Display device, method of manufacturing display device, and electronic device

Abstract

The invention relates to a display device, a method of manufacturing the display device, and an electronic device. The display device includes: a substrate; a first light emitting element disposed on the substrate; a second light emitting element disposed on the substrate and spaced apart from the first light emitting element; a pixel defining layer disposed on the substrate and at least partially defining regions corresponding to the first light emitting element and the second light emitting element; a first wavelength conversion layer disposed on the first light emitting element; a second wavelength conversion layer disposed on the second light emitting element; a first transparent bank pattern disposed on the pixel defining layer; and a reflective layer disposed on each of a first lateral side surface of the first transparent bank pattern, a bottom surface of the first transparent bank pattern facing the substrate, and a top surface of the first wavelength conversion layer opposite the substrate. The first transparent bank pattern is disposed between the first wavelength conversion layer and the second wavelength conversion layer.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This patent application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0034611 filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on March 12, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to a display device, a method of manufacturing a display device, and an electronic device. Background Art

[0004] With the development of multimedia, the importance of display devices is gradually increasing. In response, various display devices such as liquid crystal display (LCD) devices, organic light emitting diode (OLED) display devices, and other display devices are being developed.

[0005] Among display devices, self-luminous display devices include self-luminous elements, such as organic light-emitting elements. The self-luminous element may include two opposing electrodes and a light-emitting layer between (or disposed on) the two electrodes. In the case of an organic light-emitting element, electrons and holes provided from the two electrodes may recombine in the light-emitting layer to generate excitons, and as the excitons transition from an excited state to a ground state, the generated excitons may emit light.

[0006] A display device may include a color conversion element that receives light from an organic light-emitting element or the like to achieve or enhance one or more colors. For example, the color conversion element may receive blue light from the organic light-emitting element and emit blue, green, and / or red light, thereby allowing images with various colors to be perceived. The color conversion element may be provided on a separate substrate within the display device or may be directly integrated with components within the display device.

[0007] The background information provided herein is intended to generally present the context of the present disclosure. To the extent described in this background information section, the work of the presently designated inventors, and aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither explicitly nor implicitly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Aspects provide a display device having relatively low reflectivity of external light and increased visibility.

[0009] Additional aspects will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the disclosure, or may be learned by practice of the disclosed embodiments and / or claimed subject matter.

[0010] According to one aspect, a display device includes a substrate, a first light-emitting element, a second light-emitting element, a pixel-defining layer, a first wavelength conversion layer, a second wavelength conversion layer, a first transparent dam pattern, and a reflective layer. The first light-emitting element is disposed on the substrate. The second light-emitting element is disposed on the substrate and spaced apart from the first light-emitting element. The pixel-defining layer is disposed on the substrate and at least partially defines regions corresponding to the first and second light-emitting elements. The first wavelength conversion layer is disposed on the first light-emitting element. The second wavelength conversion layer is disposed on the second light-emitting element. The first transparent dam pattern is disposed on the pixel-defining layer. The first transparent dam pattern is disposed between the first and second wavelength conversion layers. The reflective layer is disposed on each of a first lateral side surface of the first transparent dam pattern, a bottom surface of the first transparent dam pattern facing the substrate, and a top surface of the first wavelength conversion layer facing away from the substrate.

[0011] In an embodiment, the first lateral side surface of the first transparent dam pattern may face the corresponding first lateral side surface of the first wavelength conversion layer, and the second lateral side surface of the first transparent dam pattern may be opposite to the first lateral side surface of the first transparent dam pattern, and the second lateral side surface of the first transparent dam pattern may face the corresponding second lateral side surface of the second wavelength conversion layer.

[0012] In an embodiment, a second lateral side surface of the first transparent bank pattern may directly contact a corresponding second lateral side surface of the second wavelength conversion layer.

[0013] In an embodiment, the display device may further include a light shielding layer disposed on the reflective layer.

[0014] In an embodiment, the light shielding layer may overlap with each of the first light emitting element, the second light emitting element, the first wavelength conversion layer, and the second wavelength conversion layer.

[0015] In an embodiment, a top surface of the light shielding layer and a top surface of the first transparent bank pattern may be coplanar with each other.

[0016] In an embodiment, the display device may further include a second transparent embankment pattern, a first color filter, and a second color filter. The second transparent embankment pattern may be disposed on the pixel defining layer and may be spaced apart from the first transparent embankment pattern. The first wavelength conversion layer may be disposed between the second transparent embankment pattern and the first transparent embankment pattern. The first color filter may be disposed on the second transparent embankment pattern and the first wavelength conversion layer. The second color filter may be disposed on each of the first transparent embankment pattern, the first wavelength conversion layer, and the second wavelength conversion layer.

[0017] In an embodiment, the first light emitting element may overlap with both the first color filter and the second color filter.

[0018] In an embodiment, the first color filter may overlap the entire top surface of the first transparent bank pattern, and the second color filter may overlap the entire top surface of the second transparent bank pattern.

[0019] In an embodiment, in a plane perpendicular to the substrate, the first transparent bank pattern may have a rectangular cross-sectional shape or a cross-sectional shape in which a first lateral side extends obliquely to the substrate.

[0020] In an embodiment, the display device may further include: a third light emitting element disposed on the substrate and spaced apart from both the first light emitting element and the second light emitting element; and a light-transmitting layer disposed on the third light emitting element.

[0021] In an embodiment, the first wavelength conversion layer may include a matrix resin and a first wavelength conversion shifter, the second wavelength conversion layer includes a matrix resin and a second wavelength conversion shifter different from the first wavelength conversion shifter, and the light transmitting layer may include a matrix resin.

[0022] According to one aspect, a display device includes a light-emitting structure, a light-transmitting structure, and a color filter structure. The light-emitting structure includes a first light-emitting region, a second light-emitting region, and a non-light-emitting region surrounding the first and second light-emitting regions in a view perpendicular to the light-emitting structure. The light-transmitting structure is disposed on the light-emitting structure and includes a first light-transmitting region, a second light-transmitting region, and a light-shielding region surrounding the first and second light-transmitting regions in a view. The color filter structure is disposed on the light-transmitting structure. The light-shielding region overlaps with the first and second light-emitting regions in a view, respectively. Both the first and second light-transmitting regions overlap with the non-light-emitting region in a view.

[0023] In an embodiment, the display device may be configured such that light emitted from the first light emitting area may pass through the first light-transmitting area, and light emitted from the second light emitting area may pass through the second light-transmitting area.

[0024] In an embodiment, the color filter structure may include a first color filter and a second color filter. The first color filter may overlap with a first portion of the first light-transmitting area and a first portion of the non-luminous area in a view. The second color filter may overlap with a second portion of the second light-transmitting area and the non-luminous area in a view.

[0025] In an embodiment, both the first color filter and the second color filter may overlap with the first light emitting area in view.

[0026] In an embodiment, the light-transmitting structure may include a transparent dam pattern, a light-transmitting member, and a reflective layer. A plurality of transparent dam patterns may be arranged in a first light-transmitting region and a second light-transmitting region. A plurality of light-transmitting members may be arranged in spaces between the plurality of transparent dam patterns and overlap with the light-shielding region in view. The reflective layer may be arranged on each of the plurality of bottom surfaces of the plurality of transparent dam patterns facing the light-emitting structure, the plurality of first lateral side surfaces of the plurality of transparent dam patterns, and the plurality of top surfaces of the plurality of light-transmitting members facing away from the light-emitting structure.

[0027] In an embodiment, the plurality of transparent bank patterns may include a plurality of second lateral side surfaces different from the plurality of first lateral side surfaces, and the plurality of second lateral side surfaces of the plurality of transparent bank patterns may directly contact corresponding light-transmitting members among the plurality of light-transmitting members.

[0028] According to one aspect, a method for manufacturing a display device includes: forming a plurality of first portions of a reflective layer on a light-emitting structure including a light-emitting element; forming a plurality of transparent dam patterns on the plurality of first portions of the reflective layer; and forming a plurality of second portions of the reflective layer on a plurality of first lateral side surfaces of the plurality of transparent dam patterns, such that the plurality of second portions of the reflective layer are respectively connected to the plurality of first portions of the reflective layer.

[0029] In an embodiment, the method may further include: forming a plurality of light-transmitting members on the light-emitting structure and between adjacent transparent dam patterns among the plurality of transparent dam patterns; and forming a plurality of third portions of the reflective layer on the plurality of light-transmitting members, so that the plurality of third portions of the reflective layer are respectively connected to the plurality of second portions of the reflective layer.

[0030] In an embodiment, an electronic device includes: a display device including a substrate; a first light-emitting element disposed on the substrate; a second light-emitting element disposed on the substrate and spaced apart from the first light-emitting element; a pixel defining layer disposed on the substrate and at least partially defining areas corresponding to the first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element; a first wavelength conversion layer disposed on the first light-emitting element; a second wavelength conversion layer disposed on the second light-emitting element; a first transparent dam pattern disposed on the pixel defining layer, the first transparent dam pattern being disposed between the first wavelength conversion layer and the second wavelength conversion layer; and a reflective layer disposed on each of a first lateral side surface of the first transparent dam pattern, a bottom surface of the first transparent dam pattern facing the substrate, and a top surface of the first wavelength conversion layer opposite to the substrate.

[0031] According to various embodiments, reflectivity of external light from a display device can be reduced, and visibility can be improved.

[0032] The foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the claimed subject matter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Various embodiments disclosed herein are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals and / or characters refer to like elements.

[0034] Figure 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a display device according to an embodiment.

[0035] Figure 2 According to the embodiment of the invention Figure 1 Schematic cross-sectional view taken along the cross-sectional line X1-X1'.

[0036] Figure 3 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a light emitting structure and a light transmitting structure of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0037] Figure 4 According to the embodiment of the invention Figure 3 Schematic cross-sectional view taken along the cross-sectional line X2-X2'.

[0038] Figure 5 According to the embodiment Figure 4 An enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of a region A1 of FIG.

[0039] Figures 6 to 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0040] Figures 9 to 14 are schematic cross-sectional views of a light-transmitting structure and a color filter structure of a display device according to an embodiment at various stages of manufacture. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] In the following description, for the purpose of illustration, many specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments or implementations. The terms "embodiment" and "implementation" can be used interchangeably to describe one or more non-limiting examples of the systems, devices, methods, etc. described herein. However, it is apparent that the various embodiments can be practiced without these specific details or with one or more equivalent arrangements. In other cases, known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to avoid unnecessary confusion of the various embodiments. In addition, the various embodiments can be different, but do not have to be exclusive. For example, without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure, the specific shape, configuration and characteristics of the embodiment can be used or implemented in another embodiment.

[0042] Unless otherwise noted, the illustrated embodiments are to be understood as providing example features of variable detail of some embodiments. Therefore, unless otherwise noted, the various illustrated features, components, modules, layers, films, regions, aspects, structures, etc. (hereinafter individually or collectively referred to as "elements" or "elements") may be combined, separated, interchanged, and / or rearranged in other ways without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0043] The use of cross hatching and / or shading in the accompanying drawings is generally provided to make the boundaries between adjacent elements clear. Thus, unless otherwise specified, the presence or absence of cross hatching or shading is not intended to convey or indicate any preference or requirement for materials, material properties, dimensions, proportions, commonalities between the elements shown, and / or any other characteristics, attributes, properties, etc. of the elements. In addition, in the accompanying drawings, the size and relative size of the elements may be exaggerated for the purpose of clarity and / or description. Thus, the size and relative size of each element are not necessarily limited to the size and relative size shown in the accompanying drawings. In the case where the embodiments can be implemented differently, the specific process order can be performed differently from the described order. For example, two processes described in succession can be performed substantially simultaneously or in an order opposite to the described order. In addition, the same figure marks and / or reference characters indicate the same elements.

[0044] When an element (such as a layer) is referred to as being “on”, “over”, “connected to” (or “connected to”) or “coupled to” another element, the element may be “directly on”, “directly over”, “directly connected to” (or “directly connected to”) or “directly coupled to” (or “directly coupled to”) another element, or at least one intervening element may be present. However, when an element is referred to as being “directly on”, “directly over”, “directly connected to” (or “directly connected to”) or “directly coupled to” (or “directly coupled to”) another element, there are no intervening elements. As used herein, other terms and / or phrases describing relationships between elements should be interpreted in a like manner, such as “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “immediately adjacent,” “on” versus “directly on,” “in contact” versus “in direct contact,” “touching” versus “directly touching,” etc. Additionally, the term “connected” may refer to a physical connection, an electrical connection, and / or a fluid connection. To this end, for purposes of this disclosure, similar to the use of the phrase “electrically connected” with respect to components that are connected to form an electrical connection, the phrase “fluidically connected” may be used with respect to volumes, plenums, apertures, openings, etc. that may be connected to one another to form a fluid connection, either directly or via one or more intervening components or volumes.

[0045] For the purposes of this disclosure, the first axis extending along the first direction DR1, the second axis extending along the second direction DR2, and the third axis extending along the third direction DR3 are not limited to the three axes of a rectangular coordinate system (such as the x, y, and z axes of a Cartesian coordinate system), and may be interpreted in a broader sense. For example, the first axis, the second axis, and the third axis may be perpendicular to each other, or may represent different directions that are not perpendicular to each other. In addition, as used herein, the phrases "at least one of X, Y, and Z" and "at least one selected from the group consisting of X, Y, and Z" may be interpreted as only X, only Y, only Z, or any combination of two or more of X, Y, and Z (such as XYZ, XY, YZ, and XZ as examples). In addition, as used herein, the term "and / or" includes any combination and all combinations of one or more of the relevant listed items.

[0046] Although the terms "first," "second," and "third" may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element from another. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure, the first element discussed below may be named the second element. For this reason, the use of such identifiers as "first element" should not be interpreted as implicitly or inherently implying that there must be another example as "second element."

[0047] For descriptive purposes, spatially relative terms such as "under," "beneath," "beneath," "down," "over," "upper," "above," "higher," and "side" (e.g., as in "sidewall") may be used herein and thereby describe the spatial relationship of one element to at least another element as shown in the accompanying drawings. Spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use, operation, and / or manufacture in addition to the orientations depicted in the accompanying drawings. For example, if the device in the accompanying drawings is turned over, an element described as "under" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "over" or "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the term "under" is capable of encompassing both above and below orientations. Furthermore, the device may be oriented in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and as such, the spatially relative terms used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0048] The wording used herein is for the purpose of describing some embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "one" and "the" are also intended to include plural forms. It will be understood that, as used herein, the phrases "for each of one or more <items>" and / or "each of one or more <items>" etc. include both single-item groups and multinomial groups, that is, the phrase "for each of..." is used in a programming language to refer to each of the total number of items cited. For example, if the total number of items cited is a single item, then "each" will only refer to the single item (although the dictionary definition of "each" often defines the term as referring to "each of two or more things"), and will not imply that there must be at least two such items. Similarly, unless the context indicates otherwise, the term "set" or "subset" itself should not be considered to necessarily cover multiple items--it will be understood that a set or subset can only cover one element or multiple elements.

[0049] When used in this specification, the terms "comprises, comprising," "includes, including," and / or "has, have, having" indicate the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. It is also noted that, as used herein, the terms "substantially," "approximately," and other similar terms are used as terms of approximation rather than terms of degree, and as such, are used to account for the inherent deviations in measured, calculated, and / or provided values ​​that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, and unless otherwise noted, as used herein, the term "substantially" can mean within ±5% of the recited value. For example, substantially perpendicular can mean parallelism within ±5%. And unless otherwise noted, as used herein, the terms "approximately" and "approximately" can mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ±30%, ±20%, ±10%, or ±5% of the stated value. Furthermore, unless otherwise indicated, the term "between..." as used herein in connection with a range of values ​​is to be understood as including both the starting and ending values ​​of the range. For example, "between 1 and 5" is to be understood as including the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, not just the numbers 2, 3, and 4. Furthermore, the expression "is the same" can mean "is substantially the same." For example, the expression "is the same" can include a range that is acceptable to one skilled in the art. Other expressions may also be expressions from which "substantially" has been omitted.

[0050] Various embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional, isometric, perspective, orthogonal, and / or exploded views that are schematic depictions of idealized embodiments and / or intermediate structures. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances are to be expected. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed herein should not be construed as limited to the illustrated shapes of regions, but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. To this end, the regions shown in the figures may be schematic in nature, and the shapes of these regions may not reflect the actual shapes of regions of a device, and as such, are not intended to be limiting.

[0051] As is customary in the art, some embodiments can be described and illustrated in accordance with functional blocks, units and / or modules in the accompanying drawings. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that these blocks, units and / or modules are physically implemented by electronic (or optical) circuits such as logic circuits, discrete components, microprocessors, hard-wired circuits, memory elements and wiring connections that can be formed using semiconductor-based manufacturing techniques or other manufacturing techniques. In the case of blocks, units and / or modules implemented by microprocessors or other similar hardware, software (e.g., microcode) can be used to program and control them to perform the various functions discussed herein, and can be optionally driven by firmware and / or software. It is also envisioned that each block, unit and / or module can be implemented by dedicated hardware, or by a combination of dedicated hardware for performing some functions and a processor (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessors and associated circuits) for performing other functions. In addition, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, each block, unit and / or module of some embodiments can be physically divided into two or more blocks, units and / or modules that act on each other and are discrete. Furthermore, the blocks, units and / or modules of some embodiments may be physically combined into more complex blocks, units and / or modules without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0052] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. Unless explicitly defined as such herein, terms (such as those used in general dictionaries) should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense.

[0053] Hereinafter, various embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0054] Figure 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a display device 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 2 According to the embodiment of the invention Figure 1 Schematic cross-sectional view taken along the cross-sectional line X1-X1'.

[0055] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2The display device 1 can be applied to (or used in association with) portable electronic devices such as mobile phones, smart phones, tablet personal computers (PCs), mobile communication terminals, electronic notepads, e-book readers, portable multimedia players (PMPs), navigation systems, and ultra-mobile personal computers (UMPCs). In some embodiments, the display device 1 can be used as a display component of a television (TV), a laptop computer, a monitor, an advertising display, or an Internet of Things (IoT) device. These electronic devices are merely examples, and various other electronic devices may be employed or used.

[0056] exist Figure 1 , a first direction DR1, a second direction DR2 and a third direction DR3 are defined. The first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 may be perpendicular to each other, the first direction DR1 and the third direction DR3 may be perpendicular to each other, and the second direction DR2 and the third direction DR3 may be perpendicular to each other. The first direction DR1 may represent a horizontal direction, the second direction DR2 may represent a vertical direction, and the third direction DR3 may represent an up-down direction, for example, a thickness direction. In this specification, unless otherwise specified, the term "direction" may refer to a positive direction and / or a negative direction along a corresponding direction. For example, reference to the first direction DR1 may refer to a direction along a direction such as Figure 1 In addition, if used to distinguish between two "directions" extending to opposite sides, one of the opposite sides may be referred to as "one side (or one side)" or "first side", and the other side may be referred to as "the other side (or other side)" or "the second side". For example, referring to Figure 1 The directions indicated by the arrows may each be referred to as pointing to one side (or one side) or the first side, and the opposite directions may each be referred to as pointing to the other side (or the other side) or the second side. The third direction DR3 may also be referred to as a thickness direction.

[0057] For convenience, a surface facing one side (or one side) in the third direction DR3 (which may be a direction in which an image is displayed) may be referred to as a top surface or a front surface, and a surface facing away may be referred to as a bottom surface or a rear surface. In addition, one side (or one side) and the other side (or other side) in the third direction DR3 may also be referred to as an upper side and a lower side, respectively.

[0058] The display device 1 may have a three-dimensional (3D) shape. For example, the display device 1 may have a planar shape similar to a rectangle in a view in the third direction DR3. In an embodiment, such as Figure 1As shown in FIG, the display device 1 may have a planar shape similar to a rectangle having a long side in the second direction DR2 and a short side in the first direction DR1, but embodiments are not limited to this example planar shape. For example, the corner where the long side in the second direction DR2 and the short side in the first direction DR1 intersect may be rounded (such as in the case of a rounded rectangular planar shape or a rounded rectangular planar shape) or at a right angle. In some embodiments, the display device 1 may be formed into (or have) various other planar shapes, such as a non-quadrilateral polygon, a circle, an ellipse, an oval, etc.

[0059] The display device 1 may include a display panel 10, a flexible circuit board and a driver chip. The display panel 10 may include a display area DA that displays a picture (or image) and a non-display area NDA that does not display the picture. In an embodiment, the non-display area NDA may be provided around the edge of the display area DA (or around the edge of the display area DA) in a view on a third direction DR3, but the embodiment is not limited to this example structure. As used herein, the term "surrounding" is not limited to a first feature that forms a circle around a second feature, and as such, the term "surrounding" may include a first feature that forms any suitable two-dimensional geometric figure around a second feature in a view on, for example, a third direction DR3. To this end, (unless otherwise stated) a first feature "surrounding" or "surrounding" a second feature may include one or more points where the inner boundary of the first feature contacts the outer boundary of the second feature or the inner boundary of the first feature may be spaced apart from the outer boundary of the second feature. Furthermore, (unless otherwise stated) a first feature "surrounding" a second feature may include the first feature completely or partially surrounding the second feature in a view on, for example, a third direction DR3. Based on Figure 1 , the image displayed in the display area DA can be viewed by the user from one side (or one side) in the third direction DR3.

[0060] Reference Figure 2 The display panel 10 may include a light emitting structure 100, a color filter structure 300 that may face the light emitting structure 100 in the third direction DR3, and a light transmitting structure 200 that may be disposed between the light emitting structure 100 and the color filter structure 300. Although not shown, a filling unit and / or a sealing member may be further disposed between the light transmitting structure 200 and the color filter structure 300.

[0061] The light emitting structure 100 may include components for displaying images, such as pixel circuit elements (e.g., switching elements, capacitors, etc.), a pixel defining layer 170 (see FIG. 1 ) that defines (or at least partially defines) a light emitting region and a non-light emitting region in the display area DA. Figure 4), and elements and circuits of self-luminous elements. In an embodiment, the self-luminous element may include an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a quantum dot light emitting diode (QLED), an inorganic micro light emitting diode (microLED) and / or an inorganic nano light emitting diode (nanoLED). For convenience, the self-luminous element is described as an LED hereinafter. The nano-LED may have a longitudinal dimension in the range of about 100 nm to about 10 μm, such as in the range of about 500 nm to about 5 μm. In some embodiments, the aspect ratio of the nano-LED may be in the range of about 1 to about 100, such as in the range of about 1.2 to about 50, for example, in the range of about 1.5 to about 20, for example, in the range of about 1.5 to about 10. The micro-LED device may have one or more dimensions in the range of about 10 μm to about 100 μm, such as in the range of about 50 μm to about 100 μm.

[0062] The light-transmitting structure 200 may be positioned on the light-emitting structure 100. In one embodiment, the light-transmitting structure 200 may include a color conversion pattern that converts the color of incident light emitted from the light-emitting structure 100 and irradiated onto the light-transmitting structure 200. The light-transmitting structure 200 may include a light-transmitting member serving as the color conversion pattern, a transparent bank pattern surrounding or encircling the light-transmitting member when viewed in the third direction DR3, and a reflective layer surrounding or encircling a portion of the surface of the transparent bank pattern and a portion of the surface of the light-transmitting member when viewed in the third direction DR3. As will be described later, the light-transmitting member may include at least one of a wavelength conversion shifter and a light scatterer.

[0063] The color filter structure 300 may be positioned on the light-transmitting structure 200. In an embodiment, the color filter structure 300 may include a first color filter, a second color filter, and a third color filter. Optionally, the color filter structure 300 may further include a black matrix.

[0064] Hereinafter, a plurality of light emitting regions that may be defined in the light emitting structure 100 of the display panel 10 and a plurality of light transmitting regions that may be defined in the light transmitting structure 200 of the display panel 10 will be described.

[0065] Figure 3 is a perspective view schematically showing a light emitting structure 100 and a light transmitting structure 200 of a display device 1 according to an embodiment. Figure 4 According to the embodiment of the invention Figure 3 Schematic cross-sectional view taken along the cross-sectional line X2-X2'.

[0066] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4, a plurality of light-emitting areas (e.g., light-emitting areas EA1, EA2, and EA3) may be defined in the light-emitting structure 100 of the display device 1, and a plurality of light-transmitting areas (e.g., light-transmitting areas TA1, TA2, and TA3) may be defined in the light-transmitting structure 200 of the display device 1. Hereinafter, the light-emitting areas may be collectively referred to as the light-emitting areas EA1, EA2, and EA3, and the light-transmitting areas may be collectively referred to as the light-transmitting areas TA1, TA2, and TA3.

[0067] In the display area DA (see Figure 2 ), a first light-emitting area EA1, a second light-emitting area EA2, and a third light-emitting area EA3 may be defined in the display area DA. The first light-emitting area EA1, the second light-emitting area EA2, and the third light-emitting area EA3 may be areas where light generated by the light-emitting elements of the light-emitting structure 100 is emitted to the outside of the light-emitting structure 100, and the non-light-emitting area NEA may be an area where no light is emitted to the outside of the light-emitting structure 100. In an embodiment, the non-light-emitting area NEA may surround (or at least partially define) the first light-emitting area EA1, the second light-emitting area EA2, and the third light-emitting area EA3 in the display area DA in a view in a third direction DR3 (i.e., in a view in a direction perpendicular to the light-emitting structure 100), but the embodiment is not limited to this example. For example, the non-light-emitting area NEA may be positioned not only in the display area DA of the light-emitting structure 100, but also in the non-display area NDA (see Figure 2 )middle.

[0068] In an embodiment, the light emitted to the outside from the first light-emitting area EA1, the second light-emitting area EA2, and the third light-emitting area EA3 may be a first color light. In an embodiment, the first color light may be blue light. In an embodiment, the first color light may be a mixed light obtained by mixing at least two of, for example, blue light, green light, and red light. The red light may have a peak wavelength in the range of about 610nm to about 650nm, the green light may have a peak wavelength in the range of about 510nm to about 550nm, and the blue light may have a peak wavelength in the range of about 440nm to about 480nm. The term "peak wavelength" may refer to the wavelength of light at which the light has maximum intensity.

[0069] In an embodiment, such as in Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown in the figure, the first light-emitting area EA1, the second light-emitting area EA2 and the third light-emitting area EA3 can be arranged sequentially along the first direction DR1 to form a group, and each of the groups can be composed of (or include) the first light-emitting area EA1, the second light-emitting area EA2 and the third light-emitting area EA3. The groups can be arranged one after another along the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 in the display area DA, but the embodiment is not limited to this example arrangement. The arrangement of the first light-emitting area EA1, the second light-emitting area EA2 and the third light-emitting area EA3 can vary. In some embodiments, the first light-emitting area EA1, the second light-emitting area EA2 and the third light-emitting area EA3 can be arranged sequentially along the second direction DR2. For convenience, hereinafter, the first light-emitting area EA1, the second light-emitting area EA2 and the third light-emitting area EA3 will be as follows Figure 3 and Figure 4 The arrangement shown in is described.

[0070] In an embodiment, the area and / or plane shape of the first light-emitting area EA1, the second light-emitting area EA2, and the third light-emitting area EA3 may be substantially the same, but the embodiment is not limited to this example. For example, the area and / or plane shape of at least one of the first light-emitting area EA1, the second light-emitting area EA2, and the third light-emitting area EA3 may be different from the area and / or plane shape of at least another of the first light-emitting area EA1, the second light-emitting area EA2, and the third light-emitting area EA3. In an embodiment, the first light-emitting area EA1, the second light-emitting area EA2, and the third light-emitting area EA3 may have a rectangular plane shape when viewed in the third direction DR3, but the embodiment is not limited to this example. For convenience, hereinafter, the first light-emitting area EA1, the second light-emitting area EA2, and the third light-emitting area EA3 will be described as having a rectangular plane shape when viewed in the third direction DR3 and having plane shapes that are substantially the same as each other.

[0071] In the display area DA of the light-transmitting structure 200, a first light-transmitting area TA1, a second light-transmitting area TA2, and a third light-transmitting area TA3 may be defined. The first light-transmitting area TA1, the second light-transmitting area TA2, and the third light-transmitting area TA3 may be areas that transmit light generated from the first light-emitting area EA1, the second light-emitting area EA2, and the third light-emitting area EA3 of the light-emitting structure 100, respectively. A light-shielding area BA may be positioned around the first light-transmitting area TA1, the second light-transmitting area TA2, and the third light-transmitting area TA3 in the display area DA of the light-transmitting structure 200, as viewed in the third direction DR3. In an embodiment, the light-shielding area BA may surround (or at least partially define) the first light-transmitting area TA1, the second light-transmitting area TA2, and the third light-transmitting area TA3 in the third direction DR3, but the embodiment is not limited to this example. The light-shielding area BA may be positioned not only in the display area DA of the light-transmitting structure 200, but also in the non-display area NDA of the light-transmitting structure 200.

[0072] The first light-transmitting area TA1 may be an area through which light output from the first light-emitting area EA1 passes, and may partially overlap or incompletely overlap with the first light-emitting area EA1 in, for example, the third direction DR3. The second light-transmitting area TA2 may be an area through which light output from the second light-emitting area EA2 passes, and may partially overlap or incompletely overlap with the second light-emitting area EA2 in, for example, the third direction DR3. The third light-transmitting area TA3 may be an area through which light output from the third light-emitting area EA3 passes, and may partially overlap or incompletely overlap with the third light-emitting area EA3 in, for example, the third direction DR3. In an embodiment, the entire first light-transmitting area TA1 may incompletely overlap with the first light-emitting area EA1 in the third direction DR3, the entire second light-transmitting area TA2 may incompletely overlap with the second light-emitting area EA2 in the third direction DR3, and the entire third light-transmitting area TA3 may incompletely overlap with the third light-emitting area EA3 in the third direction DR3. However, embodiments are not limited to this example. In some embodiments, a portion of the first light-transmitting area TA1 may or may not overlap with the first light-emitting area EA1 in, for example, the third direction DR3, a portion of the second light-transmitting area TA2 may or may not overlap with the second light-emitting area EA2 in, for example, the third direction DR3, and a portion of the third light-transmitting area TA3 may or may not overlap with the third light-emitting area EA3 in, for example, the third direction DR3. For convenience, hereinafter, the first light-transmitting area TA1, the second light-transmitting area TA2, and the third light-transmitting area TA3 will be described as not overlapping at all with the first light-emitting area EA1, the second light-transmitting area EA2, and the third light-transmitting area EA3, respectively, in the third direction DR3.

[0073] The first light-transmitting area TA1, the second light-transmitting area TA2, and the third light-transmitting area TA3 may be sequentially arranged along the first direction DR1 to form a pixel group. Each of the pixel groups may be composed of (or include) the first light-transmitting area TA1, the second light-transmitting area TA2, and the third light-transmitting area TA3. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown in FIG, the pixel groups may be arranged one by one along the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 in the display area DA.

[0074] As previously mentioned, the first color light provided by the light emitting structure 100 can be emitted to the outside of the display device 1 by passing through one or more of the first light-transmitting area TA1, the second light-transmitting area TA2, and the third light-transmitting area TA3. Hereinafter, the light emitted to the outside from the first light-transmitting area TA1 will be referred to as the first emitted light, the light emitted to the outside from the second light-transmitting area TA2 will be referred to as the second emitted light, and the light emitted to the outside from the third light-transmitting area TA3 will be referred to as the third emitted light. The first emitted light may be the third color light, the second emitted light may be the second color light, and the third emitted light may be the first color light. In an embodiment, the first color light may be blue light, the second color light may be green light, and the third color light may be red light.

[0075] Hereinafter, the structure of the display device 1 will be described in more detail.

[0076] Reference Figure 4 The display device 1 may include a light emitting structure 100, a light transmissive structure 200 that may be disposed on the light emitting structure 100, and a color filter structure 300 that may be disposed on the light transmissive structure 200. For convenience, the display device 1 will be described hereinafter in the order of the light emitting structure 100, the light transmissive structure 200, and the color filter structure 300.

[0077] The light emitting structure 100 may have a structure including a substrate 110, a buffer layer 120, a bottom metal layer BML, a first insulating layer 130, a semiconductor layer ACT, a gate electrode GE, a gate insulating layer 140, a second insulating layer 150, a source electrode SE and a drain electrode DE, a third insulating layer 160, a light emitting element, a pixel defining layer 170, a first capping layer CPL1, and thin film encapsulation layers 181, 182 and 183 stacked along one side (or one side) in the third direction DR3 (for example, sequentially stacked in the order listed). However, it is noted that some of the aforementioned features may not perfectly conform to the order listed. For example, part of the light emitting element may be disposed below a corresponding part of the pixel defining layer 170, and other parts of the light emitting element may be disposed adjacent to the pixel defining layer 170 or also above the pixel defining layer 170.

[0078] The substrate 110 of the light emitting structure 100 may serve as a base (or base layer) for the light emitting structure 100. The substrate 110 may be formed of a transparent material. The substrate 110 may be at least one of a glass substrate and a plastic substrate. In the case where the substrate 110 is a plastic substrate, the substrate 110 may be flexible. In an embodiment, the substrate 110 may be a plastic substrate, and the substrate 110 may include polyimide, but the embodiment is not limited to this example.

[0079] The buffer layer 120 of the light emitting structure 100 may be disposed on the substrate 110. The buffer layer 120 may be positioned between the substrate 110 and overlying devices, and may block foreign matter and / or moisture that may penetrate through the substrate 110.

[0080] In an embodiment, the buffer layer 120 may include SiO2, SiN x and SiO x N y The at least one inorganic material may be formed into a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure, but the embodiment is not limited to the above-mentioned examples.

[0081] The bottom metal layer BML of the light emitting structure 100 may be disposed on the buffer layer 120. The bottom metal layer BML may block external light or light emitted from the light emitting element from entering the semiconductor layer ACT. The bottom metal layer BML may prevent or reduce the occurrence of leakage current caused by light in a thin film transistor (TFT) to be described later.

[0082] The bottom metal layer BML may be formed of a material that can block light and has electrical conductivity. In an embodiment, the bottom metal layer BML may include a metal such as at least one of silver (Ag), nickel (Ni), gold (Au), platinum (Pt), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), and neodymium (Nd) and / or an alloy of any of the aforementioned metal materials. The bottom metal layer BML may be formed as a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. For example, in the case where the bottom metal layer BML is formed as a multilayer, the bottom metal layer BML may be formed as various stacked structures such as Ti / Cu / indium tin oxide (ITO) or Ti / Cu / aluminum oxide (Al2O3), but the embodiment is not limited to these examples.

[0083] In an embodiment, a plurality of bottom metal layers BML may be provided to correspond to respective semiconductor layers ACT and may overlap the semiconductor layer ACT in, for example, the third direction DR3. The bottom metal layer BML may have a width in one or more of the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 wider than the corresponding width of the semiconductor layer ACT.

[0084] The bottom metal layer BML may serve as a portion of wiring that electrically connects a data line, a power line, and / or a TFT (e.g., a gate electrode GE, a semiconductor layer ACT, a drain electrode DE, and / or a source electrode SE, corresponding to the TFT). The bottom metal layer BML may be formed of a material having a lower resistance than that of the source electrode SE and / or the drain electrode DE.

[0085] The first insulating layer 130 of the light emitting structure 100 may be disposed on the bottom metal layer BML. The first insulating layer 130 may electrically insulate the bottom metal layer BML from the semiconductor layer ACT. The first insulating layer 130 may cover the bottom metal layer BML.

[0086] The first insulating layer 130 may include SiO2, SiN x 、SiO x N y , an inorganic material of at least one of Al 2 O 3 , TiO 2 , Ta 2 O 5 , HfO 2 , and ZrO 2 , but the embodiment is not limited to these example materials.

[0087] The semiconductor layer ACT of the light emitting structure 100 may be disposed on the first insulating layer 130. The semiconductor layer ACT may be disposed to correspond to the first light emitting area EA1, the second light emitting area EA2, and the third light emitting area EA3 in the display area DA of the light emitting structure 100 (or to the first light emitting area EA1, the second light emitting area EA2, and the third light emitting area EA3 in the display area DA of the light emitting structure 100). The semiconductor layer ACT may overlap with the bottom metal layer BML in, for example, the third direction DR3, and may suppress photocurrent generation in the semiconductor layer ACT.

[0088] The semiconductor layer ACT may include an oxide semiconductor. For example, the semiconductor layer ACT may be formed of a zinc (Zn) oxide-based material such as at least one of zinc oxide, indium zinc oxide, and gallium indium zinc oxide, or may be an indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) semiconductor in which a metal such as at least one of indium (In) and gallium (Ga) is included in ZnO, but the embodiment is not limited to these examples. For example, the semiconductor layer ACT may include amorphous silicon, polycrystalline silicon, or any other suitable semiconductor material.

[0089] The gate electrode GE of the light emitting structure 100 may be disposed on the semiconductor layer ACT. The gate electrode GE may overlap the semiconductor layer ACT in the display area DA in, for example, the third direction DR3. The width of the gate electrode GE in one or more of the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 may be narrower than the corresponding width of the semiconductor layer ACT, but the embodiment is not limited to this example.

[0090] In an embodiment, the gate electrode GE may include at least one of Al, Pt, palladium (Pd), Ag, magnesium (Mg), Au, Ni, Nd, iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), lithium (Li), calcium (Ca), Mo, Ti, tungsten (W), and Cu. The material of the gate electrode GE may be selected in consideration of adhesion with adjacent layers, surface smoothness of layers on which the gate electrode GE is stacked, and workability, but the embodiment is not limited to the example materials mentioned above.

[0091] The gate insulating layer 140 of the light emitting structure 100 may be disposed between the semiconductor layer ACT and the gate electrode GE. The gate insulating layer 140 may electrically insulate the semiconductor layer ACT from the gate electrode GE. In an embodiment, the gate insulating layer 140 may be formed as a single unpatterned layer, or may be formed as a partially patterned layer on one side (or one side) of the substrate 110 in the third direction DR3, and the corresponding width of the gate insulating layer 140 in one or more of the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 may be narrower than the corresponding width of the semiconductor layer ACT. However, embodiments are not limited to these examples.

[0092] The gate insulating layer 140 may include an inorganic material. For example, the gate insulating layer 140 may include at least one of the inorganic materials exemplified in the description of the first insulating layer 130 , but the embodiment is not limited to the example materials described in association with the first insulating layer 130 .

[0093] The second insulating layer 150 of the light emitting structure 100 may be provided on the gate insulating layer 140 and may cover both the semiconductor layer ACT and the gate electrode GE (or overlap both the semiconductor layer ACT and the gate electrode GE) in, for example, the third direction DR3. In an embodiment, the second insulating layer 150 may serve as a planarization film (or layer) that provides a flat (or substantially flat) surface that overlaps with a corresponding surface of the substrate 110 in the third direction DR3.

[0094] The second insulating layer 150 may include an organic material. In an embodiment, the second insulating layer 150 may include at least one of polyacrylic acid, polystyrene, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polyamide, polyimide, polyarylene ether (PAE), a heterocyclic polymer, polyparaxylene, a fluoropolymer, an epoxy resin, a benzocyclobutene (BCB) resin, a siloxane resin, and a silane resin, but the embodiment is not limited to these example materials.

[0095] The source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE of the light emitting structure 100 may be disposed on the second insulating layer 150 and may be spaced apart from each other. The source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE may be electrically connected to the semiconductor layer ACT via a contact hole penetrating the second insulating layer 150. In an embodiment, the source electrode SE may also be electrically connected to the bottom metal layer BML via a contact hole penetrating not only the second insulating layer 150 but also the first insulating layer 130. In the case where the bottom metal layer BML is part of a wiring that transmits a signal and / or voltage, the source electrode SE may be electrically connected to the bottom metal layer BML to receive the provided voltage and / or signal. In some embodiments, in the case where the bottom metal layer BML is an electrically floating pattern, the voltage provided to the source electrode SE may be transmitted to the bottom metal layer BML, such as via capacitive coupling between the source electrode SE and the bottom metal layer BML.

[0096] The source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE may include at least one of Al, Cu, and Ti, and may be formed into a multilayer structure or a single layer structure. In an embodiment, the source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE may have a multilayer structure of Ti / Al / Ti, but the embodiment is not limited to this example.

[0097] The corresponding semiconductor layer ACT, gate electrode GE, source electrode SE, and drain electrode DE may form a corresponding TFT, which may be a switching device. In an embodiment, the TFT may be positioned in the first emission area EA1, the second emission area EA2, and the third emission area EA3. In an embodiment, some of the TFTs may be positioned entirely or partially in the non-emission area NEA.

[0098] The third insulating layer 160 of the light emitting structure 100 may be disposed on the second insulating layer 150 and may cover the TFT. In an embodiment, the third insulating layer 160 may be a planarization film. For example, the third insulating layer 160 may provide a flat (or substantially flat) surface that overlaps with a corresponding surface of the substrate 110 in the third direction DR3.

[0099] The third insulating layer 160 may be formed of an organic material. In an embodiment, the third insulating layer 160 may include at least one of acrylic resin, epoxy resin, imide resin, and ester resin, but the embodiment is not limited to these example materials.

[0100] In the display area DA of the light emitting structure 100, a plurality of anode electrodes ANO may be positioned on the third insulating layer 160. The anode electrodes ANO may be spaced apart from each other in one or more of the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2.

[0101] The anode electrode ANO may overlap the first, second, and third emission areas EA1, EA2, and EA3 in the third direction DR3, and at least some of the anode electrode ANO may also extend into the non-emission area NEA. The anode electrode ANO may be electrically connected to the drain electrode DE of the TFT.

[0102] In some embodiments, the anode electrode ANO may be a reflective electrode. In this case, the anode electrode ANO may include a metal layer formed of (or with) at least one of Ag, Mg, Al, Pt, Pd, Au, Ni, Nd, Ir, and Cr. In some embodiments, the anode electrode ANO may further include a metal oxide layer stacked on the metal layer. For example, the anode electrode ANO may have a double-layer structure such as ITO / Ag, Ag / ITO, ITO / Mg, or ITO / MgF2, or a multilayer structure of a three-layer structure of ITO / Ag / ITO, but embodiments are not limited to the examples mentioned above.

[0103] The pixel defining layer 170 of the light emitting structure 100 may be disposed on the anode electrode ANO. The pixel defining layer 170 may include a hole that exposes a portion of the anode electrode ANO and may define (or at least partially define) a first light emitting area EA1, a second light emitting area EA2, and a third light emitting area EA3. The pixel defining layer 170 may overlap with an edge of the anode electrode ANO in, for example, a third direction DR3.

[0104] The pixel defining layer 170 may overlap the light-transmitting areas TA1, TA2, and TA3 of the color filter layer 310 in the third direction DR3. The pixel defining layer 170 may overlap the transparent bank pattern 210, which will be described later, in the third direction DR3.

[0105] In an embodiment, pixel defining layer 170 may include an organic insulating material such as at least one of polyacrylate resin, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, polyamide resin, polyimide resin, unsaturated polyester resin, polyphenylene ether resin, polyphenylene sulfide resin, and BCB, but embodiments are not limited to these example materials.

[0106] The light-emitting layer OL of the light-emitting structure 100 may be disposed on the anode electrode ANO. In an embodiment, the light-emitting layer OL may have a continuous (or substantially continuous) film shape formed across the light-emitting areas EA1, EA2, and EA3 and the non-light-emitting area NEA. In an embodiment, the light-emitting layer OL may be positioned only in the display area DA, but the embodiment is not limited to this example. In some embodiments, a portion of the light-emitting layer OL may be disposed in the non-display area NDA.

[0107] The light-emitting layer OL may be an organic light-emitting layer formed of an organic material. The light-emitting layer OL may have a multilayer structure composed of (or including) a hole injection material, a hole transport material, a light-emitting material, an electron transport material and / or an electron injection material. When a specific (or selected) voltage is applied to the anode electrode ANO by the TFT and a common voltage or a cathode voltage is received by the cathode electrode CE, holes and electrons may be injected and transported and may be recombined in the light-emitting layer OL to emit light. In an embodiment, the emitted light may be blue light, but the embodiment is not limited to this example. In some embodiments, the emitted light may be yellow light or a mixed light such as white light. The light-emitting layer OL may have a structure including a plurality of light-emitting material layers stacked on each other, such as a series structure.

[0108] The cathode electrode CE of the light emitting structure 100 may be disposed on the light emitting layer OL. In an embodiment, the cathode electrode CE may be disposed on the light emitting layer OL and may have a continuous (or substantially continuous) film shape formed across the light emitting areas EA1, EA2, and EA3 and the non-light emitting area NEA. For example, the cathode electrode CE may completely (or substantially completely) cover the light emitting layer OL (or completely (or substantially completely) overlap with the light emitting layer OL) in the third direction DR3.

[0109] The cathode electrode CE may be translucent or transparent. In the case where the cathode electrode CE has a thickness of tens to hundreds of angstroms, the cathode electrode CE may be translucent. In an embodiment, the cathode electrode CE may be translucent, and the cathode electrode CE may include a metal such as at least one of Ag, Mg, Cu, Al, Pt, Pd, Au, Ni, Nd, Ir, Cr, Li, and Ca and / or a compound or mixture of at least two of the aforementioned materials (e.g., a mixture of Ag and Mg). In some embodiments, the cathode electrode CE may include a transparent conductive oxide to exhibit transparency. In an embodiment, the cathode electrode CE may be transparent, and the cathode electrode CE may include tungsten oxide (W x O x ), titanium oxide (TiO2), ITO, indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO) and magnesium oxide (MgO), etc.

[0110] The combination of the anode electrode ANO, the light-emitting layer OL, and the cathode electrode CE can form a light-emitting element. For example, the anode electrode ANO overlapping the first light-emitting region EA1 in the third direction DR3 can form a first light-emitting element together with the light-emitting layer OL and the cathode electrode CE. The anode electrode ANO overlapping the second light-emitting region EA2 in the third direction DR3 can form a second light-emitting element together with the light-emitting layer OL and the cathode electrode CE. The anode electrode ANO overlapping the third light-emitting region EA3 in the third direction DR3 can form a third light-emitting element together with the light-emitting layer OL and the cathode electrode CE. The first light-emitting element, the second light-emitting element, and the third light-emitting element can emit light.

[0111] The first capping layer CPL1 may be disposed on the cathode electrode CE. The first capping layer CPL1 may enhance viewing angle characteristics and improve external light emission efficiency. The first capping layer CPL1 may be commonly disposed throughout the first emission area EA1, the second emission area EA2, the third emission area EA3, and the non-emission area NEA. The first capping layer CPL1 may completely (or substantially completely) cover the cathode electrode CE.

[0112] The first capping layer CPL1 may include at least one of a light-transmitting inorganic material and a light-transmitting organic material. For example, the first capping layer CPL1 may be formed as an inorganic layer, an organic layer, and / or an organic layer including inorganic particles. In an embodiment, the first capping layer CPL1 may include at least one of a triamine derivative, a carbazole derivative, an arylene diamine derivative, and tris(8-hydroxyquinoline)aluminum (Alq3), but the embodiment is not limited to these example materials.

[0113] The thin film encapsulation layers of the light emitting structure 100 (hereinafter referred to as thin film encapsulation layers 181, 182, and 183) may be provided on the first capping layer CPL1. The thin film encapsulation layers 181, 182, and 183 may protect the underlying components from influences such as foreign matter and / or moisture. The thin film encapsulation layers 181, 182, and 183 may be provided throughout the first light emitting area EA1, the second light emitting area EA2, the third light emitting area EA3, and the non-light emitting area NEA. The thin film encapsulation layers 181, 182, and 183 may completely (or substantially completely) cover the first capping layer CPL1.

[0114] In some embodiments, the thin film encapsulation layers 181, 182, and 183 may include one or more inorganic encapsulation layers and one or more organic encapsulation layers that may be stacked in an alternating order on the first capping layer CPL1. For example, the thin film encapsulation layers 181, 182, and 183 may include a lower inorganic encapsulation layer 181, an organic encapsulation layer 182, and an upper inorganic encapsulation layer 183 sequentially stacked on the first capping layer CPL1 in the listed order.

[0115] The lower inorganic encapsulation layer 181 may completely (or substantially completely) cover the first capping layer CPL1 in the display area DA in the third direction DR3 (or completely (or substantially completely) overlap with the first capping layer CPL1), and may cover the first light-emitting element, the second light-emitting element, and the third light-emitting element in the third direction DR3 (or overlap with the first light-emitting element, the second light-emitting element, and the third light-emitting element). The organic encapsulation layer 182 may be disposed on the lower inorganic encapsulation layer 181 and may completely (or substantially completely) cover the lower inorganic encapsulation layer 181. The upper inorganic encapsulation layer 183 may be disposed on the organic encapsulation layer 182 and may completely (or substantially completely) cover the organic encapsulation layer 182.

[0116] The lower inorganic encapsulation layer 181 and the upper inorganic encapsulation layer 183 may be made of silicon nitride, aluminum nitride, zirconium nitride, titanium nitride, hafnium nitride, tantalum nitride, silicon oxide, aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, tin oxide, cerium oxide, silicon oxynitride (SiO x N y ) and lithium fluoride, but the embodiment is not limited to these example materials.

[0117] The organic encapsulating layer 182 may be formed of at least one of acrylic resin, methacrylate resin, polyisoprene, vinyl resin, epoxy resin, urethane resin, cellulose resin, and perylene resin, but the embodiment is not limited to these example materials.

[0118] The following will refer to Figure 4 The light-transmitting structure 200 is described.

[0119] The light-transmitting structure 200 may be disposed on the upper inorganic encapsulation layer 183 and may include light-transmitting members (e.g., a first wavelength conversion layer WCL1, a second wavelength conversion layer WCL2, and a light-transmitting layer TPL), a transparent dam pattern 210, a reflective layer 220, a light-shielding layer 240, and a second capping layer CPL2. In an embodiment, the light-transmitting structure 200 may be formed after forming the light-emitting structure 100 on the substrate 110, but the embodiment is not limited to this example. Hereinafter, the light-transmitting members may be collectively referred to as light-transmitting members WCL1, WCL2, and TPL.

[0120] The transparent dam pattern 210 may be provided to form a space for accommodating the light-transmitting members WCL1, WCL2, and TPL. A plurality of spaces for accommodating the light-transmitting members WCL1, WCL2, and TPL may be provided and may be spaced apart from one another in one or more directions, such as the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. For example, the transparent dam pattern 210 may separate (or at least partially define) the spaces in which the light-transmitting members WCL1, WCL2, and TPL may be disposed. The transparent dam pattern 210 may surround (or encircle) the light-transmitting members WCL1, WCL2, and TPL, for example, when viewed in the third direction DR3.

[0121] The transparent embankment pattern 210 may overlap the non-emission area NEA in, for example, the third direction DR3. The transparent embankment pattern 210 may overlap the pixel defining layer 170 of the light emitting structure 100 in, for example, the third direction DR3. The transparent embankment pattern 210 may be disposed to partially overlap the emission areas EA1, EA2, and EA3 in, for example, the third direction DR3, but the embodiment is not limited to this example. For example, the transparent embankment pattern 210 may not overlap the emission areas EA1, EA2, and EA3 in the third direction DR3.

[0122] The transparent bank pattern 210 may include a colorless, light-transmitting material that does not exhibit color in the visible spectrum. The transparent bank pattern 210 may include a photocurable organic material. For example, the transparent bank pattern 210 may include a colorless, light-transmitting organic material such as at least one of an acrylic resin, an acrylate resin, and an epoxy resin, but the embodiment is not limited to these example materials.

[0123] The light-transmitting members WCL1, WCL2, and TPL of the light-transmitting structure 200 may be disposed on the upper inorganic encapsulation layer 183 and exposed through a space formed by the transparent bank pattern 210. The light-transmitting members WCL1, WCL2, and TPL may include a first wavelength conversion layer WCL1 that may overlap with the first light-emitting area EA1 in the third direction DR3, a second wavelength conversion layer WCL2 that may overlap with the second light-emitting area EA2 in the third direction DR3, and a light-transmitting layer TPL that may overlap with the third light-emitting area EA3 in the third direction DR3. The light-transmitting layer TPL, the first wavelength conversion layer WCL1, and the second wavelength conversion layer WCL2 may also be referred to as wavelength conversion layers or wavelength conversion material layers.

[0124] The first wavelength conversion layer WCL1 may be disposed in a space formed by the transparent bank pattern 210 and may overlap the first light emitting area EA1 in the third direction DR3. At least a portion of the first wavelength conversion layer WCL1 may not overlap the first light transmitting area TA1 in the third direction DR3.

[0125] The first wavelength conversion layer WCL1 may be a wavelength conversion pattern that converts or shifts the peak wavelength of incident light to a different peak wavelength. In an embodiment, the emission light provided by the first light emitting element may be blue light and may be converted into red light having a peak wavelength in the range of about 610 nm to about 650 nm by passing through the first wavelength conversion layer WCL1.

[0126] The first wavelength conversion layer WCL1 may include a base resin 230 , a light scatterer 231 that may be dispersed in the base resin 230 , and a first wavelength shifter 232 that may also be dispersed in the base resin 230 .

[0127] The matrix resin 230 may be formed of an organic material having a relatively high light transmittance. In an embodiment, the matrix resin 230 may include an organic material such as at least one of epoxy resin, acrylic resin, silicon resin, carbonate resin, and imide resin, but the embodiment is not limited to these example materials.

[0128] The light scatterers 231 may have a different refractive index from the matrix resin 230 and may form an optical interface with the matrix resin 230. The light scatterers 231 may be light scattering particles. Regardless of the direction of the incident light, the light scatterers 231 may scatter the incident light in random directions without significantly changing the wavelength of the light passing through the first wavelength conversion layer WCL1.

[0129] Light scatterer 231 may include particles of metal oxide and / or organic material, but these are merely example materials. In an embodiment, light scatterer 231 may include at least one of TiO2, zirconium oxide (ZrO2), Al2O3, indium oxide (In2O3), ZnO, and tin oxide (SnO2) as the metal oxide, and may include at least one of acrylic resin and urethane resin as the organic material.

[0130] The first wavelength shifter 232 may convert or shift the peak wavelength of the incident light to a different peak wavelength.The first wavelength shifter 232 may convert the blue light provided by the first light emitting element into red light having a peak wavelength in the range of about 610 nm to about 650 nm.

[0131] In an embodiment, the first wavelength shifter 232 may include at least one of quantum dots, quantum rods, and phosphors, but the embodiment is not limited to these examples. For convenience, the first wavelength shifter 232 will be described below as including quantum dots. Quantum dots are particulate materials that emit a specific (or selected) color as electrons transition from the conduction band to the valence band. The quantum dots may be semiconductor nanocrystal materials. Depending on the composition and size of the quantum dots, the quantum dots may have a specific (or selected) band gap and may absorb light and emit light having a specific (or selected) wavelength. Examples of semiconductor nanocrystal materials may include at least one of Group IV compound nanocrystal materials, Group II-VI compound nanocrystal materials, Group III-V compound nanocrystal materials, and Group IV-VI compound nanocrystal materials, but any suitable semiconductor nanocrystal material may be used as the quantum dots.

[0132] The light emitted by the first wavelength shifter 232 can have an emission spectrum full width at half maximum (FWHM) of approximately 45 nm or less (such as approximately 40 nm or less, for example, approximately 30 nm or less), and can enhance the color purity and color reproducibility of the colors displayed by the display device 1. In some embodiments, regardless of the direction of the incident light, the light emitted by the first wavelength shifter 232 can be directed in multiple directions. By using the first wavelength shifter 232 and / or the light scatterer 231, the side visibility of the third color light displayed in the first light-transmitting area TA1 can be improved.

[0133] Some of the emission light from the first light emitting element may pass through the first wavelength conversion layer WCL1 without being converted into red light by the first wavelength shifter 232. Components of the emission light whose wavelengths are not converted by the first wavelength conversion layer WCL1 may be blocked by the first color filter 311. Conversely, red light obtained by the first wavelength conversion layer WCL1 may be emitted to the outside by passing through the first color filter 311. The first emission light emitted to the outside of the display device 1 through the first light-transmitting area TA1 may be red light.

[0134] The second wavelength conversion layer WCL2 may be disposed in a space formed by the transparent bank pattern 210 and may overlap the second light emitting area EA2 in the third direction DR3. At least a portion of the second wavelength conversion layer WCL2 may not overlap the second light transmitting area TA2 in the third direction DR3.

[0135] The second wavelength conversion layer WCL2 may be a wavelength conversion pattern that converts or shifts the peak wavelength of incident light to a different peak wavelength. In an embodiment, the emitted light from the second light-emitting element may be blue light and may be converted into green light having a peak wavelength in the range of approximately 510 nm to approximately 550 nm by passing through the second wavelength conversion layer WCL2.

[0136] The second wavelength conversion layer WCL2 may include a base resin 230 , a light scatterer 231 that may be dispersed in the base resin 230 , and a second wavelength shifter 233 that may also be dispersed in the base resin 230 .

[0137] The second wavelength shifter 233 can convert or shift the peak wavelength of the incident light to a different peak wavelength. The second wavelength shifter 233 can convert the blue light provided by the second light-emitting element into green light having a peak wavelength in the range of about 510 nm to about 550 nm. In an embodiment, the second wavelength shifter 233 may include at least one of quantum dots, quantum rods, and phosphors, but the embodiment is not limited to these examples. In the case where the second wavelength shifter 233 includes quantum dots, the second wavelength shifter 233 may have substantially the same configuration as the first wavelength shifter 232, which may also include quantum dots, and therefore, further description of the second wavelength shifter 233 will be omitted.

[0138] Some of the emission light from the third light emitting element may pass through the second wavelength conversion layer WCL2 without being converted into green light by the second wavelength shifter 233. Components of the emission light whose wavelengths are not converted by the second wavelength conversion layer WCL2 may be blocked by the second color filter 312. Conversely, the green light obtained by the second wavelength conversion layer WCL2 may be emitted to the outside by passing through the second color filter 312. The second emission light emitted to the outside of the display device 1 through the second light-transmitting area TA2 may be green light.

[0139] The light-transmitting layer TPL may be disposed in the space formed by the transparent bank pattern 210 and may overlap the third light-emitting area EA3 in the third direction DR3. At least a portion of the light-transmitting layer TPL may not overlap the third light-transmitting area TA3 in the third direction DR3.

[0140] The light-transmitting layer TPL may be a light-transmitting pattern that allows incident light to pass therethrough. In an embodiment, the emission light from the third light-emitting element may be blue light and may be emitted to the outside of the display device 1 by passing through the third color filter 313. For example, the third emission light emitted from the third light-emitting area EA3 through the third light-transmitting area TA3 to the outside of the display device 1 may be blue light.

[0141] The light transmitting layer TPL may include a base resin 230 and a light diffuser 231. The light diffuser 231 included in the light transmitting layer TPL may be optional.

[0142] The light-transmitting structure 200 may further include a reflective layer 220. The reflective layer 220 may cover portions of the surface of the transparent bank pattern 210 and portions of the surfaces of the light-transmitting members WCL1, WCL2, and TPL (or overlap portions of the surface of the transparent bank pattern 210 and portions of the surfaces of the light-transmitting members WCL1, WCL2, and TPL). The reflective layer 220 may include a metal such as at least one of Ag, Mg, Al, Pt, Pd, Au, Ni, Nd, Ir, and Cr, and may be capable of reflecting light.

[0143] Figure 5 According to the embodiment Figure 4 For example, Figure 5 The first light-transmitting area TA1 is schematically shown in the view in the second direction DR2 (see FIG. Figure 4 ), the first light emitting area EA1 (see Figure 4 ) and a reflective layer 220 around a portion of the first light-transmitting area TA1. Hereinafter, the light-transmitting areas TA1, TA2, and TA3 will be described with the first light-transmitting area TA1 as a representative light-transmitting area (see FIG. Figure 4 ), and the following description of the first light-transmitting area TA1 may also be applicable to the second light-transmitting area TA2 and the third light-transmitting area TA3.

[0144] Reference Figure 5 , and combined with Figure 4 The reflective layer 220 can alter the path of light emitted from the light-emitting elements in the light-emitting areas EA1, EA2, and EA3, directing the light toward the light-transmitting areas TA1, TA2, and TA3 that overlap with the transparent dam pattern 210 in the third direction DR3. Even when there is little or no overlap between the first light-transmitting area TA1 and the first light-emitting area EA1, the reflective layer 220 allows light to be focused into the transparent dam pattern 210 and the first light-transmitting area TA1. At least in part, due to the presence of the reflective layer 220, the light scatterers 231 in the light-transmitting members WCL1, WCL2, and TPL can be shielded from external light. This can reduce reflection of external light caused by the light scatterers 231, and improve the visibility of images displayed by the display device 1.

[0145] The reflective layer 220 may include a first portion 221 disposed between the transparent dam pattern 210 and the upper inorganic encapsulation layer 183, a second portion 222 disposed on a first side (e.g., lateral side) surface of the transparent dam pattern 210, and a third portion 223 disposed on the top surface of the light-transmitting members WCL1, WCL2, and TPL. The reflective layer 220 may surround (or cover) the top and side surfaces of each of the light-transmitting members WCL1, WCL2, and TPL, but may expose the first side surfaces of the light-transmitting members WCL1, WCL2, and TPL. The first side surfaces of the light-transmitting members WCL1, WCL2, and TPL may face the second side (e.g., lateral side) surface of the transparent dam pattern 210, and the second side surfaces of the transparent dam pattern 210 may face away from the first side surfaces of the transparent dam pattern 210 in, for example, the first direction DR1. Both the light provided by the light emitting element and the wavelength-converted light do not travel toward the top surfaces of the light-transmitting members WCL1, WCL2, and TPL, but travel toward the exposed first side surfaces of the light-transmitting members WCL1, WCL2, and TPL by entering the transparent bank pattern 210. The light entering the transparent bank pattern 210 may be reflected by the reflective layer 220 that may be provided on the bottom and first side surfaces of the transparent bank pattern 210, and may then be emitted through the top surface of the transparent bank pattern 210.

[0146] The reflective layer 220 may not be provided on the second side surface of the transparent dam pattern 210. The transparent dam pattern 210 may have a second side surface between the light-transmitting areas TA1, TA2, and TA3 and the corresponding light-emitting areas EA1, EA2, and EA3, and a first side surface between the light-transmitting areas TA1, TA2, and TA3 and the non-corresponding (or adjacent) light-emitting areas EA1, EA2, and EA3. The first light-transmitting area TA1 and the first light-emitting area EA1 may correspond to each other, the second light-transmitting area TA2 and the second light-emitting area EA2 may correspond to each other, and the third light-transmitting area TA3 and the third light-emitting area EA3 may correspond to each other.

[0147] The second portion 222 of the reflective layer 220 may be disposed on the second side surfaces of the light-transmitting members WCL1, WCL2, and TPL, and not on the first side surfaces of the light-transmitting members WCL1, WCL2, and TPL. The light-transmitting members WCL1, WCL2, and TPL may have first side surfaces between the light-transmitting areas TA1, TA2, and TA3 and the corresponding light-emitting areas EA1, EA2, and EA3, and second side surfaces between the light-transmitting areas TA1, TA2, and TA3 and the non-corresponding (or adjacent) light-emitting areas EA1, EA2, and EA3. The first side surfaces of the light-transmitting members WCL1, WCL2, and TPL may face the second side surface of the transparent dam pattern 210 corresponding to the light-transmitting areas TA1, TA2, and TA3, and the first side surfaces of the light-transmitting members WCL1, WCL2, and TPL may overlap with the corresponding light-emitting areas EA1, EA2, and EA3 in the third direction DR3.

[0148] In some embodiments, the second portion 222 of the reflective layer 220 may also be disposed on side surfaces (e.g., the third and fourth side surfaces) of the light-transmitting members WCL1, WCL2, and TPL that are opposite to each other in the second direction DR2. The second portion 222 of the reflective layer 220 disposed on the third and fourth side surfaces of the light-transmitting members WCL1, WCL2, and TPL may extend from the region of the second portion 222 of the reflective layer 220 disposed on the second side surfaces of the corresponding light-transmitting members WCL1, WCL2, and TPL. In the case where the light-transmitting members WCL1, WCL2, and TPL are formed as rectangular prisms, the bottom surface and first side surface of the rectangular prisms may not be covered by the corresponding portions of the reflective layer 220, and the remaining surfaces (e.g., the top surface, the second surface, the third surface, and the fourth surface) may be covered by the corresponding portions of the reflective layer 220.

[0149] The first portion 221 of the reflective layer 220 may be disposed on the bottom surface of the transparent bank pattern 210. In some embodiments, the reflective layer 220 may cover the entire (or substantially the entire) bottom surface of the transparent bank pattern 210.

[0150] The third portion 223 of the reflective layer 220 may be disposed between the light-transmitting members WCL1, WCL2, and TPL and the light-shielding layer 240. At least a portion of the top surfaces of the light-transmitting members WCL1, WCL2, and TPL may be covered by the third portion 223 of the reflective layer 220. In an embodiment, the reflective layer 220 may cover the entire (or substantially the entire) top surfaces of the light-transmitting members WCL1, WCL2, and TPL, but the embodiment is not limited to this example. For example, the reflective layer 220 may cover most of the top surfaces of the light-transmitting members WCL1, WCL2, and TPL, and may expose edges of the top surfaces of the light-transmitting members WCL1, WCL2, and TPL.

[0151] The light shielding layer 240 may be disposed on the reflective layer 220. The light shielding layer 240 may define the light shielding area BA of the light transmitting structure 200 and may surround (or encircle) the light transmitting areas TA1, TA2, and TA3 in a view in the third direction DR3.

[0152] At least a portion of the top surfaces of the light-transmitting members WCL1, WCL2, and TPL may overlap with the light-shielding layer 240 in the third direction DR3. In an embodiment, the light-shielding layer 240 may cover the entire (or substantially the entire) top surfaces of the light-transmitting members WCL1, WCL2, and TPL, but the embodiment is not limited to this example. For example, the light-shielding layer 240 may cover most of the top surfaces of the light-transmitting members WCL1, WCL2, and TPL, and may expose the edges of the top surfaces of the light-transmitting members WCL1, WCL2, and TPL.

[0153] The light-shielding layer 240 may include a light-absorbing material. For example, the light-shielding layer 240 may include at least one of an inorganic black pigment and an organic black pigment. The inorganic black pigment may be carbon black, and the organic black pigment may include at least one of lactam black, perylene black, and aniline black, but embodiments are not limited to these example materials. The light-shielding layer 240 can improve the color reproducibility of the display device 1 by preventing visible light from penetrating between the first light-transmitting area TA1, the second light-transmitting area TA2, and the third light-transmitting area TA3. Otherwise, the penetration of visible light between the first light-transmitting area TA1, the second light-transmitting area TA2, and the third light-transmitting area TA3 may cause color mixing.

[0154] The top surface of the light shielding layer 240 and the top surface of the transparent dam pattern 210 may form a flat (or substantially flat) surface. In some embodiments, the top surface of the light shielding layer 240 and the top surface of the transparent dam pattern 210 may be coplanar with each other. The light-transmitting layer TPL, the first wavelength conversion layer WCL1, the second wavelength conversion layer WCL2, and the reflective layer 220 may be formed to reach a height in the third direction DR3 relative to the substrate 110 that is lower than the top surface of the transparent dam pattern 210. The upper portion of the first side surface of the transparent dam pattern 210 may be exposed without being covered by the reflective layer 220, and the upper portion of the second side surface of the transparent dam pattern 210 may be exposed without being covered by the light-transmitting members WCL1, WCL2, and TPL and the reflective layer 220. The exposed portions of the first and second side surfaces of the transparent dam pattern 210 may be covered by the light shielding layer 240.

[0155] Return to reference Figure 4The second capping layer CPL2 of the light-transmitting structure 200 may be disposed on the transparent dam pattern 210, the light-transmitting members WCL1, WCL2, and TPL, and the light-shielding layer 240 to prevent (or at least mitigate) impurities such as moisture and / or air from penetrating and damaging or contaminating the light-transmitting layer TPL, the first wavelength conversion layer WCL1, and / or the second wavelength conversion layer WCL2. The second capping layer CPL2 may contact the light-shielding layer 240 and the transparent dam pattern 210. The second capping layer CPL2 may have a continuous (or substantially continuous) film shape extending across the light-transmitting areas TA1, TA2, and TA3 and the light-shielding area BA.

[0156] The color filter structure 300 may have a structure including a low refractive layer LR, a third capping layer CPL3, and a color filter layer 310 sequentially stacked on the light-transmitting structure 200 in the listed order.

[0157] A low-refractive layer LR may be disposed on top of the second capping layer CPL2. Since the low-refractive layer LR may have a lower refractive index than the transparent bank pattern 210, the low-refractive layer LR may induce total internal reflection of light traveling from the transparent bank pattern 210 to the low-refractive layer LR, thereby recycling the light. The low-refractive layer LR may flatten the unevenness of the underlying surface.

[0158] The third capping layer CPL3 of the color filter structure 300 may be disposed on the low-refractive layer LR, and the third capping layer CPL3 of the color filter structure 300 covers or overlaps the low-refractive layer LR in the third direction DR3. The third capping layer CPL3 may prevent (or at least reduce) impurities such as moisture and / or air from penetrating and damaging or contaminating the low-refractive layer LR and / or the color filter layer 310.

[0159] The third capping layer CPL3 may include an inorganic material. The third capping layer CPL3 may be formed in a single layer structure or a multi-layer structure.

[0160] The color filter layer 310 of the color filter structure 300 may be disposed on the third capping layer CPL3 and may include a first color filter 311, a second color filter 312, and a third color filter 313. A plurality of color filters (hereinafter collectively referred to as color filters 311, 312, and 313) may be disposed to correspond to the light-transmitting areas TA1, TA2, and TA3, respectively.

[0161] The color filters 311, 312, and 313 may include a colorant such as at least one of a dye and a pigment that absorbs light of the entire (or substantially the entire) wavelength range except for a specific (or selected) wavelength range, and the color filters 311, 312, and 313 may be arranged to correspond to the colors of light emitted from the light-transmitting areas TA1, TA2, and TA3, respectively. For example, the first color filter 311 may overlap with the first light-transmitting area TA1 and may be a red color filter that allows only red light to pass through. The second color filter 312 may overlap with the second light-transmitting area TA2 and may be a green color filter that allows only green light to pass through. The third color filter 313 may overlap with the third light-transmitting area TA3 and may be a blue color filter that allows only blue light to pass through.

[0162] Each of the light-transmitting areas TA1, TA2, and TA3 of the light-transmitting structure 200 may be covered by at least one of the color filters 311, 312, and 313. Each of the light-emitting areas EA1, EA2, and EA3 of the light-emitting structure 100 may overlap with two or more color filters in the third direction DR3. For example, the first light-emitting area EA1 may overlap with both the first color filter 311 and the second color filter 312 in the third direction DR3, the second light-emitting area EA2 may overlap with both the second color filter 312 and the third color filter 313 in the third direction DR3, and the third light-emitting area EA3 may overlap with both the third color filter 313 and the first color filter 311 in the third direction DR3.

[0163] The color filters 311, 312, and 313 may form a flat surface without any (or any substantial) step difference. For example, the top surfaces of the color filters 311, 312, and 313 may form a flat surface, for example, the top surfaces of the color filters 311, 312, and 313 may be coplanar with each other. The color filters 311, 312, and 313 may seamlessly cover the surface of the third capping layer CPL3 without any gaps (or substantially without gaps). The steps or gaps present in the color filters 311, 312, and 313 may cause reflections caused by external light.

[0164] An overcoat layer (OC) may be disposed on the color filters 311, 312, and 313 and may flatten the tops of the color filters 311, 312, and 313. The overcoat layer (OC) may be a colorless, light-transmitting layer that exhibits no color in the visible spectrum. For example, the overcoat layer (OC) may include a colorless, light-transmitting organic material such as an acrylic resin.

[0165] Figure 6 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device 1_1 according to an embodiment. Figure 6 , display device 1_1 and the same Figure 4The display device 1 described in connection therewith differs in that the widths of the light-transmitting areas TA1_1, TA2_1, and TA3_1 increase in one or more of the first and second directions DR1 and DR2, and the widths of the light-blocking areas BA_1 decrease in one or more of the first and second directions DR1 and DR2. The widths of the transparent dam pattern 210_1 in one or more of the first and second directions DR1 and DR2 may also increase. As the light-transmitting areas TA1_1, TA2_1, and TA3_1 expand in one or more of the first and second directions DR1 and DR2, the light emission efficiency of the display device 1_1 may also change. The widths of the transparent dam pattern 210_1 in one or more of the first and second directions DR1 and DR2, and the widths of the light-transmitting members WCL1, WCL2, and TPL in one or more of the first and second directions DR1 and DR2, may be adjusted to control the light emission efficiency of the display device 1_1.

[0166] Figure 7 1_2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device 1_2 according to an embodiment. Figure 7 , display device 1_2 and the same Figure 4 The display device 1 described in association therewith is different in that the transparent bank pattern 210_2 has a reverse-tapered cross-sectional shape in a plane parallel (or substantially parallel) to a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the third direction DR3, whereas Figure 4 The transparent dam pattern 210 described in this connection may have a rectangular cross-sectional shape in a plane parallel (or substantially parallel) to the plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the third direction DR3. That is, in a plane perpendicular to the substrate 110, the transparent dam pattern 210 has a rectangular cross-sectional shape, or the transparent dam pattern 210_2 has a cross-sectional shape in which the first lateral side extends obliquely relative to the substrate 110. In some embodiments, the transparent dam pattern 210_2 may have an inverted trapezoidal prism shape, such that the first surface of the inverted trapezoidal prism facing the substrate 110 in the third direction DR3 may have a smaller surface area than the second surface of the inverted trapezoidal prism facing the overcoat layer OC in the third direction DR3. In some embodiments, the shapes of the light-transmitting members WCL1_2, WCL2_2, and TPL_2 may complement the shape of the transparent dam pattern 210_2. For example, the light-transmitting members WCL1_2, WCL2_2, and TPL_2 may have a non-inverted trapezoidal prism shape that complements the inverted trapezoidal prism shape of the transparent dam pattern 210_2.

[0167] First and second side surfaces of the transparent bank pattern 210_2 and first and second side surfaces of the light transmitting members WCL1_2 , WCL2_2 , and TPL_2 may overlap the light transmitting areas TA1_2 , TA2_2 , and TA3_2 in the third direction DR3 .

[0168] As the cross-sectional shape of the transparent dam pattern 210_2 is changed, the reflective layer 220_2 may be disposed on the first side surface of the transparent dam pattern 210_2 to be tilted (or inclined to a plane parallel (or substantially parallel) to a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2) to change the path of emitted light. By modifying the cross-sectional shape of the transparent dam pattern 210_2, the path and / or emission efficiency of light may be controlled. Although Figure 7 A reverse tapered cross-sectional shape for the transparent dam pattern 210_2 is schematically shown, but embodiments are not limited to this example. For example, the transparent dam pattern 210_2 may have a generally tapered cross-sectional shape in a plane parallel (or substantially parallel) to the plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the third direction DR3. For example, the transparent dam pattern 210_2 may have a non-inverted trapezoidal prism shape, in which the first surface of the trapezoidal prism facing the substrate 110 in the third direction DR3 has a larger surface area than the second surface of the trapezoidal prism facing the overcoat layer OC in the third direction DR3. In the case where the transparent dam pattern 210_2 has a non-inverted trapezoidal prism shape, the light-transmitting members WCL1_2, WCL2_2, and TPL_2 may have complementary non-inverted trapezoidal prism shapes.

[0169] Figure 8 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device 1_3 according to an embodiment. Figure 8 , display device 1_3 and the same Figure 4 The display device 1 described in connection with the above is different in that the reflective layer 220_3 and the light shielding layer 240_3 do not cover the entire top surface of the light-transmitting members WCL1, WCL2, and TPL, but expose some of the edges of the light-transmitting members WCL1, WCL2, and TPL. The exposed portions of the top surfaces of the light-transmitting members WCL1, WCL2, and TPL may be covered by the second capping layer CPL2_3.

[0170] Hereinafter, the process of manufacturing the display device 1 (see FIG. Figure 4 ) method.

[0171] Figures 9 to 14 The light-transmitting structure 200 of the display device 1 according to the embodiment (see Figure 4 ) and color filter structure 300 (see Figure 4 ) at various stages of manufacture.

[0172] Reference Figure 9 , the thin film encapsulation layers 181, 182 and 183 (see FIG. Figure 4 ) is formed on the upper inorganic encapsulation layer 183 of the reflective layer 220, that is, on the light emitting structure 110 (see FIG. Figure 4 ) The first portion 221 of the reflective layer 220 is formed on the third direction DR3. A plurality of first portions 221 of the reflective layer 220 may be formed, and the plurality of first portions 221 of the reflective layer 220 may be spaced apart from each other in a view in, for example, the third direction DR3.

[0173] Reference Figure 10 , a transparent bank pattern 210 may be formed on the first portion 221 of the reflective layer 220. A plurality of transparent bank patterns 210 may be formed and may be spaced apart from each other in a view in, for example, the third direction DR3. Figure 10 The transparent bank pattern 210 is schematically shown as being formed to cover the entire top surface of the first portion 221 of the reflective layer 220, but the embodiment is not limited to this example. For example, the transparent bank pattern 210 may be formed to expose at least one edge of the top surface of at least some of the first portions 221 of the reflective layer 220 (e.g., each of the first portions 221 of the reflective layer 220).

[0174] Reference Figure 11 , the second portion 222 of the reflective layer 220 may be formed on the side surface (i.e., the first lateral side surface) of the transparent dam pattern 210 and may be physically connected to the first portion 221 of the reflective layer 220. The reflective layer 220 may be formed to reach a height in the third direction DR3 that is lower than the top surface of the transparent dam pattern 210 relative to the upper inorganic encapsulation layer 183. The upper portion of the transparent dam pattern 210 may be exposed. The reflective layer 220 may be formed on one side surface (or side surfaces) of each of the transparent dam patterns 210.

[0175] Reference Figure 12 , the light-transmitting members WCL1, WCL2, and TPL may be formed in the space between the transparent bank patterns 210. The first wavelength conversion layer WCL1 may be formed in the first light-emitting area EA1 (see Figure 4 ), the second wavelength conversion layer WCL2 may be formed in the second light emitting area EA2 (see Figure 4 ), and the light-transmitting layer TPL may be formed in the third light-emitting area EA3 (see Figure 4 In an embodiment, the light-transmitting members WCL1, WCL2, and TPL may be formed by an inkjet method using a nozzle. The light-transmitting layer TPL, the first wavelength conversion layer WCL1, and the second wavelength conversion layer WCL2 may be formed to reach a height in the third direction DR3 that is lower than the top surface of the transparent bank pattern 210 relative to the upper inorganic encapsulation layer 183.

[0176] Reference Figure 13 , a third portion 223 of the reflective layer 220 and the light shielding layer 240 may be formed on the light transmitting members WCL1 , WCL2 , and TPL. The third portion 223 of the reflective layer 220 may be physically connected to the second portion 222 of the reflective layer 220 . Figure 13 The reflective layer 220 and the light shielding layer 240 are schematically shown as covering the entire top surface of the light-transmitting members WCL1, WCL2, and TPL, but the embodiment is not limited to this example. For example, the reflective layer 220 and the light shielding layer 240 may expose one edge (or edges) of the top surface of some of the light-transmitting members WCL1, WCL2, and TPL (e.g., each of the light-transmitting members WCL1, WCL2, and TPL). The light shielding layer 240 may be formed to reach the height of the transparent dam pattern 210 relative to the top surface of the upper inorganic encapsulation layer 183 in the third direction DR3. The top surface of the light shielding layer 240 may form a flat (or substantially flat) surface with the top surface of the transparent dam pattern 210.

[0177] Reference Figure 14 , a second capping layer CPL2 , a low refractive layer LR, and a third capping layer CPL3 may be sequentially formed on the light shielding layer 240 and the transparent bank pattern 210 , and color filters 311 , 312 , and 313 may be formed on the third capping layer CPL3 .

[0178] Although the foregoing embodiments have been described in some detail for purposes of clarity of understanding, it will be apparent that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims. It should be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing the processes, systems, and apparatus of the disclosed embodiments. Therefore, the embodiments are to be considered as illustrative rather than restrictive, and the embodiments are not to be limited to the details given herein.

Claims

1. A display device, wherein: The display device includes: substrate; A first light-emitting element is disposed on the substrate; a second light-emitting element disposed on the substrate and spaced apart from the first light-emitting element; a pixel defining layer, disposed on the substrate and at least partially defining areas corresponding to the first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element; a first wavelength conversion layer, disposed on the first light-emitting element; a second wavelength conversion layer, disposed on the second light-emitting element; a first transparent dam pattern disposed on the pixel defining layer, the first transparent dam pattern being disposed between the first wavelength conversion layer and the second wavelength conversion layer; and A reflective layer is disposed on each of a first lateral side surface of the first transparent bank pattern, a bottom surface of the first transparent bank pattern facing the substrate, and a top surface of the first wavelength conversion layer opposite to the substrate.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The first lateral side surface of the first transparent bank pattern faces the corresponding first lateral side surface of the first wavelength conversion layer, and A second lateral side surface of the first transparent bank pattern is opposite to the first lateral side surface of the first transparent bank pattern, and the second lateral side surface of the first transparent bank pattern faces a corresponding second lateral side surface of the second wavelength conversion layer.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: The second lateral side surface of the first transparent bank pattern directly contacts the corresponding second lateral side surface of the second wavelength conversion layer.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The display device further includes: The light-shielding layer is arranged on the reflecting layer.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein The light-shielding layer overlaps each of the first light-emitting element, the second light-emitting element, the first wavelength conversion layer, and the second wavelength conversion layer. The display device according to claim 5 , wherein: A top surface of the light shielding layer and a top surface of the first transparent bank pattern are coplanar with each other.

7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The display device further includes: a second transparent dam pattern disposed on the pixel defining layer and spaced apart from the first transparent dam pattern, the first wavelength conversion layer being disposed between the second transparent dam pattern and the first transparent dam pattern; a first color filter disposed on the second transparent bank pattern and the first wavelength conversion layer; and A second color filter is disposed on each of the first transparent bank pattern, the first wavelength conversion layer, and the second wavelength conversion layer.

8. The display device according to claim 7, wherein: The first light emitting element overlaps with both the first color filter and the second color filter.

9. The display device according to claim 7, wherein: The first color filter overlaps the entire top surface of the first transparent bank pattern, and The second color filter overlaps an entire top surface of the second transparent bank pattern.

10. The display device according to claim 1, wherein In a plane perpendicular to the substrate, the first transparent bank pattern has a rectangular cross-sectional shape or a cross-sectional shape in which the first lateral side surface extends obliquely to the substrate.

11. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The display device further includes: a third light-emitting element disposed on the substrate and spaced apart from both the first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element; and The light-transmitting layer is arranged on the third light-emitting element.

12. The display device according to claim 11, wherein The first wavelength conversion layer includes a base resin and a first wavelength conversion shifter, The second wavelength conversion layer includes a base resin and a second wavelength conversion shifter different from the first wavelength conversion shifter, and The light-transmitting layer includes a matrix resin.

13. A display device, wherein: The display device includes: a light emitting structure comprising a first light emitting region, a second light emitting region, and a non-light emitting region surrounding the first light emitting region and the second light emitting region in a view perpendicular to the light emitting structure; a light-transmitting structure disposed on the light-emitting structure, the light-transmitting structure comprising a first light-transmitting area, a second light-transmitting area, and a light-shielding area surrounding the first light-transmitting area and the second light-transmitting area in the view; and A color filter structure is provided on the light-transmitting structure, wherein: The light shielding area overlaps with the first light emitting area and the second light emitting area respectively in the view, and Both the first light-transmitting area and the second light-transmitting area overlap with the non-luminescent area in the view.

14. The display device according to claim 13, wherein: The display device is configured such that: Light emitted from the first light-emitting area passes through the first light-transmitting area; and Light emitted from the second light emitting area passes through the second light transmitting area.

15. The display device according to claim 13, wherein The color filter structure comprises: a first color filter overlapping the first light-transmitting area and the first portion of the first light-emitting area, respectively, in the view; and The second color filter overlaps the second light-transmitting area and the second portion of the first light-emitting area in the view.

16. The display device according to claim 15, wherein Both the first color filter and the second color filter overlap the first light emitting area in the view.

17. The display device according to claim 13, wherein: The light-transmitting structure comprises: a plurality of transparent bank patterns, arranged in the first light-transmitting area and the second light-transmitting area; a plurality of light-transmitting members disposed in spaces between the plurality of transparent bank patterns, and the plurality of light-transmitting members overlap the light-shielding area in the view; and A reflective layer is disposed on each of bottom surfaces of the transparent bank patterns facing the light emitting structure, first lateral side surfaces of the transparent bank patterns, and top surfaces of the light transmitting members facing away from the light emitting structure.

18. The display device according to claim 17, wherein: The plurality of transparent bank patterns include a plurality of second lateral side surfaces different from the plurality of first lateral side surfaces, and The second lateral side surfaces of the transparent bank patterns directly contact corresponding light-transmitting members among the light-transmitting members.

19. A method for manufacturing a display device, wherein: The method comprises: forming a plurality of first portions of a reflective layer on the light emitting structure including the light emitting element; forming a plurality of transparent bank patterns on the plurality of first portions of the reflective layer; and A plurality of second portions of the reflective layer are formed on a plurality of first lateral side surfaces of the plurality of transparent bank patterns such that the plurality of second portions of the reflective layer are respectively connected to the plurality of first portions of the reflective layer.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein The method further comprises: forming a plurality of light-transmitting members on the light-emitting structure and respectively between adjacent transparent bank patterns among the plurality of transparent bank patterns; and A plurality of third portions of the reflective layer are formed on the plurality of light-transmitting members such that the plurality of third portions of the reflective layer are respectively connected to the plurality of second portions of the reflective layer.

21. An electronic device, wherein: The electronic device comprises: A display device comprising a substrate; A first light-emitting element is disposed on the substrate; a second light-emitting element disposed on the substrate and spaced apart from the first light-emitting element; a pixel defining layer, disposed on the substrate and at least partially defining areas corresponding to the first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element; a first wavelength conversion layer, disposed on the first light-emitting element; a second wavelength conversion layer, disposed on the second light-emitting element; a first transparent dam pattern disposed on the pixel defining layer, the first transparent dam pattern being disposed between the first wavelength conversion layer and the second wavelength conversion layer; and A reflective layer is disposed on each of a first lateral side surface of the first transparent bank pattern, a bottom surface of the first transparent bank pattern facing the substrate, and a top surface of the first wavelength conversion layer opposite to the substrate.

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