STRUCTURAL FIXTURES, LIGHTING, DISPLAY EQUIPMENT, AND DISPLAY EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURING METHODS
Patent Information
- Application Number
- VN1202603499
- Authority / Receiving Office
- VN · VN
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-11-07
- Filing Date
- 2024-07-29
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-15
AI Technical Summary
Existing manufacturing methods for inorganic light emitting diodes face challenges in efficiently aligning light emitting elements, leading to reduced transfer yields and increased costs.
The proposed solution involves a sorting structure that uses a flow rate supplied to a fluid layer to move dummy light emitting elements from an amorphic region to an alignment area, thereby increasing the alignment efficiency of light emitting elements on a base substrate.
This method enhances the transcription yield of light emitting elements by increasing the probability of alignment with electrodes, thereby improving the manufacturing efficiency and reducing waste.
Smart Images

Figure VN1202603499_0
Abstract
Description
Alignment structure of light-emitting element, display device, and manufacturing method thereof
[0001] The present disclosure relates to an alignment structure for efficiently aligning light-emitting elements, a display device, and a method for manufacturing the same.
[0002] A display device is a device that processes image signals and image data input from the outside or stored internally through various processes and displays them as images on a display panel or screen. Depending on the method, the device can be implemented in various ways, such as a TV, monitor, or portable media player.
[0003] Recently, in response to the development of multimedia, various types of display devices such as organic light emitting displays (OLEDs) and liquid crystal displays (LCDs) are being used. A display device is a device that displays an image and may include a display panel such as an organic light emitting display panel or a liquid crystal display panel. Such a display panel may include a light emitting element. For example, the display panel may include a light emitting diode (LED), such as an organic light emitting diode (OLED) that uses an organic material as a fluorescent material, and an inorganic light emitting diode that uses an inorganic material as a fluorescent material.
[0004] Inorganic light-emitting diodes (LEDs), which utilize inorganic semiconductors as fluorescent materials, boast durability even in high-temperature environments and higher blue light efficiency compared to organic light-emitting diodes. Furthermore, transfer methods utilizing electrophoresis or dielectrophoresis have been developed to address manufacturing limitations previously identified with inorganic LED devices. Research is continuing on inorganic LEDs, which offer superior durability and efficiency compared to organic LEDs.
[0005] A light-emitting element alignment structure that increases the transfer yield of light-emitting elements by moving dummy light-emitting elements in a non-aligned region to an aligned region using a flow rate supplied to a fluid layer, and a method for manufacturing a display device using the same are provided.
[0006] A method for manufacturing a display device according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include providing a plurality of light-emitting elements to a base substrate including an alignment region and a non-alignment region through a fluid layer, aligning a first light-emitting element provided to the alignment region of the base substrate to at least one electrode using an electric field, and moving a second light-emitting element provided to the non-alignment region of the base substrate to the alignment region by supplying a flow rate to the fluid layer.
[0007] In one embodiment, the act of providing the plurality of light-emitting elements to a base substrate including an aligned region and a non-aligned region through a fluid layer may include an act of vertically lowering at least one of the plurality of light-emitting elements by gravity in a gravitational sphere of influence of the fluid layer, and an act of rotating at least one of the plurality of light-emitting elements by at least one of electrophoresis and dielectrophoresis in an electric field sphere of influence of the fluid layer.
[0008] In one embodiment, the operation of moving the second light-emitting element provided in the non-aligned region of the base substrate to the alignment region by supplying a flow rate to the fluid layer may be performed by using a flow rate supply unit to move the second light-emitting element to at least one of the gravitational influence sphere and the electric field influence sphere of the alignment region, thereby aligning the second light-emitting element to the at least one electrode of the alignment region.
[0009] In one embodiment, the operation of using the flow supply unit may include an operation of generating the flow rate using a flow medium as a flow rate generating unit, an operation of injecting the flow rate from a flow rate supply line into the fluid layer as a flow rate injecting unit, and an operation of controlling the flow rate of the flow rate supply line based on measuring the flow rate of the flow rate supply line as a flow rate controlling unit.
[0010] In one embodiment, the operation of generating the flow velocity using the flow medium may include an operation of outputting the flow medium including at least one of a liquid and a gas to the flow supply line at a predetermined velocity.
[0011] In one embodiment, the operation of injecting the fluid from the fluid supply line into the fluid layer may include the operation of injecting the fluid from the fluid injection units that are continuously arranged at regular intervals in the non-aligned region of the base substrate.
[0012] In one embodiment, based on measuring the flow rate of the flow rate supply line, the operation of controlling the flow rate of the flow rate supply line may include an operation of decreasing the flow rate based on the flow rate of the flow rate supply line becoming faster than a preset reference flow rate, and an operation of increasing the flow rate based on the flow rate of the flow rate supply line becoming slower than the preset reference flow rate.
[0013] In one embodiment, the operation of injecting the fluid medium from the fluid supply line into the fluid layer may include an operation of injecting the fluid medium in one direction through an injection port. The operation of moving the second light-emitting element provided in the non-aligned region of the base substrate to the alignment region by supplying the fluid medium to the fluid layer may include an operation of moving the second light-emitting element to at least one of the alignment regions adjacent to the non-aligned region by supplying the fluid medium in one direction through the injection port to the fluid layer.
[0014] In one embodiment, the operation of injecting the fluid medium from the fluid supply line into the fluid layer may include an operation of injecting the fluid medium through two injection holes that inject the fluid medium in a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction. The operation of moving the second light-emitting element provided in the non-aligned region of the base substrate to the alignment region by supplying the fluid medium to the fluid layer may include an operation of moving the second light-emitting element to at least one of the alignment regions adjacent to the non-aligned region by supplying the fluid medium in the first direction and the second direction to the fluid layer through the two injection holes.
[0015] In one embodiment, the operation of injecting the fluid medium from the fluid supply line into the fluid layer may include an operation of generating a vortex in at least one direction of a clockwise or counterclockwise direction in the fluid layer by injecting the fluid medium. The operation of moving the second light-emitting element provided in the non-aligned region of the base substrate to the aligned region by supplying the fluid medium into the fluid layer may include an operation of moving the second light-emitting element to at least one of the aligned regions adjacent to the non-aligned region based on the vortex.
[0016] A display device according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one electrode and a plurality of light-emitting elements aligned with the at least one electrode. In a process of aligning the plurality of light-emitting elements with the at least one electrode, the plurality of light-emitting elements may be supplied to a fluid layer and provided on a base substrate including an alignment region and a non-alignment region. A first light-emitting element provided in the alignment region may be aligned with the at least one electrode using an electric field. A second light-emitting element provided in the non-alignment region may move to the alignment region based on a flow rate supplied to the fluid layer.
[0017] In one embodiment, in the process of aligning the plurality of light-emitting elements to the at least one electrode, at least one of the plurality of light-emitting elements can be lowered vertically by gravity in the gravitational influence sphere of the fluid layer and rotated by at least one of electrophoresis and dielectrophoresis in the electric field influence sphere of the fluid layer.
[0018] In one embodiment, the second light emitting element provided in the non-aligned region among the plurality of light emitting elements can be aligned to the at least one electrode of the alignment region by being moved to at least one of the gravitational influence sphere and the electric field influence sphere of the alignment region by the flow supply unit.
[0019] An alignment structure of a light-emitting element according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a base substrate including an alignment region and a non-alignment region, at least one electrode provided on the base substrate, and a fluid supply unit provided on the base substrate. An electric field may be configured to align the first light-emitting element to the at least one electrode based on a first light-emitting element among a plurality of light-emitting elements being provided to the at least one electrode in the alignment region through a fluid layer. The fluid supply unit may be configured to move a second light-emitting element among the plurality of light-emitting elements provided in the non-alignment region to the alignment region by supplying a fluid to the fluid layer.
[0020] In one embodiment, based on the plurality of light-emitting elements descending vertically by gravity within the gravitational field sphere of influence of the fluid layer, the electric field may be configured such that at least one of the plurality of light-emitting elements rotates within the electric field sphere of influence of the fluid layer by at least one of electrophoresis and dielectrophoresis and aligns with the at least one electrode.
[0021] In one embodiment, the flow supply unit may be configured to align the second light-emitting element in the misaligned region to at least one of the gravitational influence sphere and the electric field influence sphere of the aligned region, thereby aligning the second light-emitting element with the at least one electrode in the aligned region.
[0022] In one embodiment, the flow supply unit may include a flow generation unit configured to generate the flow using a flow medium, a flow injection unit configured to inject the flow delivered to the flow supply line into the fluid layer, and a flow control unit configured to measure the flow rate of the flow supply line and control the flow rate.
[0023] In one embodiment, the velocity generating unit may be configured to generate the velocity by outputting the velocity medium including at least one of a liquid and a gas to the velocity supply line at a predetermined velocity.
[0024] In one embodiment, the flow injection portions may be provided at regular intervals in the misaligned region of the base substrate.
[0025] In one embodiment, the flow control unit may be configured to decrease the flow rate based on the flow rate of the flow supply line becoming faster than a preset reference flow rate, and to increase the flow rate based on the flow rate of the flow supply line becoming slower than the preset reference flow rate.
[0026] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the alignment structure of the light-emitting element of the present disclosure, the display device and the manufacturing method thereof can move the dummy light-emitting element in the non-aligned region to the alignment region by supplying a flow rate to the fluid layer.
[0027] Therefore, the alignment structure of the light-emitting element of the present disclosure, the display device, and the manufacturing method thereof can increase the transfer yield of the light-emitting element by increasing the probability that the light-emitting element of the fluid layer is aligned to the electrode.
[0028] The effects that can be obtained from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure pertain from the following description. In other words, unintended effects resulting from implementing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived by those skilled in the art from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0029] The foregoing and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings.
[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates a plan view of a display device according to one embodiment.
[0031] Figure 2 illustrates a light emitting element according to one embodiment.
[0032] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a display device according to one embodiment.
[0033] Figure 4 illustrates a transfer process of a light-emitting element according to one embodiment.
[0034] FIG. 5 illustrates the force applied to a light-emitting element during an alignment process according to one embodiment.
[0035] FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an alignment structure of a light emitting element according to one embodiment.
[0036] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an alignment structure of a light emitting element according to one embodiment.
[0037] FIG. 8 illustrates a light emitting element moving from an unaligned region to an aligned region according to one embodiment.
[0038] FIG. 9 illustrates a flow supply unit that supplies a flow rate in one direction to a fluid layer according to one embodiment.
[0039] FIG. 10 illustrates a flow supply unit that supplies flow rates in both directions to a fluid layer according to one embodiment.
[0040] Figure 11 illustrates a flow supply unit that supplies flow to a fluid layer to form a vortex according to one embodiment.
[0041] FIG. 12 illustrates a method for manufacturing a display device using an alignment structure according to one embodiment.
[0042] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components. Furthermore, in the drawings and related descriptions, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.
[0043] Although terms such as "first," "second," etc. are used to refer to each component in this disclosure, these terms are used simply to distinguish the components and do not necessarily refer to the respective components. In other words, components defined as "first," "second," etc. are not necessarily limited to a specific structure or location, and different numbers may be assigned depending on the case.
[0044] Accordingly, the numbers assigned to each component can be explained through the drawings and the description below, and it goes without saying that the first component mentioned below may also be the second component within the technical concept of the present invention.
[0045] FIG. 1 illustrates a plan view of a display device (1) according to one embodiment.
[0046] Referring to FIG. 1, a display device (1) may include a plurality of pixels (PX). Each of the pixels (PX) may include one or more light-emitting elements (30) that emit light of a specific wavelength range and may display a specific color. For example, each of the plurality of pixels (PX) may include a first sub-pixel (PX1), a second sub-pixel (PX2), and a third sub-pixel (PX3).
[0047] The first sub-pixel (PX1) can emit light of a first color, the second sub-pixel (PX2) can emit light of a second color, and the third sub-pixel (PX3) can emit light of a third color. The first color can be red, the second color can be green, and the third color can be blue, but the invention is not limited thereto, and each sub-pixel (PXn) can emit light of the same color. In addition, although FIG. 1 illustrates that each pixel (PX) includes three sub-pixels, the invention is not limited thereto, and each pixel (PX) can include a greater number of sub-pixels.
[0048] The sub-pixel (PXn) of the display device (1) may include a predetermined area defined as an alignment area (AA) and a non-alignment area (NAA). The alignment area (AA) may be defined as an area where a light-emitting element (30) included in the display device (1) is arranged. The non-alignment area (NAA) may be defined as an area other than the alignment area (AA) where the light-emitting element (30) is not arranged and light is not emitted. However, the definition of the alignment area (AA) is not limited thereto, and may be defined as an area where the light-emitting element (30) must be arranged. In other words, an alignment area (AA) where the light-emitting element (30) must be aligned is defined on each pixel (PX) or sub-pixel (PXn), and the light-emitting element (30) may be arranged on the alignment area (AA) in the manufacturing process of the display device (1). For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the alignment area (AA) may include a portion of the electrodes (21, 22) of each sub-pixel (PXn) and a predetermined area between the electrodes (21, 22) of each sub-pixel (PXn).
[0049] The display device (1) may include a coating layer (80) disposed on at least a portion of each pixel (PX) or sub-pixel (PXn). The coating layer (80) is disposed on the alignment area (AA) or the non-alignment area (NAA) of each sub-pixel (PXn), and may partially overlap with the electrodes (21, 22) as the case may be. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the coating layer (80) may be disposed within each sub-pixel (PXn) to completely cover the electrodes (21, 22). For example, the coating layer (80) may include an opening (80P) that exposes a portion of the area. The coating layer (80) may be partially disposed on the non-alignment area (NAA) including the alignment area (AA), but is not limited thereto.
[0050] According to one embodiment, the coating layer (80) may perform a function of preventing ink (S) sprayed onto each pixel (PX) or sub-pixel (PXn) from moving or spreading to an area other than a required alignment area (AA). In the manufacturing process of the display device (1), a light-emitting element (30) may be supplied onto electrodes (21, 22), and the light-emitting element (30) may be placed on the electrodes (21, 22) by electrophoresis or dielectrophoresis. For example, the light-emitting element (30) may be settled within the required alignment area (AA) by the coating layer (80), and the light-emitting element (30) may be smoothly placed on the electrodes (21, 22).
[0051] A sub-pixel (PXn) of a display device (1) may include a plurality of partition walls (40), a plurality of electrodes (21, 22), a light-emitting element (30), and a coating layer (80). The plurality of electrodes (21, 22) may be electrically connected to the light-emitting elements (30). A predetermined voltage may be applied to the plurality of electrodes (21, 22) so that the light-emitting elements (30) may emit light. The plurality of electrodes (21, 22) may be utilized to form an electric field within the sub-pixel (PXn) in order to align the light-emitting elements (30).
[0052] The plurality of electrodes (21, 22) may include a first electrode (21) and a second electrode (22). In an exemplary embodiment, the first electrode (21) may be a pixel electrode separated for each sub-pixel (PXn), and the second electrode (22) may be a common electrode commonly connected along each sub-pixel (PXn). For example, one of the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) may be an anode electrode of the light-emitting element (30), and the other may be a cathode electrode of the light-emitting element (30). However, the types of the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) are not limited thereto, and may be the opposite case.
[0053] The first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) may each include an electrode stem (21S, 22S) extending in a first direction (D1) and at least one electrode branch (21B, 22B) extending and branching from the electrode stem (21S, 22S) in a second direction (D2) intersecting the first direction (D1).
[0054] The first electrode (21) may include a first electrode stem (21S) extending in a first direction (D1) and at least one first electrode branch (21B) branched from the first electrode stem (21S) and extending in a second direction (D2). The first electrode stem (21S) of any pixel may terminate with both ends spaced apart between each sub-pixel (PXn), but may be positioned substantially on the same straight line as the first electrode stem (21S) of a neighboring sub-pixel belonging to the same row (e.g., adjacent in the first direction (D1)). Accordingly, the first electrode stem (21S) arranged in each sub-pixel (PXn) may apply different electric signals to each first electrode branch (21B), and the first electrode branches (21B) may be driven separately.
[0055] The first electrode branch (21B) may be branched from at least a portion of the first electrode stem (21S) and may be arranged to extend in the second direction (D2), but may be terminated in a state spaced apart from the second electrode stem (22S) arranged to face the first electrode stem (21S). The second electrode (22) may include a second electrode stem (22S) extended in the first direction (D1) and spaced apart from the first electrode stem (21S) and arranged to face the first electrode stem (21S), and a second electrode branch (22B) branched from the second electrode stem (22S) and extended in the second direction (D2). However, the second electrode stem (22S) may extend to a plurality of adjacent sub-pixels (PXn) in the first direction (D1). Accordingly, the second electrode stem (22S) of any pixel can be connected at both ends to the second electrode stem (22S) of the neighboring pixel between each pixel (PX).
[0056] The second electrode branch (22B) may be spaced apart from and opposite to the first electrode branch (21B) and terminated in a state spaced apart from the first electrode stem (21S). That is, the second electrode branch (22B) may be arranged in the sub-pixel (PXn) with one end connected to the second electrode stem (22S) and the other end spaced apart from the first electrode stem (21S). Although the drawing illustrates two first electrode branches (21B) being arranged and the second electrode branch (22B) being arranged between them, the present invention is not limited thereto.
[0057] A plurality of partition walls (40) may be arranged at the boundary between each sub-pixel (PXn). The plurality of first electrode stems (21S) may have their respective ends spaced apart from each other based on the partition walls (40). The partition walls (40) may be arranged at the boundary of the sub-pixels (PXn) that extend in the second direction (D2) and are arranged in the first direction (D1). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the partition walls (40) may also be arranged at the boundary of the sub-pixels (PXn) that extend in the first direction (D1) and are arranged in the second direction (D2).
[0058] A plurality of light-emitting elements (30) may be aligned between the first electrode branch (21B) and the second electrode branch (22B). At least some of the plurality of light-emitting elements (30) may have one end electrically connected to the first electrode branch (21B) and the other end electrically connected to the second electrode branch (22B).
[0059] A plurality of light emitting elements (30) may be spaced apart in the second direction (D2) and aligned substantially parallel to one another. The spacing between the light emitting elements (30) is not particularly limited. In some cases, a plurality of light emitting elements (30) may be arranged adjacently to form a group, and another plurality of light emitting elements (30) may be arranged in a group spaced apart from one another at a certain interval, and may be aligned with an uneven density but oriented in one direction.
[0060] A contact electrode (26) may be disposed on each of the first electrode branch (21B) and the second electrode branch (22B). However, the contact electrode (26) is substantially disposed on the insulating layer, and at least a portion of the contact electrode (26) may be in contact with or electrically connected to the first electrode branch (21B) and the second electrode branch (22B). The plurality of contact electrodes (26) may be disposed to extend in the second direction (D2), but may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the first direction (D1). The contact electrode (26) may be in contact with at least one end of the light-emitting element (30), and the contact electrode (26) may be in contact with the first electrode (21) or the second electrode (22) to receive an electric signal. Accordingly, the contact electrode (26) may transmit an electric signal transmitted from each electrode (21, 22) to the light-emitting element (30).
[0061] The contact electrode (26) may include a first contact electrode (26a) and a second contact electrode (26b). The first contact electrode (26a) is disposed on the first electrode branch (21B) and may be in contact with one end of the light-emitting element (30), and the second contact electrode (26b) is disposed on the second electrode branch (22B) and may be in contact with the other end of the light-emitting element (30).
[0062] The first electrode stem portion (21S) and the second electrode stem portion (22S) may be electrically connected to the circuit element layer of the display device (1) through contact holes, for example, the first electrode contact hole (CNTD) and the second electrode contact hole (CNTS), respectively. FIG. 1 illustrates that one second electrode contact hole (CNTS) is formed in the second electrode stem portion (22S) of a plurality of sub-pixels (PXn). However, the position and number of the second electrode contact holes (CNTS) are not limited thereto, and in some cases, a second electrode contact hole (CNTS) may be formed for each sub-pixel (PXn).
[0063] Figure 2 illustrates a light emitting element (30) according to one embodiment.
[0064] The light emitting element (30) may be a light emitting diode, and specifically, the light emitting element (30) may be an inorganic light emitting diode made of an inorganic material and having a size in the unit of micrometers or nanometers. The inorganic light emitting diode may be aligned between two electrodes that face each other when an electric field is formed between the two electrodes in a specific direction to form polarity. The light emitting element (30) may be aligned between the electrodes by the electric field formed on the two electrodes. The light emitting element (30) may include a semiconductor crystal doped with an impurity of any conductivity type (e.g., p-type or n-type). The semiconductor crystal may receive an electric signal applied from an external power source and emit it as light of a specific wavelength range.
[0065] Referring to FIG. 2, a light-emitting device (30) according to one embodiment may include a first conductive semiconductor (31), a second conductive semiconductor (32), an active layer (33), and an insulating film (38). In addition, the light-emitting device (30) according to one embodiment may further include at least one conductive electrode layer (37). Although FIG. 2 illustrates that the light-emitting device (30) further includes one conductive electrode layer (37), the present invention is not limited thereto. In some cases, the light-emitting device (30) may include a greater number of conductive electrode layers (37), or may be omitted.
[0066] The light-emitting element (30) may have a shape extending in one direction. The light-emitting element (30) may have a shape such as a nanorod, nanowire, nanotube, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the light-emitting element (30) may be cylindrical or rod-shaped. However, the shape of the light-emitting element (30) is not limited thereto, and may have various shapes such as a cube, a rectangular parallelepiped, a hexagonal column, etc. The plurality of semiconductors included in the light-emitting element (30) described below may have a structure in which they are sequentially arranged or stacked along the one direction.
[0067] The light-emitting element (30) according to one embodiment can emit light in a specific wavelength range. In an exemplary embodiment, the light emitted from the active layer (33) can emit blue light having a center wavelength band in the range of 450 nm to 495 nm. However, the center wavelength band of the blue light is not limited to the above-described range, and it should be understood that it includes all wavelength ranges that can be recognized as blue in the present technical field. In addition, the light emitted from the active layer (33) of the light-emitting element (30) is not limited thereto, and may be green light having a center wavelength band in the range of 495 nm to 570 nm, or red light having a center wavelength band in the range of 620 nm to 750 nm.
[0068] Referring to FIG. 2, the light-emitting element (30) will be described in detail. The first conductive semiconductor (31) may be an n-type semiconductor having a first conductive type. For example, when the light-emitting element (30) emits light in the blue wavelength range, the first conductive semiconductor (31) may include a semiconductor material having a chemical formula of InxAlyGa1-x-yN (0≤x≤1, 0≤y≤1, 0≤x+y≤1). For example, it may be at least one of n-type doped InAlGaN, GaN, AlGaN, InGaN, AlN, and InN. The first conductive semiconductor (31') may be doped with a first conductive dopant, and for example, the first conductive dopant may be Si, Ge, Sn, or the like. In an exemplary embodiment, the first conductive semiconductor (31) may be n-GaN doped with n-type Si. The length of the first challenge type semiconductor (31) may range from 1.5 μm to 5 μm, but is not limited thereto.
[0069] A second conductive semiconductor (32) may be disposed on the active layer (33). The second conductive semiconductor (32) may be a p-type semiconductor having a second conductive type, for example, and for example, when the light-emitting element (30) emits light in a blue or green wavelength range, the second conductive semiconductor (32) may include a semiconductor material having a chemical formula of InxAlyGa1-x-yN (0≤x≤1, 0≤y≤1, 0≤x+y≤1). For example, it may be at least one of p-doped InAlGaN, GaN, AlGaNN, InGaN, AlN, and InN. The second conductive semiconductor (32) may be doped with a second conductive dopant, and for example, the second conductive dopant may be Mg, Zn, Ca, Se, Ba, or the like. In an exemplary embodiment, the second conductive semiconductor (32) may be p-GaN doped with p-type Mg. The length of the second conductive semiconductor (32) may range from 0.08 μm to 0.25 μm, but is not limited thereto. The drawing illustrates that the first conductive semiconductor (31) and the second conductive semiconductor (32) are formed as a single layer, but is not limited thereto. In some cases, depending on the material of the active layer (33), the first conductive semiconductor (31) and the second conductive semiconductor (32) may further include a greater number of layers, for example, a clad layer or a TSBR (Tensile Strain Barrier Reducing) layer.
[0070] The active layer (33) may be disposed between the first conductivity type semiconductor (31) and the second conductivity type semiconductor (32). The active layer (33) may include a material having a single or multiple quantum well structure. When the active layer (33) includes a material having a multiple quantum well structure, it may have a structure in which multiple quantum layers and well layers are alternately stacked. The active layer (33) may emit light by the combination of electron-hole pairs according to an electric signal applied through the first conductivity type semiconductor (31) and the second conductivity type semiconductor (32). For example, when the active layer (33) emits light in the blue wavelength range, it may include a material such as AlGaN or AlInGaN. When the active layer (33) has a structure in which quantum layers and well layers are alternately stacked in a multiple quantum well structure, the quantum layer may include a material such as AlGaN or AlInGaN, and the well layer may include a material such as GaN or AlInN. In an exemplary embodiment, the active layer (33) may include AlGaInN as a quantum layer and AlInN as a well layer, and as described above, the active layer (33) may emit blue light having a center wavelength band ranging from 450 nm to 495 nm. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the active layer (33) may have a structure in which semiconductor materials having a large band gap energy and semiconductor materials having a small band gap energy are alternately laminated, and may include different group III to group V semiconductor materials depending on the wavelength of the light emitted. The light emitted by the active layer (33) is not limited to light in the blue wavelength band, and may also emit light in the red and green wavelength bands as needed. The length of the active layer (33) may range from 0.05 μm to 0.25 μm, but is not limited thereto. The light emitted from the active layer (33) may be emitted not only to the longitudinal outer surface of the light-emitting element (30), but also to both side surfaces. The light emitted from the active layer (33) is not limited in direction to one direction.
[0071] The conductive electrode layer (37) may be an ohmic contact electrode. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and may also be a Schottky contact electrode. The conductive electrode layer (37) may include a conductive metal. For example, the conductive electrode layer (37) may include at least one of aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), indium (In), gold (Au), silver (Ag), indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), and indium tin-zinc oxide (ITZO). In addition, the conductive electrode layer (37) may include a semiconductor material doped with an n-type or p-type. The conductive electrode layers (37) may include the same material or different materials, but are not limited thereto.
[0072] The insulating film (38) may be arranged to surround the outer surfaces of the plurality of semiconductors described above. In an exemplary embodiment, the insulating film (38) is arranged to surround at least the outer surface of the active layer (33), and may extend in one direction in which the light-emitting element (30) extends. The insulating film (38) may function to protect the above-described members. For example, the insulating film (38) may be formed to surround the side surfaces of the members, but may be formed such that both longitudinal ends of the light-emitting element (30) are exposed. In the drawing, the insulating film (38) is illustrated as being formed to extend in the longitudinal direction of the light-emitting element (30) and cover from the first conductive semiconductor (31) to the conductive electrode layer (37), but is not limited thereto. The insulating film (38) may cover only the outer surfaces of some of the conductive semiconductors, including the active layer (33), or may cover only a portion of the outer surface of the conductive electrode layer (37) such that a portion of the outer surface of the conductive electrode layer (37) is exposed. The thickness of the insulating film (38) may range from 10 nm to 1.0 μm, but is not limited thereto. Preferably, the thickness of the insulating film (38) may be 40 nm. The insulating film (38) may include materials having insulating properties, for example, silicon oxide (SiOx), silicon nitride (SiNx), silicon oxynitride (SiOxNy), aluminum nitride (AlN), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), etc. Accordingly, an electrical short circuit that may occur when the active layer (33) directly contacts an electrode through which an electrical signal is transmitted to the light-emitting element (30) can be prevented. In addition, since the insulating film (38) protects the outer surface of the light-emitting element (30) including the active layer (33), a decrease in luminous efficiency can be prevented. In addition, according to an embodiment, the outer surface of the insulating film (38) may be surface-treated.
[0073] The light-emitting element (30) can be supplied to the fluid layer during the manufacture of the display device (1). For example, the light-emitting element (30) can move in the direction of the electrodes (21, 22) in the fluid layer and be aligned to the electrodes (21, 22) by electrophoresis or dielectrophoresis. Here, in order for the light-emitting element (30) to remain dispersed without being aggregated with other adjacent light-emitting elements (30) in the fluid layer, the insulating film (38) can have a surface treated to be hydrophobic or hydrophilic.
[0074] The light emitting element (30) may have a length (l) in the range of 1 μm to 10 μm or 2 μm to 5 μm, and preferably may have a length of about 4 μm. In addition, the diameter of the light emitting element (30) may be in the range of 300 nm to 700 nm, and the aspect ratio of the light emitting element (30) may be in the range of 1.2 to 100. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and a plurality of light emitting elements (30) included in the display device (1) may have different diameters depending on the difference in the composition of the active layer (33). For example, the diameter of the light emitting element (30) may be in the range of about 500 nm.
[0075] As described above, the light emitting element (30) can be supplied to the fluid layer and aligned on the electrodes (21, 22) by electrophoresis or dielectrophoresis. For example, the light emitting element (30) can be positioned between predetermined electrodes (21, 22) by being settled within the alignment area (AA) by electrophoresis or dielectrophoresis.
[0076] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a display device (1) according to one embodiment.
[0077] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the display device (1) may include a light emitting element (30) aligned on at least one electrode (21, 22). For example, during a manufacturing process of the display device (1), at least one electrode (21, 22) may be formed on a base substrate (SUB). The base substrate (SUB) may include an alignment area (AA) and a non-alignment area (NAA). The light emitting element (30) may be aligned on at least one electrode (21, 22). The alignment area (AA) and the non-alignment area (NAA) are illustrated in two dimensions, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the alignment area (AA) and the non-alignment area (NAA) may extend in a vertical direction on the base substrate (SUB).
[0078] In one embodiment, a coating layer (80) may be formed on at least one electrode (21, 22). For example, a light emitting element (30) may be disposed between a first electrode (21) and a second electrode (22) on the coating layer (80). When manufacturing a display device (1), the coating layer (80) disposed on the electrodes (21, 22) may prevent the transferred light emitting element (30) from spreading in a fluid layer, thereby inducing the light emitting element (30) to be smoothly disposed within an alignment area (AA) on a base substrate (SUB).
[0079] The light emitting element (30) is aligned between the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22), so that it can receive an electric signal applied from an external power source. The light emitting element can emit light of a specific wavelength based on the electric signal. The light emitting element (30) can be aligned in a specific orientation direction between the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22). For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the light emitting element (30) can be horizontally aligned between the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22). For example, unlike FIG. 3, the light emitting element (30) can be vertically aligned between the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22).
[0080] FIG. 4 illustrates a transfer process of a light-emitting element (30) according to one embodiment, and FIG. 5 illustrates a force received by a light-emitting element (30) during an alignment process according to one embodiment.
[0081] Referring to FIG. 4, during the transfer process, the light emitting element (30) is supplied to the fluid layer (FL) and can be aligned to at least one electrode (21, 22) by moving in the direction of at least one electrode (21, 22) in the fluid layer (FL). For example, the transfer process can be performed using a receiving chamber that receives a base substrate (SUB) and a fluid layer (FL), and a chip supply unit (CFU) disposed above the receiving chamber.
[0082] The light emitting element (30) can be supplied to the fluid layer (FL) by being discharged from the chip feeding unit (CFU). The chip feeding unit (CFU) can include at least one supply nozzle for discharging the light emitting element (30). For example, the supply nozzle can discharge the light emitting element (30) to the fluid layer (FL) through a plurality of supply lines. During the transfer process, the chip feeding unit (CFU) can be disposed above the fluid layer (FL) and discharge the light emitting element (30) in a vertically downward direction. For example, the chip feeding unit (CFU) can discharge the light emitting element (30) into a receiving chamber filled with the fluid layer (FL). The receiving chamber can include a base substrate (SUB) on which at least one electrode (21, 22) is formed and a fluid layer (FL) filled on the base substrate (SUB).
[0083] The fluid layer (FL) may include a fluid for aligning the light-emitting element (30) to at least one electrode (21, 22). The fluid may include at least one of a hydrophobic fluid and a hydrophilic fluid. The light-emitting element (30) may move in the fluid layer (FL). For example, the light-emitting element (30) may move in the fluid layer (FL) based on at least one of gravity and an electric field.
[0084] Referring to FIG. 5, the light emitting element (30) in the fluid layer (FL) can be aligned to at least one electrode (21, 22) by receiving a force due to at least one of gravity (G) and an electric field (E).
[0085] In one embodiment, the light emitting element (30) can descend toward at least one electrode (21, 22) by gravity (G) within the gravitational field region (GIA) of the fluid layer (FL). For example, the light emitting element (30) supplied to the fluid layer (FL) can sink vertically downward in either the alignment region (AA) or the non-alignment region (NAA) of the base substrate (SUB). When the light emitting element (30) moves vertically downward in the alignment region (AA), the light emitting element (30) can be aligned to at least one electrode (21, 22). The light emitting element (30) moving vertically downward in the alignment region (AA) can be referred to as a first light emitting element. When the light emitting element (30) moves vertically downward in the non-alignment region (NAA), the light emitting element (30) can be a dummy light emitting element (30_D) that is not aligned to at least one electrode (21, 22). The light emitting element (30) moving in the vertical downward direction in the non-aligned area (NAA) may be referred to as a second light emitting element.
[0086] In one embodiment, the light emitting element (30) can be aligned to at least one electrode (21, 22) within an electric field area (EIA) formed by at least one electrode (21, 22). For example, the at least one electrode (21, 22) can form an electric field (E) by applying an alternating current (AC) power. The light emitting element (30) can be stably fixed to the at least one electrode (21, 22) by at least one of an electrophoresis method based on an electric field and a dielectrophoresis method based on an electric field.
[0087] For example, the light emitting element (30) can be rotated by an electrophoretic force. In this case, one end of the light emitting element (30) having a positive charge moves to the cathode of at least one electrode (21, 22), and the other end of the light emitting element (30) having a negative charge moves to the anode of at least one electrode (21, 22), thereby allowing the light emitting element (30) to rotate in a predetermined direction in the electric field area (EIA). That is, the light emitting element (30) can be arranged between at least one electrode (21, 22) while its orientation direction and position change by the electrophoretic force.
[0088] For example, the light emitting element (30) can be rotated by a dielectric force. In this case, one end and the other end of the light emitting element (30) can have a predetermined polarity by dielectric polarization. For example, the degree of dielectric polarization of the light emitting element (30) can vary in proportion to the strength of the electric field (E). One end and the other end of the dielectrically polarized light emitting element (30) can rotate in the direction of the electric field (E) in the electric field region (EIA). That is, the light emitting element (30) can be arranged between at least one electrode (21, 22) while the orientation direction and position are changed by the dielectric force.
[0089] As shown in FIG. 5, the light emitting element (30) descending to the non-aligned area (NAA) on the base substrate (SUB) cannot be aligned to at least one electrode (21, 22). The light emitting element (30) of the non-aligned area (NAA) may be a dummy light emitting element (30_D) (e.g., a second light emitting element). Since the dummy light emitting element (30_D) does not output light in the display device, it may be removed or recovered in a separate process after the transfer process. For example, in the transfer process, the higher the ratio of the dummy light emitting element (30_D) among the light emitting elements (30), the lower the transfer yield may be. The alignment structure of the present disclosure and the display manufacturing method using the same can minimize the dummy light emitting element (30_D) that is removed or recovered and increase the transfer yield by moving the dummy light emitting element (30_D) of the non-aligned area (NAA) to the alignment area (AA).
[0090] FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an alignment structure of a light emitting element (30) according to one embodiment, FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an alignment structure of a light emitting element (30) according to one embodiment, and FIG. 8 illustrates a light emitting element (30) moving from a non-aligned area (NAA) to an aligned area (AA) according to one embodiment.
[0091] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the alignment structure may include a base substrate (SUB) having an alignment area (AA) and a non-alignment area (NAA) defined therein, at least one electrode (21, 22) formed on the upper portion of the base substrate (SUB), and a fluid supply unit (50) formed on the lower portion of the base substrate (SUB). For example, the light emitting element (30) may move in the direction of the at least one electrode (21, 22) of the alignment area (AA) in the fluid layer (FL) and be aligned to the at least one electrode (21, 22) based on an electric field.
[0092] In one embodiment, at least one electrode (21, 22) may be formed on the base substrate (SUB). For example, at least one electrode (21, 22) may be formed in an alignment area (AA) on the base substrate (SUB). The at least one electrode (21, 22) may align the light-emitting element (30) and be electrically connected to the light-emitting element (30). For example, the light-emitting element (30) may be aligned to the at least one electrode (21, 22) by vertically descending by gravity in the gravitational influence sphere of the fluid layer (FL) and rotating by at least one of electrophoresis and dielectrophoresis in the electric field influence sphere of the fluid layer (FL).
[0093] In one embodiment, the flow supply unit (50) can move the light emitting element (30) in the non-aligned area (NAA) to the alignment area (AA) by supplying a flow to the fluid layer (FL). For example, the flow supply unit (50) can move the dummy light emitting element (30_D) descending in the non-aligned area (NAA) to at least one of the gravity influence sphere and the electric field influence sphere of the alignment area (AA), thereby aligning the dummy light emitting element (30_D) to the at least one electrode (21, 22) in the alignment area (AA).
[0094] The flow rate supply unit (50) may include a flow rate generation unit (51) that generates the flow rate using a flow rate medium, a flow rate injection unit (52) that injects the flow rate transmitted to the flow rate supply line (FSL) into the fluid layer (FL), and a flow rate control unit (53) that measures the flow rate of the flow rate supply line (FSL) and controls the flow rate. For example, the flow rate generated from the flow rate generation unit (51) arranged below the base substrate (SUB) may be transmitted to the flow rate injection unit (52) through the flow rate supply line (FSL) and injected into the fluid layer (FL) through the flow rate injection unit (52) formed in the upper direction of the base substrate (SUB).
[0095] The velocity generation unit (51) can generate the velocity using a velocity medium. For example, the velocity medium can be the same liquid as the fluid contained in the fluid layer (FL). For example, the velocity medium can be a gas that does not react with the fluid contained in the fluid layer (FL). The velocity generation unit (51) can generate the velocity by outputting the velocity medium including at least one of a liquid and a gas to the velocity supply line (FSL) at a predetermined velocity. For example, the velocity generation unit (51) can be at least one of a circulator that circulates liquid and gas, a gas inlet that supplies gas to a receiving chamber, and a fluid pump that moves liquid and gas.
[0096] The flow injection portion (52) may be formed in the upper direction of the base substrate (SUB). For example, the flow injection portions (52) may be continuously arranged at regular intervals in the non-aligned area (NAA) of the base substrate (SUB).
[0097] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the flow injection unit (52) can be arranged in a direction parallel to the extension of at least one electrode (21, 22) of the alignment area (AA) in the non-alignment area (NAA) of the base substrate (SUB). The flow injection unit (52) can inject a flow medium into the fluid layer (FL) by discharging the flow medium delivered through the flow supply line (FSL) into the fluid layer (FL). For example, the flow medium can be injected in the direction of the alignment area (AA) on the base substrate (SUB). The flow supply line (FSL) can be formed to penetrate the base substrate (SUB) so as to deliver the flow medium from the flow generation unit (51) formed at the lower portion of the base substrate (SUB) to the flow injection unit (52). For example, the flow injection unit (52) can be formed at a height of 1 μm to 1000 μm on the upper portion of the base substrate (SUB). The flow injection unit (52) may include a nozzle for injecting a fluid medium into the fluid layer (FL). The nozzle may be formed in a predetermined shape and direction. For example, the strength and direction of the flow supplied to the fluid layer (FL) may be determined based on the shape and direction of the nozzle.
[0098] The flow control unit (53) can measure the flow rate by calculating the speed of the flow medium delivered to the flow supply line (FSL). For example, the flow control unit (53) can include at least one of a Mass Flow Controller (MFC), a Magnetic Flow Meter, a Laser Doppler Velocimetry (LDG), a Volumetric Flow Meter, an Ultrasonic Flow Meter, a Vortex Flow Meter, and a Differential Pressure Flow Meter for measuring the speed of the flow medium.
[0099] The flow control unit (53) can control the flow rate based on the measured flow rate. For example, the flow control unit (53) can decrease or increase the flow rate by comparing the measured flow rate with a reference flow rate. For example, the flow control unit (53) can decrease the flow rate when the flow rate of the flow supply line (FSL) is faster than a preset reference flow rate. For example, the flow control unit (53) can increase the flow rate when the flow rate of the flow supply line (FSL) is slower than the preset reference flow rate. Here, the reference flow rate can be changed according to the setting. For example, the reference flow rate can be changed by considering at least one of the size of the alignment structure, the arrangement of at least one electrode (21, 22), the size of the light-emitting element (30), the type of fluid of the fluid layer (FL), and the type of the flow medium.
[0100] As shown in Fig. 8, some of the light-emitting elements (30) supplied to the fluid layer (FL) (e.g., dummy light-emitting elements (30_D)) can descend to the non-aligned area (NAA). The flow supply unit (50) can inject a flow rate of a predetermined strength and direction into the fluid layer (FL) through the flow injection unit (52), thereby moving the light-emitting elements (30) (e.g., dummy light-emitting elements (30_D)) descending to the non-aligned area (NAA) to the alignment area (AA). For example, the light-emitting elements (30) can move to at least one of the gravitational field area (GIA) and the electric field area (EIA) of the alignment area (AA) based on the flow rate injected from the flow injection unit (52). In this case, as it moves to the alignment area (AA) based on the flow rate, the dummy light-emitting elements (30_D) can also be aligned to at least one electrode (21, 22) by the force of gravity and electric field. Therefore, the alignment structure of the light-emitting element (30) of the present disclosure and the manufacturing method of a display device using the same can increase the transfer yield of the light-emitting element (30) by increasing the probability that the light-emitting element (30) of the fluid layer (FL) is aligned to the electrode.
[0101] FIG. 9 illustrates a flow supply unit (50) that supplies a flow rate in one direction to a fluid layer (FL) according to one embodiment.
[0102] Referring to FIG. 9, the flow supply unit (50) can move the light emitting element (30) in the non-aligned area (NAA) to the aligned area (AA) by supplying a flow rate in one direction of the fluid layer (FL). The flow generation unit (51) can generate the flow rate by outputting the flow medium to the flow supply line (FSL) at a predetermined speed. The flow injection unit (52) can inject the flow rate into the fluid layer (FL) by discharging the flow medium delivered through the flow supply line (FSL) into the fluid layer (FL).
[0103] In one embodiment, the flow injection unit (52) may include a nozzle for injecting a flow medium into the fluid layer (FL). The strength and direction of the flow supplied to the fluid layer (FL) may be determined based on the shape and direction of the nozzle. As shown in FIG. 9, the flow injection unit (52) may include a nozzle for injecting the flow medium in one direction. For example, the flow injection unit (52) may supply the flow in one direction to the fluid layer (FL) using the nozzle, thereby moving the dummy light emitting element (30_D) of the non-aligned area (NAA) to at least one aligned area (AA) adjacent to the non-aligned area (NAA).
[0104] For example, a light emitting element (30) (e.g., a dummy light emitting element (30_D)) descending into a non-aligned area (NAA) can move to a gravitational field area of an adjacent alignment area (AA) by a unidirectional flow (Flow) injected from a flow injection unit (52). The light emitting element (30) can descend in a vertically downward direction by gravity (G) in the gravitational field area of the alignment area (AA). The light emitting element (30) can rotate in a specific direction by an electric field (E) in an electric field area of the alignment area (AA). For example, the light emitting element (30) can be aligned to at least one electrode (21, 22) in the electric field area by at least one of electrophoresis and dielectrophoresis.
[0105] FIG. 10 illustrates a flow supply unit (50) that supplies a flow rate in both directions to a fluid layer (FL) according to one embodiment.
[0106] Referring to Fig. 10, the flow supply unit (50) can move the light emitting element (30) in the non-aligned area (NAA) to the aligned area (AA) by supplying the flow in both directions of the fluid layer (FL). The flow generation unit (51) can generate the flow by outputting the flow medium at a predetermined speed to the flow supply line (FSL). The flow injection unit (52) can inject the flow medium into the fluid layer (FL) by discharging the flow medium delivered through the flow supply line (FSL) into the fluid layer (FL).
[0107] In one embodiment, the flow injection unit (52) may include a nozzle for injecting a flow medium into the fluid layer (FL). The strength and direction of the flow supplied to the fluid layer (FL) may be determined based on the shape and direction of the nozzle. As shown in FIG. 10, the flow injection unit (52) may include two nozzles for injecting the flow medium in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction. For example, the flow injection unit (52) may supply the flow in both directions to the fluid layer (FL) using the nozzles, thereby moving the dummy light emitting element (30_D) of the non-aligned area (NAA) to at least one aligned area (AA) adjacent to the non-aligned area (NAA).
[0108] For example, a light emitting element (30) (e.g., a dummy light emitting element (30_D)) descending into a non-aligned area (NAA) can move to a gravitational field area of at least one adjacent alignment area (AA) by the first and second direction flow velocities (Flow) injected from the flow injection unit (52). The light emitting element (30) can descend in a vertically downward direction by gravity (G) in the gravitational field area of the alignment area (AA). The light emitting element (30) can rotate in a specific direction by an electric field (E) in the electric field area of the alignment area (AA). For example, the light emitting element (30) can be aligned to at least one electrode (21, 22) in at least one of electrophoresis and dielectrophoresis in the electric field area.
[0109] Figure 11 illustrates a flow supply unit (50) that supplies a flow rate to a fluid layer (FL) to form a vortex according to one embodiment.
[0110] Referring to Fig. 11, the flow supply unit (50) can move the light emitting element (30) in the non-aligned area (NAA) to the aligned area (AA) by forming a vortex in the fluid layer (FL). The flow generation unit (51) can generate the flow by outputting the flow medium at a predetermined speed to the flow supply line (FSL). The flow injection unit (52) can inject the flow medium into the fluid layer (FL) by discharging the flow medium delivered through the flow supply line (FSL) into the fluid layer (FL).
[0111] In one embodiment, the flow injection unit (52) may include a nozzle for injecting a flow medium into the fluid layer (FL). The strength and direction of the flow supplied to the fluid layer (FL) may be determined based on the shape and direction of the nozzle. As shown in FIG. 11, the flow injection unit (52) may include a nozzle for forming a vortex in the fluid layer (FL) by injecting the flow medium. For example, the flow injection unit (52) may generate a vortex in at least one direction of a clockwise or counterclockwise direction in the fluid layer (FL) by injecting the flow medium, and based on the vortex, may move the dummy light emitting element (30_D) of the non-aligned area (NAA) to at least one aligned area (AA) adjacent to the non-aligned area (NAA).
[0112] For example, a light emitting element (30) (e.g., a dummy light emitting element (30_D)) descending into a non-aligned area (NAA) can move to a gravitational field area of at least one adjacent alignment area (AA) by a vortex formed based on a flow rate (Flow) injected from a flow rate injection unit (52). The light emitting element (30) can descend in a vertically downward direction by gravity (G) in the gravitational field area of the alignment area (AA). The light emitting element (30) can rotate in a specific direction by an electric field (E) in an electric field area of the alignment area (AA). For example, the light emitting element (30) can be aligned to at least one electrode (21, 22) in the electric field area by at least one of electrophoresis and dielectrophoresis.
[0113] FIG. 12 illustrates a method for manufacturing a display device using an alignment structure according to one embodiment.
[0114] Referring to FIG. 12, a method for manufacturing a display device of the present disclosure may include an operation of forming at least one electrode (21, 22) on an upper portion of a base substrate (SUB), and an operation of aligning a light-emitting element (30) to the at least one electrode (21, 22). The operation of aligning the light-emitting element (30) to the at least one electrode (21, 22) may include an operation (operation 1210) of supplying the light-emitting element (30) to a fluid layer (FL) so that the light-emitting element (30) moves to a base substrate (SUB) in which an alignment area (AA) and a non-alignment area (NAA) are defined, an operation (operation 1220) of aligning the light-emitting element (30) moved to the alignment area (AA) of the base substrate (SUB) to the at least one electrode (21, 22) using an electric field, and an operation (1230) of supplying a flow rate to the fluid layer (FL) so that the light-emitting element (30) moved to the non-alignment area (NAA) of the base substrate (SUB) moves back to the alignment area (AA).
[0115] According to an example, in operation 1210, the operation of supplying the light emitting element (30) to the fluid layer (FL) so that it moves to the base substrate (SUB) where the alignment area (AA) and the non-alignment area (NAA) are defined may supply the light emitting element (30) to the fluid layer (FL) using a chip supply unit (CFU). The chip supply unit (CFU) may include at least one supply nozzle for discharging the light emitting element (30). For example, the supply nozzle may discharge the light emitting element (30) to the fluid layer (FL) through a plurality of supply lines. During the transfer process, the chip supply unit (CFU) may be disposed above the fluid layer (FL) and may discharge the light emitting element (30) in a vertically downward direction. For example, the chip supply unit (CFU) may discharge the light emitting element (30) into a receiving chamber filled with the fluid layer (FL). The receiving chamber may include a base substrate (SUB) having at least one electrode (21, 22) formed thereon and a fluid layer (FL) filled on top of the base substrate (SUB).
[0116] In addition, in operation 1210, the operation of supplying the light emitting element (30) to the fluid layer (FL) so that it moves to the base substrate (SUB) where the alignment area (AA) and the non-alignment area (NAA) are defined may cause the light emitting element (30) to move vertically downward in the fluid layer (FL) based on gravity. The light emitting element (30) may descend toward at least one electrode (21, 22) on the base substrate (SUB) by gravity (G) within the gravitational field area (GIA) of the fluid layer (FL). For example, the light emitting element (30) supplied to the fluid layer (FL) may sink vertically downward in any one of the alignment area (AA) and the non-alignment area (NAA) of the base substrate (SUB). When the light emitting element (30) moves vertically downward in the alignment area (AA), the light emitting element (30) may be aligned to at least one electrode (21, 22). When the light emitting element (30) moves vertically downward in the non-aligned area (NAA), the light emitting element (30) may be a dummy light emitting element (30_D) that is not aligned to at least one electrode (21, 22).
[0117] According to an example, in operation 1220, the operation of aligning the light emitting element (30) moved to the alignment area (AA) of the base substrate (SUB) to at least one electrode (21, 22) using an electric field may align the light emitting element (30) to at least one electrode (21, 22) by at least one of an electrophoresis method based on an electric field and a dielectrophoresis method based on an electric field. For example, the light emitting element (30) may rotate in a predetermined direction in the electric field area (EIA) by having one end having a positive charge of the light emitting element (30) move to the cathode of at least one electrode (21, 22) and the other end having a negative charge of the light emitting element (30) move to the anode of at least one electrode (21, 22) by an electrophoretic force. That is, the light emitting element (30) can be arranged between at least one electrode (21, 22) while its orientation direction and position are changed by the electrophoretic force. One end and the other end of the light emitting element (30) can have a predetermined polarity by the dielectric polarization. For example, the degree of the dielectric polarization of the light emitting element (30) can vary in proportion to the strength of the electric field (E). For example, one end and the other end of the light emitting element (30) that is dielectrically polarized by the dielectric polarization can rotate in the direction of the electric field (EIA) in the electric field region (EIA). That is, the light emitting element (30) can be arranged between at least one electrode (21, 22) while its orientation direction and position are changed by the dielectric polarization.
[0118] According to an example, in operation 1230, by supplying a flow rate to the fluid layer (FL), the light emitting element (30) moved to the non-aligned area (NAA) of the base substrate (SUB) is moved back to the alignment area (AA), thereby aligning the light emitting element (30) that has fallen to the non-aligned area (NAA) by gravity to at least one electrode (21, 22) by moving it back to the alignment area. For example, the alignment structure may include a base substrate (SUB) in which the alignment area (AA) and the non-aligned area (NAA) are defined, at least one electrode (21, 22) formed on the upper portion of the base substrate (SUB), and a flow rate supply unit (50) formed on the lower portion of the base substrate (SUB). The flow rate supply unit (50) may move the light emitting element (30) in the non-aligned area (NAA) to the alignment area (AA) by supplying a flow rate to the fluid layer (FL). For example, the flow supply unit (50) can align the dummy light-emitting element (30_D) descending from the non-aligned area (NAA) to the alignment area (AA), thereby aligning the dummy light-emitting element (30_D) to at least one electrode (21, 22) of the alignment area (AA).
[0119] In this way, the alignment structure of the light emitting element (30) of the present disclosure and the manufacturing method of a display device using the same can move the dummy light emitting element (30_D) in the non-aligned area (NAA) to the aligned area (AA) by supplying a flow rate to the fluid layer (FL).
[0120] Therefore, the alignment structure of the light-emitting element (30) of the present disclosure and the manufacturing method of a display device using the same can increase the transfer yield of the light-emitting element (30) by increasing the probability that the light-emitting element (30) of the fluid layer (FL) is aligned to the electrode. However, since this has been described above, a redundant description thereof will be omitted.
[0121] The display devices according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may take various forms. The display devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or home appliances. The display devices according to the embodiments of this document are not limited to the aforementioned devices.
[0122] The various embodiments of this document and the terminology used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. For example, a component expressed in the singular should be understood to include plural components unless the context clearly indicates only the singular. It should be understood that the term "or" used in this document encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the listed items. The terms "comprise," "have," "comprises," and the like used in this disclosure are intended to specify only the presence of a feature, component, part, or combination thereof described in this disclosure, and the use of such terms does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, components, parts, or combinations thereof. In this document, phrases such as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can each include any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first", "second", or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish the corresponding component from other corresponding components and do not limit the corresponding components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).
[0123] The term "part" or "module" used in various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit, for example. The "part" or "module" may be an integrally configured component or a minimum unit or part of the component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, the "part" or "module" may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).
[0124] The term “if” as used in various embodiments of this document may be interpreted to mean “when”, “when”, “in response to determining”, or “in response to detecting”, depending on the context. Similarly, “if it is determined that” or “if ~ is detected” may be interpreted to mean “upon determining”, “in response to determining”, or “upon detecting”, or “in response to detecting”, depending on the context.
[0125] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.
Claims
1. In a method for manufacturing a display device, An operation of providing a plurality of light emitting elements to a base substrate including an aligned region and a misaligned region through a fluid layer; An operation of aligning a first light-emitting element provided in the alignment region of the base substrate to at least one electrode using an electric field; and By supplying a flow rate to the fluid layer, the second light emitting element provided in the non-aligned region of the base substrate is moved to the aligned region, A method for manufacturing a display device.
2. In paragraph 1, The operation of providing the plurality of light-emitting elements to a base substrate including an alignment region and a non-alignment region through a fluid layer is: An operation of vertically lowering at least one of the plurality of light-emitting elements by gravity within the gravitational influence sphere of the fluid layer; and Including an action of rotating at least one of the plurality of light-emitting elements by at least one of electrophoresis and dielectrophoresis in the electric field influence sphere of the fluid layer. A method for manufacturing a display device.
3. In paragraph 2, The operation of moving the second light-emitting element provided in the non-aligned region of the base substrate to the aligned region by supplying a flow rate to the fluid layer is as follows. By moving the second light-emitting element into at least one of the gravitational influence sphere and the electric field influence sphere of the alignment region using a fluid supply unit, the second light-emitting element is aligned to the at least one electrode of the alignment region. A method for manufacturing a display device.
4. In paragraph 3, The operation using the above flow supply unit is: An operation of generating the above-mentioned velocity by using a velocity medium as a velocity generating unit; An operation of injecting said fluid into said fluid layer from a fluid supply line to a fluid injection unit; and An operation of controlling the flow rate of the flow rate supply line based on measuring the flow rate of the flow rate supply line by a flow rate control unit, A method for manufacturing a display device.
5. In paragraph 4, The operation of generating the above-mentioned flow velocity using the above-mentioned flow medium is, Comprising an operation of outputting the fluid medium containing at least one of a liquid and a gas into the fluid supply line at a predetermined speed. A method for manufacturing a display device.
6. In paragraph 4, The operation of injecting the fluid from the above fluid supply line into the fluid layer is: Including an operation of injecting the flow rate from the flow rate injection parts that are continuously arranged at regular intervals in the non-aligned area of the base substrate. A method for manufacturing a display device.
7. In paragraph 4, Based on measuring the flow rate of the flow supply line, the operation of controlling the flow rate of the flow supply line is: An operation of reducing the flow rate based on the flow rate of the flow supply line becoming faster than a preset reference flow rate; and An operation of increasing the flow rate based on the flow rate of the flow supply line being slower than the preset reference flow rate; A method for manufacturing a display device.
8. In paragraph 4, The operation of injecting the fluid from the above fluid supply line into the fluid layer is: Including an action of spraying the fluid medium in one direction through the nozzle, The operation of moving the second light-emitting element provided in the non-aligned region of the base substrate to the aligned region by supplying a flow rate to the fluid layer is as follows. An operation of supplying the flow rate in one direction to the fluid layer through the nozzle to move the second light emitting element to at least one aligned region adjacent to the non-aligned region, A method for manufacturing a display device.
9. In paragraph 4, The operation of injecting the fluid from the above fluid supply line into the fluid layer is: Including an operation of injecting the fluid medium through two injection ports that inject the fluid medium in a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction, The operation of moving the second light-emitting element provided in the non-aligned region of the base substrate to the aligned region by supplying a flow rate to the fluid layer is as follows. An operation of supplying the flow rate in the first direction and the second direction to the fluid layer through the two nozzles to move the second light-emitting element to at least one aligned region adjacent to the non-aligned region, A method for manufacturing a display device.
10. In paragraph 4, The operation of injecting the fluid from the above fluid supply line into the fluid layer is: By injecting the above fluid medium, it includes an action of generating a vortex in at least one direction of clockwise and counterclockwise in the fluid layer, The operation of moving the second light-emitting element provided in the non-aligned region of the base substrate to the aligned region by supplying a flow rate to the fluid layer is as follows. An operation of moving the second light emitting element to at least one aligned region adjacent to the misaligned region based on the eddy current, A method for manufacturing a display device.
11. In the display device, at least one electrode; and comprising a plurality of light emitting elements aligned to at least one electrode; In the process of aligning the plurality of light-emitting elements to the at least one electrode, the plurality of light-emitting elements are supplied to a fluid layer and provided on a base substrate including an alignment region and a non-alignment region, The first light emitting element provided in the above alignment area is aligned to the at least one electrode using an electric field, The second light emitting element provided in the above-mentioned misaligned region moves to the above-mentioned aligned region based on the flow rate supplied to the fluid layer. Display device.
12. In paragraph 11, In the process of aligning the plurality of light-emitting elements to the at least one electrode, at least one of the plurality of light-emitting elements, In the gravitational influence zone of the above fluid layer, it descends vertically by gravity, Rotating by at least one of electrophoresis and dielectrophoresis in the electric field influence sphere of the above fluid layer, Display device.
13. In paragraph 12, Among the plurality of light-emitting elements, the second light-emitting element provided in the non-aligned region is: By moving into at least one of the gravitational influence sphere and the electric field influence sphere of the alignment area by the flow supply unit, it is aligned to at least one electrode of the alignment area. Display device.
14. In the alignment structure of the light-emitting element, A base substrate comprising an alignment region and an unaligned region; At least one electrode provided on the base substrate; and Including a flow supply unit provided on the above base substrate, Among the plurality of light-emitting elements, based on the first light-emitting element being provided to the at least one electrode of the alignment region through the fluid layer, the electric field is configured to align the first light-emitting element to the at least one electrode, The above flow supply unit, By supplying a flow rate to the fluid layer, the second light-emitting element provided in the non-aligned region among the plurality of light-emitting elements is configured to move to the aligned region. Sorted structure.
15. In paragraph 14, Based on the fact that the plurality of light-emitting elements descend vertically by gravity in the gravitational sphere of influence of the fluid layer, the electric field is configured such that at least one of the plurality of light-emitting elements rotates by at least one of electrophoresis and dielectrophoresis in the electric field sphere of influence of the fluid layer and is aligned with the at least one electrode. Sorted structure.