Organic light-emitting element, display device, photoelectric conversion device, electronic device, lighting device, and movable body

Abstract

An organic light-emitting element includes a first element having, on a substrate, a first lower electrode, a first light-emitting layer, a charge generation layer, a second light-emitting layer, and an upper electrode in this order; a second element having, on the substrate, a second lower electrode, a third light-emitting layer, the charge generation layer, a fourth light-emitting layer, and the upper electrode in this order;and an insulating layer covering one end of the first lower electrode and one end of the second lower electrode, wherein the first element has one or more organic layers between the first lower electrode and the charge generation layer, the insulating layer has a notch between the first lower electrode and the second lower electrode, and one end of at least one organic layer of the organic layers is disposed between the notch and the first element;

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONTechnical field

[0001] The technology of the present disclosure relates to an organic light-emitting element. State of the art

[0002] An organic light-emitting element (also called an organic electroluminescent element (organic EL device)) is an electronic element comprising a pair of electrodes and a layer of an organic compound sandwiched between these electrodes. By injecting electrons and holes from the pair of electrodes, excitons of the luminescent organic compound are generated in the layer of an organic compound, and the organic light-emitting element emits light when the excitons return to the ground state. Recent progress of organic light-emitting elements has been remarkable, promoting low driving voltage, various emission wavelengths, high response speed, and a reduction in the thickness and weight of light-emitting elements.

[0003] To improve the efficiency of this organic light-emitting element, a method of depositing an organic layer for each color using a metal mask, photolithography, or the like (hereinafter referred to as another coating method) is known.

[0004] On the other hand, to improve the power consumption of an organic light-emitting element, a tandem-type organic light-emitting element is known in which a charge generation layer is provided between multiple light-emitting layers. By applying an electric field between the lower electrode and the upper electrode, carriers are generated in the charge generation layer, and carriers are supplied to each light-emitting unit. For this reason, the light-emitting layer included in each light-emitting unit can emit light efficiently.

[0005] Patent Application Publication No. 1 describes an organic light-emitting element having a light-emitting layer deposited thereon by a different coating method. Patent Application Publication No. 1 describes an organic light-emitting element having a first light-emitting unit and a second light-emitting unit between a first electrode and a second electrode, and having a charge generation layer between the light-emitting units. Furthermore, in Patent Application Publication No. 1, it is possible to increase the light-emitting efficiency through the microcavity effect by setting the thickness of the layer between the light-emitting layer of the first light-emitting unit and the light-emitting layer of the second light-emitting unit larger than the thickness between the first light-emitting layer and the first electrode. [Citation list][Patent literature] [PTL 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 018808 [PTL 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-216338 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION[Technical Problem]

[0006] In the organic light-emitting element of PTL 1, a charge generation layer is provided between a plurality of light-emitting layers. When the charge generation layer is configured to be shared by a plurality of pixels, charges supplied from the charge generation layer can be supplied to adjacent pixels to generate a leakage current. To reduce such leakage current between pixels, PTL 2 discloses a technology for forming a groove between subpixels. Since the thickness of the organic compound layer inside the groove is thinner than the thickness of the organic compound layer outside the groove, the resistance inside the groove is increased. As a result, the leakage current between adjacent subpixels is suppressed, and color mixing of emission colors of adjacent subpixels is suppressed.

[0007] However, the organic light-emitting element of PTL 1 is configured so that the organic film can be thickened. For example, the thickness between the light-emitting layer of the first light-emitting unit and the light-emitting layer of the second light-emitting unit can be increased due to the microcavity effect. Therefore, since the interior of the recess is filled with the organic film before the formation of the charge generation layer, the charge generation layer is not formed inside the recess, and charges supplied from the charge generation layer can be supplied to the pixels.

[0008] The technology of the present disclosure has been developed in view of the problems described above and provides a technology for suppressing the leakage current between pixels while improving the light emission efficiency by a microcavity effect in an organic light-emitting element. [Problem solving]

[0009] To achieve the above-mentioned object, an organic light-emitting element according to the present disclosure includes a first element having, on a substrate, a first lower electrode, a first light-emitting layer that emits light of a first color, a charge generation layer, a second light-emitting layer that emits light of the first color, and an upper electrode in this order; a second element having, on the substrate, a second lower electrode, a third light-emitting layer that emits light of a second color different from the first color, the charge generation layer, a fourth light-emitting layer that emits light of the second color, and the upper electrode in this order; and an insulating layer covering one end of the first lower electrode and one end of the second lower electrode.wherein the first element comprises one or more organic layers between the first lower electrode and the charge generation layer, the insulating layer comprises a notch between the first lower electrode and the second lower electrode, and one end of at least one organic layer of the one or more organic layers is arranged between the notch and the first element.

[0010] To achieve the above-mentioned object, an organic light-emitting element according to the present disclosure comprises a first element having, on a substrate, a first lower electrode, a first light-emitting layer that emits light of a first color, a charge generation layer, a second light-emitting layer that emits light of the first color, and an upper electrode in this order, and a second element having, on the substrate, a second lower electrode, a third light-emitting layer that emits light of a second color different from the first color, the charge generation layer, a fourth light-emitting layer that emits light of the second color, and the upper electrode in this order, wherein the first element has a first reflection layer and a first optical adjustment layer.

[0011] To achieve the above-mentioned object, a display device according to the present disclosure comprises a plurality of pixels, wherein at least one of the plurality of pixels comprises the organic light-emitting element as described above and a transistor connected to the organic light-emitting element.

[0012] To achieve the above-mentioned object, a photoelectric conversion device according to the present disclosure includes an optical unit having a plurality of lenses, an imaging element that receives light that has passed through the optical unit, and a display unit that displays an image captured by the imaging element, wherein the display unit includes the organic light-emitting element as described above.

[0013] To achieve the above-mentioned object, an electronic device according to the present disclosure includes a display unit including the organic light-emitting element as described above, a casing provided with the display unit, and a communication unit provided in the casing and communicating with the outside.

[0014] To achieve the above-mentioned object, a lighting device according to the present disclosure comprises a light source having the organic light-emitting element as described above and a light diffusing part or an optical film that transmits light emitted from the light source.

[0015] To achieve the above-mentioned object, a movable body according to the present disclosure includes a lamp having the organic light-emitting element as described above and a body provided with the lamp. [Advantageous effects of the invention]

[0016] According to the technology of the present disclosure, in organic light-emitting elements, the leakage current between the organic light-emitting elements can be suppressed while the light emission efficiency is improved by a microcavity effect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a light-emitting element according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a light-emitting element according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a light-emitting element according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a light-emitting element according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a light-emitting element according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a light-emitting element according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a light-emitting element according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a light-emitting element according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a light-emitting element according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a light-emitting element according to a comparative example. Fig. 11 is a plan view of a light-emitting element according to a comparative example. Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B are schematic views illustrating an example of a display device according to an embodiment. Fig. 13 is a view illustrating an example of a display device according to an embodiment. Fig. 14A and Fig. 14B are views showing an example of an imaging device and an electronic device according to an embodiment. Fig. 15A and Fig. 15B are views each illustrating an example of a display device according to an embodiment. Fig. 16A and Fig. 16B are views showing an example of a lighting device and a lamp according to an embodiment. Fig. 17A and Fig. 17B are views each showing an example of a portable device according to an embodiment. DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0017] The following is a description of the embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments and may be modified as needed within the scope without departing from the gist thereof. Furthermore, in the drawings described below, those having the same function are given the same reference numerals and symbols, and their descriptions may be omitted or simplified. <Erste Ausführungsform>

[0018] A light-emitting element for use in a first embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a first subpixel 100a, a second subpixel 100b, and a third subpixel 100c of the light-emitting element 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0019] The light-emitting element 1 of Fig. 1 includes, on a substrate 101, lower electrodes 102a to 102c, a first organic layer 103, a second organic layer 104, first light-emitting layers 105a to 105c, and a third organic layer 106 in this order. Furthermore, the light-emitting element 1 includes, on the third organic layer 106, a charge generation layer 107, a fourth organic layer 108, second light-emitting layers 109a to 109c, a fifth organic layer 110, an upper electrode 111, and a protective layer 112 in this order. Furthermore, as shown in the drawing, an insulating layer 113 is provided covering both ends of the lower electrode 102a. The insulating layer 113 is also called a pixel insulation film or a wall. Similarly, an insulating layer is provided covering both ends of the lower electrodes 102b and 102c.

[0020] A recess 114 is formed in the insulating layer 113 as an insulating structure. Here, the first subpixel 100a is an example of a first element, and the lower electrode 102a corresponds to the first lower electrode, the first light-emitting layer 105a corresponds to the first light-emitting layer that emits light of a first color, and the second light-emitting layer 109a corresponds to the second light-emitting layer that emits light of the first color. Furthermore, the second subpixel 100b is an example of a second element, and the lower electrode 102b corresponds to the second lower electrode, the first light-emitting layer 105b corresponds to the third light-emitting layer that emits light of a second color, and the second light-emitting layer 109b corresponds to the fourth light-emitting layer that emits light of the second color.

[0021] In the light-emitting element 1 of the present embodiment, the first light-emitting layers 105a to 105c and the second light-emitting layer 109 are deposited by a so-called different coating method. That is, an organic layer is deposited for each color using, for example, a metal mask or photolithography. As a result, the first light-emitting layers 105a to 105c emit light of different colors. Further, the second light-emitting layers 109a to 109c also emit light of different colors. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, at least one of the first organic layer 103, the second organic layer 104, the third organic layer 106, the fourth organic layer 108, and the fifth organic layer 110 is deposited by a different coating method.

[0022] The light-emitting element 1 of the present embodiment is a so-called tandem-type light-emitting element in which a charge generation layer is provided between a plurality of light-emitting layers and includes a charge generation layer 107. The charge generation layer 107 is a layer that generates holes and electrons by applying a voltage between the lower electrode and the upper electrode. The charge generation layer 107 contains a compound that tends to accept electrons from other organic compounds. For example, the charge generation layer 107 is formed from a combination of an alkali metal and a compound having a lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy of -5.0 eV or less and can function as a charge generation layer.The alkali metal constituting the charge generation layer 107 may be Li, and Li may be used as a part of an organometallic complex, either as a simple metal substance or as a part of a compound.

[0023] Furthermore, the compound with a lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy of -5.0 eV or less used for the charge generation layer 107 may be, but is not limited to, a hexaazatriphenylene compound, a radialene compound, hexafluoroquinodimethane, or the like. The lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy is low enough to pull electrons from the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) of the alkali metal, allowing charge generation to occur.

[0024] As a result, positive and negative charges are generated in the charge generation layer 107, so that the charge generation layer 107 can supply positive or negative charges to the upper layer and the lower layer of the charge generation layer 107. That is, by applying an electric field between the lower electrode and the upper electrode, carriers are generated in the charge generation layer 107, and carriers are supplied to the first light-emitting layers 105a to 105c and the second light-emitting layers 109a to 109c, so that both light-emitting layers can emit light efficiently.

[0025] The light-emitting element 1 of the present embodiment is configured so that groups of the first light-emitting layers 105a to 105c and the second light-emitting layers 109a to 109c each emit light of the same color by applying a different coating method. For example, it may be configured so that the group of the first light-emitting layer 105a and the second light-emitting layer 109a emits red light, the group of the first light-emitting layer 105b and the second light-emitting layer 109b emits green light, and the group of the first light-emitting layer 105c and the second light-emitting layer 109c emits blue light.

[0026] Furthermore, the light-emitting element 1 of the present embodiment also has a so-called microcavity structure. That is, if the optical path length from the upper surfaces of the lower electrodes 102a to 102c to the light-emitting positions of the first light-emitting layers 105a to 105c corresponding to the lower electrodes 102a to 102c is assumed to be Lr, and the phase shift in the lower electrode 102 is assumed to be Φr, the following expression (1) holds. Lr=(2m−(Φr / π))×(λ / 4)

[0027] Here, m is an integer of 0 or more. The optical distance between the first organic layer 103 and the second organic layer 104 can be optimized for each color to satisfy the above expression (1).

[0028] Furthermore, the optical distance Ls between the light-emitting position and the reflecting surface of the upper electrode 111 satisfies the following equation (2), where Φs is the phase shift when light with a wavelength of λ is reflected on the incident surface. Note that m' is an integer of 0 or more, and m' is 0 in the present embodiment. Ls=(2m'−(Φs / π))×(λ / 4)=−(Φs / π)×(λ / 4)

[0029] Accordingly, the conditions shown in the following equation (3) are satisfied for the interference L of all layers. L=Lr+L=(2m−Φ / π)×(λ / 4)

[0030] Here, Φ is the sum of phase shifts Φr + Φs when light with a wavelength of λ is reflected by the lower electrode 102 and the upper electrode 111.

[0031] Although the case of the first light-emitting layers 105a to 105c was shown above, the above relationship also applies to the second light-emitting layers 109a to 109c. Accordingly, since the first light-emitting layers 105a to 105c and the second light-emitting layers 109a to 109c are both formed as a microcavity structure, the light-emitting element 1 can achieve even more efficient light emission than a prior art light-emitting element.

[0032] [Suppression of leakage current between subpixels] Fig. Figure 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the area surrounding the notch 114 in Fig. 1. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the recess 114 is formed in the insulating layer 113, and a first organic layer 103, a third organic layer 106, a charge generation layer 107, a fifth organic layer 110, and an upper electrode 111 are disposed. Thus, in the present embodiment, the subpixel 100a has one or more organic layers between the lower electrode 102a and the charge generation layer 107, and has the insulating layer 113 covering the end of the lower electrode 102a and the end of the lower electrode 102b. Further, the insulating layer 113 has the recess 114 between the lower electrode 102a and the lower electrode 102b. Then, an end 104a of at least one organic layer (here, the second organic layer 104) between the lower electrode 102a and the charge generation layer 107 is arranged between the recess 114 and the subpixel 100a.

[0033] Accordingly, in the light-emitting element 1, the second organic layer 104 and the first light-emitting layer 105a are prevented from being deposited inside the groove 114 in the first subpixel 100a, so that the groove 114 is not filled with an organic film, and the charge generation layer 107 is deposited inside the groove. Further, as shown in the drawing, the thickness of the charge generation layer 107 at the inner sidewall portion of the groove 114 ("a" in the drawing) is made thinner than the thickness of the charge generation layer 107 at the outer flat portion of the groove 114 ("b" in the drawing). As a result, the resistance inside the groove 114 is increased, thereby suppressing the leakage current between adjacent subpixels.

[0034] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a prior art light-emitting element 5 as a comparative example of the light-emitting element 2 of the present embodiment. As shown in Fig. As shown in FIG. 10, in the light-emitting element 5, a lower electrode 502a, a first organic layer 503, a second organic layer 504, a first light-emitting layer 505a, a third organic layer 506, a charge generation layer 507, and a fourth organic layer 508 are formed in this order on a substrate 501 from the side of the substrate 501. Further, in the light-emitting element 5, on the fourth organic layer 508, a second light-emitting layer 509a, a fifth organic layer 510, an upper electrode 511, and a protective layer 512 are formed in this order from the side of the substrate 501. Further, in the light-emitting element 5, an insulating layer 513 is provided covering the end of the lower electrode 502a, and a recess 514 is formed in the insulating layer 513.

[0035] Fig. Figure 11 is an enlarged view of the area surrounding the notch 514 shown in Fig. 10. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the second organic layer 504 and the first light-emitting layer 505a are deposited inside the recess 514. For this reason, when the charge generation layer 507 is deposited, the recess 514 has already been filled with an organic film. When a microcavity structure is used in the light-emitting element 5, the organic film becomes thick to satisfy interference conditions, and the recess 514 is easily filled with the organic film. Because the charge generation layer 507 is not deposited in the recess, and thus a leakage current flows between adjacent subpixels, mixed-color light emission occurs.

[0036] On the other hand, in the light-emitting element 2 of the present embodiment, in the first subpixel 100a, at least one of the first organic layer 103, the second organic layer 104, the first light-emitting layer 105a, and the third organic layer 106, which are present between the lower electrode 102a and the charge generation layer 107, is not deposited inside the recess 114. As a result, when the charge generation layer 107 is deposited, the recess 114 is not filled with the organic film, and the charge generation layer 107 is deposited inside the recess 114. As a result, the thickness (“a” in Fig. 2) the charge generation layer 107 at the side wall portion inside the recess 114 is less than the thickness (“b” in Fig. 2) the charge generation layer 107 is deposited at the outer flat portion of the recess 114, and the leakage current between adjacent subpixels is suppressed. Note that for the second subpixel 100b and the third subpixel 100c, a charge generation layer is also deposited inside the recess, as in the first subpixel 100a.

[0037] Furthermore, as in Fig. 3, at least one layer of the first organic layer 103, the second organic layer 104, the first light-emitting layer 105a, and the third organic layer 106 may be formed in at least a portion of the recess 114. In Fig. 3, the second organic layer 104 and the first light-emitting layer 105a are formed in a part of the recess 114, and the recess 114 is not filled with the organic film when the charge generation layer 107 is deposited. Furthermore, the thickest layer of the organic layers or light-emitting layers from the lower electrode 102 to the charge generation layer 107 may not be formed in at least a part of the recess 114. Since the thickest layer is not formed in the recess 114, the recess 114 becomes less likely to be filled with an organic film during the deposition of the charge generation layer 107.

[0038] Incidentally, by increasing the width of the groove 114, the groove 114 is less likely to be filled with an organic film during the deposition of the charge generation layer 107. However, if the width of the groove 114 is increased to prevent interference between the groove 114 and the light-emitting region, the light-emitting region becomes smaller. As the light-emitting region becomes smaller, the current density required to achieve the required brightness becomes higher, and the light-emitting lifetime of the organic light-emitting element becomes shorter. Furthermore, when reducing the pixel size, it is necessary that the width of the groove 114 also be narrowed so that the light-emitting region does not become smaller. From this point of view, the light-emitting element 2 of the present embodiment is also useful for refining the pixel size.

[0039] As described up to this point, according to the light-emitting element 1 according to the present embodiment, before forming the charge generation layer, the interior of the groove is not filled with the organic film, and therefore, a charge generation layer is formed in the groove. The thickness of the charge generation layer inside the groove becomes thinner than the thickness of the charge generation layer outside the groove, and the resistance inside the groove is increased. As a result, the leakage current between adjacent subpixels is suppressed, and color mixing between adjacent pixels with different luminescent colors can be suppressed. <Zweite Ausführungsform>

[0040] Next, a light-emitting element of the second embodiment will be described. Otherwise, in the following description, the same configurations as those of the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals and symbols, and their detailed description will be omitted.

[0041] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a first subpixel 200a, a second subpixel 200b, and a third subpixel 200c of a light-emitting element 2 according to the present embodiment. As shown in the drawing, the light-emitting element 2 includes, like the light-emitting element 1, a substrate 201, lower electrodes 202a to 202c, a first organic layer 203, and first light-emitting layers 205a to 205c. Furthermore, the light-emitting element 2 includes a third organic layer 206, a charge generation layer 207, a fourth organic layer 208, second light-emitting layers 209a to 209c, a fifth organic layer 210, an upper electrode 211, a protective layer 212, and an insulating layer 213, like the light-emitting element 1.

[0042] In the light-emitting element 2 of the present embodiment, reflection layers 215a to 215c and optical adjustment layers 216a to 216c are further formed with respect to the light-emitting element 1 of the first embodiment. Incidentally, the reflection layer 215a is an example of the first reflection layer, and the reflection layer 215b is an example of the second reflection layer. Further, the optical adjustment layer 216a is an example of the first optical adjustment layer, and the optical adjustment layer 216b is an example of the second optical adjustment layer. The optical adjustment layers 216a to 216c may be composed of an insulating layer. Further, the lower electrodes 202a to 202c may be composed of transparent electrodes. Furthermore, in the light-emitting element 2, the recess 114 in the light-emitting element 1 of the first embodiment is not formed.

[0043] In the light-emitting element 2 of the present embodiment, a microcavity structure can be used to make the thicknesses of the optical adjustment layers 216a to 216c different for each subpixel. For example, the thickness of the optical adjustment layer 216a can be adjusted to satisfy the red interference condition, the thickness of the optical adjustment layer 216b can be adjusted to satisfy the green interference condition, and the thickness of the optical adjustment layer 216c can be adjusted to satisfy the blue interference condition.

[0044] Further, it is assumed that the optical path length from the upper surface of the reflective layer 215a to the light-emitting position of the first light-emitting layer 205a is L1a. The optical path length L1a is the sum of the optical distance between the upper surface of the lower electrode 202a and the first light-emitting layer 205a, the optical distance of the thickness of the lower electrode 202a, and the optical distance of the thickness of the optical adjustment layer 216a. Further, it is assumed that the optical path length from the upper surface of the reflective layer 215b to the light-emitting position of the first light-emitting layer 205b is L1b. The optical path length L1b is the sum of the optical distance between the upper surface of the lower electrode 202b and the first light-emitting layer 205b, the optical distance of the thickness of the lower electrode 202b, and the optical distance of the thickness of the optical adjustment layer 216b.Furthermore, it is assumed that the optical path length from the upper surface of the reflective layer 215c to the light-emitting position of the first light-emitting layer 205c is L1c. The optical path length L1c is the sum of the optical distance between the upper surface of the lower electrode 202c and the first light-emitting layer 205c, the optical distance of the thickness of the lower electrode 202c, and the optical distance of the thickness of the optical matching layer 216c.

[0045] Similarly, the optical path length from the upper surface of the reflective layer 215a to the light-emitting position of the second light-emitting layer 209a is assumed to be L2a. The optical path length L2a is the sum of the optical distance between the upper surface of the lower electrode 202a and the second light-emitting layer 209a, the optical distance, the thickness of the lower electrode 202a, and the thickness of the optical adjustment layer 216a. Further, the optical path length from the upper surface of the reflective layer 215b to the light-emitting position of the second light-emitting layer 209b is assumed to be L2b. The optical path length L2b is the sum of the optical distance between the upper surface of the lower electrode 202b and the second light-emitting layer 209b, the optical distance, the thickness of the lower electrode 202b, and the thickness of the optical adjustment layer 216b.Furthermore, it is assumed that the optical path length from the upper surface of the reflective layer 215c to the light-emitting position of the second light-emitting layer 209c is L2c. The optical path length L2c is the sum of the optical distance between the upper surface of the lower electrode 202c and the second light-emitting layer 209c, the optical distance, the thickness of the lower electrode 202c, and the thickness of the optical matching layer 216c.

[0046] Thus, in the light-emitting element 2 of the present embodiment, an optical resonator structure is provided between the reflection layer 215a and the first light-emitting layer 205a, which causes the light emitted from the first light-emitting layer 205a to be reflected by the reflection layer 215a for resonance. Further, an optical resonator structure is provided between the reflection layer 215b and the first light-emitting layer 205b, which causes the light emitted from the first light-emitting layer 205b to be reflected by the reflection layer 215b for resonance. Further, an optical resonator structure is provided between the reflection layer 215c and the first light-emitting layer 205c, which resonates the light emitted from the first light-emitting layer 205c.In the light-emitting element 2 of the present embodiment, the total film thickness of the organic layers is reduced by the optical distance of the respective thicknesses of the lower electrodes 202a to 202c and the optical adjustment layers 216a to 216c corresponding to the lower electrodes 202a to 202c. As the total film thickness of the organic layers decreases, the voltage applied to the organic light-emitting element decreases. Then, the total film thickness of the organic layers is reduced by the optical distance of the respective thicknesses of the lower electrodes 202a to 202c and the optical adjustment layers 216a to 216c corresponding to the lower electrodes 202a to 202c, and the drive voltage is suppressed, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0047] Furthermore, Fig. 5 shows a light-emitting element 200, which is a modification example of the light-emitting element 2 of the present embodiment. As shown in Fig. 5, in the light-emitting element 200, a cut 214 is further provided in the light-emitting element 2 of Fig. 4. Furthermore, Fig. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the notch 214 formed in the first subpixel 200a of Fig. 5 is formed.

[0048] As in Fig. 6, in the first subpixel 200a, the film thickness of the organic layer between the lower electrode 202a and the first light-emitting layer 205a may be reduced by the optical distance of the respective thicknesses of the lower electrode 202a and the optical matching layer 216a. Incidentally, in the second subpixel 200b, the film thickness of the organic layer between the lower electrode 202b and the first light-emitting layer 205b may be reduced in a similar manner. Further, in the third subpixel 200c, the film thickness of the organic layer between the lower electrode 202c and the first light-emitting layer 205c may be reduced in a similar manner.

[0049] Further, in the light-emitting element 2 of the present embodiment, since the organic layer corresponding to the second organic layer 104 in the light-emitting element 1 is not formed, the recess 214 is not filled with the organic film during the deposition of the charge generation layer 207.

[0050] From the description up to this point, according to the light-emitting element 200, the charge generation layer is formed inside the groove, thereby suppressing the leakage current between adjacent subpixels. <Dritte Ausführungsform>

[0051] Next, a light-emitting element according to a third embodiment will be described. Otherwise, in the following description, the same configurations as those of the embodiments are given the same reference numerals and symbols, and their detailed description will be omitted.

[0052] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a first subpixel 300a, a second subpixel 300b, and a third subpixel 300c of the light-emitting element 3 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 8 an enlarged cross-sectional view of the area surrounding the notch 314 in Fig. 7. As shown in the drawing, the light-emitting element 3 includes, like the light-emitting element 200, a substrate 301, lower electrodes 302a to 302c, a first organic layer 303, and first light-emitting layers 305a to 305c. Furthermore, the light-emitting element 3 includes a third organic layer 306, a charge generation layer 307, a fourth organic layer 308, second light-emitting layers 309a to 309c, a fifth organic layer 310, an upper electrode 311, a protective layer 312, and an insulating layer 313, like the light-emitting element 200. Furthermore, the light-emitting element 3 includes reflection layers 315a to 315c and optical matching layers 316a to 316c, like the light-emitting element 200.

[0053] In the light-emitting element 3 of the present embodiment, the first light-emitting layer 305a is not deposited further inside the recess 314 than the light-emitting element 200 of the second embodiment. Therefore, the recess 314 of the light-emitting element 3 is less likely to be filled with the organic film than the recess 214 of the light-emitting element 200. As a result, a charge generation layer 307 is deposited inside the recess 314.

[0054] In the light-emitting element 3 of the present embodiment, in the first subpixel 300a, the thickness of the organic layer between the lower electrode 302a and the first light-emitting layer 305a can be reduced by the optical distance between the lower electrode 302a and the optical adjustment layer 316a. Further, in the light-emitting element 3, the first light-emitting layer 305a is prevented from being deposited inside the groove 314 so that the groove 314 is not filled with an organic film, and the charge generation layer 307 can be deposited inside the groove 314. Also, in the second subpixel 300b and the third subpixel 300c, the charge generation layer 307 can be deposited inside the groove in the same manner as in the first subpixel 300a.

[0055] From the description up to this point, as in the first and second embodiments, according to the light-emitting element 3, the charge generation layer is deposited inside the groove, thereby suppressing the leakage current between adjacent subpixels. <Vierte Ausführungsform>

[0056] Next, a light-emitting element according to a fourth embodiment will be described. Otherwise, in the following description, the same configurations as those of the embodiments are given the same reference numerals and symbols, and their detailed description will be omitted.

[0057] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a first subpixel 400a, a second subpixel 400b, and a third subpixel 400c of the light-emitting element 4 according to the present embodiment. As shown in the drawing, the light-emitting element 4 includes, like the light-emitting element 3, a substrate 401, lower electrodes 402a to 402c, a first organic layer 403, and first light-emitting layers 405a to 405c. Further, the light-emitting element 4 includes a third organic layer 406, a charge generation layer 407, a fourth organic layer 408, second light-emitting layers 409a to 409c, a fifth organic layer 410, an upper electrode 411, a protective layer 412, and an insulating layer 413, like the light-emitting element 3.Furthermore, the light-emitting element 4 has reflection layers 415a to 415c and optical adjustment layers 416a to 416c as in the light-emitting element 3.

[0058] In the light-emitting element 4 of the present embodiment, a flattened layer 417 is formed with respect to the light-emitting element 3 of the third embodiment, and color filters 418a to 418c, each corresponding to the subpixels 400a to 400c, are disposed on the flattened layer 417. The color filters 418a, 418b, and 418c are color filters that transmit different colors. Incidentally, the light-emitting element 4 may not be provided with the color filters 418a, 418b, and 418c.

[0059] Further, microlenses 419a to 419c are formed on the color filters 418a, 418b, and 418c, each corresponding to the subpixels 400a to 400c. Accordingly, according to the light-emitting element 4 of the present embodiment, while suppressing the leakage current between adjacent subpixels, the light of each color output from the subpixels 400a to 400c can be efficiently extracted by the microlenses 419a to 419c.

[0060] [Structure of an Organic Light-Emitting Element] In the present embodiment, the organic light-emitting element is provided by forming an insulating layer, a first electrode, an organic compound layer, and a second electrode on a substrate. A protective layer, a color filter, a microlens, and so on may be provided on a cathode. In a case where a color filter is provided, a planarization layer may be provided between the color filter and the protective layer. The planarization layer may be made of, for example, an acrylic resin. The same applies to a case where the planarization layer is provided between the color filter and the microlens.

[0061] [Substrate] At least one material selected from quartz, glass, silicon, resins, and metals can be used as the material for the substrate constituting the organic light-emitting element. Switching elements such as transistors and wiring can be provided on the substrate, and an insulating layer can be provided on the above. Any material can be used as the insulating layer as long as a contact hole can be formed between the insulating layer and the first electrode, and insulation of unconnected wiring can be ensured so that wiring can be formed between the first electrode and the insulating layer. For example, a resin such as polyimide, silicon oxide, or silicon nitride can be used herein.

[0062] [Electrodes] A pair of electrodes can be used as the electrodes of the organic light-emitting element. The pair of electrodes can be an anode and a cathode. In a case where an electric field is applied in the direction in which the organic light-emitting element emits light, the electrode with a higher potential is the anode, and the other electrode is the cathode. In other words, the electrode that supplies holes to the light-emitting layer is the anode, and the electrode that supplies electrons is the cathode.

[0063] A material with the highest possible work function is preferred herein as a component of the anode. For example, individual metals such as gold, platinum, silver, copper, nickel, palladium, cobalt, selenium, vanadium, or tungsten, and mixtures containing the above metals, can be used in the anode. Alternatively, alloys obtained by combining these individual metals or metal oxides such as tin oxide, zinc oxide, indium oxide, indium tin oxide (ITO), or indium zinc oxide can be used in the anode. Conductive polymers such as polyaniline, polypyrrole, and polythiophene can also be used in the anode.

[0064] Any of the above electrode materials can be used individually; alternatively, two or more materials can be used simultaneously. The anode can consist of a single layer or can consist of multiple layers.

[0065] In a case where an electrode of the organic light-emitting element is configured as a reflective electrode, the electrode material may be, for example, chromium, aluminum, silver, titanium, tungsten, molybdenum, or alloys or layers of the above. The above materials may also function as a reflective film that does not serve as an electrode. In a case where an electrode of the organic light-emitting element is configured as a transparent electrode, a transparent conductive oxide layer of, for example, indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide, although not specifically limited thereto, may be used as the electrode material. The electrodes may be formed by photolithography.

[0066] A material with a small work function can be used as a constituent of the cathode. For example, alkali metals such as lithium, alkaline earth metals such as calcium, single metals such as aluminum, titanium, manganese, silver, lead, or chromium, and mixtures of the above can be used. Alternatively, alloys obtained by combining these single metals can also be used. For example, magnesium-silver, aluminum-lithium, aluminum-magnesium, silver-copper, or zinc-silver can be used. Metal oxides such as indium tin oxide (ITO) can also be used. These electrode materials can be used individually as one type, or two or more types can be used simultaneously. Furthermore, the cathode can have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. Silver is preferably used among the above, and a silver alloy is more preferably used to reduce silver aggregation.Any alloy ratio can be adopted as long as silver aggregation can be reduced. For example, a silver to other metal ratio can be 1:1 or 3:1.

[0067] Although not specifically limited, the cathode may be a top emissive element using an oxide conductive layer of ITO or the like, or a bottom emissive element using a reflective electrode of aluminum (Al) or the like. The method for forming the cathode is not specifically limited, but more preferably, a DC or AC sputtering method, for example, is used, since in this case, the film coverage is good and the resistance can be easily reduced.

[0068] [Pixel Separation Layer] The pixel separation layer of the organic light-emitting element is formed from a silicon nitride (SiN) film, a silicon oxynitride (SiON) film, or a silicon oxide (SiO) film, which in turn are formed by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). In order to increase the in-plane resistance of the organic compound layer, it is preferable to set the thickness of the organic compound layer to be formed, particularly a hole-transport layer, to be thin at the sidewalls of the pixel separation layer. Specifically, the sidewalls can be formed to be thin by increasing the vignetting at the time of deposition by increasing the taper angle of the sidewalls of the pixel separation layer and / or increasing the thickness of the pixel separation layer.

[0069] On the other hand, it is preferable to adjust the sidewall taper angle of the pixel separation layer and the thickness of the pixel separation layer so that no voids are formed in the protective layer formed on the pixel separation layer. The occurrence of defects in the protective layer can be reduced due to the fact that no voids are formed in the protective layer. Since the occurrence of defects in the protective layer is thus reduced, it becomes possible to reduce reliability loss, for example, with respect to the occurrence of dark spots or defective conduction in the second electrode.

[0070] The present embodiment enables effective suppression of charge leakage current to neighboring pixels even when the taper angle of the sidewalls of the pixel separation layer is not acute. Research by the present inventors has revealed that charge leakage current to neighboring pixels can be sufficiently reduced when the taper angle is in the range of at least 60 degrees and not more than 90 degrees. The thickness of the pixel separation layer is preferably at least 10 nm and not more than 150 nm. A similar effect can also be achieved in a configuration having only one pixel electrode, which lacks a pixel separation layer.In this case, however, it is preferable to set the film thickness of the pixel electrode to be half or less of the thickness of the organic layer, or to taper it at the front ends of the pixel electrode at a taper angle of less than 60 degrees, since short circuits of the organic light-emitting element can be reduced thereby.

[0071] [Organic Compound Layer] The organic compound layer of the organic light-emitting element may be formed of a single layer or multiple layers. In a case where the organic compound layer has multiple layers, these may be referred to as a hole-injection layer, a hole-transport layer, an electron-blocking layer, a light-emitting layer, a hole-blocking layer, an electron-transport layer, or an electron-injection layer, depending on the function of the layer. The organic compound layer is mainly composed of organic compounds but may contain inorganic atoms and inorganic compounds. For example, the organic compound layer may include copper, lithium, magnesium, aluminum, iridium, platinum, molybdenum, or zinc.The layer of an organic compound may be arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode and may be arranged in contact with the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0072] [Protective Layer] In the organic light-emitting element of the present embodiment, a protective layer may be provided on the second electrode. For example, by bonding a glass provided with a moisture absorber to the second electrode, the intrusion of water or the like into the organic compound layer can be reduced, and the occurrence of display defects can also be reduced. As another embodiment, a passivation film made of, for example, silicon nitride may be provided on the cathode to reduce the intrusion of water or the like into the organic compound layer. For example, the formation of the cathode may be followed by transportation to another chamber without breaking the vacuum, after which a protective layer may be formed by forming a silicon nitride film with a thickness of 2 μm by CVD.The protective layer may be provided by atomic deposition (ALD) after film formation by CVD. The material of the film formed by ALD is not limited but may be, for example, silicon nitride, silicon oxide, or aluminum oxide. Silicon nitride may further be formed by CVD on the film formed by ALD. The film formed by ALD may be thinner than the film formed by CVD. In particular, the thickness of the film formed by ALD may be 50% or less or 10% or less.

[0073] [Color Filter] A color filter may be provided on the protective layer of the organic light-emitting element of the present embodiment. For example, a color filter may be provided on another substrate, taking into account the size of the organic light-emitting element, followed by attachment to a substrate on which the organic light-emitting element is provided; alternatively, a color filter may be patterned by photolithography on the protective layer shown above. The color filter may be made of a polymer.

[0074] [Planarization Layer] The organic light-emitting element of the present embodiment may include a planarization layer between the color filter and the protective layer. The planarization layer is provided for the purpose of reducing the underlying layer unevenness. The planarization layer may be referred to as a resin layer in a case where the purpose of the planarization layer is not limited. The planarization layer may be composed of an organic compound, which may be a low-molecular or high-molecular compound, preferably a high-molecular compound.

[0075] The planarization layer can be provided above and below the color filter, and the constituent materials of the respective planarization layers can be identical or different. Specific examples include polyvinylcarbazole resins, polycarbonate resins, polyester resins, ABS resins, acrylic resins, polyimide resins, phenolic resins, epoxy resins, silicone resins, and urea resins.

[0076] [Microlens] The organic light-emitting element may have an optical element, such as a microlens, on the light-output side. The microlens may be made of, for example, an acrylic resin or an epoxy resin. The purpose of the microlens may be to increase the amount of light extracted by the organic light-emitting element and to control the direction of the extracted light. The microlens may have a hemispherical shape. In a case where the microlens has a hemispherical shape, among tangent lines in contact with the hemisphere, there is a tangent line parallel to the insulating layer, so that the contact point between this tangent line and the hemisphere is the vertex of the microlens. The vertex of the microlens can be manufactured in any cross-section in a similar manner.That is, among tangent lines in contact with a semicircle of the microlens in a sectional view, there is a tangent line parallel to the insulating layer, so that the contact point between this tangent line and the semicircle is the vertex of the microlens.

[0077] A center point of the microlens can also be defined. For a hypothetical line segment from the endpoint of one arc to the endpoint of another arc, the center point of this line segment can be designated as the center point of the microlens in a cross-section of the microlens. The cross-section used to distinguish the vertex and the center point can be a cross-section perpendicular to the insulating layer.

[0078] The microlens has a first surface with a convex portion and a second surface on the back side of the first surface. Preferably, the second surface is located closer to a functional layer than the first surface. When adopting such a configuration, the microlens must be formed from the organic light-emitting element. In a case where the functional layer is an organic layer, it is preferable to avoid high-temperature processes in the manufacturing process. When adopting a configuration where the second surface is located closer to the functional layer than the first surface, the glass transition temperatures of all organic compounds constituting the organic layer are preferably 100°C or higher, and more preferably 130°C or higher.

[0079] [Counter Substrate] The organic light-emitting element of the present embodiment may have a counter substrate on the planarization layer. The counter substrate is so named because it is provided at a position corresponding to the above-described substrate. The constituent material of the counter substrate may be the same as that of the above-described substrate. The counter substrate may be used as the second substrate in a case where the above-described substrate is used as the first substrate.

[0080] [Organic Layer] Each organic compound layer (hole injection layer, hole transport layer, electron blocking layer, light emitting layer, hole blocking layer, electron transport layer, electron injection layer, and so on) constituting the organic light emitting element of the present embodiment is formed according to one of the methods shown below.

[0081] A dry process such as vacuum deposition, ionization deposition, sputtering, plasma, or the like can be used for the organic compound layers constituting the organic light-emitting element of the present embodiment. A wet process in which a layer is formed by dissolving it in a suitable solvent using a known coating method (e.g., spin coating, dipping, pouring, LB film deposition to inkjet) can be used instead of a dry process.

[0082] When a layer is formed by vacuum deposition or solution coating, for example, crystallization or the like is less likely to occur; this results in superior stability over time. In a case where a film is formed according to a coating method, the film can be formed by combining it with a suitable resin binder.

[0083] Examples of resin binders include, but are not limited to, polyvinylcarbazole resins, polycarbonate resins, polyester resins, ABS resins, acrylic resins, polyimide resins, phenolic resins, epoxy resins, silicone resins, and urea resins. These resin binders can be used individually as one type in the form of homopolymers or copolymers; alternatively, two or more types of resin binders can be used in the form of blends. Additives such as known plasticizers, antioxidants, and ultraviolet absorbers can be further used simultaneously as needed.

[0084] [Pixel Circuit] A light-emitting element including the organic light-emitting element of the present embodiment may include pixel circuits connected to respective organic light-emitting elements. The pixel circuits may be of the active matrix type and may independently control the emission of light by the first organic light-emitting element and the second organic light-emitting element. Active matrix circuits may be voltage-programmed or current-programmed. A driving circuit includes a pixel circuit for each pixel.Each pixel circuit may include an organic light-emitting element, a transistor that controls the emission luminance of the organic light-emitting element, a transistor that controls the emission timing, a capacitor that holds the gate voltage of the transistor that controls the emission luminance, and a transistor for connecting to GND that bypasses the light-emitting element.

[0085] The light-emitting element has a display region and a peripheral region arranged around the display region. The display region has pixel circuits, and the peripheral region has a display control circuit. The mobility of the transistors comprising the pixel circuits may be lower than the mobility of the transistors comprising the display control circuit. The slope of the current-voltage characteristic of the transistors comprising the pixel circuits may be lower than the slope of the current-voltage characteristic of the transistors comprising the display control circuit. The slope of the current-voltage characteristic can be measured using a so-called Vg-Ig characteristic. The transistors comprising the pixel circuits are connected to light-emitting elements, such as the first organic light-emitting element.

[0086] [Pixels] The organic light-emitting element of the present embodiment includes a plurality of pixels. The pixels include subpixels that emit different colors from each other. The subpixels may, for example, have respective RGB emission colors. The pixels emit light in a pixel aperture range. This range is the same as the first range. The aperture diameter of the pixel apertures may be 15 μm or smaller, and may be 5 μm or larger. Specifically, the aperture diameter of the pixel apertures may be, for example, 11 μm, 9.5 μm, 7.4 μm, or 6.4 μm. The pitch between subpixels may be 10 μm or smaller, specifically, 8 μm, 7.4 μm, or 6.4 μm.

[0087] The pixels may have any known arrangement in a plan view. For example, the pixel layout may be a stripe arrangement, a triangular arrangement, a PenTile arrangement, or a Bayer arrangement. The shape of the subpixels in a plan view may be any known shape. For example, the subpixel shape may be quadrangular, such as rectangular or diamond-shaped, or hexagonal. It should be understood that the shape of the subpixels is not an exact shape, and a shape close to a rectangle is considered a rectangular shape. Subpixel shapes and pixel arrangements may be combined.

[0088] [Use of the Organic Light-Emitting Element] The organic light-emitting element according to the present embodiment can be used as a constituent element of a display device or a lighting device. Other uses of the organic light-emitting element include exposure light sources for electrophotographic image forming devices, backlights for liquid crystal display devices, and light-emitting elements with color filters in white light sources.

[0089] The display device may be an image information processing device comprising an image input unit for inputting image information, for example, from a CCD array, a linear CCD, or a memory card, and an information processing unit for processing inputted information so that an inputted image is displayed on a display unit.

[0090] A display unit of an imaging device or an inkjet printer may have a touch panel function. The control scheme for this touch screen function may be an infrared scheme, a capacitive scheme, a resistive film scheme, or an electromagnetic induction scheme, and is not specifically limited. The display device may also be used in a display unit of a multifunction printer.

[0091] A display device provided with the organic light-emitting element according to the present embodiment will next be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B are schematic cross-sectional diagrams illustrating examples of a display device including organic light-emitting elements and transistors connected to respective organic light-emitting elements. The transistors are an example of active elements. The transistors may be thin-film transistors (TFTs).

[0092] Fig. 12A is an example of a pixel that is a constituent element of a display device using the organic light-emitting element according to the present embodiment. The pixel includes subpixels 30. The subpixels 30 are divided into 30R, 30G, and 30B depending on the respective emission light of the subpixel. The emission color can be changed based on the wavelength emitted from the light-emitting layer; alternatively, the light emitted from each subpixel can be selectively transmitted or color-converted, for example, by a respective color filter. Each subpixel includes a reflective electrode 32 as a first electrode on an interlayer insulating layer 31 and an insulating layer 33 covering the periphery of the reflective electrode 32.Each subpixel includes an organic compound layer 34 covering the reflective electrode 32 and the insulating layer 33, a transparent electrode 35 as a second electrode, a protective layer 36, and a respective color filter 37R, 37G, or 37B.

[0093] The interlayer insulating layer 31 may have transistors and capacitive elements arranged underneath or inside it. The transistors and the first electrode may be electrically connected, for example, via contact holes (not shown).

[0094] The insulating layer 33 is also referred to as a wall or a pixel separation film. The insulating layer 33 is arranged to cover the edge of the first electrode while surrounding the first electrode. Portions where the insulating layer is not arranged are in contact with the organic compound layer 34, forming emission regions. The organic compound layer 34 includes a hole injection layer 341, a hole transport layer 342, a first light-emitting layer 343, a second light-emitting layer 344, and an electron transport layer 345.

[0095] The transparent electrode 35 as the second electrode can be a transparent electrode, a reflective electrode, or a semi-transparent electrode. The protective layer 36 reduces the penetration of moisture into the organic compound layer. The protective layer 36 is shown here as a single layer, but it may also consist of multiple layers. Each protective layer 36 may include an inorganic compound layer or an organic compound layer. The color filters are divided into a color filter 37R, a color filter 37G, and a color filter 37B according to their color. The color filters may be formed on a planarization film (not shown). A resin protective layer (not shown) may be provided on the color filters. The color filters may be formed on the protective layer 36.Alternatively, the color filters may be applied after they have been provided on a counter substrate, such as a glass substrate.

[0096] Fig. 12B illustrates a display device 60 including the organic light-emitting element of the present embodiment. The display device 60 includes organic light-emitting elements 76 and TFTs 68 as an example of a transistor. The display device 60 is provided with a substrate 61 made of glass, silicon, or the like, and an insulating layer 62 on top of the substrate 61. Respective active elements, such as TFTs 68, are arranged on the insulating layer such that a gate electrode 63, a gate insulating film 64, and a semiconductor layer 65 of a respective active element are disposed therein. Each TFT 68 also consists of the semiconductor layer 65, a drain electrode 66, and a source electrode 67. An insulating film 69 is provided on the TFTs 68.An anode 71 and a source electrode 67 constituting a respective organic light-emitting element 76 are connected through a contact hole 70 provided in the insulating film 69.

[0097] The method for electrically connecting the electrodes (anode and cathode) included in a respective organic light-emitting element 76 and the electrodes (source electrode and drain electrode) included in the respective TFT 68 is not limited to the method described in Fig. 12B. In particular, it is sufficient that either the anode or the cathode is electrically connected to either a TFT source electrode or a TFT drain electrode. The acronym TFT stands for thin-film transistor.

[0098] In the display device 60 of Fig. In Figure 12B, the organic compound layer is shown as a single layer, but the organic compound layer 72 may consist of multiple layers. A first protective layer 74 and a second protective layer 75 for reducing deterioration of the organic light-emitting element are provided on the cathode 73.

[0099] Although transistors are used as switching elements in the display device 60 of Fig. 12B, other switching elements may be used instead. The switching elements used in the display device 60 of Fig. The transistors used in Figure 12B are not limited to transistors using a single-crystal silicon wafer and can be thin-film transistors with an active layer on an insulating surface of a substrate. Examples of active layers include single-crystal silicon, non-single-crystal silicon such as amorphous silicon or microcrystalline silicon, and non-single-crystal oxide semiconductors such as indium zinc oxide or indium gallium zinc oxide. Thin-film transistors are also referred to as TFT devices.

[0100] The information in the display device 60 of Fig. The transistors included in Figure 12B may be formed in a substrate, such as a Si substrate. The phrase "formed in a substrate" means that transistors are produced by processing the substrate itself, for example, a Si substrate. This means that the feature of having transistors in the substrate may mean that the substrate and the transistors are formed integrally with each other.

[0101] The emission luminance of the organic light-emitting element according to the present embodiment is controlled by a TFT, which is an example of a switching element; thus, an image can be displayed according to respective emission luminance values ​​by providing multiple organic light-emitting elements within one plane. The switching element according to the present embodiment is not limited to a TFT and may be a transistor made of low-temperature polysilicon or an active matrix driver formed on a substrate such as a Si substrate. The phrase "on the substrate" herein may also mean "in the substrate."The size of the display unit determines the choice of whether to provide the transistors in the substrate or to use TFTs; for example, if the size of the display unit is about 0.5 inches, it is preferable to provide the organic light-emitting elements on a Si substrate.

[0102] Next, Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a display device including an organic light-emitting element according to the present embodiment. A display device 1000 may include a touchscreen 1003, a display panel 1005, a frame 1006, a circuit board 1007, and a battery 1008 between a top cover 1001 and a bottom cover 1009. The touchscreen 1003 and the display panel 1005 are connected with flexible printed circuits (FPCs) 1002, 1004. Transistors are printed on the circuit board 1007. The battery 1008 may be omitted if the display device is not a portable device; even if the display device is a portable device, the battery 1008 may be provided at a different position.

[0103] The display device 1000 may include red, green, and blue color filters. The color filters may be arranged in a triangular arrangement of the above red, green, and blue. The display device 1000 may be used as a display unit of a mobile terminal. In this case, the display device 1000 may have both a display function and an operation function. Mobile terminals include mobile phones such as smartphones, tablets, and head-mounted displays.

[0104] The display device 1000 may be used in a display unit of an imaging device that includes an optical unit with multiple lenses and an imaging element that receives light that has passed through the optical unit. The imaging device may include a display unit that displays information captured by the imaging element. The display unit may be a display unit exposed outside the imaging device or may be a display unit disposed within a viewfinder. The imaging device may be a digital camera or a digital video camera.

[0105] Next, Fig. 14A is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an imaging device including the organic light-emitting element according to the present embodiment. An imaging device 1100 may include a viewfinder 1101, a rear display 1102, an operation unit 1103, and a housing 1104. The viewfinder 1101 may include the display device according to the present embodiment. In this case, the display device may display not only an image to be captured but also, for example, environmental information and imaging instructions. The environmental information may include, for example, an intensity of external light, an orientation of external light, the moving speed of a subject, and the probability that the subject is blocked by an obstacle.

[0106] The timing suitable for imaging is short, and therefore, information should be displayed as quickly as possible. Therefore, it is preferable to configure the display device to have a high response speed using the organic light-emitting element of the present embodiment. A display device using the organic light-emitting element is more suitable for use than these devices or liquid crystal display devices, which require a high display speed.

[0107] The imaging device 1100 includes an optical unit (not shown). The optical unit includes a plurality of lenses and forms an image on an imaging element housed in the housing 1104. The lenses can be focused by adjusting their relevant positions. This operation can also be performed automatically. The imaging device may be referred to as a photoelectric conversion device. The photoelectric conversion device may include an imaging method other than sequential imaging, a method involving detecting a difference relative to a previous image, and a method involving cutting out a portion of a recorded image.

[0108] Fig. 14B is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an electronic device including the organic light-emitting element according to the present embodiment. An electronic device 1200 includes a display unit 1201, an operation unit 1202, and a housing 1203. The housing 1203 may include a circuit, a circuit board including the circuit, a battery, and a communication unit. The operation unit 1202 may be a button or a touchscreen-type response unit. The operation unit may be a biometric recognition unit that performs, for example, unlocking upon fingerprint recognition. The electronic device including a communication unit may also be referred to as a communication device. The electronic device 1200 may further include a camera function by being provided with a lens and an imaging element.Images captured by the camera function are displayed on the display unit. Examples of electronic devices include smartphones and notebook computers.

[0109] Next, Fig. 15A is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a display device including the organic light-emitting element according to the present embodiment. Fig. 15A illustrates a display device 1300, such as a television monitor or PC monitor. The display device 1300 includes a frame 1301 and a display unit 1302. The display unit 1302 may use the organic light-emitting element according to the present embodiment. The display device 1300 also includes the frame 1301 and a base 1303 that supports the display unit 1302. The shape of the base 1303 is not limited to the shape in Fig. 15A. The bottom of the frame 1301 can also serve as the base. The frame 1301 and the display unit 1302 can be curved. The radius of curvature of the foregoing can be at least 5000 mm and no more than 6000 mm.

[0110] Fig. 15B is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of a display device including the organic light-emitting element according to the present embodiment. A display device 1310 in Fig. 15B is a so-called foldable display device configured to be foldable. The display device 1310 includes a first display unit 1311, a second display unit 1312, a housing 1313, and a folding point 1314. The first display unit 1311 and the second display unit 1312 may include the organic light-emitting element according to the present embodiment. The first display unit 1311 and the second display unit 1312 may be a seamless display device. The first display unit 1311 and the second display unit 1312 may be separated at the folding point. The first display unit 1311 and the second display unit 1312 may display different images; alternatively, the first display unit and the second display unit may display one image.

[0111] Next, Fig. 16A is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a lighting device including the organic light-emitting element according to the present embodiment. A lighting device 1400 may include a housing 1401, a light source 1402, a circuit board 1403, an optical film 1404, and a light-diffusing part 1405. The light source includes the organic light-emitting element according to the present embodiment. The optical film may be a filter that improves the color rendering of the light source. The light-diffusing part enables effective diffusion of light from the light source and enables delivery of light over a wide area, for example, in outdoor decorative lighting. The optical filter and the light-diffusing part may be provided on the light-output side of the lighting device. A cover may be provided on the outermost part, as required.

[0112] The lighting device 1400 is, for example, an indoor lighting device. The lighting device can emit white, white daylight, or other colors from blue to red. The lighting device can include a light control circuit for controlling light with the foregoing emission colors. The lighting device 1400 can include the organic light-emitting element according to the present embodiment and a power supply circuit connected thereto. The power supply circuit is a circuit that converts AC voltage to DC voltage. Here, white refers to a color with a color temperature of 4200K, and white daylight refers to a color with a color temperature of 5000K. The lighting device 1400 can include a color filter. The lighting device 1400 can include a heat dissipation part.The heat dissipation part removes heat from the interior of the device; the heat dissipation part may be made of a metal or liquid silicone rubber, which has a high specific heat.

[0113] Fig. 16B is a schematic diagram of an automobile that is an example of a moving body including the organic light-emitting element according to the present embodiment. The automobile includes taillights that are an example of a lamp. The automobile 1500 may include a taillight 1501 in a shape such that the taillight illuminates when, for example, a braking operation is performed.

[0114] The tail lamp 1501 includes the organic light-emitting element according to the present embodiment. The tail lamp may include a protective member that protects the organic light-emitting element. The protective member may be composed of any material as long as the material has a certain degree of high strength and is transparent; the protective member is preferably composed of polycarbonate or the like. For example, a furandicarboxylic acid derivative or an acrylonitrile derivative may be blended with the polycarbonate.

[0115] The automobile 1500 may include a vehicle body 1503 and a window 1502 inserted into the vehicle body 1503. The window may be a transparent display unless the purpose of the window is to view the front and rear of the automobile. The transparent display may include the organic light-emitting element according to the present embodiment. In this case, constituent materials, such as the electrodes of the organic light-emitting element, are composed of transparent elements.

[0116] The movable body including the organic light-emitting element according to the present embodiment may be, for example, a ship, an aircraft, or a drone. The movable body may include a body frame and a lamp provided on the body frame. The lamp may emit light to indicate the position of the body frame. The lamp includes the organic light-emitting element according to the present embodiment.

[0117] Furthermore, the display device including the organic light-emitting element of the present embodiment can be used in a system that can be worn as a wearable device, such as smart glasses, HMDs, or smart contact lenses. An imaging display device used in such an application example can include an imaging device capable of photoelectrically converting visible light and a display device capable of emitting visible light.

[0118] Fig. 17A illustrates a pair of glasses 1600 (smart glasses) according to an application example of the display device including the organic light-emitting element of the present embodiment. An imaging device 1602, such as a CMOS sensor or a SPAD, is provided on the front surface side of a lens 1601 of the glasses 1600. A display device of the above-described embodiments is provided on the back surface side of the lens 1601.

[0119] The glasses 1600 further include a control device 1603. The control device 1603 functions as a power supply that supplies power to the imaging device 1602 and the display device according to the embodiments. The control device 1603 controls the operation of the imaging device 1602 and the display device. An optical system for condensing light onto the imaging device 1602 is formed in the lens 1601.

[0120] Fig.17B illustrates a pair of glasses 1610 (smart glasses) according to another application example of the display device including the organic light-emitting element of the present embodiment. The glasses 1610 includes a control device 1612. An imaging device corresponding to the imaging device 1602 and a display device are mounted in the control device 1612. An optical system for projecting the light emitted from the display device into the control device 1612 is formed in a lens 1611, so that an image is projected onto the lens 1611. The control device 1612 functions as a power supply that supplies power to the imaging device and the display device and controls the operation of the imaging device and the display device. The control device may include a line-of-sight detection unit that detects the wearer's line of sight.Infrared rays can be used for line-of-sight detection. An infrared light-emitting unit emits infrared light toward the eyeball of a user looking at a display image. The emitted infrared light is reflected by the eyeball and captured by an imaging unit having a light-receiving element, resulting in a captured image of the eyeball. Impairment of the image's appearance in a plan view is reduced by providing a reducing device for reducing light from the infrared light-emitting unit to the display unit.

[0121] The user's line of sight with respect to the display image is detected from the captured image of the eyeball obtained by infrared light imaging. Any known method can be used for line of sight detection using the captured image of the eyeball. For example, a line of sight detection method that uses Purkinje images obtained by reflecting irradiation light on the cornea can be adopted. Specifically, line of sight detection processing based on a pupil-corneal reflection method is performed here. The user's line of sight is detected by calculating a line of sight vector representing the orientation (rotation angle) of the eyeball from a Purkinje image and a pupil image included in the captured image of the eyeball according to a pupil-corneal reflection method.

[0122] The display device including the organic light-emitting element according to the present embodiment may include an imaging device including a light-receiving element, and may control the display image of the display device based on user line-of-sight information from the imaging device.

[0123] Specifically, a first visual field region at which the user views and a second visual field region different from the first visual field region are determined in the display device based on line-of-sight information. The first visual field region and the second visual field region may be determined by the control device of the display device; alternatively, the display device may receive visual field regions determined by an external control device. In a display region of the display device, the display resolution in the first visual field region may be controlled to be higher than the display resolution in the second visual field region. That is, the resolution in the second visual field region may be set to be lower than that of the first visual field region.

[0124] The display area may include a first display area and a second display area different from the first display area, such that the display device selects the higher-priority area from the first display area and the second display area based on the line-of-sight information. The first display area and the second display area may be determined by the control device of the display device; alternatively, the display device may receive display areas determined by an external control device. The display device may control the resolution in a high-priority area to be higher than the resolution in areas other than the high-priority areas. That is, the display device may lower the resolution in relatively low-priority areas.

[0125] Herein, AI (artificial intelligence) may be used to determine the first field of view region and the high-priority regions. The AI ​​may be a model constructed to estimate, from an image of the eyeball, a line-of-sight angle and the distance to an object ahead in the line of sight using training data in the form of the image of the eyeball and the direction the eyeball was actually looking in the image. An AI program may be provided in the display device, the imaging device, or an external device. In a case where an external device includes the AI ​​program, the AI ​​program is transmitted from the external device to the display device via communication.

[0126] In a case where the display device performs display control based on visual recognition detection, the display device can preferably be used in smart glasses that further include an imaging device that captures images of the exterior. The smart glasses can display captured external information in real time.

[0127] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and changes can be implemented without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to disclose the scope of the present invention.

[0128] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2002-198814, filed on December 13, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Reference character list] 1 Light-emitting element 102a to 102c lower electrode 103, 104, 106, 108 110 organic layer 105a to 105c first light-emitting layer 107 Charge generation layer 109a to 109c second light-emitting layer 111 upper electrode QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 2015 / 018808

[0005] JP 2012-216338

[0005] JP 2002-198814

[0128]

Claims

[1] Organic light-emitting element comprising: a first element comprising, on a substrate, a first lower electrode, a first light-emitting layer emitting light of a first color, a charge generation layer, a second light-emitting layer emitting light of the first color, and an upper electrode in this order; a second element comprising, on the substrate, a second lower electrode, a third light-emitting layer emitting light of a second color different from the first color, the charge generation layer, a fourth light-emitting layer emitting light of the second color, and the upper electrode in this order; and an insulating layer covering one end of the first lower electrode and one end of the second lower electrode, wherein the first element has one or more organic layers between the first lower electrode and the charge generation layer, the insulating layer has a cut between the first lower electrode and the second lower electrode, and one end of at least one organic layer of the one or more organic layers is arranged between the notch and the first element. [2] The organic light-emitting element according to claim 1, wherein the thickest layer of the one or more organic layers is not formed in at least a part of the recess. [3] The organic light-emitting element according to claim 2, wherein the first element comprises a reflection layer and a first optical matching layer, and the second element comprises the reflection layer and a second optical matching layer. [4] Organic light-emitting element comprising: a first element comprising, on a substrate, a first lower electrode, a first light-emitting layer emitting light of a first color, a charge generation layer, a second light-emitting layer emitting light of the first color, and an upper electrode in this order; and a second element comprising on the substrate a second lower electrode, a third light-emitting layer emitting light of a second color different from the first color, the charge generation layer, a fourth light-emitting layer emitting light of the second color, and the upper electrode in this order, wherein the first element has a first reflection layer and a first optical matching layer. [5] The organic light-emitting element according to claim 4, wherein the second element comprises a second reflection layer and a second optical adjustment layer having a thickness different from a thickness of the first optical adjustment layer. [6] The organic light-emitting element according to claim 4, wherein an optical resonator structure for causing light of the first color to be resonated is provided between the first reflection layer and the first optical matching layer. [7] The organic light-emitting element according to claim 5, wherein an optical resonator structure for causing light of the second color to be resonated is provided between the second reflection layer and the second optical matching layer. [8] The organic light-emitting element according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein an insulating layer is formed on the first lower electrode, and the insulating layer has a notch. [9] The organic light-emitting element according to claim 8, wherein the first element has one or more organic layers between the first lower electrode and the charge generation layer, and at least one layer of the one or more organic layers is not formed in at least a part of the incision. [10] The organic light-emitting element according to claim 8, wherein the first element has one or more organic layers between the first lower electrode and the charge generation layer, and the thickest layer of the one or more organic layers is not formed in at least part of the incision. [11] Display device comprising: several pixels, where at least one of the plurality of pixels contains the organic light-emitting element according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and a transistor connected to the organic light-emitting element. [12] A photoelectric conversion device comprising: an optical unit with several lenses; an imaging element that receives light that has passed through the optical unit; and a display unit that displays an image captured by the imaging element, wherein the display unit contains the organic light-emitting element according to one of claims 1 to 10. [13] Electronic device comprising: a display unit comprising the organic light-emitting element according to any one of claims 1 to 10; a housing provided with the display unit; and a communication unit provided in the housing and communicating with the outside. [14] Lighting device comprising: a light source comprising the organic light-emitting element according to any one of claims 1 to 10; and a light diffusing part or an optical film that transmits light emitted by the light source. [15] Movable body comprising: a lamp comprising the organic light-emitting element according to any one of claims 1 to 10; and a body provided with the lamp.

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