Electronic device and display device

Abstract

The invention relates to an electronic device and a display device. The electronic device includes: a base layer including first to third light emitting regions; a lower electrode including first to third reflective electrodes and first to third transparent electrodes; an organic layer disposed on the lower electrode and including an emission layer; an upper electrode disposed on the organic layer; and a separation layer disposed between the first reflective electrode and the first transparent electrode and between the second reflective electrode and the second transparent electrode. A first contact hole and a second contact hole are defined in the separation layer overlapping the first light emitting region and the second light emitting region, respectively. The first transparent electrode is disposed in the first contact hole and is connected to the first reflective electrode. A second transparent electrode is disposed in the second contact hole and is connected to the second reflective electrode.

Description

[0001] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0094690, filed on July 17, 2024, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0153490, filed on November 1, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The disclosure relates to an electronic device, and more particularly, to an electronic device including a multi-layer electrode. BACKGROUND

[0004] Display devices such as televisions, computer monitors, smartphones, and tablet computers that provide images to users include display panels for displaying images. Display panels can be made of various different types, such as liquid crystal display (LCD) panels, organic light emitting diode (OLED) display panels, electrowetting display panels, and electrophoretic display panels.

[0005] In order to enhance the reliability of display panels, research has been conducted on patterning methods for light emitting elements, and high-resolution electronic devices including light emitting materials commonly disposed through an opening mask have been explored. SUMMARY

[0006] An electronic device includes a base layer including first to third light emitting regions and a non-light emitting region. A lower electrode includes first to third reflective electrodes respectively overlapping the first to third light emitting regions. First to third transparent electrodes are disposed on the first to third reflective electrodes. An organic layer is disposed on the lower electrode and includes an emission layer. An upper electrode is disposed on the organic layer. A separation layer is disposed between the first reflective electrode and the first transparent electrode and between the second reflective electrode and the second transparent electrode. First and second contact holes are defined in the separation layer overlapping the first and second light emitting regions, respectively. The first transparent electrode is disposed in the first contact hole and connected to the first reflective electrode. The second transparent electrode is disposed in the second contact hole and connected to the second reflective electrode.

[0007] The separation layer can include first and second inorganic layers each containing an inorganic material.

[0008] The first and second inorganic layers can be disposed between the first reflective electrode and the first transparent electrode, and the first inorganic layer can be separately disposed between the second reflective electrode and the second transparent electrode.

[0009] A first distance from the first reflective electrode to the first transparent electrode can be greater than a second distance from the second reflective electrode to the second transparent electrode.

[0010] The first inorganic layer and the second inorganic layer can each include at least one of silicon oxide (SiO x ), silicon nitride (SiN x ), and silicon oxynitride (SiO x N y ).

[0011] The electronic device can further include a first pattern disposed on the first transparent electrode overlapping the first contact hole and a second pattern disposed on the second transparent electrode overlapping the second contact hole.

[0012] The electronic device can further include a pixel definition film disposed on the base layer and having a pixel opening defined therein, the pixel opening exposing at least a portion of each of the first transparent electrode through the third transparent electrode.

[0013] The first pattern and the second pattern can include the same material as the pixel definition film.

[0014] The pixel definition film, the first pattern, and the second pattern can include an organic material or an inorganic material.

[0015] An upper surface of the first pattern can be coplanar with an upper surface of the first transparent electrode that does not overlap the first contact hole, and an upper surface of the second pattern can be coplanar with an upper surface of the second transparent electrode that does not overlap the second contact hole.

[0016] The first pattern and the second pattern can each include a first portion disposed within the corresponding contact hole and a second portion disposed on the first portion and protruding from the corresponding transparent electrode.

[0017] A side surface of the separation layer defining the first contact hole can be inclined at a first predetermined angle from the first reflective electrode, and a side surface of the separation layer defining the second contact hole can be inclined at a second predetermined angle from the second reflective electrode.

[0018] The third reflective electrode and the third transparent electrode can be in direct contact with each other.

[0019] The first reflective electrode through the third reflective electrode can each include a first layer including a transparent conductive oxide, a second layer disposed on the first layer and including a reflective metal material, and a third layer disposed on the second layer and including a transparent conductive oxide.

[0020] The electronic device can further include a packaging layer disposed on the upper electrode, and a color filter layer disposed on the packaging layer and including first through third color filters respectively overlapping the first through third light emitting areas.

[0021] Electronic devices may also include an outer coating disposed on the color filter layer.

[0022] The first to the third luminous regions can differ from each other in planar shape and area.

[0023] The first and second light-emitting areas may differ from the first and second contact holes in planar shape.

[0024] The first light-emitting area may have the same planar shape as the first contact hole, and the second light-emitting area may have the same planar shape as the second contact hole.

[0025] The first to the third reflective electrodes can be spaced apart from each other and disposed in the same layer.

[0026] The display device includes: a base layer comprising a first light-emitting region, a second light-emitting region, a third light-emitting region, and a non-light-emitting region. A lower electrode includes a first reflective electrode overlapping the first light-emitting region, a second reflective electrode overlapping the second light-emitting region, a third reflective electrode overlapping the third light-emitting region, a first transparent electrode disposed on the first reflective electrode, a second transparent electrode disposed on the second reflective electrode, and a third transparent electrode disposed on the third reflective electrode. An organic layer is disposed on the lower electrode and includes an emitting layer. An upper electrode is disposed on the organic layer. A separation layer is disposed between the first reflective electrode and the first transparent electrode, and between the second reflective electrode and the second transparent electrode.

[0027] A first contact hole may be defined in a separation layer that overlaps with the first light-emitting region, and a second contact hole may be defined in a separation layer that overlaps with the second light-emitting region.

[0028] The first transparent electrode can be disposed in the first contact hole and connected to the first reflective electrode, and the second transparent electrode can be disposed in the second contact hole and connected to the second reflective electrode. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the inventive concept and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the inventive concept and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the inventive concept. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a perspective view illustrating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the concept of the present invention; Figure 2A This is a perspective view illustrating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the concept of the present invention; Figure 2B This is an exploded perspective view showing an electronic device according to an embodiment of the concept of the present invention; Figure 3A ,Figure 3B and Figure 3C is a plan view showing a display panel according to an embodiment of the present inventive concept; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' of Figure 3A Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a display panel according to an embodiment of the present inventive concept; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a display panel according to an embodiment of the present inventive concept; Figure 7 is a plan view showing a display panel according to an embodiment of the present inventive concept; Figure 8 is a plan view showing a display panel according to an embodiment of the present inventive concept; and Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a light emitting element according to an embodiment of the present inventive concept. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] In this specification, when an element (or area, layer, part, and the like) is referred to as being "on" another element, "connected to" or "coupled to" another element, it can be directly on, connected, or coupled to the other element or one or more other elements can be interposed therebetween.

[0031] Throughout the specification and the drawings, like reference numerals or designations can refer to like elements throughout. In the drawings, while each drawing can represent one or more particular embodiments of the present disclosure (and is) drawn to scale, such that relative lengths, thicknesses, and angles can be inferred therefrom, it should be understood that the present invention is not necessarily limited to the relative lengths, thicknesses, and angles shown. Variations to these values can be made within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, for example, to allow for manufacturing limitations, etc. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0032] It will be understood that, although the terms "first," "second," etc. can 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. For example, a first element could be termed a second element without departing from the scope of the present inventive concept. Similarly, a second element could be termed a first element. The singular terms "a," "an," and "the" can include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0033] ​Furthermore, the terms "below," "under," "on," "above," "on top of," etc., can be used in relation to the illustrated elements of the drawings. These terms are relative concepts and are described based on the directions indicated in the drawings.

[0034] It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," and / or "including," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0035] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to high resolution display panels that utilize multi-layered electrodes and separation structures to optimize light emission and optical efficiency. The multi-layered electrodes can include a reflective electrode and a transparent electrode at each light emitting region. A separation piece composed of an inorganic material such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, or silicon oxynitride can be disposed between the reflective electrode and the transparent electrode to improve optical resonance and efficiency. This combination of reflective and transparent electrodes can be customized for each of the light emitting regions for three different colors including red, green, and blue, and the separation layer can be customized to control the spacing between the reflective and transparent electrodes, which allows for optimization of the resonance frequency for each of the light emitting regions for different colors.

[0036] The reflective and transparent electrodes can be connected using dedicated contact holes to improve electrical efficiency without increasing non-light emitting regions. Thus, better current can be obtained while maintaining a high aperture ratio.

[0037] A special pixel defining film can also be used to help control the light emitting regions and prevent unwanted light leakage, thereby improving color accuracy and pixel accuracy.

[0038] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present application will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an electronic device EE according to an embodiment of the present inventive concept. The electronic device EE can be an electronic device activated in response to an electrical signal. For example, the electronic device EE can be a television, a computer monitor, an outdoor digital billboard, a portable game machine, a laptop / notebook computer, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a navigation system, and a wearable device, but embodiments of the present inventive concept are not necessarily limited thereto.

[0040] Figure 1A head-mounted display (HMD) device is shown as an example of the electronic device EE. The head-mounted display device can be a device worn on a user's head to provide a screen on which an image or a video is displayed to the user. The head-mounted display device can include a see-through type device that provides augmented reality (AR) based on a real external object and an opaque type device that provides virtual reality (VR) to the user on a screen without being able to directly observe the environment.

[0041] Reference Figure 1 The electronic device EE can include a display panel DP and a lens portion LS facing the display panel DP. In addition, the electronic device EE can include a main frame MF, a cover frame CF, and a fixing portion FP.

[0042] The main frame MF can be a portion worn on a user's face. The main frame MF can have a shape corresponding to a shape of the user's head (e.g., face). For example, a length of the fixing portion FP can be adjusted according to a circumference of the user's head. The fixing portion FP is a structure that allows the main frame MF to be easily worn on the head, and can include a strap, a band, or the like. However, embodiments of the inventive concept are not necessarily limited thereto, and the fixing portion FP can have various shapes coupled with the main frame MF, such as a helmet or a temple.

[0043] The lens portion LS, the display panel DP, and the cover frame CF can be mounted on the main frame MF. The main frame MF can include a space or a structure in which the lens portion LS and the display panel DP can be accommodated.

[0044] The lens portion LS can be disposed between the display panel DP and the user. The lens portion LS can allow light emitted from the display panel DP to pass therethrough and can provide the light to the user. For example, the lens portion LS can include various types of lenses, such as a multi-channel lens, a convex lens, a concave lens, a spherical lens, an aspherical lens, a single lens, a compound lens, a standard lens, a narrow-angle lens, a wide-angle lens, a fixed-focus lens, and a variable-focus lens.

[0045] The lens portion LS can include a first lens LS1 and a second lens LS2. The first lens LS1 and the second lens LS2 can be disposed to correspond to positions of the user's right eye and left eye, respectively. The first lens LS1 and the second lens LS2 can be accommodated within the main frame MF.

[0046] The display panel DP can be disposed in a state fixed to the main frame MF, or can be disposed in a detachable manner. The display panel DP will be described in greater detail below.

[0047] The cover frame CF can be disposed on a surface of the display panel DP to protect the display panel DP. The cover frame CF and the lens portion LS can be spaced apart from each other with the display panel DP interposed therebetween.

[0048] In Figure 1 In the following drawings, a first direction DR1 to a third direction DR3 are shown. Directions indicated by the first direction DR1, the second direction DR2, and the third direction DR3 shown in this specification can be used for convenience, and thus can be changed to other directions. Directions indicated by the first direction DR1, the second direction DR2, and the third direction DR3 can be described as the first direction to the third direction, and thus can be denoted as the same reference numerals or symbols. In this specification, the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 can be perpendicular to each other, and the third direction DR3 can be a direction perpendicular to a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2.

[0049] A thickness direction of the electronic device EE can be parallel to the third direction DR3, which is a direction perpendicular to a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. In this specification, a front surface (or an upper surface) and a rear surface (or a lower surface) of each member forming the electronic device EE can be defined with respect to the third direction DR3. In this specification, "on a plane" or "in a plan view" refers to a plane parallel to a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2, and "on a cross section" or "in a cross-sectional view" refers to a plane parallel to the third direction DR3. A "planar shape" is defined herein as a shape of an object on a plane / in a plan view.

[0050] Figure 2A FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an electronic device EE-a according to an embodiment of the present inventive concept. Figure 2A FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present inventive concept, which illustrates a mobile phone as an example of the electronic device EE-a.

[0051] The electronic device EE-a can display an image IM through an active area AA-DD. The active area AA-DD can include a flat surface defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The active area AA-DD can further include curved surfaces curved from at least one side of the flat surface defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. However, this is merely an example, and a shape of the active area AA-DD is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the active area AA-DD can include a flat surface, or the active area AA-DD can further include four curved surfaces curved from each of at least two sides (for example, four sides of the flat surface).

[0052] The peripheral area NAA-DD can be adjacent to the active area AA-DD. The peripheral area NAA-DD can surround the active area AA-DD on at least two sides of the active area AA-DD, or be close to one side of the active area AA-DD. Accordingly, the shape of the active area AA-DD can be substantially defined by the peripheral area NAA-DD. However, this is shown as an example, and the peripheral area NAA-DD can be provided to be adjacent to only one side of the active area AA-DD, or the peripheral area NAA-DD can not be provided. The active area AA-DD can be provided in various shapes, and is not necessarily limited to any one embodiment.

[0053] Figure 2B is Figure 2A an exploded perspective view of the electronic device EE-a shown in FIG. 1A. Referring to Figure 2B , the electronic device EE-a can include a housing HAU, a display panel DP, and a window WM.

[0054] The window WM can cover an entire outer portion of the display panel DP. The window WM can include a transmissive area TA and a bezel area BZA. A front surface of the window WM including the transmissive area TA and the bezel area BZA can serve as a front surface of the electronic device EE-a. The transmissive area TA can correspond to Figure 2A the active area AA-DD of the electronic device EE-a shown in FIG. 1A, and the bezel area BZA can correspond to Figure 2A the peripheral area NAA-DD of the electronic device EE-a shown in FIG. 1A.

[0055] The transmissive area TA can be an optically transparent area. The bezel area BZA can be an area having a relatively lower light transmittance than the transmissive area TA. The bezel area BZA can have a predetermined color. The bezel area BZA can be adjacent to the transmissive area TA and can surround the transmissive area TA. The bezel area BZA can define the shape of the transmissive area TA. However, embodiments of the inventive concept are not necessarily limited to what is shown, and the bezel area BZA can be provided to be adjacent to only one side of the transmissive area TA, and a portion thereof can not be provided.

[0056] The display panel DP can include an active area AA and a peripheral area NAA. The active area AA can correspond to Figure 2A the active area AA-DD of the electronic device EE-a shown in FIG. 1A, and the peripheral area NAA can correspond to Figure 2AThe peripheral region NAA-DD of the electronic device EE-a shown in FIG. 1A can be bent with respect to a bending axis extending along the second direction DR2, and can overlap the active region AA. The pixel for generating an image can be disposed in the active region AA. A driving element and a signal line for driving the pixel disposed in the active region AA can be disposed in the peripheral region NAA.

[0057] The input sensing portion can be disposed on the display panel DP. The input sensing portion can sense an external input applied from the outside. The external input can be a user input. The user input can include various types of external inputs such as a user's body part, light, heat, a pen / stylus, or pressure. More specifically, the input sensing portion can be disposed on a sealing layer TFE (see FIG. 1A) of the display panel DP, which will be described below. Alternatively, the input sensing portion can be directly disposed on the sealing layer TFE (see FIG. 1A), or can be directly disposed on an adhesive disposed on the sealing layer TFE (see FIG. 1A). The adhesive can include a typical adhesive or a bonding agent. Figure 4 Figure 4 Figure 4

[0058] In this specification, it will be understood that when a component (or region, layer, part, etc.) is referred to as being "on" another component, it can be directly on the other component or intervening components (e.g., an adhesive, a bonding agent, etc.) can also be present. For example, when a component is referred to as being "directly disposed" on another component, it means that the component is in direct contact with the other component.

[0059] The housing HAU can accommodate the display panel DP, etc. The housing HAU can be coupled to the window WM.

[0060] Figures 3A to 3C is a plan view of a display panel DP according to an embodiment. Hereinafter, the description of the display panel DP can equally apply to the display panel DP included in the electronic devices EE and EE-a shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2B .

[0061] Referring to Figures 3A to 3C , the display panel DP can include a light emitting region PXA and a non-light emitting region NPXA. The non-light emitting region NPXA can surround the light emitting region PXA. The light emitting region PXA can be disposed in a plurality. The light emitting region PXA can each include a first light emitting region PXA-1, a second light emitting region PXA-2, and a third light emitting region PXA-3. Each of the first light emitting region PXA-1, the second light emitting region PXA-2, and the third light emitting region PXA-3 can emit light having a different wavelength range.

[0062] ​​​The first light emitting area PXA-1 can emit first light, and the second light emitting area PXA-2 can emit second light different from the first light. The third light emitting area PXA-3 can emit third light different from the first light and the second light. The first light can be red light, the second light can be green light, and the third light can be blue light.

[0063] For example, any one of the first light emitting areas PXA-1 and any one of the third light emitting areas PXA-3 can be spaced apart from each other along the first direction DR1. Any one of the first light emitting areas PXA-1 and any one of the second light emitting areas PXA-2 can be spaced apart from each other along the first diagonal direction CDR1, and the third light emitting areas PXA-3 and the second light emitting areas PXA-2 can be spaced apart from each other along the second diagonal direction CDR2.

[0064] The first light emitting areas PXA-1 and the third light emitting areas PXA-3 spaced apart from each other along the first direction DR1, and the two second light emitting areas PXA-2 adjacent along the first direction DR1 and spaced apart from each other along the diagonal directions CDR1 and CDR2 from the first light emitting areas PXA-1 and the third light emitting areas PXA-3 can be defined as one sub-pixel.

[0065] According to an embodiment of the present inventive concept, each of the first light emitting areas PXA-1, the second light emitting areas PXA-2, and the third light emitting areas PXA-3 can have a rhombus shape. Among the first light emitting areas PXA-1, the second light emitting areas PXA-2, and the third light emitting areas PXA-3, the third light emitting areas PXA-3 can have the largest area, and the second light emitting areas PXA-2 can have the smallest area. However, this is merely an example, and the areas of the first light emitting areas PXA-1, the second light emitting areas PXA-2, and the third light emitting areas PXA-3 are not necessarily limited thereto.

[0066] In Figure 3A , the first light emitting areas PXA-1 and the third light emitting areas PXA-3 can be alternately disposed in a row, and the second light emitting areas PXA-2 can be spaced apart from the first light emitting areas PXA-1 and the third light emitting areas PXA-3 and can be disposed in a different row. However, this is merely an example, and the arrangement of the first light emitting areas PXA-1, the second light emitting areas PXA-2, and the third light emitting areas PXA-3 is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0067] According to embodiments of the inventive concept, in the first light emitting area PXA-1, the second light emitting area PXA-2, and the third light emitting area PXA-3, the contact holes CN1 and CN2 can be defined in the first light emitting area PXA-1 and the second light emitting area PXA-2. For example, the first contact hole CN1 can be defined in the first light emitting area PXA-1, and the second contact hole CN2 can be defined in the second light emitting area PXA-2.

[0068] The first contact hole CN1 can be defined in the first light emitting area PXA-1. The second contact hole CN2 can be defined in the second light emitting area PXA-2. According to embodiments of the inventive concept, the contact holes CN1 and CN2 can be spaced apart from (may not overlap with) the third light emitting area PXA-3. Descriptions thereof will be provided later.

[0069] Figure 3B and Figure 3C is a plan view showing a display panel DP according to an embodiment. Hereinafter, the description of the display panel DP can equally apply to the display panel DP included in the electronic devices EE and EE-a shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2B without detailed descriptions of elements in reference to the figure, it can be understood that the element is at least similar to the corresponding element already described elsewhere within the present disclosure.

[0070] Referring to Figure 3B , the active area AA-1 of the display panel DP can include light emitting areas PXA and non-light emitting areas NPXA. The non-light emitting areas NPXA can surround the light emitting areas PXA. The light emitting areas PXA can be provided in plural. The light emitting areas PXA can each include a first light emitting area PXA-1, a second light emitting area PXA-2, and a third light emitting area PXA-3. Each of the first light emitting area PXA-1, the second light emitting area PXA-2, and the third light emitting area PXA-3 can emit light having a different wavelength range.

[0071] The first light emitting area PXA-1 can emit first light, and the second light emitting area PXA-2 can emit second light different from the first light. The third light emitting area PXA-3 can emit third light different from the first light and the second light. The first light can be red light, the second light can be green light, and the third light can be blue light.

[0072] For example, any one of the first light emitting areas PXA-1 and any one of the third light emitting areas PXA-3 can be spaced apart from each other along the first diagonal direction CDR1. Any one of the first light emitting areas PXA-1 and any one of the second light emitting areas PXA-2 can be spaced apart from each other along the first direction DR1, and the third light emitting areas PXA-3 and the second light emitting areas PXA-2 can be spaced apart from each other along the second diagonal direction CDR2. The first light emitting areas PXA-1, the second light emitting areas PXA-2, and the third light emitting areas PXA-3 adjacent to each other can be defined as one sub-pixel.

[0073] According to an embodiment of the present inventive concept, each of the first light emitting areas PXA-1, the second light emitting areas PXA-2, and the third light emitting areas PXA-3 can have different shapes. For example, the first light emitting areas PXA-1 can have a hexagonal shape. Each of the second light emitting areas PXA-2 and the third light emitting areas PXA-3 can have a hexagonal shape.

[0074] According to an embodiment of the present inventive concept, the first light emitting areas PXA-1 can define a hexagonal shape having eight sides combined. The eight sides can alternately face each of the short sides of the second light emitting areas PXA-2 and the third light emitting areas PXA-3.

[0075] According to an embodiment of the present inventive concept, each of the second light emitting areas PXA-2 and the third light emitting areas PXA-3 can define a hexagonal shape having three long sides and three short sides combined. A first long side of the second light emitting areas PXA-2 can face any one of the long sides of the third light emitting areas PXA-3 along the first diagonal direction CDR1. A second long side of the second light emitting areas PXA-2 can face any one of the long sides of the other third light emitting areas PXA-3 along the second diagonal direction CDR2. A third long side of the second light emitting areas PXA-2 can face any one of the long sides of the other third light emitting areas PXA-3 along the second direction DR2.

[0076] Among the first light emitting areas PXA-1, the second light emitting areas PXA-2, and the third light emitting areas PXA-3, the third light emitting areas PXA-3 can have the largest area, and the first light emitting areas PXA-1 can have the smallest area. However, this is merely an example, and the areas of the first light emitting areas PXA-1, the second light emitting areas PXA-2, and the third light emitting areas PXA-3 are not necessarily limited thereto.

[0077] According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, the contact holes CN1 and CN2 can be defined in the first light emitting area PXA-1 and the second light emitting area PXA-2, among the first light emitting area PXA-1, the second light emitting area PXA-2, and the third light emitting area PXA-3. For example, the first contact hole CN1 can be defined in the first light emitting area PXA-1, and the second contact hole CN2 can be defined in the second light emitting area PXA-2.

[0078] The first contact hole CN1 can be defined in the first light emitting area PXA-1. The second contact hole CN2 can be defined in the second light emitting area PXA-2. According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, the contact holes CN1 and CN2 can be spaced apart from (may not overlap with) the third light emitting area PXA-3. A description thereof will be provided later.

[0079] Referring to Figure 3C , the active area AA-2 of the display panel DP can include light emitting areas PXA and non-light emitting areas NPXA. The non-light emitting areas NPXA can surround the light emitting areas PXA. The light emitting areas PXA can be provided in plural. The light emitting areas PXA can each include a first light emitting area PXA-1, a second light emitting area PXA-2, and a third light emitting area PXA-3. Each of the first light emitting area PXA-1, the second light emitting area PXA-2, and the third light emitting area PXA-3 can emit light having a different wavelength range.

[0080] The first light emitting area PXA-1 can emit first light, and the second light emitting area PXA-2 can emit second light different from the first light. The third light emitting area PXA-3 can emit third light different from the first light and the second light. The first light can be red light, the second light can be green light, and the third light can be blue light.

[0081] According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, the first light emitting area PXA-1, the second light emitting area PXA-2, and the third light emitting area PXA-3 can have a rectangular shape. For example, the third light emitting area PXA-3 can have a rectangular shape extending along the second direction DR2. The first light emitting area PXA-1 and the second light emitting area PXA-2 can overlap with the third light emitting area PXA-3 when viewed from the first direction DR1. The first light emitting area PXA-1, the second light emitting area PXA-2, and the third light emitting area PXA-3 adjacent to each other can be defined as one sub-pixel.

[0082] In the first light emitting region PXA-1, the second light emitting region PXA-2, and the third light emitting region PXA-3, the third light emitting region PXA-3 can have the largest area, and the second light emitting region PXA-2 can have the smallest area. However, this is merely an example, and the areas of the first light emitting region PXA-1, the second light emitting region PXA-2, and the third light emitting region PXA-3 are not necessarily limited thereto.

[0083] According to embodiments of the present inventive concept, in the first light emitting region PXA-1, the second light emitting region PXA-2, and the third light emitting region PXA-3, the contact holes CN1 and CN2 can be defined in the first light emitting region PXA-1 and the second light emitting region PXA-2. For example, the first contact hole CN1 can be defined in the first light emitting region PXA-1, and the second contact hole CN2 can be defined in the second light emitting region PXA-2.

[0084] The first contact hole CN1 can be defined in the first light emitting region PXA-1. The second contact hole CN2 can be defined in the second light emitting region PXA-2. According to embodiments of the present inventive concept, the contact holes CN1 and CN2 can be spaced apart from (may not overlap with) the third light emitting region PXA-3. Descriptions thereof will be provided later.

[0085] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line I-I' of Figure 3A The display panel DP can include a base layer BS, a circuit layer DP-CL disposed on the base layer BS, a display element layer DP-ED disposed on the circuit layer DP-CL, and a packaging layer TFE disposed on the display element layer DP-ED. Further, the display panel DP can also include a color filter layer CFL disposed on the packaging layer TFE.

[0086] The base layer BS can provide a base surface on which the circuit layer DP-CL is disposed. The base layer BS can be a rigid substrate or a flexible substrate that is bendable, foldable, rollable to at least a noticeable degree without cracking or otherwise being damaged, etc. The base layer BS can be a glass substrate, a metal substrate, or a polymer substrate. However, embodiments of the present inventive concept are not necessarily limited thereto, and the base layer BS can be an inorganic layer, an organic layer, or a composite material layer.

[0087] The base layer BS can include a single layer or a multi-layer structure. For example, the base layer BS can include a first synthetic resin layer, a multi-layer or single-layer intermediate layer, and a second synthetic resin layer, which are sequentially stacked. The intermediate layer can be referred to as a base barrier layer. The intermediate layer can include silicon oxide (SiO xThe intermediate layer can include a silicon oxide layer, a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, and an amorphous silicon layer, but is not necessarily particularly limited thereto. For example, the intermediate layer can include at least one of a silicon oxide layer, a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, and an amorphous silicon layer.

[0088] The first synthetic resin layer and the second synthetic resin layer can each include a polyimide-based resin. In addition, the first synthetic resin layer and the second synthetic resin layer can each include at least one of an acrylic-based resin, a methacrylic-based resin, a polyisoprene-based resin, a vinyl-based resin, an epoxy-based resin, a urethane-based resin, a cellulose-based resin, a siloxane-based resin, a polyamide-based resin, and a perylene-based resin.

[0089] The circuit layer DP-CL can be disposed on the base layer BS. The circuit layer DP-CL can include an insulating layer, a semiconductor pattern, a conductive pattern, a signal line, etc. The insulating layer, the semiconductor layer, and the conductive layer can be formed on the base layer BS by a method such as coating or vapor deposition, and then selectively patterned by a multiple photoetching process. Thereafter, the semiconductor pattern, the conductive pattern, and the signal line included in the circuit layer DP-CL can be formed.

[0090] In an embodiment, the base layer BS can be a silicon substrate. The base layer BS can be a single-crystal silicon wafer, a polycrystalline silicon wafer, or an amorphous silicon wafer. The circuit layer DP-CL can include an insulating layer, a semiconductor pattern, a conductive pattern, a signal line, etc. formed on the silicon wafer.

[0091] The display element layer DP-ED can be disposed on the circuit layer DP-CL. The display element layer DP-ED can include a first light emitting element ED-1, a second light emitting element ED-2, and a third light emitting element ED-3, a separation layer TCF, a pixel definition film PDL, and a capping layer CPL.

[0092] The first light emitting element ED-1, the second light emitting element ED-2, and the third light emitting element ED-3 can be spaced apart in a direction crossing the third direction DR3 which is a thickness direction. The first light emitting element ED-1, the second light emitting element ED-2, and the third light emitting element ED-3 can include a lower electrode LE1, LE2, and LE3, an organic layer OL disposed on the lower electrode LE1, LE2, and LE3, and an upper electrode UE disposed on the organic layer OL. In addition, the display element layer DP-ED can include a capping layer CPL disposed on the upper electrode UE.

[0093] The lower electrodes LE1, LE2, and LE3 can include reflective electrodes RE1, RE2, and RE3 disposed on the circuit layer DP-CL and transparent electrodes TE1, TE2, and TE3 disposed on the reflective electrodes RE1, RE2, and RE3. In the present specification, the lower electrodes LE1, LE2, and LE3 can mean "anodes". The lower electrodes LE1, LE2, and LE3 can include a structure in which the reflective electrodes RE1, RE2, and RE3 and the transparent electrodes TE1, TE2, and TE3 are stacked.

[0094] The reflective electrodes RE1, RE2, and RE3 can include a first reflective electrode RE1 included in the first light emitting element ED-1, a second reflective electrode RE2 included in the second light emitting element ED-2, and a third reflective electrode RE3 included in the third light emitting element ED-3.

[0095] Each of the first reflective electrode RE1, the second reflective electrode RE2, and the third reflective electrode RE3 can include one electrode having a three-layer structure. The first reflective electrode RE1, the second reflective electrode RE2, and the third reflective electrode RE3 can include first layers E1-1, E1-2, and E1-3, second layers E2-1, E2-2, and E2-3, and third layers E3-1, E3-2, and E3-3, which are sequentially stacked.

[0096] Each of the first layers E1-1, E1-2, and E1-3 and the third layers E3-1, E3-2, and E3-3 can include a transparent conductive oxide. Each of the first layers E1-1, E1-2, and E1-3 and the third layers E3-1, E3-2, and E3-3 can include at least one of indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO), zinc oxide (ZnO x ), indium oxide (In2O3), and aluminum zinc oxide (AZO). For example, each of the first layers E1-1, E1-2, and E1-3 and the third layers E3-1, E3-2, and E3-3 can include indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO).

[0097] The second layers E2-1, E2-2, and E2-3 can include a reflective metal material. The second layers E2-1, E2-2, and E2-3 can include a metal having high reflectivity, an oxide of a metal having high reflectivity, or a nitride of a metal having high reflectivity. The second layers E2-1, E2-2, and E2-3 can include any one of Ag, Mg, Cu, Al, Pt, Pd, Au, Ni, Nd, Ir, Cr, Li, Ca, LiF / Ca, LiF / Al, Mo, and Ti, which exhibit high reflectivity. For example, the second layers E2-1, E2-2, and E2-3 can include Ag.

[0098] The transparent electrodes TE1, TE2, and TE3 can include a first transparent electrode TE1 included in the first light emitting element ED-1, a second transparent electrode TE2 included in the second light emitting element ED-2, and a third transparent electrode TE3 included in the third light emitting element ED-3.

[0099] Each of the first transparent electrode TE1, the second transparent electrode TE2, and the third transparent electrode TE3 can include a transparent conductive oxide. Each of the first transparent electrode TE1, the second transparent electrode TE2, and the third transparent electrode TE3 can include at least one of indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO), zinc oxide (ZnO x ), indium oxide (In2O3), and aluminum zinc oxide (AZO). For example, each of the first transparent electrode TE1, the second transparent electrode TE2, and the third transparent electrode TE3 can include indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO).

[0100] The separation layer TCF is disposed between at least some of the reflective electrodes RE1, RE2, and RE3 and the transparent electrodes TE1, TE2, and TE3. The separation layer TCF can be disposed between at least some of the reflective electrodes RE1, RE2, and RE3 and the transparent electrodes TE1, TE2, and TE3 to adjust a resonance distance of each of the first light emitting element ED-1, the second light emitting element ED-2, and the third light emitting element ED-3. The separation layer TCF can be disposed between at least some of the reflective electrodes RE1, RE2, and RE3 and the transparent electrodes TE1, TE2, and TE3, and thus the reflective electrodes RE1, RE2, and RE3 and the transparent electrodes TE1, TE2, and TE3 can be spaced apart from each other, and thus light emitted from each of the first light emitting element ED-1, the second light emitting element ED-2, and the third light emitting element ED-3 can be designed to generate an optimal resonance frequency, which causes light resonance at a specific wavelength.

[0101] According to an embodiment, the lower electrodes LE1, LE2, and LE3 can include only the reflective electrodes RE1, RE2, and RE3, and can not include the transparent electrodes TE1, TE2, and TE3. The lower electrodes LE1, LE2, and LE3 can include the reflective electrodes RE1, RE2, and RE3, and the reflective electrodes RE1, RE2, and RE3 can include, for example, titanium nitride (TiN). At least a portion of the separation layer TCF can be disposed on the reflective electrodes RE1, RE2, and RE3.

[0102] The separation layer TCF can include a first inorganic film TCF1 and a second inorganic film TCF2. The first inorganic film TCF1 is disposed between the first reflective electrode RE1 and the first transparent electrode TE1. The first inorganic film TCF1 can be disposed between the second reflective electrode RE2 and the second transparent electrode TE2. The second inorganic film TCF2 can be disposed between the first reflective electrode RE1 and the first transparent electrode TE1.

[0103] The second inorganic film TCF2 can not be disposed between the second reflective electrode RE2 and the second transparent electrode TE2, and can not be disposed between the third reflective electrode RE3 and the third transparent electrode TE3.

[0104] However, embodiments of the present inventive concept are not necessarily limited thereto, and instead of the first inorganic film TCF1, the second inorganic film TCF2 can be disposed between the second reflective electrode RE2 and the second transparent electrode TE2, and embodiments of the present inventive concept are not necessarily limited to any one embodiment.

[0105] Both the first inorganic film TCF1 and the second inorganic film TCF2 can be disposed between the first reflective electrode RE1 and the first transparent electrode TE1, and thus the first reflective electrode RE1 and the first transparent electrode TE1 can be spaced apart by a first distance in a third direction DR3 that is a thickness direction of the display panel DP. The first inorganic film TCF1 can be disposed between the second reflective electrode RE2 and the second transparent electrode TE2, and thus the second reflective electrode RE2 and the second transparent electrode TE2 can be spaced apart by a second distance in the third direction DR3 that is the thickness direction of the display panel DP. The first distance can be greater than the second distance. The separation layer TCF can not be disposed between the third reflective electrode RE3 and the third transparent electrode TE3, and thus the third transparent electrode TE3 can be disposed directly on the third reflective electrode RE3.

[0106] The second inorganic film TCF2 can not be disposed between the second reflective electrode RE2 and the second transparent electrode TE2 and between the third reflective electrode RE3 and the third transparent electrode TE3, and can be spaced apart from both the second reflective electrode RE2 and the third reflective electrode RE3.

[0107] In Figure 4 , side surfaces of the first inorganic film TCF1 and the second inorganic film TCF2 are aligned with side surfaces of the first reflective electrode RE1, but embodiments of the present inventive concept are not necessarily limited thereto, and the side surfaces of the first inorganic film TCF1 and the second inorganic film TCF2 can extend to the non-emitting region NPXA, and embodiments of the present inventive concept are not necessarily limited to any one embodiment.

[0108] Each of the first inorganic film TCF1 and the second inorganic film TCF2 includes an inorganic material. Each of the first inorganic film TCF1 and the second inorganic film TCF2 can include at least one of silicon oxide (SiO x ), silicon nitride (SiN x ), and silicon oxynitride (SiO x N y ). Each of the first inorganic film TCF1 and the second inorganic film TCF2 can include, for example, silicon oxide (SiO x ).

[0109] According to embodiments, the transparent electrodes TE1, TE2, and TE3 can be in contact with the reflective electrodes RE1, RE2, and RE3. The transparent electrodes TE1, TE2, and TE3 can be in contact with the reflective electrodes RE1, RE2, and RE3 to provide charges to the hole transport regions HTR (see Figure 9 ) disposed on the transparent electrodes TE1, TE2, and TE3.

[0110] According to embodiments of the present inventive concept, the first inorganic film TCF1 and the second inorganic film TCF2 are disposed between the first reflective electrode RE1 and the first transparent electrode TE1, and thus the first transparent electrode TE1 can be in contact with the first reflective electrode RE1 through a first contact hole CN1 passing through the first inorganic film TCF1 and the second inorganic film TCF2.

[0111] According to embodiments of the present inventive concept, the first contact hole CN1 can be defined within the first light emitting region PXA-1. The first contact hole CN1 can pass through the first inorganic film TCF1 and the second inorganic film TCF2 to expose a portion of the first reflective electrode RE1. The first transparent electrode TE1 can be disposed in the first contact hole CN1, and thus can be in contact with the first reflective electrode RE1.

[0112] Since the first inorganic film TCF1 and the second inorganic film TCF2 are removed in a region in which the first contact hole CN1 is defined, when resonance is induced in a region overlapping the first contact hole CN1, a resonance frequency different from an optimal resonance frequency of the first light emitting element ED-1 can be formed. Thus, in order to prevent this, the first pattern P-C1 can be disposed on the first transparent electrode TE1 overlapping the first contact hole CN1.

[0113] According to embodiments of the present inventive concept, the first contact hole CN1 and the first pattern P-C1 can have a rectangular shape in a cross-section. Further, an upper surface of the first pattern P-C1 can be coplanar with an upper surface of the first transparent electrode TE1 not overlapping the first contact hole CN1.

[0114] According to an embodiment of the present inventive concept, the first light emitting area PXA-1 can be defined as a first area A1 and a second area A2 surrounded by the first area A1. The second area A2 can be defined as an area overlapping the first contact hole CN1. The first area A1 can be an area in which a resonant frequency of the first light emitting element ED-1 is formed, and the second area A2 can be defined as an area in which a frequency different from the resonant frequency is formed. The first pattern P-C1 can be disposed in the second area A2. Accordingly, light can not be generated in the second area A2.

[0115] According to an embodiment of the present inventive concept, by contacting the first reflective electrode RE1 with the first transparent electrode TE1 within the first light emitting area PXA-1, a separate non-light emitting area NPXA for contacting the first reflective electrode RE1 with the first transparent electrode TE1 can be reduced. Accordingly, an aperture ratio of the first light emitting area PXA-1 can be secured.

[0116] According to an embodiment of the present inventive concept, a second contact hole CN2 can be defined within the second light emitting area PXA-2. The second contact hole CN2 can pass through the first inorganic film TCF1 to expose a portion of the second reflective electrode RE2. The second transparent electrode TE2 can contact the second reflective electrode RE2 at the second contact hole CN2.

[0117] Since the first inorganic film TCF1 is removed in an area in which the second contact hole CN2 is defined, when resonance is induced in an area overlapping the second contact hole CN2, a resonant frequency different from a resonant frequency of the second light emitting element ED-2 can be formed. Accordingly, in order to prevent this, a second pattern P-C2 can be disposed on the second transparent electrode TE2 overlapping the second contact hole CN2. According to an embodiment of the present inventive concept, the second contact hole CN2 and the second pattern P-C2 can have a rectangular shape in a cross-section. Further, an upper surface of the second pattern P-C2 can be coplanar with an upper surface of the second transparent electrode TE2 not overlapping the second contact hole CN2.

[0118] The first pattern P-C1 and the second pattern P-C2 can include the same material as the pixel definition film PDL. The first pattern P-C1 and the second pattern P-C2 can include an inorganic material or an organic material.

[0119] According to an embodiment of the present inventive concept, the second light emitting area PXA-2 can be defined as a first area A1 and a second area A2 surrounded by the first area A1. The second area A2 can be defined as an area overlapping the second contact hole CN2. The first area A1 can be an area in which a best resonant frequency of the second light emitting element ED-2 is formed, and the second area A2 can be defined as an area in which a frequency different from the best resonant frequency is formed. The second pattern P-C2 can be disposed in the second area A2. Accordingly, light can not be generated in the second area A2.

[0120] According to an embodiment of the present inventive concept, by contacting the second reflective electrode RE2 with the second transparent electrode TE2 within the second light emitting area PXA-2, a separate non-light emitting area NPXA for contacting the second reflective electrode RE2 with the second transparent electrode TE2 can be reduced. Accordingly, an aperture ratio of the second light emitting area PXA-2 can be secured.

[0121] According to an embodiment of the present inventive concept, a depth of the first contact hole CN1 can be greater than a depth of the second contact hole CN2. A width of the first contact hole CN1 can be equal to or greater than a width of the second contact hole CN2.

[0122] A separation layer TCF can not be disposed between the third reflective electrode RE3 and the third transparent electrode TE3, and thus the third reflective electrode RE3 can be in direct contact with the third transparent electrode TE3.

[0123] As shown in FIG. 1A, a first contact hole CN1 can be defined within the first light emitting area PXA-1, and a second contact hole CN2 can be defined within the second light emitting area PXA-2. A contact hole can not be defined within the third light emitting area PXA-3. Figures 3A to 3C

[0124] The display element layer DP-ED of the display panel DP can include a pixel definition layer PDL. The pixel definition layer PDL can be disposed on at least a portion of the lower electrodes LE1, LE2, and LE3. The pixel definition layer PDL can cover a portion of upper surfaces and side surfaces of the transparent electrodes TE1, TE2, and TE3, side surfaces of the separation layer TCF, and side surfaces of the reflective electrodes RE1, RE2, and RE3.

[0125] The pixel definition layer PDL can include a pixel opening exposing at least a portion of the upper surfaces of the transparent electrodes TE1, TE2, and TE3 included in the lower electrodes LE1, LE2, and LE3, and the pixel opening can define the first light emitting area PXA-1, the second light emitting area PXA-2, and the third light emitting area PXA-3.

[0126] The pixel definition layer PDL can include an inorganic material. The pixel definition layer PDL can include silicon oxide (SiO​x ), silicon nitride (SiN x ), and silicon oxynitride (SiO x N y ). The pixel definition layer PDL can include, for example, silicon oxide (SiO x ). The pixel definition layer PDL according to an embodiment can include an organic material.

[0127] The side surface of the pixel definition layer PDL defining the pixel opening can have a predetermined taper angle. The side surface of the pixel definition layer PDL can have a taper angle of about 40° or more. The side surface of the pixel definition layer PDL can have, for example, a taper angle of about 75° to about 90°. The pixel definition layer PDL includes an inorganic material, and thus the side surface of the pixel definition layer PDL can have a high taper angle of about 75° or more.

[0128] Each of the first inorganic film TCF1 and the second inorganic film TCF2 can have, for example, a thickness of about 100 angstroms (Å) to about 3000 angstroms (Å). The pixel definition layer PDL can have, for example, a thickness of about 500 angstroms (Å) to about 3000 angstroms (Å).

[0129] Among the first light emitting element ED-1, the second light emitting element ED-2, and the third light emitting element ED-3, the organic layer OL can be disposed as a common layer. The organic layer OL can include at least one emission layer. The first light emitting element ED-1, the second light emitting element ED-2, and the third light emitting element ED-3 can be light emitting elements having a longitudinal column structure.

[0130] The organic layer OL can overlap the first light emitting area PXA-1, the second light emitting area PXA-2, and the third light emitting area PXA-3, and the non-light emitting area NPXA. In this specification, the expression "one component and another component overlap each other" is not necessarily limited to a case where the element and the other element have the same planar shape and the same planar area, and also means a case where different areas and / or different shapes are included. The organic layer OL can include at least a plurality of emission layers EML-1, EML-2, and EML-3 (see Figure 9 ).

[0131] Referring to Figure 9 , according to an embodiment, the organic layer OL can include a hole transport region HTR, a first emission layer EML-1, a light emitting auxiliary portion EA, a second emission layer EML-2, a third emission layer EML-3, and an electron transport region ETR. In the light emitting element ED, the hole transport region HTR, the first emission layer EML-1, the light emitting auxiliary portion EA, the second emission layer EML-2, the third emission layer EML-3, and the electron transport region ETR can be disposed as a common layer.

[0132] The light emitting element ED including the first, second, and third emission layers EML-1, EML-2, and EML-3 generating light of different wavelength ranges can emit white light. In an embodiment, the hole transport region HTR, the light emitting auxiliary portion EA, and the electron transport region ETR included in the light emitting element ED can be disposed to have respective thicknesses to cause n-order resonance with respect to red, green, or blue light. The separation layer TCF (see Figure 4 ) can be disposed to cause n-order resonance of red, green, or blue light emitted from each of the emission layers EML-1, EML-2, and EML-3 of the light emitting element ED.

[0133] The first, second, and third emission layers EML-1, EML-2, and EML-3 disposed as common layers can be deposited without a mask, and thus pixels having a small area can be formed. The display panel DP according to an embodiment can have many pixels having a small area disposed on a plane, and thus high resolution can be achieved. In the light emitting element ED, the hole transport region HTR can be disposed on the lower electrode LE and the separation layer TCF. The lower electrode LE can correspond to the lower electrodes LE1, LE2, and LE3.

[0134] The hole transport region HTR can have a single layer formed of a single material, a single layer formed of a plurality of different materials, or a multi-layer structure having a plurality of layers formed of a plurality of different materials.

[0135] The hole transport region HTR can include a hole injection layer HIL, a first hole transport layer HTL, and a first sub-hole control layer AIL-1, which are sequentially stacked. Unlike as shown, at least one of the hole injection layer HIL, the first hole transport layer HTL, and the first sub-hole control layer AIL-1 can not be disposed.

[0136] The first sub-hole control layer AIL-1 can be disposed adjacent to the first emission layer EML-1 generating first light. The first sub-hole control layer AIL-1 can be formed to have a highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) level and a lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) level in which holes can easily move. Thus, an increase in driving voltage of the light emitting element ED including the first sub-hole control layer AIL-1 can be prevented. In addition, the first sub-hole control layer AIL-1 can block electrons moving from the first emission layer EML-1 to the hole transport region HTR. Thus, the display panel DP including the light emitting element ED having the first sub-hole control layer AIL-1 can have a longer display lifespan.

[0137] The electron transport region ETR can be disposed on the light emission auxiliary portion EA. The electron transport region ETR can have a single layer formed of a single material, a single layer formed of a plurality of different materials, or a multi-layer structure having a plurality of layers formed of a plurality of different materials. For example, the electron transport region ETR can include an anthracene-based compound.

[0138] The electron transport region ETR can include a third buffer layer BUF-3, a first electron transport layer ETL, and an electron injection layer EIL, which are sequentially stacked. At least one of the third buffer layer BUF-3, the first electron transport layer ETL, and the electron injection layer EIL can be omitted. The third buffer layer BUF-3, the first electron transport layer ETL, and the electron injection layer EIL can include the above-described compounds of the electron transport region ETR. The third buffer layer BUF-3 can block holes from moving from the third emission layer EML-3 to the electron transport region ETR.

[0139] The light emission auxiliary portion EA disposed between the first emission layer EML-1 and the second emission layer EML-2 can include a first buffer layer BUF-1, a second electron transport layer ETL-A, a first charge generation layer nCGL, a second charge generation layer pCGL, a second hole transport layer HTL-A, and a second sub-hole control layer AIL-2, which are sequentially stacked. The first charge generation layer nCGL can be an n-type charge generation layer, and the second charge generation layer pCGL can be a p-type charge generation layer. Unlike as illustrated, at least one of the first buffer layer BUF-1, the second electron transport layer ETL-A, the first charge generation layer nCGL, the second charge generation layer pCGL, the second hole transport layer HTL-A, and the second sub-hole control layer AIL-2 can not be disposed.

[0140] The second sub-hole control layer AIL-2 can include a material different from that of the above-described first sub-hole control layer AIL-1. The second sub-hole control layer AIL-2 can include a material that helps the second emission layer EML-2 generate second light or a material that helps the third emission layer EML-3 generate third light. The first sub-hole control layer AIL-1 can include a material that helps the first emission layer EML-1 generate first light. However, embodiments of the inventive concept are not necessarily limited thereto, and the first sub-hole control layer AIL-1 and the second sub-hole control layer AIL-2 can include the same material.

[0141] The second sub-holes control layer AIL-2 can be disposed adjacent to the third emission layer EML-3 generating the third light or the second emission layer EML-2 generating the second light. The second sub-holes control layer AIL-2 can be formed to have the highest highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) level and the lowest lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) level in which holes can easily move. Accordingly, an increase in driving voltage of the light emitting element ED including the second sub-holes control layer AIL-2 can be prevented. Further, the second sub-holes control layer AIL-2 can block movement of electrons from the second emission layer EML-2 or the third emission layer EML-3 to the second hole transport layer HTL-A. Accordingly, the display panel DP including the light emitting element ED having the second sub-holes control layer AIL-2 can have a longer display lifespan.

[0142] The upper electrode UE can be disposed on the organic layer OL. The upper electrode UE can correspond to the upper electrode UE described above in Figure 4 The upper electrode UE can include at least one selected from Ag, Mg, Cu, Al, Pt, Pd, Au, Ni, Nd, Ir, Cr, Li, Ca, F, Mo, Ti, Yb, W, a compound selected from two or more of the above-mentioned metal materials, a mixture selected from two or more of the above-mentioned metal materials, or an oxide thereof.

[0143] The upper electrode UE can be a transmissive electrode, a semi-transmissive and semi-reflective electrode, or a reflective electrode. When the upper electrode UE is a transmissive electrode, the upper electrode UE can be formed of a transparent metal oxide such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO), or the like.

[0144] When the upper electrode UE is a semi-transmissive and semi-reflective electrode or a reflective electrode, the upper electrode UE can include Ag, Mg, Cu, Al, Pt, Pd, Au, Ni, Nd, Ir, Cr, Li, Ca, F, Mo, Ti, Yb, W, a compound thereof, or a mixture thereof (e.g., AgMg, AgYb, or MgYb), or a material having a multi-layer structure such as LiF / Ca or LiF / Al. Alternatively, the upper electrode UE can have a multi-layer structure including a reflective film or a semi-transmissive and semi-reflective film formed of the above-mentioned material and a transparent conductive film formed of indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO), or the like. For example, the upper electrode UE can include the above-mentioned metal material, a combination of two or more metal materials selected from the above-mentioned metal materials, or an oxide of the above-mentioned metal material.

[0145] The capping layer CPL can be disposed on the upper electrode UE. The capping layer CPL can include a plurality of layers or a single layer. The capping layer CPL can be an organic layer or an inorganic layer.

[0146] In an embodiment, the first emission layer EML-1 can be disposed on the hole transport region HTR. The second emission layer EML-2 can be disposed on the light-emitting auxiliary portion EA. The third emission layer EML-3 can be disposed between the second emission layer EML-2 and the light-emitting auxiliary portion EA.

[0147] According to an embodiment, the first emission layer EML-1 can be disposed on the hole transport region HTR, the second emission layer EML-2 can be disposed on the light-emitting auxiliary portion EA, and the third emission layer EML-3 can be disposed between the second emission layer EML-2 and the light-emitting auxiliary portion EA. However, this is presented only as an example, and embodiments of the inventive concept are not necessarily limited thereto.

[0148] Referring back to Figure 4 In the first light-emitting element ED-1, the second light-emitting element ED-2, and the third light-emitting element ED-3, the upper electrode UE can be disposed as a common electrode. The upper electrode UE can be a common layer overlapping the first light-emitting region PXA-1, the second light-emitting region PXA-2, and the third light-emitting region PXA-3, and the non-light-emitting region NPXA, and have a form of a single body. In the present specification, the upper electrode UE disposed on the organic layer OL can be denoted as a "cathode".

[0149] A capping layer CPL can be disposed on the upper electrode UE. The capping layer CPL can include multiple layers or a single layer. The capping layer CPL can be an organic layer or an inorganic layer. For example, when the capping layer CPL includes an inorganic material, the inorganic material can include an alkali metal compound such as LiF, an alkaline earth metal compound such as MgF2, SiON, SiN X , SiO y , etc.

[0150] A sealing layer TFE can be disposed on the display element layer DP-ED. The sealing layer TFE can protect the display element layer DP-ED from moisture, oxygen, and foreign substances such as dust particles. The sealing layer TFE can include at least one inorganic film (hereinafter, a sealing inorganic film). In addition, the sealing layer TFE can include at least one organic film (hereinafter, a sealing organic film) and at least one sealing inorganic film.

[0151] The sealing inorganic film can protect the display element layer DP-ED from moisture / oxygen, and the sealing organic film can protect the display element layer DP-ED from foreign substances such as dust particles. The sealing inorganic film can include silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, silicon oxide, titanium oxide, aluminum oxide, etc., but is not necessarily particularly limited thereto. The sealing organic film can include an acrylic compound, an epoxy-based compound, etc. The sealing organic film can include a photopolymerizable organic material, and is not necessarily particularly limited.

[0152] A color filter layer CFL can be disposed on the encapsulation layer TFE. The color filter layer CFL can include a first color filter CF1 corresponding to the first light emitting area PXA-1, a second color filter CF2 corresponding to the second light emitting area PXA-2, and a third color filter CF3 corresponding to the third light emitting area PXA-3. The color filter layer CFL can further include a light blocking portion. The light blocking portion can be a black matrix. The light blocking portion can be formed to include an organic light blocking material or an inorganic light blocking material, both of which include a black pigment or a black dye. The light blocking portion can prevent light leakage and separate boundaries between adjacent color filters CF1, CF2, and CF3.

[0153] Each of the first color filter CF1, the second color filter CF2, and the third color filter CF3 can include a polymer photosensitive resin and a colorant. In the present specification, the colorant includes a pigment and a dye. A red colorant includes a red pigment and a red dye, a green colorant includes a green pigment and a green dye, and a blue colorant includes a blue pigment and a blue dye.

[0154] In Figure 4 , the first color filter CF1 can include a red pigment or a red dye, the second color filter CF2 can include a green pigment or a green dye, and the third color filter CF3 can include a blue pigment or a blue dye. For example, the first color filter CF1 disposed on the first light emitting element ED-1 can include a red colorant, the second color filter CF2 disposed on the second light emitting element ED-2 can include a green colorant, and the third color filter CF3 disposed on the third light emitting element ED-3 can include a blue colorant.

[0155] An overcoat layer OC can be disposed on the color filter layer CFL. The overcoat layer OC can cover a step formed by components disposed under the overcoat layer OC. The overcoat layer OC can be a rigid substrate or a flexible substrate that can be bent, folded, rolled to at least a noticeable degree without cracking or otherwise being damaged, etc.

[0156] The overcoat layer OC can be a glass substrate, a metal substrate, or a polymer substrate. However, embodiments of the inventive concept are not necessarily limited thereto, and the overcoat layer OC can be an inorganic layer, an organic layer, or a composite material layer.

[0157] A display panel DP according to embodiments of the inventive concept includes an inorganic film disposed between a reflective electrode and a transparent electrode in at least one lower electrode to induce a resonant structure suitable for a wavelength of light emitted from a light emitting element, thereby achieving excellent display resolution and improved light emitting efficiency.

[0158] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a display panel according to embodiments of the inventive concept. Figure 6is a cross-sectional view of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present inventive concept. Identical / similar reference numerals are used for identical / similar components as those described in the components described in the Figure 4 and, where elements are not described in detail in reference to this figure, it is understood that the element is at least analogous to a corresponding element already described elsewhere within the present disclosure.

[0159] Referring to Figure 5 , the display panel DP-1 can include a base layer BS, a circuit layer DP-CL, a display element layer DP-ED, and a encapsulation layer TFE. Further, the display panel DP can include a color filter layer CFL disposed on the encapsulation layer TFE. The display element layer DP-ED can include a separation layer TCF. The separation layer TCF can include a first inorganic film TCF1 and a second inorganic film TCF2.

[0160] According to an embodiment of the present inventive concept, a first contact hole CN1 can be defined within the first light emitting area PXA-1. The first contact hole CN1 can pass through the first inorganic film TCF1 and the second inorganic film TCF2 to expose a portion of the first reflective electrode RE1. The first transparent electrode TE1 can be disposed in the first contact hole CN1 and thus can be in contact with the first reflective electrode RE1.

[0161] A first pattern P-C1 can be disposed on the first transparent electrode TE1 overlapping the first contact hole CN1.

[0162] A second contact hole CN2 can be defined within the second light emitting area PXA-2. The second contact hole CN2 can pass through the second inorganic film TCF2 to expose a portion of the second reflective electrode RE2. The second transparent electrode TE2 can contact the second reflective electrode RE2 at the second contact hole CN2.

[0163] A second pattern P-C2 can be disposed on the second transparent electrode TE2 overlapping the second contact hole CN2.

[0164] According to the present embodiment, each of the first pattern P-C1 and the second pattern P-C2 can include a first portion P1 and a second portion P2.

[0165] The first portion P1 is a portion disposed within the first contact hole CN1 and the second contact hole CN2, and the second portion P2 can be a portion disposed on the first portion P1 and protruding from an upper surface of the first transparent electrode TE1 and the second transparent electrode TE2.

[0166] The first pattern P-C1 and the second pattern P-C2 can include the same material as a pixel definition film PDL. The first pattern P-C1 and the second pattern P-C2 can include an organic material.

[0167] According to an embodiment of the present inventive concept, the first contact hole CN1 and the second contact hole CN2 can have a rectangular shape in a cross section. Accordingly, the first portion P1 can have a rectangular shape in a cross section.

[0168] Referring to Figure 6 , the display panel DP-2 can include a base layer BS, a circuit layer DP-CL, a display element layer DP-ED, and a encapsulation layer TFE. In addition, the display panel DP can further include a color filter layer CFL disposed on the encapsulation layer TFE. The display element layer DP-ED can include a separation layer TCF. The separation layer TCF can include a first inorganic film TCF1 and a second inorganic film TCF2.

[0169] According to an embodiment of the present inventive concept, the first contact hole CN1 can be defined within the first light emitting area PXA-1. The first contact hole CN1 can pass through the first inorganic film TCF1 and the second inorganic film TCF2 to expose a portion of the first reflective electrode RE1. The first transparent electrode TE1 can be disposed in the first contact hole CN1 and thus can be in contact with the first reflective electrode RE1.

[0170] In this embodiment, a side surface of the first inorganic film TCF1 and a side surface of the second inorganic film TCF2 defining the first contact hole CN1 can be aligned with each other and can be inclined at a first predetermined angle from the first reflective electrode RE1.

[0171] The first pattern P-C1 can be disposed on the first transparent electrode TE1 overlapping the first contact hole CN1. The first pattern P-C1 can overlap a portion of a side surface of the first inorganic film TCF1, a side surface of the second inorganic film TCF2, and an upper surface of the second inorganic film TCF2 defining the first contact hole CN1.

[0172] The second contact hole CN2 can be defined within the second light emitting area PXA-2. The second contact hole CN2 can pass through the second inorganic film TCF2 to expose a portion of the second reflective electrode RE2. The second transparent electrode TE2 can contact the second reflective electrode RE2 at the second contact hole CN2.

[0173] In this embodiment, a side surface of the second inorganic film TCF2 defining the second contact hole CN2 can be inclined at a second predetermined angle from the second reflective electrode RE2.

[0174] The second pattern P-C2 can be disposed on the second transparent electrode TE2 overlapping the second contact hole CN2. The second pattern P-C2 can contact a side surface of the second inorganic film TCF2 and a portion of an upper surface of the second inorganic film TCF2 defining the second contact hole CN2.

[0175] The first pattern P-C1 and the second pattern P-C2 can include the same material as the pixel definition film PDL. In this embodiment, the first pattern P-C1 and the second pattern P-C2 can include an inorganic material.

[0176] Figure 7 is a plan view of a display panel according to an embodiment of the idea of the present application. Figure 8 is a plan view of a display panel according to an embodiment of the idea of the present application. Figure 7 and Figure 8 shows Figure 3B some regions of the first light emitting region PXA-1, the second light emitting region PXA-2, and the third light emitting region PXA-3 described in Figures 3B to 4 the components described in

[0177] Referring to Figure 7 , the active area AA-a of the display panel DP, the light emitting region PXA, and the non-light emitting region NPXA (see Figure 4 ) can be included. The non-light emitting region NPXA can surround the light emitting region PXA. The light emitting region PXA can be provided in a plurality. The light emitting region PXA can each include the first light emitting region PXA-1, the second light emitting region PXA-2, and the third light emitting region PXA-3.

[0178] According to an embodiment of the idea of the present application, each of the first light emitting region PXA-1, the second light emitting region PXA-2, and the third light emitting region PXA-3 can have a different shape. For example, the first light emitting region PXA-1 can have a hexagonal shape. Each of the second light emitting region PXA-2 and the third light emitting region PXA-3 can have a hexagonal shape.

[0179] According to an embodiment of the idea of the present application, among the first light emitting region PXA-1, the second light emitting region PXA-2, and the third light emitting region PXA-3, the contact holes CN1a and CN2a can be defined in the first light emitting region PXA-1 and the second light emitting region PXA-2. For example, the first contact hole CN1a can be defined in the first light emitting region PXA-1, and the second contact hole CN2a can be defined in the second light emitting region PXA-2.

[0180] According to an embodiment of the present inventive concept, a shape (e.g., a planar shape) on a plane of each of the contact holes CN1a and CN2a can be different from a shape (e.g., a planar shape) on a plane of the first light emitting area PXA-1, the second light emitting area PXA-2, and the third light emitting area PXA-3. For example, the contact holes CN1a and CN2a can be circular (e.g., circular planar shapes) on a plane.

[0181] Referring to Figure 8 , an active area AA-b of a display panel DP, a light emitting area PXA, and a non-light emitting area NPXA (see Figure 4 ) can be included. The non-light emitting area NPXA can surround the light emitting area PXA. The light emitting area PXA can be provided in a plurality. The light emitting area PXA can each include a first light emitting area PXA-1, a second light emitting area PXA-2, and a third light emitting area PXA-3.

[0182] According to an embodiment of the present inventive concept, each of the first light emitting area PXA-1, the second light emitting area PXA-2, and the third light emitting area PXA-3 can have a different shape. For example, the first light emitting area PXA-1 can have a hexagonal shape. Each of the second light emitting area PXA-2 and the third light emitting area PXA-3 can have a hexagonal shape.

[0183] According to an embodiment of the present inventive concept, among the first light emitting area PXA-1, the second light emitting area PXA-2, and the third light emitting area PXA-3, contact holes CN1b and CN2b can be defined in the first light emitting area PXA-1 and the second light emitting area PXA-2. For example, a first contact hole CN1b can be defined in the first light emitting area PXA-1, and a second contact hole CN2b can be defined in the second light emitting area PXA-2.

[0184] According to an embodiment of the present inventive concept, a shape (e.g., a planar shape) on a plane of each of the contact holes CN1b and CN2b can be the same as a shape (e.g., a planar shape) on a plane of the first light emitting area PXA-1, the second light emitting area PXA-2, and the third light emitting area PXA-3. For example, the first contact hole CN1b can have an octagonal shape (e.g., an octagonal planar shape) on a plane, and the second contact hole CN2b can have a hexagonal shape (e.g., a hexagonal planar shape) on a plane.

[0185] The display panel of an embodiment of the present inventive concept can achieve high resolution and high light emitting efficiency through an excellent optical resonance design.

[0186] Further, an electronic device including a display panel in which unnecessary non-light emitting areas are reduced and an aperture ratio of a light emitting area is secured can be provided by contacting the reflective electrode with the transparent electrode within the light emitting area.

[0187] In the foregoing, descriptions have been made with reference to embodiments of the inventive concept, but those skilled in the art or those of ordinary skill can understand that various modifications and changes can be made to the inventive concept as long as the modifications and changes do not depart from the spirit and technical scope of the inventive concept.

Claims

1. An electronic device comprising: a base layer including a first light emitting area, a second light emitting area, a third light emitting area, and a non-light emitting area; a lower electrode including a first reflective electrode overlapping the first light emitting area, a second reflective electrode overlapping the second light emitting area, a third reflective electrode overlapping the third light emitting area, a first transparent electrode disposed on the first reflective electrode, a second transparent electrode disposed on the second reflective electrode, and a third transparent electrode disposed on the third reflective electrode; an organic layer disposed on the lower electrode and including an emission layer; an upper electrode disposed on the organic layer; and a separation layer disposed between the first reflective electrode and the first transparent electrode and between the second reflective electrode and the second transparent electrode, wherein a first contact hole is defined in the separation layer overlapping the first light emitting area, and a second contact hole is defined in the separation layer overlapping the second light emitting area, and wherein the first transparent electrode is disposed in the first contact hole and connected to the first reflective electrode, and the second transparent electrode is disposed in the second contact hole and connected to the second reflective electrode. The separation layer includes a first inorganic layer and a second inorganic layer, each of which includes an inorganic material. 2.The electronic device of claim 1, wherein, The first inorganic layer and the second inorganic layer are disposed between the first reflective electrode and the first transparent electrode, and 3. The electronic device of claim 2, wherein, wherein the first inorganic layer is disposed between the second reflective electrode and the second transparent electrode and the second inorganic layer is not disposed between the second reflective electrode and the second transparent electrode. A first distance from the first reflective electrode to the first transparent electrode is greater than a second distance from the second reflective electrode to the second transparent electrode.

4. The electronic device of claim 3, wherein, Each of the first inorganic layer and the second inorganic layer includes at least one of silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and silicon oxynitride.

5. The electronic device of claim 3, wherein, 6.The electronic device of claim 1, further comprising a first pattern disposed on the first transparent electrode overlapping the first contact hole and a second pattern disposed on the second transparent electrode overlapping the second contact hole. 7.The electronic device of claim 6, further comprising a pixel defining film disposed on the base layer and having a pixel opening exposing at least a portion of each of the first transparent electrode, the second transparent electrode, and the third transparent electrode, the first pattern and the second pattern include a same material as the pixel defining film. wherein Each of the pixel defining film, the first pattern, and the second pattern includes an organic material or an inorganic material.

8. The electronic device of claim 7, wherein, 9.The electronic device of claim 6, wherein: an upper surface of the first pattern is coplanar with an upper surface of the first transparent electrode not overlapping the first contact hole; and an upper surface of the second pattern is coplanar with an upper surface of the second transparent electrode not overlapping the second contact hole. ​ 10. The electronic device of claim 6, wherein, The first pattern and the second pattern each include a first portion disposed within a corresponding contact hole and a second portion disposed on the first portion and protruding from a corresponding transparent electrode. 11.The electronic device of claim 6, wherein A side surface of the separation layer defining the first contact hole is inclined at a first predetermined angle from the first reflective electrode, and wherein a side surface of the separation layer defining the second contact hole is inclined at a second predetermined angle from the second reflective electrode.

12. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein, The third reflective electrode and the third transparent electrode are in direct contact with each other.

13. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein, The first reflective electrode, the second reflective electrode, and the third reflective electrode each include: a first layer including a transparent conductive oxide; a second layer disposed on the first layer and including a reflective metal material; and a third layer disposed on the second layer and including a transparent conductive oxide.

14. The electronic device of claim 1, further comprising: an encapsulation layer disposed on the upper electrode; a color filter layer disposed on the encapsulation layer and including a first color filter overlapping the first light emitting region, a second color filter overlapping the second light emitting region, and a third color filter overlapping the third light emitting region; and an overcoat layer disposed on the color filter layer. The first light emitting region, the second light emitting region, and the third light emitting region each have different planar shapes and areas.

15. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein, The first light emitting region has a different planar shape from the first contact hole, and the second light emitting region has a different planar shape from the second contact hole.

16. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein, The first light emitting region has a same planar shape as the first contact hole, and the second light emitting region has a same planar shape as the second contact hole.

17. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein, The first reflective electrode through the third reflective electrode are spaced apart from each other and all disposed within a same layer.

18. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein, 19. A display device comprising: a base layer including a first light emitting region, a second light emitting region, a third light emitting region, and a non-light emitting region; a lower electrode including a first reflective electrode overlapping the first light emitting region, a second reflective electrode overlapping the second light emitting region, a third reflective electrode overlapping the third light emitting region, a first transparent electrode disposed on the first reflective electrode, a second transparent electrode disposed on the second reflective electrode, and a third transparent electrode disposed on the third reflective electrode; an organic layer disposed on the lower electrode and including an emission layer; an upper electrode disposed on the organic layer; and a separation layer disposed between the first reflective electrode and the first transparent electrode and between the second reflective electrode and the second transparent electrode.

20. The display device of claim 19, a first contact hole is defined in the separation layer overlapping the first light emitting region, and a second contact hole is defined in the separation layer overlapping the second light emitting region, and wherein the first transparent electrode is disposed in the first contact hole and connected to the first reflective electrode, and the second transparent electrode is disposed in the second contact hole and connected to the second reflective electrode. wherein ​ ​

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