Electronic device, display device, photoelectric conversion device, electronic component, lighting device, and mobile object

Abstract

Electronic devices, display devices, photoelectric conversion devices, electronic components, lighting devices, and moving objects. The electronic device includes elements disposed on a substrate, each element sequentially comprising, from the side closest to the substrate, an insulating layer, a first electrode, a functional layer, and a second electrode. The insulating layer has an inclined portion tilted relative to the substrate. The first electrode has a first portion located on the inclined portion and a second portion in contact with the functional layer. The tilt angle of the second portion relative to the substrate is smaller than that of the first portion. Furthermore, the thickness of the functional layer located on the first portion in the direction normal to the surface of the functional layer in contact with the first portion is smaller than the thickness of the functional layer located on the second portion in the direction normal to the surface of the functional layer in contact with the second portion.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the application filed on October 21, 2021, with application number 202111227626.2 and titled "Electronic Device, Display Device, Photoelectric Conversion Device, Electronic Component, Lighting Device and Moving Object". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to electronic devices, display devices, photoelectric conversion devices, electronic components, lighting equipment, and moving objects. Background Technology

[0003] Organic light-emitting elements (OLEDs) and organic photoelectric conversion elements (OPIs) have been proposed as electronic devices using organic layers (also called organic compound layers). OLEDs comprise a cathode, an anode, and an organic layer between the cathode and anode, and function as light-emitting devices that emit light by utilizing the recombination of electrons injected from the cathode and holes injected from the anode. OPIs comprise a cathode, an anode, and an organic layer between the cathode and anode, and function as photoelectric conversion devices that extract electrons and holes generated by the organic layer during light absorption from the cathode and anode, respectively. Display devices incorporating OLEDs and imaging devices incorporating OPIs have received considerable attention in recent years.

[0004] In electronic devices using organic layers, the organic layer is sometimes formed continuously across multiple organic light-emitting elements (OLEDs) or multiple organic photoelectric conversion elements (OPIs). In these cases, current may leak through the organic layer between the individual electrodes (cathodes or anodes) located in adjacent elements. If current leakage occurs between adjacent OLEDs, it can lead to unintended emission within the OLEDs and narrow the color gamut of the display device. If current leakage occurs between adjacent OPIs, it can generate noise. Therefore, current leakage between adjacent elements degrades the characteristics of the electronic device.

[0005] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-136260 discloses an electronic device in which an insulating layer is arranged to cover the end of a lower electrode included in adjacent components. The insulating layer has an inclined portion located on the lower electrode, and an organic layer is continuously formed on the inclined portion over multiple components. Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-136260 describes a method for suppressing current leakage between the upper and lower electrodes, and simultaneously suppressing current leakage between lower electrodes included in adjacent components, by setting the thickness of the organic layer disposed on the inclined portion of the insulating layer to a predetermined value or higher.

[0006] According to Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-136260, an insulating layer with an inclined portion is configured to cover the end of a flat lower electrode. Furthermore, current leakage between adjacent components and between the upper and lower electrodes is suppressed by adjusting the thickness of an organic layer disposed on the inclined portion of the insulating layer. However, when only the thickness of the organic layer is adjusted as in the prior art, there is a problem that current leakage between adjacent components cannot be sufficiently suppressed.

[0007] In view of the above, the present invention aims to provide an electronic device that can more reliably suppress current leakage between adjacent components. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention provides an electronic device comprising elements disposed on a substrate, each element comprising, sequentially from a side near the substrate, an insulating layer, a first electrode, a functional layer, and a second electrode. The functional layer and the second electrode are continuously disposed from a position on one of two first electrodes independently contained within two adjacent elements of the first electrode to a position on the other first electrode, thereby covering the two first electrodes. The insulating layer has an inclined portion inclined relative to the substrate, and the first electrode has a first portion located on the inclined portion and a second portion in contact with the functional layer. The inclination angle of the second portion relative to the substrate is smaller than that of the first portion, and the thickness of the functional layer located on the first portion in the direction normal to the surface of the functional layer in contact with the first portion is smaller than the thickness of the functional layer located on the second portion in the direction normal to the surface of the functional layer in contact with the second portion.

[0009] Other features of the invention will become apparent from the description of the following exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a plan view showing the structure of the organic light-emitting device according to the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the organic light-emitting device according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of an organic light-emitting device as a comparative example.

[0014] Figure 5It is a graph depicting the relationship between the distance between the flat portions of two adjacent lower electrodes and the ratio of the thickness of the organic layer on the lower electrode to the chromaticity of the red pixel.

[0015] Figure 6 The layout of the components used in film formation simulation is shown.

[0016] Figure 7 It is a graph depicting the results of film formation simulation.

[0017] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the organic light-emitting device according to the second embodiment.

[0018] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the organic light-emitting device according to the third embodiment.

[0019] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0020] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the organic light-emitting device according to the fourth embodiment.

[0021] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the organic light-emitting device according to the fifth embodiment.

[0022] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a display device.

[0023] Figure 14A and Figure 14B These are all schematic diagrams illustrating examples of camera equipment.

[0024] Figure 15A and Figure 15B These are all schematic diagrams illustrating another example of a display device.

[0025] Figure 16A and Figure 16B These are all schematic diagrams illustrating examples of lighting equipment.

[0026] Figure 17A and Figure 17B These are all schematic diagrams illustrating application examples of display devices. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Details of an organic light-emitting device according to embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Any of the following embodiments represent examples of the invention, and the numerical values, shapes, materials, components, and configurations and connections of the components in the embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Although various features are mentioned in the embodiments, all of these features are not always necessary in the present invention, and these features may optionally be combined with each other. In the drawings, the same reference numerals refer to the same or similar components, and repeated descriptions of these components are omitted.

[0028] In this specification, for ease of explanation of the positional relationships between components with reference to the accompanying drawings, terms such as "above" and "below" are used to indicate the configuration position. The positional relationships between components may vary depending on the direction in which the components are observed. Therefore, the expressions indicating positional relationships are not limited to the terms used in this specification, and may be appropriately replaced with other terms depending on the situation. Furthermore, the terms "above" and "below" are not to be interpreted as one component being directly above or below another component, and the two components being in direct contact with each other. For example, the statement "electrode B on insulating layer A" does not require that electrode B be formed on insulating layer A in direct contact with insulating layer A, and does not exclude the possibility that there are other components between insulating layer A and electrode B.

[0029] In this specification, the term "generally parallel" refers to a configuration where two straight lines or two planes are arranged at an angle between -15° and 15°. In this specification, the term "continuously arranged between A and B" means that the corresponding components are continuously arranged from A to B without interruption. In this specification, the term "height" refers to the distance measured upwards from the upper surface (first surface) of substrate 1. A portion parallel to the upper surface (first surface) of substrate 1 can be specified, and the "height" can be defined based on a specified reference.

[0030] First Implementation Method

[0031] The following will refer to Figures 1 to 7 An organic light-emitting device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is described. The first embodiment represents an example of implementing an electronic device as an organic light-emitting device.

[0032] Overall structure of organic light-emitting devices

[0033] Figure 1This is a plan view showing the structure of an organic light-emitting device 100 according to a first embodiment. The organic light-emitting device 100 includes a display area 110 and peripheral circuitry 120. In the display area 110, a plurality of pixels PX are arranged in a two-dimensional array on a substrate 1. The peripheral circuitry 120 is a circuit for displaying an image in the display area 110, and may include a signal line driving circuit 121 (signal output circuit) and a signal line driving circuit 122 (vertical scanning circuit) as drivers for displaying the image.

[0034] Each pixel PX includes multiple sub-pixels SP. In this embodiment, each pixel PX includes three types of sub-pixels SP: a first sub-pixel SPR that emits light of a first color, a second sub-pixel SPG that emits light of a second color, and a third sub-pixel SPB that emits light of a third color. Here, the first color, second color, and third color are assumed to be, for example, red, green, and blue, respectively. The above-described pixel PX construction is exemplary, and the pixel construction is not limited to the above-described pixel construction. In another example, in addition to the first sub-pixel SPR, second sub-pixel SPG, and third sub-pixel SPB, each pixel PX may also include a fourth sub-pixel SPW that emits light of a fourth color. The fourth color may be, for example, white or yellow. Furthermore, this embodiment represents an example of sub-pixels SP configured in a delta array, but the invention is not limited to this example. Sub-pixels may be configured in a bar array, a square array, or a Bayer array.

[0035] Construction of light-emitting elements

[0036] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view taken from line segment II-II in the diagram. Each sub-pixel SP includes a light-emitting element 10 disposed on the upper surface (first surface) of the substrate 1. Figure 2 The diagram shows three sub-pixels SP of one pixel PX belonging to the organic light-emitting device 100. The first sub-pixel SPR includes a first light-emitting element 10R, the second sub-pixel SPPG includes a second light-emitting element 10G, and the third sub-pixel SPB includes a third light-emitting element 10B. The first light-emitting element 10R is configured to emit light of a first color, the second light-emitting element 10G is configured to emit light of a second color, and the third light-emitting element 10B is configured to emit light of a third color. In this specification, when referring to a specific light-emitting element among the light-emitting elements 10, a suffix is ​​added to the reference numerals to indicate the relevant light-emitting element, such as light-emitting element "10R". When referring to a light-emitting element without specifying its type, it is simply referred to as light-emitting element "10". The same applies to other components.

[0037] Each light-emitting element 10 includes a first insulating layer 3, a lower electrode 2 (also called a first electrode), an organic layer 4 including a light-emitting layer, and an upper electrode 5, sequentially stacked from the upper surface side of the substrate 1 (from the side closest to the substrate). The organic layer 4 including the light-emitting layer can also be called a functional layer. The organic light-emitting device 100 according to this embodiment is a top-emitting device, wherein light is extracted from the upper electrode 5. The organic light-emitting device 100 also includes a protective layer 6, a first planarization layer 8, a second planarization layer 9, and a color filter layer 70 configured to cover the upper electrode 5.

[0038] The color filter layer 70 includes a first color filter 7R, a second color filter 7G, and a third color filter 7B. The first color filter 7R allows light of a first color to pass through, the second color filter 7G allows light of a second color to pass through, and the third color filter 7B allows light of a third color to pass through. These color filters 7 are arranged in a one-to-one relationship with the light-emitting element 10 and are respectively configured corresponding to the light-emitting areas of the light-emitting element 10. Figure 1 In the planar diagram, solid lines represent the color filters 7 contained within each sub-pixel SP (light-emitting element 10). Furthermore, in... Figure 1 In the diagram, dashed lines represent the outer edge of the lower electrode 2 contained in each sub-pixel SP, and dotted lines represent the openings in the first insulating layer 3. As described later, the organic layer 4 contacts the lower electrode 2, and the area where the organic layer 4 and the lower electrode 2 contact each other serves as the light-emitting area of ​​each sub-pixel SP. In this embodiment, because the entire upper surface of the lower electrode 2 is in contact with the organic layer 4, therefore... Figure 1 In the diagram, the light-emitting area of ​​each sub-pixel SP is indicated by the area represented by dashed lines. For example... Figure 1 As shown, each color filter 7 is configured to be positioned above the center of the light-emitting area of ​​the corresponding light-emitting element 10 in the plan view.

[0039] In this embodiment, the organic layer 4 contained in each light-emitting element 10 emits white light. Color filters 7R, 7G, and 7B each separate one of the RGB lights from the white light emitted by the organic layer 4 by allowing the corresponding light to selectively pass through, and then output the separated light to the outside. At least a portion of the color filters contained in the color filter layer 70 may be a color conversion layer that absorbs light emitted from the organic layer and outputs the light after converting it to another color. The color conversion layer may contain quantum dots (QDs). The color filter layer 70 may include four or more color filters. Furthermore, the light emitted from the organic layer 4 need not be white light.

[0040] Substrate 1 is a plate-shaped member having a first surface. Various components are stacked on the first surface of substrate 1, thereby forming an organic light-emitting device 100. Substrate 1 can be a semiconductor substrate such as a silicon substrate, or it can be an insulating substrate made of, for example, glass, quartz, or resin. Furthermore, substrate 1 can be flexible.

[0041] A driving circuit layer (not shown) including transistors electrically connected to the lower electrode 2 can be formed on the substrate 1. In this embodiment, the driving circuit formed in the driving circuit layer is an active-matrix pixel driving circuit. Therefore, the organic light-emitting device 100 can be considered as an active-matrix display device. The driving circuit layer can be formed by stacking on the substrate 1, or a portion of the driving circuit layer can be formed directly in the substrate 1 by a semiconductor process. The driving circuit layer may include transistors, wiring layers, and insulators located between the wiring layers. For example, the insulator is an interlayer insulating layer made of inorganic materials such as silicon oxide (SiOx), silicon nitride (SiNx), silicon oxynitride (SiON), etc., or of organic materials such as polyimide, polyacrylate, etc. The interlayer insulating layer has a flat upper surface and is generally referred to as a planarization layer for the purpose of reducing the non-uniformity of the surface used as the substrate in the step of forming the lower electrode 2. When the substrate 1 includes the driving circuit layer, the term "substrate" can also be considered to include the driving circuit layer. When the term "substrate" is also considered to include the driving circuit layer, the upper surface of the uppermost interlayer insulating layer in the driving circuit layer can be regarded as the first surface. In this embodiment, since the lower electrode 2 is formed on the first surface, the portion of the lower surface of the lower electrode 2 that contacts the substrate 1 coincides with the first surface. Therefore, the portion of the lower surface of the lower electrode 2 that contacts the substrate 1 can be regarded as the first surface.

[0042] A first insulating layer 3 is disposed on the substrate 1. The first insulating layer 3 is located between a sub-pixel SP and another sub-pixel SP adjacent to the sub-pixel SP, and each sub-pixel SP is defined by the first insulating layer 3. In addition, the first insulating layer 3 has an inclined portion 31 that is inclined relative to a first surface of the substrate 1. The insulating layer 3 is also referred to as a pixel separation film, partition, or bank.

[0043] like Figure 2 As shown, the first insulating layer 3 located between the first sub-pixel SPR and the second sub-pixel SPG has an inclined portion 31R at its end near the first sub-pixel SPR and an inclined portion 31G at its end near the second sub-pixel SPG. Similarly, the first insulating layer 3 located between the second sub-pixel SPG and the third sub-pixel SPB has an inclined portion 31G at its end near the second sub-pixel SPG and an inclined portion 31B at its end near the third sub-pixel SPB. Furthermore, although Figure 2Not shown, but the first insulating layer 3 located between the third sub-pixel SPB and the first sub-pixel SPR has another inclined portion 31B at its end near the third sub-pixel SPB and another inclined portion 31R at its end near the first sub-pixel SPR. Additionally, the first insulating layer 3 has a flat portion 32 between the two inclined portions 31. The first sub-pixel SPR, the second sub-pixel SPG, and the third sub-pixel SPB can be read as the first light-emitting element 10R, the second light-emitting element 10G, and the third light-emitting element 10B, respectively.

[0044] The first insulating layer 3 can be formed by, for example, chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or physical vapor deposition (PVD). The first insulating layer 3 can be made of, for example, silicon nitride (SiNx), silicon oxide (SiOx), or silicon oxynitride (SiON). The first insulating layer 3 can be formed from a laminate of the above materials. The tilt angle of the tilted portion 31 of the first insulating layer 3 can be controlled according to the conditions of anisotropic or isotropic etching. Optionally, the tilt angle of the tilted portion 31 of the first insulating layer 3 can be controlled by controlling the tilt angle of the layer located below the first insulating layer 3. The upper surface of the first insulating layer 3 can have unevenness obtained by processes such as etching or by stacking additional layers.

[0045] The lower electrode 2 is the anode (positive electrode) and is configured to be electrically isolated from each light-emitting element 10. In other words, the lower electrode 2 is configured to be electrically isolated from each sub-pixel. It can also be said that each light-emitting element 10 independently includes the lower electrode 2 in a one-to-one relationship. The lower electrode 2 is also called a pixel electrode or an independent electrode. In this embodiment, the lower electrode 2 serves not only as an anode but also as a reflective layer that reflects light generated from the organic layer 4 and improves the luminous efficiency of the light-emitting element 10. To enhance its function as a reflective layer, the lower electrode 2 can be made of a metallic material with a reflectivity of 80% or more for the emission wavelength of the organic layer 4. Here, the emission wavelength of the organic layer 4 is the wavelength at which the light intensity emitted from the organic layer 4 is maximum. For example, metals such as Al (aluminum) or Ag (silver), or alloys obtained by adding any metal such as Si, Cu, Ni, or Nd to the aforementioned metals, can be used as the material of the lower electrode 2. Alternatively, a metallic material with a reflectivity of 80% or more for light in the visible light range can be used as the material of the lower electrode 2. The lower electrode 2 may have a layered structure including a barrier layer. Metals such as Ti, W, Mo, or Au, or alloys of any of these metals, may be used as the barrier layer material. The barrier layer may be a metal layer located on the upper surface of the lower electrode 2.

[0046] The lower electrode 2 has a first portion 21 disposed on the inclined portion 31 of the first insulating layer 3 and a second portion 22 disposed on the substrate 1 and in contact with the substrate 1. The lower electrode 2 also has a fourth portion 24 disposed on the flat portion 32 of the first insulating layer 3. The lower electrode 2 is configured to follow the shape of the layer located directly below it. Therefore, the upper and lower surfaces of the first portion 21 located on the inclined portion 31 are inclined relative to the first surface of the substrate 1 as the inclined portion 31 is. On the other hand, the upper and lower surfaces of the second portion 22 located on the substrate 1 are substantially parallel to the first surface of the substrate 1. The second portion 22 can also be described as a portion in which the surface (upper surface) located on the opposite side of the substrate 1 has a smaller angle of inclination relative to the substrate 1 than the upper surface of the first portion 21. Furthermore, the upper surface of the flat portion 32 is substantially parallel to the first surface of the substrate 1. Therefore, the upper and lower surfaces of the fourth portion 24 located on the flat portion 32 are substantially parallel to the first surface of the substrate 1. The fourth part 24 can also be described as follows: the surface (upper surface) of this part located on the opposite side of the substrate 1 has a smaller angle of inclination relative to the substrate 1 than the upper surface of the first part 21. Furthermore, the first part 21 can also be described as being configured to surround the second part 22 in a plan view. The fourth part 24 can also be described as being configured to surround the first part 21 in a plan view.

[0047] Organic layer 4 is located between lower electrode 2 and upper electrode 5. Organic layer 4 is continuously disposed on both lower electrode 2 and first insulating layer 3 in a manner shared by multiple light-emitting elements 10. In other words, multiple light-emitting elements 10 share a single organic layer 4. Organic layer 4 can be disposed in a manner shared by multiple sub-pixels SP constituting a pixel PX. Organic layer 4 can be separated between adjacent pixels PX, or it can be disposed in a manner shared by multiple pixels PX. Organic layer 4 can be integrally formed over the entire display area 110 for displaying images by the organic light-emitting device 100. When organic layer 4 is composed of multiple layers, at least a portion of the layers can be continuously disposed above multiple light-emitting elements 10. Distributing organic layer 4 in a manner shared by multiple sub-pixels SP is particularly effective when the sub-pixels SP have a very small size.

[0048] Now, assume that each pixel PX included in the organic light-emitting device 100 includes a first sub-pixel SPR having a first lower electrode 2R and a second sub-pixel SPG having a second lower electrode 2G. In this case, at least a portion of the organic layer 4 can be continuously disposed between a position on the first lower electrode 2R and a position on the second lower electrode 2G. Here, "continuously disposed" means that the organic layer is continuously disposed without interruption in the middle. Furthermore, the statement "continuously disposed between a position on the first lower electrode 2R and a position on the second lower electrode 2G" means that the organic layer 4 is continuously disposed from a position on the first lower electrode 2R to a position on the second lower electrode 2G without interruption.

[0049] Furthermore, it is assumed that each pixel PX included in the organic light-emitting device 100 comprises a first sub-pixel SPR having a first lower electrode 2R, a second sub-pixel SPG having a second lower electrode 2G, and a third sub-pixel SPB having a third lower electrode 2B. In this case, at least a portion of the organic layer 4 can satisfy the following aspects: The organic layer 4 can be continuously disposed in at least two regions among the regions located on the first lower electrode 2R and the second lower electrode 2G, the regions located on the second lower electrode 2G and the third lower electrode 2B, and the regions located on the third lower electrode 2B and the first lower electrode 2R. Optionally, the organic layer 4 can be continuously disposed in all regions between the positions on the first lower electrode 2R and the second lower electrode 2G, between the positions on the second lower electrode 2G and the third lower electrode 2B, and between the positions on the third lower electrode 2B and the first lower electrode 2R.

[0050] The organic layer 4 includes a light-emitting layer configured to emit light by recombination of holes provided from the lower electrode 2 and electrons provided from the upper electrode 5. The organic layer 4 may include a hole transport layer, a light-emitting layer, and an electron transport layer. For the organic layer 4, appropriate materials can be selected from the viewpoints of luminous efficiency, driving lifetime, and optical interference. The hole transport layer can be used as an electron blocking layer or a hole injection layer, or it can be formed as a stacked structure, for example, a hole injection layer, a hole transport layer, and an electron blocking layer. The light-emitting layer can be formed as a stacked structure configured to emit light of different colors, or it can be a hybrid layer prepared by mixing light-emitting dopants that emit different colors of light. The light-emitting layer may contain a first-color light-emitting material that emits a first color of light, a second-color light-emitting material that emits a second color of light, and a third-color light-emitting material that emits a third color of light. The light-emitting layer can be configured to generate white light by mixing the various light-emitting colors. The first color, second color, and third color can be, for example, red, green, and blue, respectively. The light-emitting layer may contain light-emitting materials with complementary color relationships, such as blue light-emitting materials and yellow light-emitting materials. The electron transport layer can be used as a hole blocking layer or an electron injection layer, or it can be formed as a stacked structure of, for example, an electron injection layer, an electron transport layer and a hole blocking layer.

[0051] Organic layer 4 may include multiple light-emitting layers and an intermediate layer located between the functional layers. Organic light-emitting device 100 may be a tandem structure light-emitting device, wherein the intermediate layer serves as a charge generation layer. The tandem structure may include a charge transport layer, such as a hole transport layer or an electron transport layer, located between the charge generation layer and the light-emitting layer.

[0052] A charge-generating layer is a layer that includes electron-donating and electron-accepting materials and generates electrical charge. The electron-donating and electron-accepting materials are respectively the materials that provide electrons and the materials that accept these electrons. Therefore, because positive and negative charges are generated in the charge-generating layer, positive or negative charges can be supplied to layers located above and below it. The electron-donating material can be, for example, an alkali metal, such as lithium or cesium. Alternatively, the electron-donating material can be, for example, lithium fluoride, lithium complexes, cesium carbonate, or cesium complexes. In the latter case, the electron-donating capability can be achieved by mixing reducing materials such as aluminum, magnesium, or calcium together. The electron-accepting material can be, for example, an inorganic material such as molybdenum oxide, or an organic material such as [dipyrazino[2,3-f:2',3'-h]quinoxaline-2,3,6,7,10,11-hexacarboxynitrile] (HAT-CN). The electron-accepting and electron-donating materials can be mixed with each other or stacked one on top of the other.

[0053] The upper electrode 5 is a cathode (negative electrode) and is disposed on the organic layer 4. The upper electrode 5 is continuously formed over and shared by multiple light-emitting elements 10. Similar to the organic layer 4, the upper electrode 5 can be integrally formed over the entire display area 110 for displaying images by the organic light-emitting device 100. The upper electrode 5 can be an electrode that transmits at least a portion of the light that has reached the lower surface of the upper electrode 5. The upper electrode 5 can be used as a translucent layer with the property of transmitting a portion of light and reflecting the other portion (i.e., translucent and transflective properties). The upper electrode 5 can be made of metals such as magnesium or silver, alloys with magnesium or silver as the main component, or alloys containing alkali metals or alkaline earth metals. Optionally, oxide conductors such as ITO, IZO, ZnO, AZO, or IGZO can be used as the upper electrode 5. The upper electrode 5 can be formed as a multilayer structure, provided that appropriate transmittance is obtained.

[0054] A protective layer 6 is continuously formed on the upper electrode 5 and shared by multiple light-emitting elements 10. The protective layer 6 may contain an inorganic material that is transparent to light but has low permeability to external oxygen and moisture. The protective layer 6 is also referred to as, for example, a moisture-proof layer or a sealing layer. The protective layer 6 may contain, for example, silicon nitride (SiNx), silicon oxynitride (such as SiON), aluminum oxide (such as Al2O3), or silicon oxide (SiO2). xSilicon nitride and silicon oxynitride can be formed, for example, by CVD or sputtering. On the other hand, alumina, silicon oxide, and titanium oxide can be formed by atomic layer deposition (ALD). The material combination and manufacturing method of the protective layer 6 are not limited to the examples above; the thickness of the formed layer, the time required to form the protective layer, etc., can be considered when manufacturing the protective layer 6. The protective layer 6 can be formed as a single-layer structure or a multilayer structure, as long as it transmits light that has passed through the upper electrode 5 and ensures sufficient moisture resistance.

[0055] A color filter layer 70 is formed on the protective layer 6. As described above, the color filter layer 70 may include a first color filter 7R, a second color filter 7G, and a third color filter 7B. Figure 2 Similar to the first color filter 7R and the second color filter 7G shown, the color filters 7 contained in the color filter layer 70 can contact each other without gaps. In addition, the end of the color filter 7 for one color can be configured to overlap with the end of the color filter 7 for another color.

[0056] A first planarization layer 8 is formed between the protective layer 6 and the color filter layer 70, and a second planarization layer 9 is formed on the color filter layer 70. The first planarization layer 8 and the second planarization layer 9 are made of, for example, resin.

[0057] Construction of the layer disposed on the inclined portion of the first insulating layer

[0058] The structure of the layer disposed on the inclined portion 31 of the first insulating layer 3 will now be described.

[0059] In the organic light-emitting device 100 according to this embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the first insulating layer 3 has an inclined portion 31, and the lower electrode 2, the organic layer 4, and the upper electrode 5 are stacked on the inclined portion 31. The thickness of the portion of the organic layer 4 located on the first portion 21 of the lower electrode 2 is thinner than the thickness of the other portion of the organic layer 4 located on the second portion 22 of the lower electrode 2. Here, in this specification, the “layer thickness” of layer A refers to the thickness of layer A in the normal direction relative to the upper surface of layer B that serves as the substrate (underground) of layer A (i.e., relative to the surface of layer B that contacts layer A). Therefore, the thickness of the portion of the organic layer 4 located on the first portion 21 of the lower electrode 2 can be said to be the thickness in the normal direction relative to the upper surface of the first portion 21. Furthermore, the thickness of the portion of the organic layer 4 located on the second portion 22 of the lower electrode 2 can be said to be the thickness in the normal direction relative to the upper surface of the second portion 22.

[0060] Under the above conditions, the resistance of the portion of organic layer 4 located on the first part 21 in its thickness direction can be made less than the resistance of the portion of organic layer 4 located on the second part 22 in its thickness direction. Therefore, even if the charge injected from the lower electrode 2 flows laterally, i.e., flows towards the adjacent sub-pixel SP, these charges can be recombined in the relatively thin portion of organic layer 4 located on the first part 21 before reaching the adjacent sub-pixel SP. As a result, charge crosstalk between sub-pixels SP can be suppressed, and current leakage between sub-pixels SP can be suppressed.

[0061] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a relatively thin organic layer 4 is sandwiched between the lower electrode 2 and the upper electrode 5 on the inclined portion 31. Therefore, during the driving of the organic light-emitting device 100 and the emission of the light-emitting element 10 constituting the sub-pixel SP, an electric field is applied between the lower electrode 2 and the upper electrode 5. Therefore, compared to the case where the organic layer 4 is disposed on the inclined portion 31 with a smaller thickness and the lower electrode 2 is not arranged, charge recombination can occur more easily in the organic layer 4 located on the inclined portion 31. As a result, current leakage between sub-pixels SP can be further suppressed.

[0062] Figure 3 It is by Figure 2 An enlarged view of region III, indicated by the dashed line. As described above, the lower electrode 2 has a first portion 21 located on the inclined portion 31, a second portion 22 in contact with the substrate 1, and a fourth portion 24 located on the first flat portion 32. Furthermore, the organic layer 4 is configured to cover the lower electrode 2 and the first insulating layer 3, and the organic layer 4 has a first region 41 located on the first portion 21 and relatively thin, and a second region 42 located on the second portion 22. Because the first region 41 is inclined relative to the first surface of the substrate 1, as are the inclined portion 31 and the first portion 21 located on the lower side, the first region 41 can also be referred to as the inclined region of the organic layer 4. Because the upper and lower surfaces of the second region 42 are substantially parallel to the first surface of the substrate 1, as are the second portion 22 located on the lower side, the second region 42 can also be referred to as the flat region of the organic layer 4.

[0063] When each sub-pixel SP in the organic light-emitting device 100 has the following characteristics in the planar diagram: Figure 1 In the structure shown, the inclined portion 31 is formed along the periphery of the lower electrode 2, extending around all six sides of the hexagon. In other words, the inclined portion 31 is configured to surround the second portion 22 of the lower electrode 2 that is in contact with the organic layer 4.

[0064] Although the first region 41 of the organic layer 4 is a relatively thin portion of the organic layer 4 located on the first part 21, as Figure 3As shown, the organic layer 4 also has portions at both ends of the first region 41 where the layer thickness is not relatively thin. In other words, although the layer thickness of the organic layer 4 is relatively thin in the portion of the first region 41 where the lower electrode 2 and the upper electrode 5 are positioned parallel to each other, the layer thickness is not relatively thin in other portions. In the end of the first region 41 adjacent to the second region 42, the layer thickness increases because the first region 41 is partially filled by the second region 42, which has a larger thickness. This also applies to the other end of the first region 41 located on the opposite side of the second region 42. Therefore, it is preferable to measure the layer thickness in the first region 41 in the portion of the first region 41 where the lower electrode 2 and the upper electrode 5 are positioned parallel to each other. Similarly, it is preferable to measure the layer thickness in the second region 42 in the portion of the second region 42 where the lower electrode 2 and the upper electrode 5 are positioned parallel to each other. In this embodiment, as Figure 3 As shown, the layer thickness T1 in the first region 41 is less than the layer thickness T2 in the second region 42.

[0065] In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown, the height H1 of the upper surface of the organic layer 4 located in the second region 42 is preferably lower than the height H2 of the upper end 33 of the inclined portion 31. Under this condition, it is ensured that the organic layer 4 formed on the lower electrode 2 does not completely fill the organic layer 4 formed along the inclined portion 31. Therefore, when the organic layer 4 is disposed on the lower electrode 2 and the first insulating layer 3, it is easier to reduce the thickness of the first region 41 on the inclined portion 31 where the organic layer 4 is disposed. Therefore, it is easier to suppress current leakage between sub-pixels SP.

[0066] The spacing between the main light-emitting regions and the layer thickness in the first region

[0067] In the organic light-emitting device 100, as described above, a lower electrode 2 is configured for each sub-pixel SP. Here, it is assumed that... Figure 2 As shown, d represents the shortest distance between the second portion 22 of one lower electrode 2 and the second portion 22 of another lower electrode 2 adjacent to it. Distance d can also be described as the shortest distance between two adjacent second regions 42 in the second region 42.

[0068] In the organic light-emitting device 100, the ratio (d / T2) of the distance d between the second portions 22 of two adjacent lower electrodes 2 to the thickness T2 of the organic layer 4 located on the second portions 22 of the lower electrodes 2 (i.e., in the second region 42) can be less than 50. Here, in the light-emitting region of each sub-pixel SP, the portion of the organic layer 4 located on the second portions 22 of the lower electrodes 2 (i.e., the second region 42) contributes the most to light emission, and can therefore be considered the main light-emitting region. The smaller the ratio (d / T2) of distance d to thickness T2, the smaller the spacing between the main light-emitting regions of the organic layer 4, and the higher the configuration density of the light-emitting elements 10 constituting the sub-pixel SP. In prior art electronic devices such as organic light-emitting devices, when the ratio (d / T2) of distance d to thickness T2 is less than 50, current leakage between sub-pixels SP has already caused a significantly serious problem. The cause of this problem will be described below.

[0069] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of an organic light-emitting device 900 as a comparative example. The difference between organic light-emitting device 900 and organic light-emitting device 100 is that organic light-emitting device 900 does not have the inclined portion 31 of the first insulating layer 3, nor does it have the first portion 21 of the lower electrode 2 located on the inclined portion 31. In other words, organic light-emitting device 900 can be said to lack the current leakage suppression structure included in organic light-emitting device 100 according to this embodiment. Figure 4 The equivalent circuit of the light-emitting element 10R is also shown in a superimposed relationship. The equivalent circuit is schematically shown. Figure 4 The resistance value of the organic layer 4 in the light-emitting element does not imply that the light-emitting element contains circuitry. Figure 4 The equivalent circuit of the light-emitting element 10G is also shown to explain the current leakage between the light-emitting elements 10. The light-emitting element 10R included in the organic light-emitting device 900 is a light-emitting element configured to emit red light, and the light-emitting element 10G is a light-emitting element configured to emit green light.

[0070] Assuming T2 represents the thickness of the organic layer 4 located on the lower electrode 2R, d represents the distance between the openings formed by the lower electrode 2R and the lower electrode 2G, and r represents the resistance per unit area of ​​the organic layer 4 in its thickness direction. In this comparative example, the lower electrode 2 is composed only of a flat portion formed on the flat substrate 1. Therefore, it can also be said that the entire lower electrode 2 provides the second portion 22 in the above embodiment. Therefore, the distance between the openings formed by the lower electrode 2R and the lower electrode 2G can also be described as the distance between the second portions 22 of two adjacent lower electrodes 2.

[0071] At this point, the resistance of the organic layer 4 per unit area in the horizontal direction is given by r(d / T2). Assume the current flowing between the lower electrode 2 and the upper electrode 5 in the light-emitting element 10R is I. R The current flowing between the lower electrode 2 and the upper electrode 5 in the light-emitting element 10G is I. G The following relationship holds true.

[0072] I G / I R =1 / (1+d / T2)…(1)

[0073] Equation (1) means that even if we try to make only the light-emitting element 10R light up, the current will flow through the light-emitting element 10G, and the light-emitting element 10G will also light up. Equation (1) also means that the magnitude of the current flowing through the adjacent light-emitting element 10G depends on d / T2, and the smaller the value of d / T2, the easier it is for the current to flow through the adjacent light-emitting element 10G.

[0074] Assuming S R This represents the emission spectrum obtained using only the light-emitting element 10R when emitting light with the same current, denoted by S. G This represents the emission spectrum obtained using only the light-emitting element 10G. In this case, the emission spectrum S, which takes into account the current leakage between the light-emitting elements 10, is expressed by the following equation (2). R+G .

[0075] S R+G =S R +S G (I) G / I R (2)

[0076] Figure 5 Describes the process of calculating S R+G The graph is obtained by plotting the chromaticity coordinates in the CIExy space, and by plotting the x-coordinate values ​​of the chromaticity coordinates (CIE_x) on the vertical axis and the d / T2 values ​​on the horizontal axis. Therefore, Figure 5 This represents the relationship between d / T2 and the x-value of the chromaticity coordinates. Figure 5 The change in the x-coordinate value of the chromaticity coordinates means that although red light is intentionally emitted, green light will also be emitted. Therefore, Figure 5 A smaller x-coordinate value means that current leakage has occurred to adjacent pixels.

[0077] like Figure 5As shown in the graph, when d / T2 is above 50, the x-coordinate value remains high and almost unchanged. On the other hand, when d / T2 is less than 50, the x-coordinate value decreases significantly, and the color purity of red light decreases noticeably. Therefore, it can be understood that when the ratio of distance d to layer thickness T2 (d / T2) is less than 50, current leakage between sub-pixels SP will cause significantly serious problems.

[0078] In contrast, in this embodiment, a current leakage suppression structure is achieved by forming an inclined portion 31 of the first insulating layer 3 and a first portion 21 of the lower electrode 2 located on the inclined portion 31, thereby suppressing current leakage between sub-pixels SP. With this structure, current leakage can be suppressed even when the ratio of distance d to layer thickness T2 (d / T2) is less than 50, and current leakage between sub-pixels SP is relatively likely to occur.

[0079] Inclination angle of the inclined portion of the insulation layer

[0080] like Figure 3 As shown, assume the tilt angle of the tilting part 31 is θ. i The tilt angle of the upper surface of the first part 21 of the lower electrode 2 is θ. j Here, θ j It can also be described as the tilt angle of the upper surface of the layer used as the substrate for forming the organic layer 4, that is, the tilt angle of the upper surface of the layer in contact with the lower surface of the first region 41. Based on this assumption, the tilt angle of the lower surface of the first portion 21 of the lower electrode 2 is θ. i The tilt angle of the lower surface of the organic layer 4 in the first region 41 is θ. j When the lower electrode 2 is formed on the inclined portion 31 with a constant layer thickness, θ i and θ j They are roughly equal.

[0081] Here, the tilt angle θ j Preferably, the angle is 30° or more, and more preferably 50° or more. When θ i and θ j When they are approximately equal, the tilt angle θ i Preferably, the angle is 30° or more, and more preferably 50° or more. Under this condition, the thickness T1 of the organic layer 4 in the first region 41 can be easily reduced, and the effect of suppressing current leakage between sub-pixels SP can be increased. The reason is as follows.

[0082] In this embodiment, a film formation simulation (vapor deposition simulation) using the vapor deposition method is performed to determine the desired tilt angle of the tilted portion 31. Figure 6 The diagram illustrates the layout representing the positional relationship between the film-forming source (deposition source) and the film-forming object (substrate), a relationship fundamental to film formation simulation. For example... Figure 6The positions of the deposition source 201, the substrate 202 and the organic device 203 arranged on the substrate are set as shown, and the dimensions are set as R = 200 mm, r = 95 mm and h = 340 mm.

[0083] In the vapor deposition distribution expressed by the following equation (3), n = 2 is set.

[0084] φ=φ0cos n α...(3)

[0085] In equation (3), α represents the angle, φ represents the vapor flow density at angle α, and φ0 represents the vapor flow density when α = 0. Furthermore, this assumes that the substrate 202 rotates around the center of the substrate.

[0086] Assuming that the tilted portion with tilt angles of 0° to 90° is located on the substrate at the position of organic device 203, calculate the thickness of the organic layer along the tilted portion at each tilt angle when the thickness of the organic layer at the tilt angle of 0° is 76nm.

[0087] Figure 7 The results of the film formation simulation are depicted. For example, from... Figure 7 As can be seen, when the tilt angle is 30° or greater, the thickness T1 of the organic layer 4 in the first region 41 along the tilted portion 31 tends to decrease. Furthermore, when the tilt angle is 50° or greater, the thickness T1 of the organic layer 4 in the first region 41 along the tilted portion 31 tends to decrease further.

[0088] On the other hand, the tilt angle θ of the tilted surface of the layer that contacts the lower surface of the organic layer 4 in the first region 41 j Preferably less than 70°, more preferably less than 60°. Under this condition, it is possible to avoid the organic layer 4 being too thin in the first region 41, while suppressing current leakage between the lower electrode 2 and the upper electrode 5.

[0089] The thickness T1 of the organic layer 4 located on the inclined portion 31 can be 20 nm or more. Preferably, the thickness T1 of the organic layer 4 located on the inclined portion 31 is 25 nm or more, and particularly preferably 33 nm or more. Under this condition, current leakage between the lower electrode 2 and the upper electrode 5 can be further suppressed.

[0090] Second Implementation Method

[0091] The following will refer to Figure 8 An organic light-emitting device according to a second embodiment of the present invention is described. The following description focuses primarily on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0092] Figure 8This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the organic light-emitting device 200 according to the second embodiment. In addition to the structure of the organic light-emitting device 100, the organic light-emitting device 200 also includes a second insulating layer 14 covering the end of the lower electrode 2. Other than the above aspects, the structure is the same as that in the organic light-emitting device 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0093] In this embodiment, the second insulating layer 14 extends from the fourth portion 24 located on the flat portion 32 of the first insulating layer 3 to the flat portion of the lower electrode 2 located on the substrate 1, covering the lower electrode 2. Here, the portion of the lower electrode 2 located between the first portion 21 and the second portion 22 and having a smaller tilt angle relative to the substrate than the first portion 21 is referred to as the third portion 23. Similar to the second portion 22, the third portion 23 may be a portion whose upper surface is parallel to the first surface of the substrate 1. The third portion 23 and the fourth portion 24 may both be portions whose upper surfaces are parallel to the first surface of the substrate 1, but the third portion 23 is positioned closer to the substrate 1 than the fourth portion 24. Therefore, the second insulating layer 14 is located on the third portion 23, the first portion 21, and the fourth portion 24. Since the second insulating layer 14 is located on the first portion 21 on the tilted portion 31, it can also be said that the second insulating layer 14 is located on the tilted portion 31. Furthermore, the second insulating layer 14 is continuously configured to cover the ends of the lower electrode 2 within each sub-pixel in adjacent sub-pixels SP.

[0094] The lower electrode 2 contacts the organic layer 4 in the portion not covered by the second insulating layer 14, that is, in the opening in the second insulating layer 14. In this embodiment, the lower electrode 2 contacts the organic layer 4 in the central region (second portion 22) of its portion located on the substrate 1. Therefore, in this embodiment, the central region serves as the light-emitting region. In other words, the light-emitting region is defined by the opening in the second insulating layer 14.

[0095] In this embodiment, since the lower electrode 2 and the organic layer 4 are disposed on the inclined portion 31 to reduce the thickness of the organic layer 4, and an electric field is applied between the lower electrode 2 and the upper electrode 5, current leakage between sub-pixels SP can be suppressed. Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the second insulating layer 14 is configured to cover the portion of the lower electrode 2 that sits on the first insulating layer 3, the first portion 21 of the inclined portion 31 does not contact the organic layer 4. Therefore, since charge is not injected into the organic layer 4 from the lower electrode 2 located on the inclined portion 31, light emission is unlikely to occur in the first region 41 of the organic layer 4 compared to the first embodiment.

[0096] In the first embodiment, since the resistance of the organic layer 4 (first region 41) on the inclined portion 31 is low, the amount of light emitted due to recombination caused by the charge injected from the lower electrode 2 located on the inclined portion 31 tends to increase. However, the light emitted from the organic layer 4 (first region 41) on the inclined portion (first part 21) of the lower electrode 2 is less likely to be extracted towards the front of the light-emitting element 10 than the light emitted from the organic layer 4 (second region 42) on the flat portion (second part 22) of the lower electrode 2. In other words, the light emitted in the first region 41 is less likely to contribute to the luminous efficiency of the light-emitting element 10 compared to the light emitted in the second region 42. Therefore, when charge is injected into a structure where the first region 41, as in the first embodiment, is also in contact with the lower electrode 2, the luminous efficiency may decrease in some cases.

[0097] On the other hand, in this embodiment, the first region 41 does not contact the lower electrode 2, and only the second region 42 contacts the lower electrode 2. Therefore, charge is concentrated and injected into the second region 42, thereby improving luminous efficiency. Furthermore, since the charge that has been injected into the second region 42 but has flowed to the adjacent sub-pixel SP is recombined in the first region 41 and emits light, current leakage between sub-pixels SP is suppressed. In addition, in this embodiment, since the second insulating layer 14 is located on the third portion 23, the charge from the lower electrode 2 is not injected into the portion of the organic layer 4 located on the third portion 23 (the third region (not shown)), and an electric field is applied to the third region. Therefore, charge recombining is also promoted in the third region. Thus, the charge that has flowed from the first region 41 to the second region 42 is recombined midway, making it difficult for these charges to reach the second region 42. As a result, luminous efficiency can be further improved.

[0098] Third Implementation Method

[0099] The following will refer to Figure 9 An organic light-emitting device according to a third embodiment of the present invention is described. The following description focuses primarily on the differences from the second embodiment.

[0100] In addition to the structure of the organic light-emitting device 200 according to the second embodiment, the organic light-emitting device 300 according to the third embodiment also includes a reflective layer 12 located between the substrate 1 and the lower electrode 2. A first insulating layer 3 is disposed on the reflective layer 12 to cover it. In the organic light-emitting device 200, a second portion 22 of the lower electrode 2 is formed on the substrate 1 and contacts the substrate 1. However, in the organic light-emitting device 300, the second portion 22 of the lower electrode 2 is formed on a second flat portion 35 of the first insulating layer 3.

[0101] The reflective layer 12 is a layer that reflects light generated from the organic layer 4 and propagating toward the substrate 1. The reflective layer 12 can be separate for each sub-pixel SP. Figure 9 An example of a separate reflective layer 12 for each sub-pixel SP is shown. The first sub-pixel SPR includes a first reflective layer 12R, the second sub-pixel SPG includes a second reflective layer 12G, and the third sub-pixel SPB includes a third reflective layer 12B.

[0102] From the viewpoint of the luminous efficiency of the organic light-emitting device 300, a material with a reflectivity of 50% or more for visible light can be used as the reflective layer 12. More specifically, metals such as Al or Ag, or alloys obtained by adding any metal, such as Si, Cu, Ni, Nd, or Ti, to these metals can be used as the reflective layer 12. The reflective layer 12 may include a blocking layer formed on its surface that reflects light. Metals such as Ti, W, Mo, or Au, alloys of any of these metals, or transparent conductive oxides such as ITO or IZO can be used as the material for the blocking layer on the reflective layer 12.

[0103] The reflective layer 12 may include a conductive layer 13 located in the peripheral region of the reflective layer 12. The conductive layer 13 is made of, for example, Ti or TiN and can be used as the aforementioned barrier layer. The presence of the conductive layer 13 formed on the reflective layer 12 reduces the resistance when the reflective layer 12 and the lower electrodes 2 are electrically connected to each other. For example, each lower electrode 2 may extend to a position on an opening (contact hole) formed in the first insulating layer 3 and may be electrically connected via the opening to the conductive layer 13 disposed on the peripheral portion of the reflective layer 12 located below the opening.

[0104] According to this embodiment, since the reflective layer 12 is formed on the first surface of the substrate 1, the lower surface of the reflective layer 12 coincides with the first surface. Therefore, the lower surface of the reflective layer 12 can be regarded as the first surface.

[0105] The first insulating layer 3 is a light-transmitting insulating layer located between the reflective layer 12 and the lower electrode 2. The first insulating layer 3, included in the organic light-emitting device 300, is continuously arranged across multiple sub-pixels SP, but the thickness of the first insulating layer 3 is different for each sub-pixel SP. This arrangement provides a structure (resonance structure) that optimizes the optical path length between the reflective layer 12 and the light-emitting position in the light-emitting layer of the organic layer 4 for each color. Therefore, the first insulating layer 3 can also be called an optical adjustment layer.

[0106] The first insulating layer 3 can be composed of a single layer or multiple layers. The first insulating layer 3 can be composed of multiple layers, and the number of layers stacked can be different for each sub-pixel SP. The material of the first insulating layer 3 is not limited to a specific material, and silicon oxide (SiOx) can be used for example.

[0107] The lower electrode 2 is located on the first insulating layer 3. As described above, the lower electrode 2 is configured to be electrically isolated from each sub-pixel SP. The lower electrode 2 can be made of a transparent material, such as an oxide conductor like ITO, IZO, ZnO, AZO, or IGZO. Both the first insulating layer 3 and the lower electrode 2 are optically transparent.

[0108] The optical path length between the upper electrode 5 and the reflective layer 12 in the organic light-emitting device 300 according to this embodiment can be set to provide an enhanced interference structure. The enhanced interference structure can also be referred to as a resonant structure.

[0109] By forming an organic layer 4 and a first insulating layer 3 to satisfy the enhanced optical interference conditions, the intensity of light extracted from the organic light-emitting device can be increased using optical interference. By setting the optical conditions to enhance the light extracted in the front direction, light can be emitted more efficiently in the front direction. It is also known that the half-width of the emission spectrum of the light enhanced by optical interference is reduced compared to the emission spectrum before interference. In other words, color purity can be improved.

[0110] When designing an organic light-emitting device for light with wavelength λ, enhanced interference can be achieved by adjusting the distance d0 from the light-emitting position in the light-emitting layer of organic layer 4 to the reflective surface of reflective layer 12 to d0=iλ / 4n0 (i=1, 3, 5, ...).

[0111] As a result, the component propagating towards the front direction is increased in the radiative distribution of light with wavelength λ, thereby improving the brightness of the front. In the above equation, n0 represents the refractive index of the layer located between the emitting position and the reflecting surface at wavelength λ.

[0112] In this embodiment, in order to optimize the optical path length from the light-emitting position in the light-emitting layer of the organic layer 4 to the reflective layer 12 for each color, the optical path length Lr from the light-emitting position in the light-emitting layer of the organic layer 4 to the reflective surface (e.g., the upper surface) of the reflective layer 12 is set to approximately satisfy the following formula (4). The optical path length Lr is the refractive index n of each layer in the organic layer. j and thickness d j The sum of the products of Σn. Therefore, it can be expressed as Σn j ×d j Or n0×d0 represents Lr. In equation (4), φ represents a negative value.

[0113] Lr=(2m-(φr / π))×(λ / 4)…(4)

[0114] In equation (4) above, m represents an integer greater than 0 (a non-negative integer), and φr represents the sum of phase shifts [rad] when light with wavelength λ is reflected at the reflecting surface. When φr = -π and m = 0, Lr = λ / 4 is obtained. When φr = -π and m = 1, Lr = 3λ / 4 is obtained. In the following text, the condition m = 0 in equation (4) above will be called the λ / 4 interference condition, and the condition m = 1 in equation (4) above will be called the 3λ / 4 interference condition.

[0115] Furthermore, the optical path length Ls between the light-emitting position in the light-emitting layer of the organic layer 4 and the reflective surface (e.g., the lower surface) of the upper electrode 5 is set to satisfy the following formula (5).

[0116] Ls=(2m'-(φs / π))×(λ / 4)=-(φs / π))×(λ / 4)…(5)

[0117] In equation (5) above, m' represents an integer greater than 0 (a non-negative integer), and φs represents the sum of phase shifts [rad] when light with wavelength λ is reflected at the reflecting surface.

[0118] Therefore, the full-layer interference L from the reflective layer 12 to the upper electrode 5 is set to approximately satisfy the following equation (6).

[0119] L=(Lr+Ls)=(2m-(φ / π))×(λ / 4)…(6)

[0120] In the above equation (6), φ represents the sum of phase shifts (φr+φs) when light with wavelength λ is reflected at the reflecting surface 12 and the upper electrode 5.

[0121] In practical organic light-emitting devices, considering factors such as viewing angle characteristics which are a trade-off with the light extraction efficiency in the front direction, the full-layer interference L does not need to be exactly the same as the value satisfying the above equation. More specifically, the full-layer interference L can include an error within a numerical range of ±λ / 8 from the value satisfying equation (6). The value of the full-layer interference L can deviate from the allowable value of the interference condition by more than 50 nm and less than 75 nm.

[0122] Therefore, the organic light-emitting device 300 according to this embodiment preferably satisfies the following formula (7). In addition, the full-layer interference L only needs to fall within the numerical range of ±λ / 16 from the value satisfying formula (6), and preferably satisfies the following formula (7').

[0123] (λ / 8)×(4m-(2φ / π)-1) <L<(λ / 8)×(4m-(2φ / π)+1)…(7)

[0124] (λ / 16)×(8m-(4φ / π)-1) <L<(λ / 16)×(8m-(4φ / π)+1)…(7')

[0125] Here, the emission wavelength λ can be the wavelength at which the emission intensity reaches its maximum peak. In the emission of organic compounds, when the emission spectrum includes multiple peaks, the emission intensity is usually greatest at the peak with the shortest wavelength. Therefore, the emission wavelength can be the wavelength at the peak with the shortest wavelength. The emission spectrum represents the emission spectrum after passing through the color filter (CF) of each light-emitting element.

[0126] A preferred example of the organic light-emitting device 300 according to this embodiment will now be described.

[0127] like Figure 9 As shown, the distance d from the upper surface of the first reflective layer 12R in the first light-emitting element 10R to the upper surface of the first lower electrode 2R is... l The distance d1 from the upper surface of the second reflective layer 12G in the second light-emitting element 10G to the upper surface of the second lower electrode 2G is preferably different from each other. The distance d1 is the shortest distance from the upper surface of the first reflective layer 12R in the first light-emitting element 10R to the upper surface of the first lower electrode 2R. The distance d2 is the shortest distance from the upper surface of the second reflective layer 12G in the second light-emitting element 10G to the upper surface of the second lower electrode 2G. Furthermore, the distances d1, d2, and d3 from the upper surface of the third reflective layer 12B in the third light-emitting element 10B to the upper surface of the third lower electrode 2B are preferably all different from each other. The distance d3 is the shortest distance from the upper surface of the third reflective layer 12B in the third light-emitting element 10B to the upper surface of the third lower electrode 2B.

[0128] In addition, such as Figure 9 As shown, the distance d l d3 preferably satisfies the following formula (8) or (9).

[0129] d1>d2…(8)

[0130] d1>d2>d3…(9)

[0131] In this embodiment, the ends of the lower electrode 2 in the light-emitting element 10 can have the same height. Utilizing this feature, since the focus height remains constant for each light-emitting element 10 during exposure when the lower electrode 2 is patterned by photolithography, the lower electrode 2 can be patterned with high precision. In this embodiment, the height of the flat portion 32 of the first insulating layer 3 is set to be constant for all sub-pixels SP. In other words, the upper surface of the flat portion 32 of the first insulating layer 3 included in each sub-pixel SP exists on the same plane. From the viewpoint of using the second flat portion 35 of the first insulating layer 3 as an optical adjustment layer, the thickness of the second flat portion 35 is set to be different for each sub-pixel SP. In other words, the upper surface of the second flat portion 35 exists on different planes for each sub-pixel SP. This feature can be achieved by changing the number of layers constituting the second flat portion 35 for each sub-pixel SP. On the other hand, the thickness of the flat portion 32 of the first insulating layer 3 is set to be constant. This feature can be achieved by setting the number of layers constituting the flat portion 32 to be the same in all sub-pixels SP. Therefore, by arranging the ends of the lower electrode 2 at the same height on the flat portion 32, it is possible to make the ends of the lower electrode 2 in each sub-pixel SP have the same height.

[0132] Conversely, when the lower electrode 2 is patterned such that its end is formed on the second flat portion 35, the second flat portion 35 has a different height for each sub-pixel SP, so the heights of the ends of each lower electrode 2 are different from each other. Therefore, the focal height for patterning exposure is different for each sub-pixel SP.

[0133] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A partial enlarged view. The second insulating layer 14 is configured to cover the lower electrode 2 riding on the first insulating layer 3, with the end 141 of the second insulating layer 14 located on the third portion 23 of the lower electrode 2. The second insulating layer 14 is disposed across adjacent sub-pixels SP and has two tops. Here, the term "top" refers to the portion where, when the second insulating layer 14 is observed along its upper surface from one end 141 to the other end 141, the inclination of the second insulating layer 14 changes from an upward slope to a downward slope. The top may include a flat region, or the portion where the inclination changes from an upward slope to a downward slope across the flat region may also be considered the top. Assuming the end of the top near the end 141 is the upper end 142, the second insulating layer 14 has a parallel portion 143 between the end 141 and the upper end 142, which is generally parallel to the first surface of the substrate 1. The second insulating layer 14 also has an upper inclined portion 144 between the parallel portion 143 and the upper end 142, and a lower inclined portion 145 between the end portion 141 and the parallel portion 143.

[0134] In the above configuration, the length H3 of the upper inclined portion 144 in the height direction is preferably longer than the length H4 of the lower inclined portion 145 in the height direction. The upper inclined portion 144 is an inclined surface formed by the inclined portion 31 disposed on the first insulating layer 3 and the second insulating layer 14 on the lower electrode 2, and the lower inclined portion 145 is defined by the end side of the second insulating layer 14. The first region 41 of the organic layer 4 is located on the upper inclined portion 144, and the electric field applied to the first region 41 between the lower electrode 2 and the upper electrode 5 suppresses current leakage between sub-pixels SP. Therefore, by increasing the length of the upper inclined portion 144, current leakage between sub-pixels SP can be further suppressed.

[0135] The length H4 of the lower inclined portion 145 in the height direction is preferably longer than the length (thickness) T3 of the charge transport layer 401 (typically, the hole transport layer) in the height direction in the portion that contacts the lower electrode 2. Under this condition, the charge transport layer 401 can be easily thinned along the lower inclined portion 145. As a result, charge crosstalk (i.e., current leakage) between sub-pixels SP can be suppressed.

[0136] Furthermore, the length H4 of the lower inclined portion 145 in the height direction is preferably shorter than the length (thickness) T2 of the organic layer 4 in the height direction in the portion that contacts the lower electrode 2. Under this condition, since the portion of the organic layer 4 positioned along the lower inclined portion 145 is embedded in the portion of the organic layer 4 formed in the region parallel to the substrate 1, it is unlikely that the organic layer 4 will become too thin. As a result, current leakage between the upper electrode 5 and the lower electrode 2 can be suppressed.

[0137] Furthermore, preferably, the length H4 of the lower inclined portion 145 in the height direction is shorter than the length H3 of the upper inclined portion 144 in the height direction, and the lower inclined portion 145 is an inclined portion with a larger inclined angle than the upper inclined portion 144 in the steepest region. In other words, the lower inclined portion 145 is preferably steeper than the upper inclined portion 144. Therefore, because the lower inclined portion 145 has a larger inclined angle, it is easy to make the charge transport layer 401 disposed on the lower inclined portion 145 thinner. On the other hand, since the length of the lower inclined portion 145 in the height direction is set to be relatively short, the organic layer 4 disposed on the lower inclined portion 145 can avoid becoming too thin. As a result, it is possible to simultaneously suppress current leakage (charge crosstalk) between sub-pixels SP and suppress current leakage between the upper electrode 5 and the lower electrode 2. In addition, since the upper inclined portion 144 is a slope with a relatively small inclined angle, the organic layer 4 disposed on the upper inclined portion 144 can avoid becoming too thin. Furthermore, since the length of the upper inclined portion 144 is increased in the height direction, the length of the region where an electric field is applied to the organic layer 4 located on the upper inclined portion 144 can be increased. Therefore, current leakage between sub-pixels SP and current leakage between the upper electrode 5 and the lower electrode 2 can be further suppressed simultaneously.

[0138] In this embodiment, the central portion of the reflective layer 12 is preferably thinner than the outer periphery. In other words, it is preferable that the thickness of the reflective layer 12 differs between the portion below the second portion 22 of the lower electrode 2 and the portion below the flat portion 32 of the first insulating layer 3, with the portion below the flat portion 32 of the first insulating layer 3 having a larger thickness. Furthermore, the first insulating layer 3 is preferably arranged in a stepped configuration between the two portions of different thicknesses. With this configuration, the inclined portion 31 of the first insulating layer 3 on the reflective layer 12 can be easily formed in a manner that reflects the shape of the reflective layer 12. As a result, charge crosstalk between sub-pixels SP can be suppressed.

[0139] Fourth Implementation Method

[0140] The following will refer to Figure 11 An organic light-emitting device 400 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is described. The following description focuses primarily on the differences from the third embodiment.

[0141] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the organic light-emitting device 400 according to the fourth embodiment. In addition to the structure of the organic light-emitting device 300, the organic light-emitting device 400 also includes a microlens array (MLA) located on the second planarization layer 9. Other than the above aspects, the structure is the same as that in the organic light-emitting device 300 according to the third embodiment.

[0142] The microlens array MLA includes a first microlens 11R corresponding to the first light-emitting element 10R, a second microlens 11G corresponding to the second light-emitting element 10G, and a third microlens 11B corresponding to the third light-emitting element 10B. These microlenses 11 are all configured to overlap with the center of the light-emitting region of the corresponding light-emitting element 10 in a planar view. The light-emitting region of the corresponding light-emitting element 10 is defined by an opening in the second insulating layer 14, and the center of the light-emitting region can be set as the centroid of the opening in the second insulating layer 14.

[0143] The microlenses 11 constituting the microlens array MLA can all be microlenses known in the art. The material of the microlens 11 can be resin. The microlens array MLA can be formed, for example, by forming a film (photoresist film) made of the material used to form the microlens 11, and then exposing and developing the photoresist film using a mask with continuous grayscale changes. A gray mask or an area gradation mask can be used as the aforementioned mask. In addition, the lens shape can be adjusted by performing an etching process on the microlenses 11 that have been formed by exposure and development. It is only required that the shape of the microlens 11 can refract the emitted light, and the lens shape can be spherical or aspherical. The cross-sectional shape of the microlens 11 can be asymmetrical.

[0144] The exit surface side of the microlens 11 (i.e., the side of the microlens 11 opposite to the color filter 7) is preferably filled with a material with a refractive index lower than that of the microlens 11, typically air. Under this condition, the light-gathering effect of the microlens 11 can be increased.

[0145] In the first region 41 along the inclined portion 31 of the organic layer 4, charge recombination is promoted by the electric field applied between the upper electrode 5 and the lower electrode 2. In this embodiment, although the lower electrode 2 along the inclined portion 31 is covered by the second insulating layer 14, charges move along the charge transport layer 401 contained in the second portion 22 of the organic layer 4 and can reach the first region 41 along the inclined portion 31 of the organic layer 4. These charges recombine in the first region 41, thereby causing the first region 41 of the organic layer 4 to emit light.

[0146] In this embodiment, as described above, the optical path length is adjusted according to the color of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 10, thereby enhancing the emitted light and outputting it to the outside. However, because the inclined portion 31 of the first insulating layer 3 exists below the first region 41 along the inclined portion 31 of the organic layer 4, there is a deviation from the optical path length that has already been adjusted based on the second region 42. Therefore, the light L1G emitted and output to the outside due to the recombination of charges from the first region 41 along the inclined portion 31 of the organic layer 4 becomes light that is enhanced at a wavelength deviating from the desired wavelength. Considering the above aspects, in this embodiment, the microlens 11 is configured such that the first region 41 along the inclined portion 31 of the organic layer 4 and the inclined portion of the microlens 11 overlap each other in a plan view. With this configuration, the light emitted from the first region 41 toward the front direction of the light-emitting element 10 is refracted by the microlens 11 and generated as light L2G emitted in a direction deviating from the front direction. Therefore, light L2G is unlikely to be extracted in the front direction.

[0147] Therefore, by using the microlens array (MLA), the color purity of the light output from the light-emitting element 10 can be improved.

[0148] Fifth Implementation Method

[0149] The following will refer to Figure 12 An organic light-emitting device 500 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention is described. The following description focuses primarily on the differences from the third embodiment.

[0150] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the organic light-emitting device 500 according to the fifth embodiment. Except for the presence of regions where adjacent filters for different colors in the color filters 7 included in the color filter layer 70 partially overlap each other, the organic light-emitting device 500 is the same as the organic light-emitting device 300 according to the third embodiment.

[0151] The organic light-emitting device 500 includes an overlapping region 71, wherein the end of the first color filter 7R sits on and overlaps with the end of the second color filter 7G. The organic light-emitting device 500 also includes an overlapping region 72, wherein the end of the third color filter 7B sits on and overlaps with the end of the second color filter 7G.

[0152] In this embodiment, the first region 41 of the organic layer 4 along the inclined portion 31 is positioned such that it is aligned in a plan view with the overlapping regions (71, 72) of the color filters 7. With this configuration, the light L1G emitted from the first region 41 of the organic layer 4 along the inclined portion 31 can be absorbed by both color filters 7. Since the light emitted from the first region 41, as described above, has low color purity, this embodiment aims to reduce or block this light through the overlapping regions of the color filters 7, making it less likely for the light to escape to the outside. As a result, the color purity of the light output from the light-emitting element 10 can be further improved.

[0153] The sealing (protective) layer 6 may have a low-density region (not shown) between the second portions 22 of the lower electrodes 2 in two adjacent light-emitting elements 10 in the plan view. The low-density region is preferably positioned at a location overlapping the first region 41 in the plan view. As described above, light emitted from the first region 41 and output to the outside is amplified at wavelengths deviating from the desired wavelength, and is a factor contributing to reduced color purity. Furthermore, there is a possibility that light emitted from the first region 41 along the inclined portion 31 of the organic layer 4 may be emitted towards the color filter 7 in the adjacent light-emitting element 10. If light emitted from the first region 41 passes through the color filter 7 in the adjacent light-emitting element 10 and is output, color mixing occurs. Using the sealing layer 6 with the low-density region as shown above, light is scattered by the low-density region and is less likely to escape to the outside. As a result, the color purity of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 10 can be further improved. Here, the term "density" may represent atomic density [atom / cm³]. 3 or weight density [g / cm³] 3 ].

[0154] Other implementation methods

[0155] The above embodiments have been described in which sub-pixels SPR, SPG, and SPB respectively include color filters 7R, 7G, and 7B, and emit first to third light by passing white light generated from organic layer 4 through the corresponding color filters 7. However, the present invention is not limited to this case, and sub-pixels SP may not need to include color filters 7. More specifically, the following other configuration also falls within the scope of the present invention: In the above embodiments, at least one of the multiple layers constituting organic layer 4 is formed to be separate for each sub-pixel. In this configuration, the first sub-pixel SPR may include a first light-emitting layer configured to emit light of a first color, the second sub-pixel SPG may include a second light-emitting layer configured to emit light of a second color, and the third sub-pixel SPB may include a third light-emitting layer configured to emit light of a third color. At least a portion of the other layers of the multiple layers constituting organic layer 4, other than the light-emitting layer, may be configured to be shared by multiple sub-pixels SP. This embodiment can also provide the effect of improving light extraction efficiency while suppressing current leakage between pixels.

[0156] The above embodiments have been described in conjunction with the following cases: When the element in the electronic device is an organic light-emitting element, i.e., when the electronic device is an organic light-emitting device. In this case, the functional layer in the electronic device may be an organic layer including a light-emitting layer. On the other hand, when the element in the electronic device is a photoelectric conversion element, and the electronic device is a photoelectric conversion device, the functional layer in the electronic device may be an organic layer including a photoelectric conversion layer.

[0157] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a display device according to an embodiment. The display device 1000 may include a touch panel 1003, a display panel 1005, a frame 1006, a circuit board 1007, and a battery 1008 between an upper cover 1001 and a lower cover 1009. Flexible printed circuits (FPCs) 1002 and 1004 are connected to the touch panel 1003 and the display panel 1005, respectively. Transistors are printed on the circuit board 1007. When the display device is not portable, the battery 1008 may not be necessary, or even in the case of a portable device, the battery 1008 may be located in another position.

[0158] The display device according to the embodiment may include red, green, and blue color filters. These color filters may consist of red, green, and blue filters configured in a delta array.

[0159] The display device according to the embodiment can be used in the display unit of a portable terminal. In this case, the display device can have both display and operation functions. For example, the portable terminal can be a mobile phone such as a smartphone, a tablet computer, or a head-mounted display.

[0160] The display device according to the embodiment can be used in the display unit of a camera device, which includes an optical unit equipped with multiple lenses and an imaging element configured to receive light that has passed through the optical unit. The display unit of the camera device can be configured to display information acquired by the imaging element. The display unit can be an external display unit exposed to the camera device or an internal display unit arranged in a viewfinder. The camera device can be a digital camera or a digital video camera.

[0161] Figure 14A This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a camera device according to an embodiment. The camera device 1100 may include a viewfinder 1101, a rear display 1102, an operation unit 1103, and a housing 1104. The viewfinder 1101 may include a display device according to an embodiment. In this case, the display device can display not only the image to be captured, but also environmental information, image capture instructions, etc. The environmental information may include, for example, the intensity of incoming light, the direction of incoming light, the moving speed of the subject, and the possibility that the subject is blocked by obstacles.

[0162] Because the optimal time for image capture is limited to a short period, it is desirable to display information as quickly as possible. From this perspective, a display device employing an organic light-emitting element according to the present invention is preferred. This is because organic light-emitting elements have a high response speed. Display devices employing organic light-emitting elements are well-suited for use in devices requiring a higher display speed than liquid crystal displays.

[0163] The imaging device 1100 includes an optical unit (not shown). The optical unit includes multiple lenses and focuses an image onto an imaging element arranged in a housing 1104. The lenses can be focused by adjusting their relative positions. Focus adjustment can be automatic. The imaging device can also be called a photoelectric conversion device. As an imaging method, the photoelectric conversion device can employ methods such as sequentially capturing images, detecting differences from previous images, and continuously extracting a portion of the recorded image.

[0164] Figure 14BThis is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an electronic device according to an embodiment. The electronic device 1200 includes a display unit 1201, an operation unit 1202, and a housing 1203. The housing 1203 may house circuitry, a printed circuit board for circuit formation, a battery, and a communication unit. The operation unit 1202 may consist of a button or a sensitive unit such as a touch panel. The operation unit may be a biometric identification unit, such as a unit for recognizing fingerprints and unlocking devices. An electronic device including a communication unit may also be referred to as a communication device. The electronic device may have camera functionality by including a lens and an imaging element. Images captured using the camera functionality are displayed on the display unit. The electronic device may be, for example, a smartphone or a laptop computer.

[0165] Figure 15A and Figure 15B These are schematic diagrams illustrating another example of a display device according to an embodiment. Figure 15A Display device 1300 refers to a display device such as a TV monitor or PC monitor. Display device 1300 includes a frame 1301 and a display unit 1302. A light-emitting device according to an embodiment can be used as display unit 1302.

[0166] The display device 1300 also includes a support frame 1301 and a base 1303 for the display unit 1302. The base 1303 is not limited to... Figure 15A As shown in the diagram. The lower edge of frame 1301 can also be used as a base.

[0167] The frame 1301 and the display unit 1302 may have a curved shape. The radius of curvature of the curved shape may be greater than 5000 mm and less than 6000 mm.

[0168] Figure 15B This is a schematic diagram illustrating yet another example of a display device according to an embodiment. Figure 15B The display device 1310 shown is foldable and is generally referred to as a foldable display device. The display device 1310 includes a first display unit 1311, a second display unit 1312, a housing 1313, and a folding point 1314. Both the first display unit 1311 and the second display unit 1312 may include a light-emitting device according to an embodiment. The first display unit 1311 and the second display unit 1312 may be a seamless unit of the display device. The first display unit 1311 and the second display unit 1312 are separable from each other at the folding point. The first display unit 1311 and the second display unit 1312 may display different images, or a single image may be displayed in a combination of both the first and second display units.

[0169] Figure 16AThis is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a lighting device according to an embodiment. The lighting device 1400 may include a housing 1401, a light source 1402, a circuit board 1403, an optical film 1404, and a light diffuser 1405. The light source 1402 may include an organic light-emitting element according to an embodiment. The optical film may be an optical filter for improving the color rendering of the light source. The light diffuser is capable of effectively diffusing light from the light source in a manner that illuminates a target, and is capable of allowing light to reach a wider space. The optical filter and the light diffuser may be arranged on the light-emitting side of the lighting device. A cover may be arranged on the outermost side as needed.

[0170] Lighting equipment is used for example, room lighting. The lighting equipment can emit not only white light and neutral white light, but also light of any color in the range from blue to red. The lighting equipment may include a light control circuit for controlling the emitted light. The lighting equipment may include an organic light-emitting element according to the invention and a power supply circuit connected to the organic light-emitting element. The power supply circuit is a circuit for converting AC voltage to DC voltage. The term "white" refers to a color with a color temperature of 4200K, and the term "neutral white" refers to a color with a color temperature of 5000K. The lighting equipment may include a color filter.

[0171] The lighting device according to the embodiment may also include a heat dissipation unit. The heat dissipation unit dissipates heat from the device to the outside of the device and may be made of, for example, a metal with a high specific heat or liquid silicon.

[0172] Figure 16B This is a schematic diagram showing a car as an example of a moving object according to an embodiment. The car 1500 includes a taillight 1501 as an example of a car lamp. The taillight 1501 of the car 1500 can be configured to illuminate, for example, when the brakes are applied.

[0173] The taillight 1501 may include an organic light-emitting element according to an embodiment. The taillight may include a protective member for protecting the organic light-emitting element. The protective member may be made of any suitable material, provided that the material has a particular high strength and is transparent. However, the protective member is preferably made of, for example, polycarbonate. For example, furan dicarboxylic acid or a derivative of acrylonitrile may be added to the polycarbonate.

[0174] The vehicle 1500 may include a body 1503 and a window 1502 mounted on the body 1503. The window may be a transparent display, provided that it is not a window for the driver to visually inspect the front and rear of the vehicle. The transparent display may include an organic light-emitting element according to an embodiment. In this case, components such as electrodes included in the organic light-emitting element are formed of transparent members.

[0175] The moving object according to the embodiment can be a ship, an aircraft, a drone, etc. The moving object may include a main body and a luminaire arranged on the main body. The luminaire can generate light to indicate the position of the main body. The luminaire includes an organic light-emitting element according to the embodiment.

[0176] The following will refer to Figure 17A and Figure 17B An application example of the display device described above according to the embodiment is described. The display device can be applied to systems that can be worn by users as wearable devices such as smart glasses, HMDs, and smart contact lenses. The camera display device used in this application example includes a camera device capable of performing photoelectric conversion of visible light and a display device capable of emitting visible light.

[0177] Figure 17A A pair of glasses 1600 (smart glasses) representing an application example is shown. A camera device 1602, such as a CMOS sensor or SPAD, is arranged on the front side of the lens 1601 of each pair of glasses 1600. Furthermore, any one of the display devices described above according to the embodiment is arranged on the back side of the lens 1601.

[0178] The glasses 1600 also include a control device 1603. The control device 1603 serves as a power source for supplying power to the camera device 1602 and the display device according to the embodiment. Additionally, the control device 1603 controls the operation of the camera device 1602 and the display device. An optical system for converging light onto the camera device 1602 is formed on the lens 1601.

[0179] Figure 17B A pair of glasses 1610 (smart glasses) representing another application example is shown. The glasses 1610 includes a control device 1612, on which a camera and a display device corresponding to the aforementioned camera device 1602 are mounted. An optical system is formed on a lens 1611 for converging light to the camera device in the control device 1612 and projecting light from the display device, and an image is projected onto the lens 1611. The control device 1612 serves as a power source for supplying power to the camera and display devices and controls their operation. The control device may include a gaze detector for detecting the wearer's (user's) gaze. Infrared radiation can be used to detect the gaze. An infrared light emitter emits infrared light towards the eyeball of a user who is looking at the displayed image. An image of the eyeball is obtained by detecting the reflected light from the emitted infrared light emitted by the eyeball through a camera unit including a light receiving unit. Image quality degradation is mitigated by utilizing a unit for reducing the light incident from the infrared light emitter onto the display device in a planar view.

[0180] The user's gaze toward the displayed image is detected from an eye image captured using the aforementioned infrared imaging technique. Suitable methods from the known techniques can optionally be applied to detect gazes from eye images. As an example, a gaze detection method based on a Purkinje image formed by illumination light reflected at the cornea can be used.

[0181] More specifically, gaze detection is performed using the pupillary-corneal reflex method. Utilizing the pupillary-corneal reflex method, a gaze vector representing the eye's orientation (rotation angle) is calculated based on the pupil image and Purkinje image contained within the eye image, thereby detecting the user's gaze.

[0182] A display device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a camera device having a light receiving element, and the image displayed on the display device may be controlled based on information provided from the camera device regarding the user's gaze.

[0183] More specifically, the display device determines a first visual area that the user is looking at and a second visual area other than the first visual area based on gaze information. The first and second visual areas can be determined by a control device within the display device, or obtained by receiving visual areas already determined by an external control device. Within the display area of ​​the display device, the display resolution in the first visual area can be controlled to be higher than the display resolution in the second visual area. In other words, the display resolution can be set to be lower in the second visual area than in the first visual area.

[0184] Furthermore, the display area includes a first display area and a second display area different from the first display area, and the higher-priority display area is determined based on gaze information. The first and second display areas can be determined by a control device within the display device, or obtained by receiving display areas already determined by an external control device. The resolution of the higher-priority area can be controlled to be higher than the resolution of other areas. In other words, the resolution can be set lower in the lower-priority areas.

[0185] AI can be used to determine the primary visual region or regions with higher priority. The AI ​​can be a model constructed to infer the angle of gaze and the distance to a target located in front of the gaze from an eye image using teacher data and the actual direction of eye fixation within the image. The AI ​​program can be installed in any of the following: a display device, a camera device, or an external device. When the AI ​​program is installed in an external device, it is transmitted to the display device via communication.

[0186] When display control is performed based on visual recognition, the present invention is preferably applicable to smart glasses, which also include a camera device configured to capture images of an external field. The smart glasses are capable of displaying information obtained by capturing images of the external field in real time.

[0187] As described above, by using a device equipped with an organic light-emitting element according to the embodiment, it is possible to present a display that ensures good image quality and even long-term stability.

[0188] Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the appended claims should be accorded the broadest description to include all such variations, equivalent structures, and functions.

Claims

1. An electronic device, characterized in that, The electronic device includes a substrate, an insulating layer on the substrate, a plurality of first electrodes disposed on the insulating layer, a functional layer disposed on the plurality of first electrodes, a second electrode disposed on the functional layer, and a pixel partitioning layer covering the edges of the first electrodes. The insulating layer has an inclined portion that is tilted relative to the substrate. At least one of the first electrodes has a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being located on the inclined portion, and the second portion having an inclination angle relative to the substrate smaller than the inclination angle of the first portion relative to the substrate. The pixel partitioning layer is disposed between the first portion of the first electrode and the functional layer.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein The thickness of the functional layer located on the first portion in the normal direction relative to the surface of the functional layer in contact with the first portion is less than the thickness of the functional layer located on the second portion in the normal direction relative to the surface of the functional layer in contact with the second portion.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the tilt angle of the second portion relative to the substrate is 15° or less.

4. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the first portion is configured to surround the second portion.

5. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the first electrode has a third portion between the first portion and the second portion, the third portion having an angle of inclination relative to the substrate smaller than that of the first portion, and The pixel partitioning layer is configured on the first portion and the third portion to cover the first portion and the third portion.

6. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the insulating layer has a flat portion at a location farther from the substrate than the second portion, and The first electrode is disposed on the insulating layer to cover the end of the flat portion and the inclined portion.

7. The electronic device of claim 6, wherein the inclined portion of the insulating layer is configured to surround the second portion in a plan view of the substrate, and The flat portion of the insulating layer is configured to surround the inclined portion in a plan view of the substrate.

8. The electronic device of claim 6, wherein, in a plan view viewed from a direction perpendicular to the flat portion, the flat portion of the insulating layer is arranged between a plurality of the first electrodes.

9. The electronic device of claim 8, wherein a plurality of flat portions exist on the same plane.

10. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the electronic device includes a first reflective layer disposed between the substrate and one of the plurality of first electrodes, and a second reflective layer disposed between the substrate and another of the plurality of first electrodes. The distance between one of the plurality of first electrodes and the first reflective layer is different from the distance between another of the plurality of first electrodes and the second reflective layer.

11. The electronic device of claim 10, wherein the electronic device comprises a first optical adjustment layer disposed between one of the plurality of first electrodes and the first reflective layer, and a second optical adjustment layer disposed between another of the plurality of first electrodes and the second reflective layer, and The thicknesses of the first optical adjustment layer and the second optical adjustment layer are different from each other.

12. The electronic device of claim 10, wherein the first reflective layer has a recess, and In the plan view of the substrate, the pixel division layer overlaps with the edge of the recess.

13. A display device, characterized in that, The display device includes: The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 12; and A transistor connected to the plurality of first electrodes.

14. A display device, characterized in that, The display device includes: Camera equipment; and The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the electronic device serves as a display unit, The image displayed on the display unit is controlled based on information provided from the camera device regarding the user's line of sight.

15. A photoelectric conversion device, characterized in that, The photoelectric conversion device includes: An optical unit, which includes a lens; An imaging element, configured to receive light that has passed through the optical unit; and The display unit is configured to display images captured by the camera element. The display unit includes an electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

16. An electronic device, characterized in that, The electronic device includes: The display unit includes the electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 12; Housing, the display unit is disposed in the housing; and A communication unit is arranged in the housing and configured to communicate with the outside.

17. A lighting device, characterized in that, The lighting device includes: A light source comprising an electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 12; and A light diffuser or optical film through which light emitted from the light source passes.

18. A movable object, characterized in that, The moving object includes: Lighting fixtures, comprising electronic devices according to any one of claims 1 to 12; and The main body, on which the lamps are arranged.

Images