue quantum dots that convert the light emitted from the light-emitting element LD into blue light. According to an embodiment, in the case where the light-emitting element LD emits blue light, the third color conversion layer CCL3 may not include the third color conversion particles QD3.

[0165] The light-scattering particles SCT may have a refractive index different from that of the base resin BR and form an optical interface with the base resin BR. The light-scattering particles SCT may be metal oxide particles or organic particles. According to an embodiment, the light-scattering particles SCT may be omitted.

[0166] The insulating layer INS0 may be provided on the color conversion layer CCL. The insulating layer INS0 may be entirely provided on the substrate SUB to cover the color conversion layer CCL (e.g., the bank BANK and the first color conversion pattern CCL1, the second color conversion pattern CCL2, and the third color conversion pattern CCL3).

[0167] The insulating layer INS0 may include at least three insulating layers, and the refractive index difference between the three insulating layers (or total reflection due to the refractive index difference) may be used to recycle the light emitted from the color conversion layer CCL (e.g., the light traveling in an inclined direction). For example, the light totally reflected by the insulating layer INS0 may be reflected again in the third direction DR3 through the display element layer DPL (or an electrode included in the display element layer DPL and having a specific reflectivity), or may be scattered in the third direction DR3 through the color conversion layer CCL (e.g., the light-scattering particles SCT). Therefore, the efficiency of the light finally emitted from the pixel PXL through the insulating layer INS0 (external quantum efficiency or light output efficiency) or the emission luminance of the pixel PXL can be improved.

[0168] In an embodiment, the insulating layer INS0 may include a first inorganic layer IOL1 (or a first dense film), a second inorganic layer IOL2 (or a low refractive index film), and a third inorganic layer IOL3 (or a second dense film) that are sequentially stacked on each other on the color conversion layer CCL.

[0169] The first inorganic layer IOL1 may be provided on the color conversion layer CCL and may prevent moisture (or a solution used in a subsequent process) from penetrating into the color conversion layer CCL thereunder. The second inorganic layer IOL2 may be provided on the first inorganic layer IOL1 and may totally reflect the light emitted from the color conversion layer CCL (e.g., the light traveling in an inclined direction) using the refractive index difference from the first inorganic layer IOL1. The third inorganic layer IOL3 may be provided on the second inorganic layer IOL2 and may improve the adhesion between the second inorganic layer IOL2 and the color filter layer CFL thereabove.

[0170] The color filter layer CFL may be disposed on the insulating layer INS0. The color filter layer CFL may include a color filter material that selectively transmits light of a specific color converted by the color conversion layer CCL. The color filter layer CFL may include a red color filter, a green color filter, and a blue color filter. For example, in the case where the first pixel PXL1 is a red pixel, a first color filter CF1 that transmits red light may be disposed in the first pixel PXL1. In the case where the second pixel PXL2 is a green pixel, a second color filter CF2 that transmits green light may be disposed in the second pixel PXL2. In the case where the third pixel PXL3 is a blue pixel, a third color filter CF3 that transmits blue light may be disposed in the third pixel PXL3.

[0171] The outer coating OC may be disposed on the color filter layer CFL. The outer coating OC may be entirely disposed on the substrate SUB to cover the underlying configuration and may encapsulate the display area DA of the display panel PNL.

[0172] A method of manufacturing a display device according to the above-described embodiment will now be described.

[0173] Figures 10 to 13 is a schematic plan view of each process step of a method of manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment. Figures 10 to 13 Based on Figure 4 the first alignment electrode AE1, the second alignment electrode AE2, the first auxiliary electrode SE1, and the second auxiliary electrode SE2 schematically show a planar structure. Hereinafter, configurations that are substantially the same as those in Figure 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0174] Referring to Figure 10 , first, the alignment electrodes AE1 and AE2 and the auxiliary electrodes SE1 and SE2 may be disposed in the pixel PXL. The alignment electrodes AE1 and AE2 may extend in a first direction DR1 and may be spaced apart from each other in a second direction DR2. The auxiliary electrodes SE1 and SE2 may extend in the second direction DR2 and may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1. The alignment electrodes AE1 and AE2 and the auxiliary electrodes SE1 and SE2 may be formed of different conductive layers, and a first insulating layer INS1 may be disposed between the alignment electrodes AE1 and AE2 and the auxiliary electrodes SE1 and SE2.

[0175] In an embodiment, the distance D1 in the second direction DR2 between the first alignment electrode AE1 and the second alignment electrode AE2 may be less than the distance D2 in the first direction DR1 between the first auxiliary electrode SE1 and the second auxiliary electrode SE2, but is not necessarily limited thereto. In an embodiment, the first direction DR1 may be perpendicular to the second direction DR2, but is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0176] Subsequently, a light-emitting element LD can be provided in the pixel PXL. The light-emitting element LD can be prepared in a form dispersed in a light-emitting element ink and provided by an inkjet printing method or the like. For example, the light-emitting element LD can be provided by being dispersed in a volatile solvent.

[0177] Reference Figure 11 , Subsequently, the light-emitting element LD can be aligned for the first time. An alignment signal can be applied to the alignment electrodes AE1 and AE2 to align the light-emitting element LD for the first time. When the alignment signal is applied to the alignment electrodes AE1 and AE2, an electric field can be formed between the alignment electrodes AE1 and AE2, and thus the light-emitting element LD can move to the space between the alignment electrodes AE1 and AE2 and can be aligned.

[0178] The light-emitting element LD can be aligned for the first time in the first alignment direction between the alignment electrodes AE1 and AE2. In the process of aligning the light-emitting element LD for the first time, the directions of the first end EP1 and the second end EP2 of the light-emitting element LD can be randomly aligned. For example, the directions of the first end EP1 and the second end EP2 of each of the light-emitting elements LD can be different from each other. For example, the first end EP1 of the first light-emitting element LDa can face the first alignment electrode AE1, and the second end EP2 of the first light-emitting element LDa can face the second alignment electrode AE2. The first end EP1 of the second light-emitting element LDb can face the second alignment electrode AE2, and the second end EP2 of the second light-emitting element LDb can face the first alignment electrode AE1.

[0179] Reference Figure 12 , Subsequently, the light-emitting element LD can be aligned for the second time. An auxiliary signal can be applied to the auxiliary electrodes SE1 and SE2 to align the light-emitting element LD for the second time. When the auxiliary signal is applied to the auxiliary electrodes SE1 and SE2, an electric field can be formed between the auxiliary electrodes SE1 and SE2, and thus the light-emitting element LD can be biased and aligned between the auxiliary electrodes SE1 and SE2 by a rotational torque. In an embodiment, the light-emitting element LD can be aligned for the second time in the second alignment direction between the auxiliary electrodes SE1 and SE2. The second alignment direction can intersect the above-described first alignment direction. For example, the second alignment direction can be perpendicular to the first alignment direction. The second alignment direction can be a direction perpendicular to the second direction DR2 (or the first direction DR1), but is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0180] In the case of the second alignment of the light-emitting element LD, the light-emitting element LD can be arranged in the second alignment direction and offset-aligned. For example, the directions of the first end EP1 and the second end EP2 of each of the light-emitting elements LD can be the same as each other. For example, the first end EP1 of the first light-emitting element LDa can face the first auxiliary electrode SE1, and the second end EP2 of the first light-emitting element LDa can face the second auxiliary electrode SE2. The first end EP1 of the second light-emitting element LDb can face the first auxiliary electrode SE1, and the second end EP2 of the second light-emitting element LDb can face the second auxiliary electrode SE2.

[0181] Reference Figure 13 , subsequently, the light-emitting element LD can be aligned for the third time. An alignment signal can be applied to the alignment electrodes AE1 and AE2 to align the light-emitting element LD for the third time. In the case where the alignment signal is applied to the alignment electrodes AE1 and AE2, an electric field can be formed between the alignment electrodes AE1 and AE2, and thus the light-emitting element LD can be aligned in the first alignment direction between the alignment electrodes AE1 and AE2 in an offset-aligned state. For example, the directions of the first end EP1 and the second end EP2 of each of the light-emitting elements LD can be the same as each other. For example, the first end EP1 of the first light-emitting element LDa can face the first alignment electrode AE1, and the second end EP2 of the first light-emitting element LDa can face the second alignment electrode AE2. The first end EP1 of the second light-emitting element LDb can face the first alignment electrode AE1, and the second end EP2 of the second light-emitting element LDb can face the second alignment electrode AE2.

[0182] According to an embodiment, the first alignment step to the third alignment step can be repeated according to the alignment degree of the light-emitting element LD. Subsequently, the light-emitting element LD can be stably arranged by evaporating the solvent or removing the solvent in another method.

[0183] Subsequently, a display device can be completed by forming a connection electrode CE or the like on the light-emitting element LD Figure 3 . In the above method, after offset-aligning the light-emitting element LD using the auxiliary electrode SE, the light-emitting element LD is aligned in the first alignment direction using the alignment electrode AE, and all the light-emitting elements LD can be offset-aligned in the first alignment direction. For example, by precisely controlling the position and direction of the light-emitting element LD using the alignment electrode AE and the auxiliary electrode SE, the alignment degree of the light-emitting element LD can be improved.

[0184] Hereinafter, another embodiment is described. In the following embodiment, the same reference numerals denote the same configurations as the foregoing configurations, and repeated descriptions are omitted or simplified.

[0185] Figures 14 to 17It is a schematic plan view of each process step of a method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment. Figures 14 to 17 Based on Figure 5 the first alignment electrode AE1, the second alignment electrode AE2, the first auxiliary electrode SE1, and the second auxiliary electrode SE2 schematically show a planar structure. Hereinafter, a configuration substantially the same as the Figure 5 configuration is denoted by the same reference numerals, and its detailed description is omitted.

[0186] Referring to Figure 14 , first, the alignment electrodes AE1 and AE2 and the auxiliary electrodes SE1 and SE2 can be provided in the pixel PXL. The alignment electrodes AE1 and AE2 can extend in a first direction DR1 and can be spaced apart from each other in a second direction DR2. The auxiliary electrodes SE1 and SE2 can extend in a fourth direction DR4 which is a diagonal direction intersecting the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2, and can be spaced apart from each other in a fifth direction DR5 intersecting the fourth direction DR4.

[0187] In the embodiment, the distance D1 in the second direction DR2 between the first alignment electrode AE1 and the second alignment electrode AE2 can be less than the distance D2 in the fifth direction DR5 between the first auxiliary electrode SE1 and the second auxiliary electrode SE2, but is not necessarily limited thereto. In the embodiment, the first direction DR1 can be perpendicular to the second direction DR2, and the fourth direction DR4 can be perpendicular to the fifth direction DR5, but the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0188] Subsequently, a light-emitting element LD can be provided in the pixel PXL. The light-emitting element LD can be prepared in a form dispersed in a light-emitting element ink and provided by an inkjet printing method or the like. For example, the light-emitting element LD can be provided by being dispersed in a volatile solvent.

[0189] Referring to Figure 15 , subsequently, the light-emitting element LD can be aligned for the first time. When an alignment signal is applied to the alignment electrodes AE1 and AE2, an electric field can be formed between the alignment electrodes AE1 and AE2, and thus the light-emitting element LD can move to the space between the alignment electrodes AE1 and AE2 and can be aligned.

[0190] The light-emitting element LD can be initially aligned between the alignment electrodes AE1 and AE2 in a first alignment direction. In the process of initially aligning the light-emitting element LD, the directions of the first end EP1 and the second end EP2 of the light-emitting element LD can be randomly aligned. For example, the directions of the first end EP1 and the second end EP2 of each of the light-emitting elements LD can be different from each other. For example, the first end EP1 of the first light-emitting element LDa can face the first alignment electrode AE1, and the second end EP2 of the first light-emitting element LDa can face the second alignment electrode AE2. The first end EP1 of the second light-emitting element LDb can face the second alignment electrode AE2, and the second end EP2 of the second light-emitting element LDb can face the first alignment electrode AE1.

[0191] Reference Figure 16 , Subsequently, the light-emitting element LD can be aligned a second time. When an auxiliary signal is applied to the auxiliary electrodes SE1 and SE2, an electric field can be formed between the auxiliary electrodes SE1 and SE2, and thus the light-emitting element LD can be biased and aligned between the auxiliary electrodes SE1 and SE2 by a rotational torque. In an embodiment, the light-emitting element LD can be aligned a second time between the auxiliary electrodes SE1 and SE2 in a second alignment direction. The second alignment direction can intersect the above-mentioned first alignment direction. For example, the second alignment direction can be inclined with respect to the first alignment direction. The second alignment direction can be a direction perpendicular to the fourth direction DR4 (or the fifth direction DR5), but is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0192] When the light-emitting element LD is aligned a second time, the light-emitting element LD can be arranged in the second alignment direction and be biased and aligned. For example, the directions of the first end EP1 and the second end EP2 of each of the light-emitting elements LD can be the same as each other. For example, the first end EP1 of the first light-emitting element LDa can face the first auxiliary electrode SE1, and the second end EP2 of the first light-emitting element LDa can face the second auxiliary electrode SE2. The first end EP1 of the second light-emitting element LDb can face the first auxiliary electrode SE1, and the second end EP2 of the second light-emitting element LDb can face the second auxiliary electrode SE2.

[0193] Reference Figure 17, Subsequently, the light-emitting element LD can be aligned for the third time. When an alignment signal is applied to the alignment electrodes AE1 and AE2, an electric field can be formed between the alignment electrodes AE1 and AE2, and thus the light-emitting element LD can be aligned in the first alignment direction between the alignment electrodes AE1 and AE2 in a biased alignment state. For example, the directions of the first end EP1 and the second end EP2 of each of the light-emitting elements LD can be the same as each other. For example, the first end EP1 of the first light-emitting element LDa can face the first alignment electrode AE1, and the second end EP2 of the first light-emitting element LDa can face the second alignment electrode AE2. The first end EP1 of the second light-emitting element LDb can face the first alignment electrode AE1, and the second end EP2 of the second light-emitting element LDb can face the second alignment electrode AE2.

[0194] According to an embodiment, the first alignment step to the third alignment step can be repeated according to the alignment degree of the light-emitting element LD. Subsequently, the light-emitting element LD can be stably arranged by evaporating the solvent or removing the solvent in another method. Subsequently, a display device can be completed by forming a connection electrode CE or the like on the light-emitting element LD. In the above method, after the light-emitting element LD is biased and aligned using the auxiliary electrode SE, the light-emitting element LD is aligned in the first alignment direction using the alignment electrode AE, and all the light-emitting elements LD can be biased and aligned in the first alignment direction. For example, as described above, by precisely controlling the position and direction of the light-emitting element LD using the alignment electrode AE and the auxiliary electrode SE, the alignment degree of the light-emitting element LD can be improved.

[0195] Embodiments have been disclosed herein, and although terms are used, they are used and interpreted only in a general and descriptive sense and not for the purpose of limitation. In some cases, as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, unless otherwise specifically stated, the features, characteristics, and / or elements described in connection with an embodiment can be used alone or in combination with the features, characteristics, and / or elements described in connection with other embodiments. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that various changes can be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: Pixels, in the display area; A first alignment electrode and a second alignment electrode, spaced apart from each other in the pixel and extending in a first direction; A first auxiliary electrode and a second auxiliary electrode, intersecting with the pixel and extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction; And A light-emitting element, disposed between the first alignment electrode and the second alignment electrode, wherein, A first end face of the light-emitting element faces the first alignment electrode, and A second end face of the light-emitting element faces the second alignment electrode.

2. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: Auxiliary lines, extending in the first direction in a non-display area surrounding the display area.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein, The first auxiliary electrode and the second auxiliary electrode are electrically connected to the auxiliary lines.

4. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: Alignment lines, extending in the second direction between the pixels.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein, The first alignment electrode and the second alignment electrode are electrically connected to the alignment lines.

6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The first alignment electrode and the second alignment electrode are alternately arranged in the second direction.

7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The first auxiliary electrode and the second auxiliary electrode are alternately arranged in the first direction.

8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, A distance between the first alignment electrode and the second alignment electrode is less than a distance between the first auxiliary electrode and the second auxiliary electrode.

9. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: An insulating layer, disposed between the first auxiliary electrode and the second auxiliary electrode and the first alignment electrode and the second alignment electrode.

10. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: A connection electrode, disposed on the light-emitting element.

11. A method of manufacturing a display device, the method comprising: A first alignment electrode and a second alignment electrode are provided, and the first alignment electrode and the second alignment electrode are spaced apart from each other in a pixel provided in a display area; A light-emitting element is first aligned in a first alignment direction between the first alignment electrode and the second alignment electrode; A first auxiliary electrode and a second auxiliary electrode extending across the pixel are provided; The light-emitting element is second aligned in a second alignment direction intersecting the first alignment direction between the first auxiliary electrode and the second auxiliary electrode; And The light-emitting element is third aligned in the first alignment direction such that a first end face of the light-emitting element faces the first alignment electrode and a second end face of the light-emitting element faces the second alignment electrode.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The first alignment electrode and the second alignment electrode extend in a first direction.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The first alignment direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

14. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The first auxiliary electrode and the second auxiliary electrode extend in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein,The second direction is perpendicular to the second alignment direction.

16. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The first auxiliary electrode and the second auxiliary electrode extend in a second direction inclined with respect to the first direction.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein, The second direction is perpendicular to the second alignment direction.

18. The method according to claim 12, further comprising: Auxiliary lines are formed, extending in the first direction in a non-display area surrounding the display area and electrically connected to the first auxiliary electrode and the second auxiliary electrode.

19. The method according to claim 11, wherein, A distance between the first alignment electrode and the second alignment electrode is less than a distance between the first auxiliary electrode and the second auxiliary electrode.

20. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: A connection electrode is formed on the light-emitting element aligned for the third time.

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