Display device and electronic equipment

Abstract

Provided is a display device capable of suppressing an increase in the resistance of contact between connection parts and a third electrode.　The display device comprises: a plurality of light-emitting elements that are two-dimensionally arranged and include a first electrode, a light-emitting layer, and a second electrode; a plurality of first protective layers that are each provided on a respective one of the plurality of light-emitting elements; a plurality of connection parts that include upper sections provided on the upper surfaces of the first protective layers, and side sections provided on side surfaces of the first protective layers; and a third electrode that is in contact with the respective upper sections of the plurality of connection parts.

Description

Display devices and electronic devices

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a display device and an electronic device including the same.

[0002] In recent years, display devices in which a plurality of light-emitting elements, each including a first electrode, a light-emitting layer, and a second electrode, are two-dimensionally arranged have been widely used. For this type of display device, a technique for electrically connecting the two-dimensionally arranged plurality of light-emitting elements via a third electrode (auxiliary electrode) has been considered. For example, Patent Document 1 (JP-A-2005-102666) describes a display device including an element protection layer covering a first cathode electrode, a second cathode electrode provided on the element protection layer, and a connection portion electrically connecting the second cathode electrode and the first cathode electrode, the connection portion being formed along a sidewall of the element protection layer.

[0003] International Publication No. 2022 / 239576

[0004] However, in the display device described in Patent Document 1, the contact area between the connection portion and the third electrode (second cathode) is small, and there is a concern that the contact resistance between the connection portion and the third electrode may increase.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a display device that can suppress an increase in contact resistance between a connection portion and a third electrode, and an electronic device including the same.

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the display device according to the present disclosure comprises: a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged two-dimensionally, each having a first electrode, a light-emitting layer, and a second electrode; a plurality of first protective layers provided on the plurality of light-emitting elements, respectively; a plurality of connecting portions each having an upper portion provided on the upper surface of the first protective layer and a side portion provided on a side surface of the first protective layer; and a third electrode in contact with each of the upper portions of the plurality of connecting portions.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a display device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an enlarged view of a portion of a display region. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 2. FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of an OLED layer having a single layer of light-emitting units. FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of an OLED layer having two layers of light-emitting units. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 3. FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C are each a manufacturing process diagram of a display device according to an embodiment. FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C are each a manufacturing process diagram of a display device according to an embodiment. FIGS. 8A and 8B are each a manufacturing process diagram of a display device according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a display device according to a modified example. FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a display device according to a modified example. FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a display device according to a modified example. FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a display device according to a modified example. FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a display device according to a modified example. FIG. 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a display device according to a modified example. FIG. 15 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a display device according to a modified example. FIG. 16 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a display device according to a modified example. FIG. 17 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a display device according to a modified example. 18 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a display device according to a modified example. FIGS. 19A and 19B are schematic diagrams of an optical system. FIG. 20 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a display device according to a modified example. FIGS. 21A, 21B, and 21C are conceptual diagrams for explaining the relationship between a normal LN passing through the center of the light-emitting section, a normal LN' passing through the center of the lens member, and a normal LN" passing through the center of the wavelength selecting section. FIG. 22 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the relationship between a normal LN passing through the center of the light-emitting section, a normal LN' passing through the center of the lens member, and a normal LN" passing through the center of the wavelength selecting section. FIGS. 23A and 23B are conceptual diagrams for explaining the relationship between a normal LN passing through the center of the light-emitting section, a normal LN' passing through the center of the lens member, and a normal LN" passing through the center of the wavelength selecting section. FIG. 24 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the relationship between a normal LN passing through the center of the light-emitting section, a normal LN' passing through the center of the lens member, and a normal LN" passing through the center of the wavelength selecting section. FIG. 25A is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining a first example of a resonator structure. Fig. 25B is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining a second example of the resonator structure. Fig. 26A is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining a third example of the resonator structure.FIG. 26B is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a fourth example of a resonator structure. FIG. 27A is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a fifth example of a resonator structure. FIG. 27B is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a sixth example of a resonator structure. FIG. 28 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a seventh example of a resonator structure. FIG. 29A is a front view of a digital still camera. FIG. 29B is a rear view of a digital still camera. FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a head-mounted display. FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a television device. FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a see-through head-mounted display. FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a smartphone. FIG. 34A is a view showing the interior of a vehicle from the rear to the front of the vehicle. FIG. 34B is a view showing the interior of a vehicle from diagonally rear to diagonally front of the vehicle.

[0008] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in the following order: 1. General description of a display device and electronic device according to the present disclosure 2. One embodiment (example of a display device) 3. Modification 4. Relationship between normals passing through the centers of a light-emitting section, a lens member, and a wavelength selection section 5. Example of a resonator structure 6. Application example (example of an electronic device)

[0009] The embodiments and the like described below are preferred specific examples of the present disclosure, and the contents of the present disclosure are not limited to these embodiments and the like. In all the drawings of the following embodiments, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. To avoid cluttering the illustrations, only some of the components may be denoted by reference numerals, or the illustrations may be simplified, enlarged, or reduced in size.

[0010] <1. General Description of Display Devices and Electronic Devices According to the Present Disclosure> In a display device according to the present disclosure, the connection portion has an upper portion provided on the upper surface of the first protective layer and a side portion provided on the side surface of the protective layer, and the third electrode contacts the upper portion of the connection portion. This increases the contact area between the connection portion and the third electrode. This prevents an increase in contact resistance between the connection portion and the third electrode. Furthermore, this prevents poor contact between the connection portion and the third electrode during the manufacturing process of the display device.

[0011] In the display device according to the present disclosure, from the viewpoint of reducing the contact resistance between the connection portion and the third electrode, the third electrode is preferably in contact with the entire upper surface of each upper portion.

[0012] In the display device according to the present disclosure, from the viewpoint of preventing poor contact between the connection portion and the third electrode, the third electrode preferably has a protruding portion that protrudes upward and makes contact with the upper portion.

[0013] The display device according to the present disclosure further includes a second protective layer disposed between the upper portion and the third electrode and a filling layer disposed within the protrusion, and the refractive index of the filling layer is preferably lower than that of the second protective layer. This allows light incident on the side surface of the filling layer at an incident angle equal to or greater than a predetermined value to be totally reflected by the side surface of the filling layer and directed upward. This improves the front brightness of the display device.

[0014] The display device according to the present disclosure further includes a filling layer disposed inside the protrusion, and the refractive index of the filling layer is preferably higher than the refractive index of the first protective layer. This allows light incident on the bottom surface of the filling layer 20 to be refracted at the bottom surface and directed upward, thereby improving the front brightness of the display device.

[0015] The display device according to the present disclosure preferably further includes a plurality of third protective layers provided on the plurality of upper portions, respectively. This allows the upper portions to be protected by the third protective layers during the manufacturing process of the display device. The third protective layers also protect the upper portions and the light-emitting elements from moisture and the like.

[0016] The display device according to the present disclosure preferably further includes a fourth protective layer covering the outer peripheral surface of the side portion. This allows the side portion to be protected by the fourth protective layer during the manufacturing process of the display device. The fourth protective layer also protects the side portion and the light-emitting element from moisture and the like.

[0017] In the display device according to the present disclosure, the upper and side portions are preferably made of different conductive layers, which allows the upper and side portions to have different characteristics, such as optical characteristics.

[0018] In the display device according to the present disclosure, the upper portion preferably includes a light-transmitting conductive layer, and the side portion preferably includes a metal layer. This allows light emitted laterally from the light-emitting element to be reflected upward by the side portion. Meanwhile, light emitted upward from the light-emitting element and light reflected upward by the side portion are transmitted through the upper portion and extracted. This improves the front brightness of the display device.

[0019] In the display device according to the present disclosure, at least some of the plurality of connection parts preferably have openings on their sides, so that light emitted from the light-emitting element is extracted to the outside through the openings on the sides, thereby allowing the principal light axis of the pixel to be tilted toward the opening with respect to the central axis of the pixel.

[0020] In the display device according to the present disclosure, among the multiple connection parts, the connection parts located on the periphery of the display area preferably have openings in the side parts that face the periphery of the display area. This allows light emitted from the light-emitting elements located on the periphery of the display area to be extracted through the openings located on the periphery of the display area. Therefore, the chief ray axis of the pixel can be tilted outward from the central axis of the pixel. This allows the chief ray angle (CRA) of the display device to be widened.

[0021] In the display device according to the present disclosure, the side portion having the opening preferably includes a metal layer, so that light incident on the side portion from light-emitting elements positioned on the periphery of the display area can be reflected by the side portion and extracted through the opening.

[0022] In the display device according to the present disclosure, it is preferable that at least some of the plurality of connection parts have an opening at the top, and the opening is disposed eccentrically with respect to the center of the connection part in a plan view. This allows light emitted from the light-emitting element to be extracted to the outside through the eccentrically disposed opening. Therefore, the principal light axis of the pixel can be tilted in the eccentric direction of the opening. In the present disclosure, the center of the connection part in a plan view refers to the geometric center of the connection part in a plan view.

[0023] In the display device according to the present disclosure, among the multiple connection portions, the connection portion located on the periphery of the display area preferably has an opening at its top, and the opening is preferably arranged eccentrically toward the periphery of the display area relative to the center of the connection portion in a plan view. This allows light emitted from the light-emitting element located on the periphery of the display area to be extracted to the outside through the opening arranged eccentrically toward the periphery of the display area. Therefore, the principal ray axis of the pixel can be tilted outward from the central axis of the pixel. This allows the CRA of the display device to be expanded.

[0024] In the display device according to the present disclosure, the top and side portions preferably include a metal layer, which allows light incident on the top and side portions from light-emitting elements located on the periphery of the display area to be reflected by the top and side portions and extracted through the opening.

[0025] In the display device according to the present disclosure, the protective layer preferably has a stepped portion having a first surface and a second surface that is higher than the first surface, and the connection portion preferably has an opening at a position corresponding to the first surface. Since the first surface is closer to the light-emitting element than the second surface, the opening is located closer to the light-emitting element. Therefore, light emitted from the light-emitting element to the wide-angle side can be more easily extracted through the opening.

[0026] In the present disclosure, a "pixel" is the smallest unit that constitutes an image. When one pixel is composed of multiple sub-pixels, the term "pixel" refers to the "sub-pixel."

[0027] The light-emitting device according to the present disclosure may be configured to be capable of color display. When a display device is configured to be capable of color display, one pixel (unit pixel / pixel), which is a unit for forming a color image, may be composed of multiple subpixels. More specifically, for example, in a color display-compatible display device, one pixel may be composed of three subpixels (subpixels of three primary colors): a subpixel configured to emit red light, a subpixel configured to emit green light, and a subpixel configured to emit blue light. However, the configuration of one pixel is not limited to a combination of the above three primary color subpixels. A single pixel may be configured by adding subpixels of one or more colors to the above three primary color subpixels. More specifically, for example, a display device may be configured to add a subpixel configured to emit white light to improve brightness, or may add at least one subpixel configured to emit complementary color light to expand the color reproduction range.

[0028] In the display device according to the present disclosure, the plurality of light-emitting elements include at least one type of self-luminous light-emitting element selected from the group consisting of, for example, OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) elements, LED (Light Emitting Diode) elements, IEL (Inorganic Electro-Luminescence) elements, QLED (Quantum Dot Light Emitting Diode) elements, and semiconductor laser elements.

[0029] In the present disclosure, the refractive index refers to the refractive index at the peak wavelength of light emitted from the light-emitting element.

[0030] The display device according to the present disclosure may be included in an electronic device. For example, the display device according to the present disclosure may be included in an eyewear device such as a virtual reality (VR) device, a mixed reality (MR) device, or an augmented reality (AR) device, or may be included in an electronic viewfinder (EVF) or a small projector. Eyewear devices also include headsets.

[0031] In the present disclosure, "on member A" in a description such as "member B is provided on member A" indicates the relative positional relationship between member A and member B, and includes not only a state in which member B is located directly on member A without any other member therebetween, but also a state in which member B is located on member A with at least one other member therebetween.

[0032] 2. One Embodiment [Schematic Configuration of Display Device 101] Fig. 1 is a plan view of a display device 101 according to one embodiment. The display device 101 has a display region RE1 and a peripheral region RE2 provided around the display region RE1. In one embodiment, the display region RE1 has a rectangular shape in a plan view. However, the shape of the display region RE1 is not limited to a rectangular shape and may be a shape other than a rectangular shape.

[0033] In this specification, the first and second directions that are orthogonal to each other within the display surface of the display device 101 are referred to as the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, respectively, and the third direction that is perpendicular to the display surface of the display device 101 is referred to as the Z-axis direction. In one embodiment, an example will be described in which the X-axis direction is the horizontal direction of the display surface and the Y-axis direction is the vertical direction of the display surface.

[0034] In one embodiment, the display device 101 is an OLED display device. The display device 101 may be a microdisplay. In one embodiment, an example will be described in which the display device 101 is a top-emission display device, but the type of the display device 101 is not limited to this example.

[0035] FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view showing a portion of the display region RE1. Multiple subpixels 10R, 10G, and 10B are two-dimensionally arranged in a specified array pattern within the display region RE1. In FIG. 2, sections labeled "R," "G," and "B" represent the subpixels 10R, 10G, and 10B, respectively. While FIG. 2 illustrates an example in which the specified array pattern is a stripe array, the array pattern is not limited to this example. For example, the specified array pattern may be a mosaic array, a square array, a delta array, or other arrays. A pad unit 113 and a driver (not shown) for displaying video are provided in the peripheral region RE2. A flexible printed circuit (FPC) (not shown) may be connected to the pad unit 113.

[0036] The sub-pixel 10R can emit red light (first light). The sub-pixel 10G can emit green light (second light). The sub-pixel 10B can emit blue light (third light). In the following description, when the sub-pixels 10R, 10G, and 10B are referred to collectively without any particular distinction, the sub-pixels 10R, 10G, and 10B may be simply referred to as sub-pixels 10. One pixel (one pixel) 10P is composed of, for example, a plurality of adjacent sub-pixels 10R, 10G, and 10B. However, the configuration of one pixel 10P is not limited to this example.

[0037] [Layer Structure of Display Device 101] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in Figure 2. The display device 101 includes a drive substrate 11, a plurality of light-emitting elements 12, a plurality of protective layers 13, a plurality of connecting portions 14, a protective layer 15, a low-refractive index layer 16, a third electrode 17, a planarizing layer 18, and a color filter 19. The light-emitting elements 12, the protective layer 13, and the connecting portions 14 form a laminate 120 on a first surface of the drive substrate 11.

[0038] In this specification, of the two surfaces of each layer constituting the display device 101, the surface facing the display surface (top side) of the display device 101 is referred to as the first surface (upper surface), and the surface facing the opposite side (bottom side) of the display device 101 from the display surface is referred to as the second surface (lower surface). In this specification, the peripheral edge of the display region RE1 refers to a portion having a predetermined width extending inward from the peripheral edge of the display region RE1. In this specification, the peripheral edge of the first surface refers to a portion having a predetermined width extending inward from the peripheral edge of the first surface, and the peripheral edge of the second surface refers to a portion having a predetermined width extending inward from the peripheral edge of the second surface. In this specification, the term "planar view" refers to a planar view when an object is viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first surface or the second surface. In this specification, the term "in-plane direction" refers to the in-plane direction of the first surface of the drive substrate 11, unless otherwise specified. In this specification, the term "upper" refers to the direction from the bottom side (opposite the display surface) of the display device 101 toward the top side (display surface side) of the display device 101. Moreover, downward refers to the direction from the top side (display surface side) of the display device 101 toward the bottom side of the display device 101.

[0039] (Drive Substrate 11) The drive substrate 11 is a so-called backplane, and is capable of driving a plurality of light-emitting elements 12. The drive substrate 11 includes, for example, a substrate 111 and an insulating layer 112 in this order.

[0040] A plurality of drive transistors (not shown) and the like are provided on the first surface side of the substrate 111. The substrate 111 may be, for example, a semiconductor substrate on which drive transistors and the like can be easily formed, or a glass substrate or resin substrate with low moisture and oxygen permeability. The semiconductor substrate includes, for example, amorphous silicon, polycrystalline silicon, or single crystal silicon. The glass substrate includes, for example, high strain point glass, soda glass, borosilicate glass, forsterite, lead glass, or quartz glass. The resin substrate includes, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of polymethyl methacrylate, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl phenol, polyether sulfone, polyimide, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, and polyethylene naphthalate.

[0041] The insulating layer 112 is provided on the first surface of the substrate 111 and covers the plurality of drive transistors and the like. The insulating layer 112 contains a plurality of contact plugs and a plurality of wirings (neither of which is shown) therein. The contact plugs and wirings electrically connect the light emitting elements 12 and the drive transistors. The contact plugs contain at least one metal selected from the group consisting of, for example, copper (Cu) and titanium (Ti). The wirings are composed of, for example, a metal layer. The metal layer contains at least one metal selected from the group consisting of, for example, tungsten (W) and copper (Cu). A barrier metal may be provided on the surface of the wirings. The barrier metal may be, for example, tantalum (Ta) or tantalum nitride (TaN). ｘ ) etc.

[0042] The insulating layer 112 is, for example, an organic insulating layer, an inorganic insulating layer, or a laminate thereof. The organic insulating layer contains, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of polyimide-based resin, acrylic-based resin, and novolac-based resin. The inorganic insulating layer is, for example, silicon oxide (SiO ｘ ), silicon nitride (SiN ｘ ) and silicon oxynitride (SiO ｘ N ｙ ) and the like.

[0043] (Light-emitting element 12) The light-emitting element 12 can emit white light under the control of a drive circuit, etc. In one embodiment, the light-emitting element 12 is an organic light-emitting diode element (OLED element). The light-emitting element 12 is included in each of the sub-pixels 10R, 10G, and 10B of each color.

[0044] The plurality of light-emitting elements 12 are two-dimensionally arranged in a specified arrangement pattern on the first surface of the drive substrate 11. The specified arrangement pattern is as described above as the specified arrangement pattern of the plurality of sub-pixels 10. Each light-emitting element 12 includes a first electrode 121, an OLED layer 122, and a second electrode 123, which are arranged in this order on the first surface of the drive substrate 11.

[0045] (First electrode 121) The first electrode 121 is provided on the second surface side of the OLED layer 122. The first electrode 121 is an individual electrode provided for each of the plurality of light-emitting elements 12. In other words, the first electrode 121 is separated between the light-emitting elements 12 adjacent in the in-plane direction. The first electrode 121 is an anode. When a voltage is applied between the first electrode 121 and the second electrode 123, holes are injected from the first electrode 121 into the OLED layer 122.

[0046] The first electrode 121 may be composed of, for example, a metal layer, or may be composed of a metal layer and a transparent conductive oxide layer. When the first electrode 121 is composed of a metal layer and a transparent conductive oxide layer, it is preferable that the transparent conductive oxide layer be provided on the OLED layer 122 side, from the viewpoint of having a layer having a high work function adjacent to the OLED layer 122.

[0047] The metal layer may function as a reflective layer that reflects light emitted by the OLED layer 122. The metal layer may contain at least one metal element selected from the group consisting of chromium (Cr), gold (Au), platinum (Pt), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), tantalum (Ta), aluminum (Al), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), tungsten (W), and silver (Ag). The metal layer may contain at least one metal element as a constituent element of an alloy. Specific examples of the alloy include an aluminum alloy or a silver alloy. Specific examples of the aluminum alloy include an aluminum neodymium (AlNd) alloy or an aluminum copper (AlCu) alloy.

[0048] An underlayer (not shown) may be provided adjacent to the second surface side of the metal layer. The underlayer may be capable of improving the crystal orientation of the metal layer during deposition. The underlayer may contain, for example, at least one metal element selected from the group consisting of titanium (Ti) and tantalum (Ta). The underlayer may contain the at least one metal element as a constituent element of an alloy.

[0049] The transparent conductive oxide layer contains a transparent conductive oxide, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of transparent conductive oxides containing indium (hereinafter referred to as "indium-based transparent conductive oxides"), transparent conductive oxides containing tin (hereinafter referred to as "tin-based transparent conductive oxides"), and transparent conductive oxides containing zinc (hereinafter referred to as "zinc-based transparent conductive oxides").

[0050] Examples of indium-based transparent conductive oxides include indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), indium gallium oxide (IGO), indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO), and fluorine-doped indium oxide (IFO). Among these transparent conductive oxides, indium tin oxide (ITO) is particularly preferred. Indium tin oxide (ITO) has a particularly low work function barrier for hole injection into the OLED layer 122, allowing the driving voltage of the display device 101 to be particularly low. Examples of tin-based transparent conductive oxides include tin oxide, antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO), and fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO). Examples of zinc-based transparent conductive oxides include zinc oxide, aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO), boron-doped zinc oxide, and gallium-doped zinc oxide (GZO).

[0051] (OLED Layer 122) The OLED layer 122 can emit white light. The OLED layer 122 is an example of an organic-material-containing layer including an organic light-emitting layer. The OLED layer 122 is provided between the first electrode 121 and the second electrode 123. Like the first electrode 121, the OLED layer 122 is provided individually for each of the plurality of light-emitting elements 12. That is, the OLED layer 122 is divided between the light-emitting elements 12 adjacent to each other in the in-plane direction.

[0052] The OLED layer 122 may be configured as a laminate including an organic light-emitting layer, in which case some layers of the laminate (e.g., an electron injection layer) may be inorganic. The OLED layer 122 may be an OLED layer having a single light-emitting unit U as shown in FIG. 4A , an OLED layer having two light-emitting units U1 and U2 (tandem structure) as shown in FIG. 4B , or an OLED layer having a structure other than these. The OLED layer 122 having a single light-emitting unit U has a configuration in which, for example, a hole injection layer 1221, a hole transport layer 1222, a red light-emitting layer 1220R, an emission separation layer 1223, a blue light-emitting layer 1220B, a green light-emitting layer 1220G, an electron transport layer 1224, and an electron injection layer 1225 are stacked in this order from the first electrode 121 to the second electrode 123. The OLED layer 122 having two light-emitting units U1 and U2 has a configuration in which, for example, a hole injection layer 1221, a hole transport layer 1222, a blue light-emitting layer 1220B, an electron transport layer 1226, a charge generation layer 1227, a hole transport layer 1228, a yellow light-emitting layer 1220Y, an electron transport layer 1224, and an electron injection layer 1225 are laminated in this order from the first electrode 121 to the second electrode 123.

[0053] The hole injection layer 1221 can increase the efficiency of hole injection into the light-emitting layers 1220R, 1220G, and 1220B and suppress leakage. The hole transport layers 1222 and 1228 can increase the efficiency of hole transport into the light-emitting layers 1220R, 1220B, and 1220Y. The electron injection layer 1225 can increase the efficiency of electron injection into the light-emitting layers 1220G and 1220Y. The electron transport layers 1224 and 1226 can increase the efficiency of electron transport into the light-emitting layers 1220G, 1220B, and 1220Y. The emission separation layer 1223 is a layer for adjusting the injection of carriers into the light-emitting layers 1220R, 1220G, and 1220B. The balance of light emission of each color is adjusted by injecting electrons and holes into the light-emitting layers 1220R, 1220G, and 1220B via the emission separation layer 1223. The charge generating layer 1227 can supply electrons and holes to the blue light emitting layer 1220B and the yellow light emitting layer 1220Y, which are disposed so as to sandwich the charge generating layer 1227, respectively.

[0054] When an electric field is applied to the red light-emitting layer 1220R, the green light-emitting layer 1220G, the blue light-emitting layer 1220B, and the yellow light-emitting layer 1220Y, recombination occurs between holes injected from the first electrode 121 or the charge generation layer 1227 and electrons injected from the second electrode 123 or the charge generation layer 1227, and the red light, green light, blue light, and yellow light can be emitted.

[0055] (Second electrode 123) The second electrode 123 is provided on the first surface side of the OLED layer 122. Like the first electrode 121, the second electrode 123 is an individual electrode provided individually for each of the plurality of light-emitting elements 12. In other words, the second electrode 123 is divided between the light-emitting elements 12 adjacent to each other in the in-plane direction.

[0056] The second electrode 123 is a cathode. When a voltage is applied between the first electrode 121 and the second electrode 123, electrons are injected from the second electrode 123 into the OLED layer 122. The second electrode 123 is translucent to light emitted from the OLED layer 122. The second electrode 123 is preferably a transparent electrode that is transparent to visible light. In this specification, visible light refers to light in a wavelength range of 360 nm or more and 780 nm or less.

[0057] In order to improve luminous efficiency, it is preferable that the second electrode 123 be made of a material that is as transparent as possible and has a small work function. The second electrode 123 is made of, for example, at least one layer of a metal layer and a transparent conductive oxide layer. More specifically, the second electrode 123 is made of a single layer film of a metal layer or a transparent conductive oxide layer, or a laminate film of a metal layer and a transparent conductive oxide layer. When the second electrode 123 is made of a laminate film, the metal layer may be provided on the OLED layer 122 side, or the transparent conductive oxide layer may be provided on the OLED layer 122 side.

[0058] The metal layer contains, for example, at least one metal element selected from the group consisting of magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), calcium (Ca), and sodium (Na). The metal layer may contain the at least one metal element as a constituent element of an alloy. Specific examples of the alloy include a magnesium-silver (MgAg) alloy, a magnesium-aluminum (MgAl) alloy, and an aluminum-lithium (AlLi) alloy. The transparent conductive oxide layer contains a transparent conductive oxide. Examples of the transparent conductive oxide include the same materials as the transparent conductive oxide of the first electrode 121 described above.

[0059] (Protective layer 13) The protective layer 13 is provided on the first surfaces of the plurality of light-emitting elements 12, specifically on the first surfaces of the second electrodes 123. The protective layer 13 is provided individually for each of the plurality of light-emitting elements 12. That is, the protective layer 13 is separated between the light-emitting elements 12 adjacent to each other in the in-plane direction. The protective layer 13 is an example of a first protective layer.

[0060] The protective layer 13 is translucent to light emitted from the light emitting element 12. The protective layer 13 can protect the light emitting element 12 and the like. For example, the protective layer 13 can prevent the OLED layer 122 from being damaged by exposure to process gases, chemicals, and the like during the manufacturing process of the display device 101. The protective layer 13 can also prevent moisture from penetrating from the external environment into the light emitting element 12 and the like. When the second electrode 123 is made of a metal layer, the protective layer 13 may have a function of preventing oxidation of this metal layer.

[0061] The protective layer 13 contains, for example, at least one of an inorganic material and an organic material having low moisture absorption. The protective layer 13 may have a single layer structure or a multilayer structure. When the thickness of the protective layer 13 is increased, a multilayer structure is preferable. This is to relieve internal stress in the protective layer 13. The inorganic material is, for example, silicon oxide (SiO ｘ ), silicon nitride (SiN ｘ ), silicon oxynitride (SiO ｘ N ｙ ), titanium oxide (TiO ｘ) and aluminum oxide (AlO ｘ The organic material includes at least one selected from the group consisting of thermosetting resins, photosensitive resins, and the like. The photosensitive resin includes, for example, an ultraviolet-curable resin. Specific examples of the organic material include at least one selected from the group consisting of acrylic resins, polyimide resins, novolac resins, epoxy resins, norbornene resins, parylene resins, and the like.

[0062] The protective layer 13 preferably includes a deposition layer in which atomic layers are deposited. The deposition layer may be an ALD (Atomic Layer Deposition) layer. When the protective layer 13 includes the deposition layer, the effect of the protective layer 13 in suppressing moisture penetration can be improved. The deposition layer includes, for example, a metal oxide or a metal nitride. The metal oxide is, for example, aluminum oxide (AlO ｘ ) or titanium oxide (TiO ｘ Metal nitrides include, for example, titanium nitride (TiN ｘ ) is included.

[0063] (Connections 14) The connection parts 14 are provided individually for each of the plurality of light-emitting elements 12. That is, the connection parts 14 are separated between adjacent light-emitting elements 12 in the in-plane direction. The connection parts 14 are connection electrodes that connect the second electrodes 123 and third electrodes 17 of the light-emitting elements 12. The connection parts 14 are translucent to light emitted from the light-emitting elements 12. The connection parts 14 are preferably transparent electrodes that are transparent to visible light.

[0064] 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of FIG. 3. The connection portion 14 covers the first surface (top surface) of the protective layer 13 and the side surface of the protective layer 13. The connection portion 14 has an upper portion 141 provided on the first surface of the protective layer 13 and a side portion 142 provided on the side surface of the protective layer 13. In one embodiment, the upper portion 141 and the side portion 142 are made of the same material and are integrated. More specifically, the upper portion 141 and the side portion 142 are made of a single conductive layer. The conductive layer may be a conductive thin film.

[0065] The entire first surface (upper surface) of the upper portion 141 is in contact with the second surface (lower surface) of the third electrode 17. This increases the contact area between the connection portion 14 and the third electrode 17, thereby reducing the contact resistance between the connection portion 14 and the third electrode 17. The upper end of the side portion 142 is connected to the peripheral edge of the upper portion 141. The lower end of the side portion 142 is in contact with the peripheral edge of the first surface of the second electrode 123. The side portion 142 has a closed loop shape in a plan view, and covers the entire side surface of the protective layer 13.

[0066] The connection portion 14 may be composed of a single layer or two or more layers. For example, the connection portion 14 is composed of at least one layer selected from a metal layer and a transparent conductive oxide layer. More specifically, the connection portion 14 is composed of a single layer film of a metal layer or a transparent conductive oxide layer, or a laminated film of a metal layer and a transparent conductive oxide layer. When the connection portion 14 is composed of a laminated film, the metal layer may be provided on the protective layer 13 side, or the transparent conductive oxide layer may be provided on the protective layer 13 side.

[0067] Examples of the metal contained in the metal layer include the same materials as the metal of the second electrode 123. Examples of the transparent conductive oxide contained in the transparent conductive oxide layer include the same materials as the transparent conductive oxide of the first electrode 121.

[0068] (Protective Layer 15) The protective layer 15 is provided so as to conform to the recess 124 between adjacent laminates 120, and covers the side and bottom surfaces of the recess 124. More specifically, the protective layer 15 has a bottom portion provided on the bottom surface of the recess between adjacent laminates 120, and a wall portion covering the side surfaces of the recess of the adjacent laminate 120. As a result, a recess 151 is formed inside the recess 124. The protective layer 15 is an example of a second protective layer.

[0069] The protective layer 15 is translucent to light emitted from the light emitting elements 12. The protective layer 15 can protect the light emitting elements 12, the connection portions 14, etc. More specifically, for example, the protective layer 15 can prevent moisture from entering the plurality of light emitting elements 12 from the external environment.

[0070] The protective layer 15 contains, for example, at least one of an inorganic material and an organic material having low moisture absorption. The protective layer 15 may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. Examples of the inorganic material and the organic material contained in the protective layer 15 include the same materials as the inorganic material and the organic material of the protective layer 13, respectively. The protective layer 13 and the protective layer 15 may be made of the same material or different materials.

[0071] (Low-Refractive Index Layer 16) The low-refractive index layer 16 is provided in a recess 151 between adjacent stacked bodies 120. The low-refractive index layer 16 and the protective layer 15 fill the recess 151 between adjacent stacked bodies 120. The low-refractive index layer 16 has a refractive index lower than that of the protective layer 15. As a result, of the light emitted obliquely from the light-emitting element 12, components that are incident on the side surface of the low-refractive index layer 16 at an incident angle equal to or greater than a predetermined value are totally reflected by the side surface of the low-refractive index layer 16. This allows the front brightness of the display device 101 to be improved. The low-refractive index layer 16 may be translucent or non-translucent to the light emitted from the light-emitting element 12.

[0072] The low refractive index layer 16 includes, for example, an organic material or an inorganic material. The organic material includes, for example, a cured product of a photosensitive resin composition such as an ultraviolet curable resin composition. The inorganic material includes, for example, silicon oxide (SiO ｘ ), silicon oxynitride (SiO ｘ N ｙ ), magnesium fluoride (MgF ｘ ) and lithium fluoride (LiF ｘ ) and at least one selected from the group consisting of

[0073] The low refractive index layer 16 may contain a filler. The refractive index of the low refractive index layer 16 can be adjusted by adjusting the content of the filler contained in the low refractive index layer 16. The filler may be a hollow filler. The filler may be an inorganic filler. The inorganic filler may be, for example, aluminum oxide (AlO ｘ ), titanium oxide (TiO ｘ ) and zirconium oxide (ZrO ｘ) and the like.

[0074] (Third Electrode 17) The third electrode 17 is provided over the first surfaces of the plurality of upper portions 141, as well as over the first surfaces of the low-refractive-index layer 16 and protective layer 15 that fill the recesses 151. The third electrode 17 is a common electrode for the plurality of light-emitting elements 12 provided in the display region RE1, and is in contact with the entire first surfaces (entire upper surfaces) of the respective upper portions 141 in the display region RE1. That is, the third electrode 17 is connected to each of the second electrodes 123 separated for each subpixel 10 via the connection portions 14. The third electrode 17 is translucent to light emitted from the light-emitting elements 12. The third electrode 17 may be a transparent electrode that is transparent to visible light.

[0075] The third electrode 17 is formed over the entire display region RE1 and extends from the display region RE1 to the peripheral region RE2. The peripheral edge of the third electrode 17 is connected to a contact electrode (not shown) in the peripheral region RE2. Another conductive layer may be sandwiched between the peripheral edge of the third electrode 17 and the contact electrode.

[0076] The third electrode 17 is composed of, for example, at least one layer of a metal layer and a transparent conductive oxide layer. More specifically, the third electrode 17 is composed of a single layer film of a metal layer or a transparent conductive oxide layer, or a laminate film of a metal layer and a transparent conductive oxide layer. When the third electrode 17 is composed of a laminate film, the metal layer may be provided on the connection portion 14 side, or the transparent conductive oxide layer may be provided on the connection portion 14 side.

[0077] Examples of the metal contained in the metal layer include the same materials as the metal of the second electrode 123. Examples of the transparent conductive oxide contained in the transparent conductive oxide layer include the same materials as the transparent conductive oxide of the first electrode 121.

[0078] (Planarization Layer 18) The planarization layer 18 is provided on the first surface of the third electrode 17. The planarization layer 18 fills in irregularities on the first surface side of the third electrode 17, and can form a flat first surface above the third electrode 17. The planarization layer 18 is translucent to light emitted from the light-emitting element 12. The planarization layer 18 includes, for example, at least one of an organic material and an inorganic material.

[0079] The organic material includes, for example, a cured product of a photosensitive resin composition. The photosensitive resin composition may include either a positive-type photosensitive resin composition or a negative-type photosensitive resin composition. Specific examples of the photosensitive resin composition include at least one selected from the group consisting of polyimide, polyimide precursor, polybenzoxazole, polybenzoxazole precursor, acrylic resin, phenolic resin, and siloxane resin. Examples of the inorganic material include the same materials as those of the protective layer 13.

[0080] (Color Filter 19) The color filter 19 is a so-called on-chip color filter (OCCF). The color filter 19 is provided above the plurality of light-emitting elements 12. More specifically, the color filter 19 is provided on the first surface of the planarization layer 18. The color filter 19 includes, for example, a plurality of colored layers 190R, a plurality of colored layers 190G, and a plurality of colored layers 190B. In the following description, when the colored layers 190R, 190G, and 190B are referred to collectively without any particular distinction, the colored layers 190R, 190G, and 190B may be simply referred to as colored layers 190.

[0081] The multiple colored layers 190 are two-dimensionally arranged on the first surface of the planarization layer 18 in a specified arrangement pattern. The specified arrangement pattern is as described above for the multiple sub-pixels 10. Each colored layer 190 is provided above a light-emitting element 12. The sub-pixel 10R includes the light-emitting element 12 and a colored layer 190R provided above the light-emitting element 12. The sub-pixel 10G includes the light-emitting element 12 and a colored layer 190G provided above the light-emitting element 12. The sub-pixel 10B includes the light-emitting element 12 and a colored layer 190B provided above the light-emitting element 12.

[0082] The coloring layer 190R has a red color. The coloring layer 190R transmits the red light component of the white light emitted from the light-emitting element 12, but can absorb components other than the red light. The coloring layer 190G has a green color. The coloring layer 190G transmits the green light component of the white light emitted from the light-emitting element 12, but can absorb components other than the green light. The coloring layer 190B has a blue color. The coloring layer 190B transmits the blue light component of the white light emitted from the light-emitting element 12, but can absorb components other than the blue light.

[0083] The colored layer 190R includes, for example, a red color resist, the colored layer 190G includes, for example, a green color resist, and the colored layer 190B includes, for example, a blue color resist.

[0084] [Manufacturing Method of Display Device 101] Hereinafter, an example of a manufacturing method of the display device 101 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6A to 8B.

[0085] (Step of forming first electrodes 121) First, a metal layer and a metal oxide layer are sequentially formed on the first surface of the drive substrate 11 by, for example, sputtering, and then the metal layer and the metal oxide layer are patterned by, for example, photolithography. As a result, a plurality of first electrodes 121 are formed on the first surface of the drive substrate 11.

[0086] (Step of Forming OLED Layer 122) Next, for example by vapor deposition, the hole injection layer 1221, the hole transport layer 1222, the red light-emitting layer 1220R, the emission separation layer 1223, the blue light-emitting layer 1220B, the green light-emitting layer 1220G, the electron transport layer 1224, and the electron injection layer 1225 are laminated in this order on the first surface of the drive substrate 11 so as to cover the plurality of first electrodes 121. In this way, the OLED layer 122 having a single layer of light-emitting unit U is formed. Note that the OLED layer 122 is not limited to an OLED layer having a single layer of light-emitting unit U, and may be an OLED layer having two layers of light-emitting units U1 and U2, or may be an OLED layer with a structure other than those.

[0087] (Step of Forming Second Electrode 123) Next, the second electrode 123 is formed on the first surface of the OLED layer 122 by, for example, vapor deposition or sputtering.

[0088] (Process for forming protective layer 13) Next, the protective layer 13 is formed on the first surface of the second electrode 123 by, for example, a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. Next, a resist is applied to the first surface of the protective layer 13 and cured to form a resist layer 81, and then the resist layer 81 is exposed to light and developed. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6A , island-shaped resist layers 81 remain in positions corresponding to the sub-pixels 10, and a resist pattern 31 is formed.

[0089] Next, as shown in Fig. 6B , the protective layer 13 is processed by, for example, dry etching using the resist pattern 31 as a mask, and the protective layer 13 is divided at portions corresponding to the spaces between adjacent sub-pixels 10. Thereafter, the resist pattern 31 is removed from the first surfaces of the plurality of protective layers 13 by, for example, ashing.

[0090] (Step of forming stacked body 120) Next, a conductive layer 140 such as a metal layer or a metal oxide layer is formed on the first surface of the second electrode 123 by, for example, sputtering, so as to follow the shape of the multiple protective layers 13, as shown in Fig. 6C . Next, by, for example, photolithography, portions of the conductive layer 140, the second electrode 123, and the OLED layer 122 that correspond to the spaces between adjacent sub-pixels 10 are removed, and the conductive layer 140, the second electrode 123, and the OLED layer 122 are separated at the spaces between adjacent sub-pixels 10. As a result, multiple stacked bodies 120 each consisting of the light-emitting elements 12, the protective layers 13, and the connecting portions 14 are formed on the first surface of the drive substrate 11, as shown in Fig. 7A .

[0091] (Step of forming protective layer 15) Next, as shown in Fig. 7B, the protective layer 15 is formed on the first surface of the drive substrate 11 by, for example, a CVD method so as to follow the recesses 124 between adjacent stacked bodies 120. As a result, recesses 151 are formed inside the recesses 124.

[0092] (Step of forming low refractive index layer 16) Next, as shown in Fig. 7C, the low refractive index layer 16 is formed on the first surface of the protective layer 15 by, for example, a CVD method, to fill the recess 151. Next, the entire first surface of the low refractive index layer 16 is etched back by, for example, dry etching. As a result, the first surface of the upper portion 141 of the connecting portion 14 is exposed, as shown in Fig. 8A.

[0093] 8B , third electrodes 17 are formed by, for example, sputtering over the first surfaces of the plurality of upper portions 141 and over the first surfaces of the protective layer 15 and low refractive index layer 16 that fill the recesses 124. As a result, the first surfaces of the plurality of upper portions 141 come into contact with the second surface of the third electrode 17.

[0094] (Step of Forming Planarizing Layer 18) Next, the resin composition is applied onto the first surface of the third electrode 17 and then cured by, for example, light irradiation or heating, to form the planarizing layer 18.

[0095] (Process for Forming Color Filter 19) Next, a green color resist is applied to the first surface of the planarization layer 18, and is irradiated with ultraviolet light through a photomask for pattern exposure, followed by development, thereby forming a green colored layer 190G. Next, a red color resist is applied to the first surface of the planarization layer 18, and is irradiated with ultraviolet light through a photomask for pattern exposure, followed by development, thereby forming a red colored layer 190R. Next, a blue color resist is applied to the first surface of the planarization layer 18, and is irradiated with ultraviolet light through a photomask for pattern exposure, followed by development, thereby forming a blue colored layer 190B. In this way, a color filter 19 is formed on the first surface of the planarization layer 18. As described above, a display device 101 according to one embodiment is obtained.

[0096] [Effects] As described above, in the display device 101 according to one embodiment, the third electrode 17 contacts the entire first surface (entire upper surface) of the upper portion 141 of each of the plurality of connection portions 14, thereby increasing the contact area between the connection portion 14 and the third electrode 17. This makes it possible to suppress an increase in contact resistance between the connection portion 14 and the third electrode 17. Furthermore, it is possible to suppress poor contact between the connection portion 14 and the third electrode 17 during the manufacturing process of the display device 101. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in the stability of the quality of the display device 101.

[0097] <3 Modifications> [Modification 1] In the embodiment, an example was described in which the third electrode 17 contacts the entire first surface of each upper portion 141 in the display region RE1 (see FIG. 5 ). However, the contact state between the third electrode 17 and the multiple upper portions 141 is not limited to this example. The third electrode 17 may also contact a portion of the first surface of each upper portion 141 in the display region RE1. For example, as shown in FIG. 9 , the third electrode 17 may have a protrusion 171. The protrusion 171 may protrude toward the upper portion 141, and the top of the protrusion 171 may contact a central portion of the first surface of the upper portion 141. From the viewpoint of increasing the contact area between the protrusion 171 and the upper portion 141, the top of the protrusion 171 is preferably flat. A recess is formed on the back side of the protrusion 171 (the opposite side to the protrusion 171). The protrusion 171 is a so-called via and is provided in the protective layer 15. In the first modification, a part of the protective layer 15 is provided between the upper portion 141 and the third electrode 17. The protective layer 15 has a through-hole between the upper portion 141 and the third electrode 17, and a protrusion 171 is provided in this through-hole.

[0098] As described above, in the display device 101 according to the first modification, the third electrode 17 is in contact with the upper portion 141 of the connection portion 14 through the protrusion 171, which is a via. This provides the same effect as the display device 101 according to the first embodiment.

[0099] In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the third electrode 17 is provided between the protective layer 15 and the planarization layer 18 and between the low-refractive index layer 16 and the planarization layer 18 between adjacent subpixels 10 (see FIGS. 3 and 5 ). However, the arrangement of the third electrode 17 is not limited to this example, and the third electrode 17 may be provided between the protective layer 15 and the low-refractive index layer 16 between adjacent subpixels 10, as shown in FIG. 9 .

[0100] [Variation 2] In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the top portion 141 and the side portion 142 of the connection portion 14 are formed from a single conductive layer (see FIG. 5 ). However, the configuration of the connection portion 14 is not limited to this example, and as shown in FIG. 10 , the top portion 141 and the side portion 142 of the connection portion 14 may be formed from different conductive layers. Here, the different conductive layers may be conductive layers made from different materials, conductive layers with different numbers of layers, or both. When the top portion 141 and the side portion 142 are formed from conductive layers made from different materials, one of the top portion 141 and the side portion 142 may be a metal layer, and the other may be a transparent conductive layer.

[0101] The third electrode 17 may be in contact with both the first surface of the upper portion 141 and the upper end portion of the side portion 142. This increases the contact area between the third electrode 17 and the connection portion 14. From the viewpoint of increasing the contact area between the third electrode 17 and the connection portion 14, it is preferable that the third electrode 17 be provided across from the first surface of the upper portion 141 to the side surface of the upper end portion of the side portion 142.

[0102] As described above, in the display device 101 according to the second modification, the upper portion 141 and the side portion 142 of the connection portion 14 are made of different conductive layers, and therefore the optical characteristics and other properties can be changed between the upper portion 141 and the side portion 142.

[0103] [Variation 3] When the third electrode 17 has a protrusion 171, as shown in FIG. 11 , a filling layer 20 may be provided in a recess on the back surface side of the protrusion 171. The filling layer 20 may be a low-refractive index layer having a refractive index lower than that of the protective layer 15. As a result, of the light L incident on the side surface of the filling layer 20, components that are incident on the side surface of the filling layer 20 at an incident angle equal to or greater than a predetermined value are totally reflected by the side surface of the filling layer 20 and directed upward. This can improve the front brightness of the display device 101. The refractive index of the filling layer 20 may be lower than that of the third electrode 17.

[0104] The filling layer 20 may be a high-refractive index layer having a refractive index higher than that of the protective layer 13. In this case, as shown in FIG. 12 , light L incident on the second surface (bottom surface) of the filling layer 20 is refracted at the second surface (bottom surface) of the filling layer 20 and directed upward. This improves the front brightness of the display device 101. The refractive index of the filling layer 20 may be higher than that of the third electrode 17 and / or the upper portion 141.

[0105] [Variation 4] Of the upper portion 141 and the side portion 142 of the connecting portion 14, the side portion 142 may be made of a metal layer. As a result, as shown in Fig. 13, light L emitted laterally from the light-emitting element 12 is reflected by the side portion 142 and directed upward. This improves the front brightness of the display device 101. Examples of materials for the metal layer include the same materials as those for the metal layer of the second electrode 123 described above.

[0106] The upper portion 141 may be composed of a transparent conductive layer. More specifically, the upper portion 141 may be composed of a metal layer or a transparent conductive oxide layer, and from the viewpoint of improving the light transmittance of the upper portion 141, it is preferable that the upper portion 141 be composed of a transparent conductive oxide layer. Examples of materials for the transparent conductive oxide layer include the same materials as those for the transparent conductive oxide layer of the first electrode 121. The thicknesses of the upper portion 141 and the side portions 142 may be different.

[0107] [Variation 5] When the third electrode 17 has a protrusion 171, as shown in FIG. 14 , a protective layer 21 may be provided on the first surface of the upper portion 141. The protective layer 21 is an example of a third protective layer. The protective layer 21 has an opening, through which the protrusion 171 contacts the first surface of the upper portion 141. The opening is located at the center of the light-emitting element 12 in a plan view. By providing the protective layer 21 on the first surface of the upper portion 141, the upper portion 141 can be protected during the manufacturing process of the display device 101. Specifically, for example, the upper portion 141 can be prevented from being over-etched. The protective layer 21 may also have the function of preventing moisture from entering the connection portion 14, the light-emitting element 12, and the like from the external environment. Examples of materials for the protective layer 21 include inorganic materials similar to those for the protective layer 13.

[0108] [Variation 6] As shown in FIG. 15 , a protective layer 22 may be provided on the outer peripheral surface of the side portion 142. The protective layer 22 is an example of a fourth protective layer. The protective layer 22 has a closed loop shape in a plan view and covers substantially the entire outer peripheral surface of the side portion 142. By providing the protective layer 22 on the outer peripheral surface of the side portion 142, the side portion 142 can be protected during the manufacturing process of the display device 101. Specifically, for example, the side portion 142 can be prevented from being over-etched. Furthermore, the protective layer 22 may have a function of preventing moisture from penetrating from the external environment into the connection portion 14, the light-emitting element 12, etc. Examples of materials for the protective layer 22 include inorganic materials similar to those for the protective layer 13.

[0109] It should be noted that both the protective layer 21 in Modification 5 and the protective layer 22 in Modification 6 may be provided. In this case, the protective layer 21 and the protective layer 22 may be made of the same material or different materials.

[0110] [Variation 7] As shown in FIG. 16 , the connection portion 14 located on the periphery of the display region RE1 may have an opening 141a in a part of the upper portion 141. The opening 141a may be disposed eccentrically toward the periphery of the display region RE1 with respect to the center of the connection portion 14 in a plan view. This allows light L emitted from the light-emitting element 12 to be extracted to the outside through the opening 141a disposed eccentrically toward the periphery. Therefore, the principal ray axis of the subpixel 10 at the periphery of the display region RE1 can be tilted toward the outside of the display region RE1. This allows the CRA of the display device 101 to be widened.

[0111] The opening 141a may be provided between the center of the connecting portion 14 and the side portion 142 in a plan view. The opening 141a may be provided adjacent to the side portion 142. In the seventh modification, the connecting portion 14, i.e., the upper portion 141 and the side portion 142, may include a metal layer. This allows light L emitted from the light-emitting element 12 in a direction other than the opening 141a to be reflected by the connecting portion 14 and the first electrode 121, etc., and then extracted through the opening 141a. This allows the directionality of the light emitted from the sub-pixel 10 to be improved.

[0112] The colored layer 190 located on the periphery of the display region RE1 may be disposed eccentrically in the eccentric direction of the opening 141a with respect to the center of the light-emitting element 12 in a planar view. That is, the colored layer 190 may be disposed eccentrically on the periphery side of the display region RE1 with respect to the center of the light-emitting element 12. In the present disclosure, the center of the light-emitting element 12 in a planar view refers to the geometric center of the light-emitting element 12 in a planar view.

[0113] [Variation 8] In Variation 7, an example was described in which the opening 141a is disposed eccentrically toward the periphery of the display region RE1 relative to the center of the connection portion 14 in a plan view. However, the position of the opening 141a in the upper portion 141 is not limited to this example. For example, the opening 141a may be disposed eccentrically toward the center of the display region RE1 relative to the center of the connection portion 14 in a plan view. This allows light L emitted from the light-emitting element 12 to be extracted to the outside through the opening 141a disposed eccentrically toward the center. Therefore, the principal ray axis of the subpixel 10 at the periphery of the display region RE1 can be tilted toward the inside of the display region RE1. In the present disclosure, the center of the display region RE1 in a plan view refers to the geometric center of the display region RE1 in a plan view.

[0114] The colored layer 190 located on the periphery of the display region RE1 may be disposed eccentrically in the eccentric direction of the opening 141a with respect to the center of the light-emitting element 12 in a plan view. In other words, the colored layer 190 may be disposed eccentrically toward the center of the display region RE1 with respect to the center of the light-emitting element 12.

[0115] [Modification 9] The protective layer 13 located on the periphery of the display region RE1 may have a staircase portion 13St on the first surface (upper surface) as shown in Fig. 17. The staircase portion 13St is formed on the lower surface (first surface) 13S. １ and bottom surface 13S １ The upper surface (second surface) 13S is higher than the ２ The stepped portion 13St descends from the center of the display area RE1 toward the periphery. １ and upper surface 13S ２ Of these, the lower surface 13S １ are provided on the periphery of the display area RE1, and the upper surface 13S ２ is provided on the central side of the display area RE1.

[0116] The connection portion 14 has an opening 141a. The opening 141a is formed on the lower surface 13S of the protective layer 13. １ Upper and stepped portions 13S １２As a result, the opening 141a is disposed eccentrically toward the periphery of the display region RE1 with respect to the center of the connection portion 14 in a plan view. １２ is the bottom surface 13S １ and top surface 13S ２ In the ninth modification, the third electrode 17 is formed on the upper surface 13S of the stepped portion 13St. ２ 1. The connecting portion 14 is in contact with the connecting portion 14 at this point.

[0117] Bottom surface 13S １ is the top surface 13S ２ Since the openings 141a are closer to the light emitting elements 12 than the openings 141b, the positions of the openings 141a are closer to the light emitting elements 12, and the light L emitted from the light emitting elements 12 to the wide-angle side can be more easily extracted through the openings 141a. Therefore, the principal light axes of the sub-pixels 10 at the periphery of the display region RE1 can be further tilted outward from the display region RE1, and the CRA of the display device 101 can be further widened.

[0118] In Modification 9, the connecting portion 14, i.e., the upper portion 141 and the side portion 142, may include a metal layer. This allows light L emitted from the light-emitting element 12 in a direction other than the opening 141a to be reflected by the connecting portion 14 and the first electrode 121, etc., and then extracted through the opening 141a. This allows the directionality of the light emitted from the sub-pixel 10 to be improved.

[0119] As in the seventh modification, the colored layer 190 located on the periphery of the display region RE1 may be disposed eccentrically on the periphery side of the display region RE1 with respect to the center of the light emitting element 12.

[0120] [Modification 10] In Modification 9, the example in which the staircase portion 13St descends from the center to the periphery of the display area RE1 has been described. However, the shape of the staircase portion 13St is not limited to this example.

[0121] For example, the stepped portion 13St may rise from the center of the display area RE1 toward the periphery. １ and upper surface 13S ２ Of these, the lower surface 13S １ is provided on the center side of the display area RE1, and the upper surface 13S２ may be provided on the peripheral side of the display region RE1. In this case, the main light axis of the sub-pixels 10 can be further tilted inward of the display region RE1 in the peripheral part of the display region RE1.

[0122] As in the eighth modification, the colored layer 190 located on the periphery of the display region RE1 may be disposed eccentrically toward the center of the display region RE1 with respect to the center of the light emitting element 12.

[0123] [Variation 11] As shown in FIG. 18 , the connecting portion 14 located on the periphery of the display region RE1 may have an opening 142a in a portion of the side portion 142 that is on the periphery side of the display region RE1. This allows light L emitted at a wide angle from a light-emitting element located on the periphery of the display region RE1 toward the outside of the display region RE1 to be extracted through the opening 142a in the side portion 142. This allows the principal light axis of the subpixel 10 in the periphery of the display region RE1 to be tilted toward the outside of the display region RE1. This allows the CRA of the display device 101 to be widened.

[0124] In Modification 11, upper portion 141 may be made of a light-transmitting conductive layer, and side portion 142 may be made of a metal layer. As a result, light L incident on side portion 142 from light-emitting element 12 is reflected by side portion 142 and then extracted through upper portion 141 or opening 141 a. However, the configuration of connection portion 14 is not limited to this example, and both upper portion 141 and side portion 142 may be made of a metal layer.

[0125] As in the seventh modification, the colored layer 190 located on the periphery of the display region RE1 may be disposed eccentrically on the periphery side of the display region RE1 with respect to the center of the light emitting element 12.

[0126] [Variation 12] In Variation 9, an example was described in which the connecting portion 14 located on the periphery of the display region RE1 has the opening 142a in a portion of the side portion 142 that is on the periphery side of the display region RE1. However, the position where the opening 142a is formed in the side portion 142 is not limited to this example. For example, the connecting portion 14 located on the periphery of the display region RE1 may have the opening 142a in a portion of the side portion 142 that is on the center side of the display region RE1. In this case, the main light axis of the subpixel 10 in the periphery of the display region RE1 can be tilted inward of the display region RE1.

[0127] As in the eighth modification, the colored layer 190 located on the periphery of the display region RE1 may be disposed eccentrically toward the center of the display region RE1 with respect to the center of the light emitting element 12.

[0128] [Modification 13] The display device 101 according to modifications 7 to 12 may be provided in an optical system such as an eyewear device (for example, a VR device, an MR device, or an AR device) or an EVF.

[0129] FIG. 19A is a schematic diagram of an optical system 40a. The optical system 40a includes a display device 101 according to Modification 7, Modification 9, or Modification 11 and an imaging lens 41. The display device 101 is disposed opposite the imaging lens 41. The optical system 40a has an optical axis 40Ax that passes through the center of the display region RE1 of the display device 101 and is perpendicular to the display surface of the display device 101. Here, the center of the display region RE1 refers to the geometric center of the display region RE1 in a planar view. In the display device 101 according to Modification 7, Modification 9, or Modification 11, light L emitted from the light-emitting elements 12 included in the peripheral portion of the display region RE1 is spread with respect to the optical axis 40Ax of the optical system 40a. As a result, light L emitted from the peripheral portion of the display region RE1 can be incident on the peripheral portion of the imaging lens 41.

[0130] 19B is a schematic diagram of optical system 40b. Optical system 40b includes display device 101 according to Modification 8, Modification 10, or Modification 12, and imaging lens 41. In display device 101 according to Modification 8, Modification 10, or Modification 12, light L emitted from light-emitting elements 12 included in the peripheral portion of display region RE1 is condensed toward optical axis 40Ax of optical system 40b. This allows light L emitted from the peripheral portion of display region RE1 to be incident on the peripheral portion of imaging lens 41.

[0131] 20 , the display device 101 may further include a lens array 23 on the first surface of the color filter 19. The display device 101 may further include a planarization layer (not shown) between the color filter 19 and the lens array 23.

[0132] The lens array 23 includes a plurality of lenses 230. Each of the lenses 230 is provided above each light-emitting element 12. The lenses 230 can focus light incident from the light-emitting elements 12 in a forward direction. The lenses 230 are convex lenses having a convex focusing surface on the side opposite the light-emitting elements 12. The focusing surface of the lens 230 preferably has a convex curved surface shape. The lenses 230 are so-called on-chip microlenses (OCLs) and are two-dimensionally arranged in a predetermined arrangement pattern on the first surface of the color filter 19 or the first surface of the planarization layer (not shown). The predetermined arrangement pattern is the same as the predetermined arrangement pattern of the plurality of subpixels 10 described in the embodiment. The center of the lens 230 may substantially coincide with the center of the light-emitting region of the light-emitting element 12 in a planar view.

[0133] The lens 230 includes, for example, an organic material or an inorganic material that is transparent to visible light. The organic material includes, for example, a cured product of a photosensitive resin composition such as an ultraviolet curable resin composition. The inorganic material includes, for example, silicon nitride (SiN ｘ ) and silicon oxynitride (SiO ｘ N ｙ) and the like. The lens 230 may contain a filler. The refractive index of the lens 230 can be adjusted by adjusting the content of the filler contained in the lens 230. The filler may be an inorganic filler. The inorganic filler may be, for example, aluminum oxide (AlO ｘ ), titanium oxide (TiO ｘ ) and zirconium oxide (ZrO ｘ The filler may be a hollow filler.

[0134] The lens 230 may be provided in all the sub-pixels 10 in the display region RE1, or may be provided in only some of the sub-pixels 10 of all the sub-pixels 10 in the display region RE1, for example, only the sub-pixels 10 in a certain region.

[0135] As described above, by providing the display device 101 with the lens array 23 on the first surface of the color filter 19 or on the first surface of the planarization layer (not shown), the light emitted from the color filter 19 can be condensed by the lens array 23. Therefore, the light extraction efficiency of the display device 101 can be improved.

[0136] [Variation 15] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the display device 101 includes a plurality of light-emitting elements 12 capable of emitting white light and a color filter 19, and a combination of these elements is used to display a color image. However, the colorization method of the display device 101 is not limited to this. For example, instead of the plurality of light-emitting elements 12 capable of emitting white light, the display device 101 may include a plurality of light-emitting elements capable of emitting red light, a plurality of light-emitting elements capable of emitting green light, and a plurality of light-emitting elements capable of emitting blue light. In this case, the color filter is not an essential component and may or may not be included.

[0137] The light-emitting element capable of emitting light of a predetermined color (red light, green light, or blue light) is, for example, (1) a light-emitting element including a light-emitting layer capable of emitting light of a predetermined color (red light, green light, or blue light); (2) a light-emitting element including a light-emitting layer capable of emitting white light and capable of resonating and emphasizing light of a predetermined wavelength (red light, green light, or blue light) contained in the white light emitted by the light-emitting layer using a resonator structure; or (3) a light-emitting element including a light-emitting layer capable of emitting light of a predetermined color (red light, green light, or blue light) and capable of resonating and emphasizing light of a predetermined wavelength contained in the light of a predetermined color emitted by the light-emitting layer using a resonator structure.

[0138] [Modification 16] In the above embodiment, an example in which the color filter 19 is provided has been described, but a quantum dot layer may be provided instead of the color filter 19, or a quantum dot layer may be provided together with the color filter 19. The quantum dot layer is a color conversion layer that contains quantum dots (semiconductor particles) and can convert the color of light emitted from the plurality of light-emitting elements 12. In this case, the plurality of light-emitting elements 12 may be configured to emit blue light.

[0139] [Modification 17] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the light-emitting elements 12 are OLED elements. However, the light-emitting elements 12 are not limited to this example and may be, for example, self-luminous light-emitting elements such as LED (Light Emitting Diode) elements, inorganic electroluminescence (IEL) elements, quantum dot light-emitting diode (QLED) elements, or semiconductor laser elements. Two or more types of light-emitting elements may be provided in the display device 101.

[0140] [Variation 18] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the first electrode 121 is an anode electrode and the second electrode 123 is a cathode electrode. However, the first electrode 121 and the second electrode 123 are not limited to this example, and the first electrode 121 may be a cathode electrode and the second electrode 123 may be an anode electrode.

[0141] [Other Modifications] Above, one embodiment of the present disclosure and its modification examples (hereinafter referred to as "one embodiment, etc.") have been specifically described, but the present disclosure is not limited to one embodiment, etc., and various modifications based on the technical ideas of the present disclosure are possible.

[0142] For example, the configurations, methods, steps, shapes, materials, and numerical values ​​given in one embodiment are merely examples, and different configurations, methods, steps, shapes, materials, and numerical values ​​may be used as necessary.

[0143] The configurations, methods, steps, shapes, materials, numerical values, etc. of the embodiments may be combined with one another without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0144] Unless otherwise specified, the materials exemplified in the embodiments and the like can be used singly or in combination of two or more.

[0145] The present disclosure may also employ the following configurations. (1) A display device comprising: a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged two-dimensionally, each having a first electrode, a light-emitting layer, and a second electrode; a plurality of first protective layers provided on the plurality of light-emitting elements; a plurality of connection portions each having an upper portion provided on an upper surface of the first protective layer and a side portion provided on a side surface of the first protective layer; and a third electrode in contact with each of the upper portions of the plurality of connection portions. (2) The display device according to (1), wherein the third electrode is in contact with the entire upper surface of each of the upper portions. (3) The display device according to (1), wherein the third electrode has a protruding portion that protrudes toward the upper portion and is in contact with the upper portion. (4) The display device according to (3), further comprising: a second protective layer provided between the upper portion and the third electrode; and a filling layer provided inside the protruding portion, wherein the refractive index of the filling layer is lower than the refractive index of the second protective layer. (5) The display device according to (3), further comprising a filling layer provided inside the protruding portion, wherein the refractive index of the filling layer is higher than the refractive index of the first protective layer. (6) The display device according to any one of (3) to (5), further comprising a plurality of third protective layers provided on the plurality of upper portions, respectively. (7) The display device according to any one of (1) to (6), further comprising a fourth protective layer covering the outer peripheral surface of the side portion. (8) The display device according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the upper portion and the side portion are formed of different conductive layers. (9) The display device according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the upper portion includes a conductive layer having light transmission properties, and the side portion includes a metal layer. (10) The display device according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein at least some of the plurality of connecting portions have openings in the side portions. (11) The display device according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein, of the plurality of connection portions, a connection portion located on a periphery of the display area has an opening in a portion of the side portion that faces the periphery of the display area. (12) The display device according to (11), wherein the side portion having the opening includes a metal layer.(13) The display device according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein at least some of the plurality of connection portions have openings in the upper portions, and the openings are disposed eccentrically with respect to the centers of the connection portions in a plan view. (14) The display device according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein, of the plurality of connection portions, connection portions located on the periphery of the display area have openings in the upper portions, and the openings are disposed eccentrically with respect to the centers of the connection portions toward the periphery of the display area in a plan view. (15) The display device according to (14), wherein the upper portions and the side portions include metal layers. (16) The display device according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the first protective layer has a stepped portion having a first surface and a second surface that is higher than the first surface, and the connection portion has an opening at a position corresponding to the first surface. (17) An electronic device including the display device according to any one of (1) to (16).

[0146] <4 Relationship between normals passing through the centers of the light-emitting unit, lens member, and wavelength selecting unit> Below, the relationship between the normal LN passing through the center of the light-emitting unit, the normal LN' passing through the center of the lens member, and the normal LN" passing through the center of the wavelength selecting unit will be described. Here, the light-emitting unit is, for example, the light-emitting element 12 (see FIG. 21 for example). The lens member is, for example, the lens 231 (see FIG. 21 for example). The wavelength selecting unit is, for example, the colored layer 221 (see FIG. 21 for example).

[0147] The size of the wavelength selecting section may be changed as appropriate in accordance with the light emitted by the light emitting section, or in the case where a light absorbing section (e.g., a black matrix section) is provided between the wavelength selecting sections of adjacent light emitting sections, the size of the light absorbing section may be changed as appropriate in accordance with the light emitted by the light emitting section. Also, the size of the wavelength selecting section may be determined by the distance (offset amount) d between the normal line passing through the center of the light emitting section and the normal line passing through the center of the wavelength selecting section. ０ The planar shape of the wavelength selection section may be the same as, similar to, or different from the planar shape of the lens member.

[0148] Below, with reference to Figures 21A, 21B, 21C, and 22, we will explain the relationship between the normals passing through the centers of the light-emitting unit 51, wavelength selection unit 52, and lens member 53 when they are arranged in this order.

[0149] As shown in FIG. 21A, the normal line LN passing through the center of the light emitting unit 51, the normal line LN″ passing through the center of the wavelength selecting unit 52, and the normal line LN′ passing through the center of the lens member 53 may coincide with each other. That is, D ０ = 0, d ０ = 0. However, D ０ represents the distance (offset amount) between the normal line LN passing through the center of the light-emitting portion 51 and the normal line LN′ passing through the center of the lens member 53, and d ０ represents the distance (offset amount) between the normal line LN passing through the center of the light emitting section 51 and the normal line LN″ passing through the center of the wavelength selecting section 52.

[0150] As shown in FIG. 21B, the normal line LN passing through the center of the light-emitting unit 51 and the normal line LN" passing through the center of the wavelength selecting unit 52 are aligned, but the normal line LN passing through the center of the light-emitting unit 51 and the normal line LN" passing through the center of the wavelength selecting unit 52 may not be aligned with the normal line LN' passing through the center of the lens member 53. That is, D ０ >0, d ０ = 0.

[0151] As shown in FIG. 21C, the normal line LN passing through the center of the light emitting unit 51, the normal line LN" passing through the center of the wavelength selecting unit 52, and the normal line LN' passing through the center of the lens member 53 do not coincide with each other, and the normal line LN" passing through the center of the wavelength selecting unit 52 and the normal line LN' passing through the center of the lens member 53 may coincide with each other. That is, D ０ >0, d ０ >0, D ０ = d ０ may be.

[0152] As shown in FIG. 22, a configuration may be adopted in which the normal line LN passing through the center of the light-emitting unit 51, the normal line LN″ passing through the center of the wavelength selecting unit 52, and the normal line LN′ passing through the center of the lens member 53 do not coincide with each other. That is, D ０ >0, d ０ >0, D ０≠d ０ Here, it is preferable that the center of the wavelength selection unit 52 (position indicated by a black square in FIG. 22) is located on a straight line LL connecting the center of the light emitting unit 51 and the center of the lens member 53 (position indicated by a black circle in FIG. 22). Specifically, the distance between the center of the light emitting unit 51 and the center of the wavelength selection unit 52 in the thickness direction (vertical direction in FIG. 22) is LL. １ , the distance in the thickness direction between the center of the wavelength selection unit 52 and the center of the lens member 53 is LL ２ When this is done, D ０ >d ０ >0, and taking into account manufacturing variations, d ０ :D ０ =LL １ : (LL １ +LL ２ Here, the thickness direction refers to the thickness direction of the light emitting section 51, the wavelength selecting section 52, and the lens member 53.

[0153] Below, with reference to Figures 23A, 23B, and 24, we will explain the relationship between the normals passing through the centers of the light-emitting unit 51, lens member 53, and wavelength selection unit 52 when they are arranged in this order.

[0154] As shown in FIG. 23A, a normal line LN passing through the center of the light emitting unit 51, a normal line LN″ passing through the center of the wavelength selecting unit 52, and a normal line LN′ passing through the center of the lens member 53 may be configured to coincide with each other. That is, D ０ >0, d ０ = 0.

[0155] As shown in FIG. 23B, the normal line LN passing through the center of the light emitting unit 51, the normal line LN" passing through the center of the wavelength selecting unit 52, and the normal line LN' passing through the center of the lens member 53 do not coincide with each other, and the normal line LN" passing through the center of the wavelength selecting unit 52 and the normal line LN' passing through the center of the lens member 53 may coincide with each other. That is, D ０ >0, d ０ >0, D ０ = d ０ may be.

[0156] As shown in FIG. 24 , a configuration may be adopted in which the normal line LN passing through the center of the light-emitting section 51, the normal line LN″ passing through the center of the wavelength selecting section 52, and the normal line LN′ passing through the center of the lens member 53 do not all coincide. Here, it is preferable that the center of the lens member 53 (the position indicated by the black circle in FIG. 24 ) is located on a straight line LL connecting the center of the light-emitting section 51 and the center of the wavelength selecting section 52 (the position indicated by the black square in FIG. 24 ). Specifically, the distance between the center of the light-emitting section 51 and the center of the lens member 53 in the thickness direction (the vertical direction in FIG. 24 ) is defined as LL. ２ , the distance in the thickness direction between the center of the lens member 53 and the center of the wavelength selection unit 52 is LL １ When this is the case, d ０ >D ０ >0, and taking into account manufacturing variations, D ０ :d ０ =LL ２ : (LL １ +LL ２ Here, the thickness direction refers to the thickness direction of the light emitting section 51, the wavelength selecting section 52, and the lens member 53.

[0157] <5. Example of Resonator Structure> The subpixels 10 included in the display device 101 according to one embodiment and the display device 101 according to a modification thereof (hereinafter referred to as "the display device 101 according to one embodiment, etc.") may be configured to have a resonator structure that resonates light generated by the light-emitting element 12. The resonator structure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the first surface of each layer may be referred to as the upper surface.

[0158] (Resonator Structure: First Example) Fig. 25A is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a first example of a resonator structure. In the following description, when the light-emitting elements provided corresponding to the sub-pixels 10R, 10G, and 10B are referred to collectively without any particular distinction, these light-emitting elements may be referred to as light-emitting elements 12. When the light-emitting elements provided corresponding to the sub-pixels 10R, 10G, and 10B are referred to separately, these light-emitting elements may be referred to as light-emitting elements 12. Ｒ , 12 Ｇ , 12 ＢThe portions of the OLED layer 122 corresponding to the sub-pixels 10R, 10G, and 10B are called the OLED layer 122 Ｒ , OLED layer 122 Ｇ , OLED layer 122 Ｂ This is what happens.

[0159] In the first example, the first electrode 121 is formed to have a common film thickness in each light emitting element 12. The same is true for the second electrode 123.

[0160] A reflector 71 is disposed below the first electrode 121 of the light-emitting element 12, with an optical adjustment layer 72 sandwiched therebetween. A resonator structure that resonates the light generated by the OLED layer 122 is formed between the reflector 71 and the second electrode 123. In the following description, the optical adjustment layers 72 provided corresponding to the sub-pixels 10R, 10G, and 10B are referred to as the optical adjustment layers 72. Ｒ , 72 Ｇ , 72 Ｂ This is what happens.

[0161] The reflector 71 is formed to have a common film thickness for each light-emitting element 12. The film thickness of the optical adjustment layer 72 varies depending on the color to be displayed by the sub-pixel. Ｒ , 72 Ｇ , 72 Ｂ By having different film thicknesses, it is possible to set the optical distance that produces the optimum resonance for the wavelength of light corresponding to the color to be displayed.

[0162] In the example shown in FIG. 25A, the light emitting element 12 Ｒ , 12 Ｇ , 12 Ｂ As described above, the film thickness of the optical adjustment layer 72 differs depending on the color to be displayed by the sub-pixel, so the position of the upper surface of the second electrode 123 is aligned with the light emitting element 12. Ｒ , 12 Ｇ , 12 Ｂ It varies depending on the type of

[0163] The reflector 71 can be made of a metal such as aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), or copper (Cu), or an alloy containing any of these as its main component.

[0164] The optical adjustment layer 72 is made of silicon nitride (SiN ｘ ), silicon oxide (SiO ｘ ), silicon oxynitride (SiO ｘ N ｙ The optical adjustment layer 72 may be formed using an inorganic insulating material such as acrylic resin or polyimide resin, or an organic resin material such as acrylic resin or polyimide resin. The optical adjustment layer 72 may be a single layer or a laminated film made of a plurality of these materials. The number of laminated layers may vary depending on the type of light-emitting element 12.

[0165] The first electrode 121 can be formed using a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), or zinc oxide (ZnO).

[0166] The second electrode 123 needs to function as a semi-transmissive reflective film. The second electrode 123 can be formed using magnesium (Mg) or silver (Ag), a magnesium-silver alloy (MgAg) containing these as main components, or an alloy containing an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal.

[0167] (Resonator Structure: Second Example) FIG. 25B is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining a second example of the resonator structure.

[0168] In the second example, the first electrode 121 and the second electrode 123 are also formed to have the same film thickness in each light emitting element 12 .

[0169] Also in the second example, a reflector 71 is disposed below the first electrode 121 of the light-emitting element 12, with an optical adjustment layer 72 sandwiched therebetween. A resonator structure that resonates the light generated by the OLED layer 122 is formed between the reflector 71 and the second electrode 123. As in the first example, the reflector 71 is formed to have the same film thickness for each light-emitting element 12, and the film thickness of the optical adjustment layer 72 differs depending on the color to be displayed by the sub-pixel.

[0170] In the first example shown in FIG. 25A, the light emitting element 12 Ｒ , 12 Ｇ , 12 Ｂ The upper surfaces of the reflectors 71 are aligned, and the upper surface of the second electrode 123 is positioned so that the light emitting element 12 Ｒ , 12 Ｇ, 12 Ｂ It differed depending on the type of

[0171] In contrast, in the second example shown in FIG. 25B, the upper surface of the second electrode 123 is Ｒ , 12 Ｇ , 12 Ｂ In order to align the upper surfaces of the second electrodes 123, the light emitting elements 12 Ｒ , 12 Ｇ , 12 Ｂ The upper surface of the reflector 71 is Ｒ , 12 Ｇ , 12 Ｂ Therefore, the lower surface of the reflector 71 (in other words, the upper surface of the base layer (insulating layer) 73) has a stepped shape according to the type of the light emitting element 12.

[0172] The materials constituting the reflector 71, the optical adjustment layer 72, the first electrode 121 and the second electrode 123 are the same as those described in the first example, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0173] 26A is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a third example of the resonator structure. In the following description, the reflectors 71 provided corresponding to the sub-pixels 10R, 10G, and 10B are referred to as the reflectors 71. Ｒ , 71 Ｇ , 71 Ｂ This is what happens.

[0174] In the third example, the first electrode 121 and the second electrode 123 are also formed to have the same film thickness in each light emitting element 12 .

[0175] Also in the third example, a reflector 71 is disposed below the first electrode 121 of the light-emitting element 12, with an optical adjustment layer 72 sandwiched therebetween. A resonator structure that resonates the light generated by the OLED layer 122 is formed between the reflector 71 and the second electrode 123. As in the first and second examples, the film thickness of the optical adjustment layer 72 varies depending on the color to be displayed by the sub-pixel. As in the second example, the position of the upper surface of the second electrode 123 is located above the first electrode 121 of the light-emitting element 12. Ｒ , 12 Ｇ , 12 Ｂ are arranged to align.

[0176] In the second example shown in FIG. 26B, the lower surface of the reflector 71 has a stepped shape according to the type of light emitting element 12 in order to align the upper surface of the second electrode 123 .

[0177] In contrast, in the third example shown in FIG. 26A, the film thickness of the reflector 71 is Ｒ , 12 Ｇ , 12 Ｂ More specifically, the reflector 71 is set to have a different reflecting surface depending on the type of the reflector 71. Ｒ , 71 Ｇ , 71 Ｂ The film thickness is set so that the bottom surfaces of the

[0178] The materials constituting the reflector 71, the optical adjustment layer 72, the first electrode 121 and the second electrode 123 are the same as those described in the first example, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0179] (Fourth Example of Resonator Structure) Fig. 26B is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a fourth example of the resonator structure. In the following description, the first electrodes 121 provided corresponding to the sub-pixels 10R, 10G, and 10B are referred to as first electrodes 121 Ｒ , 121 Ｇ , 121 Ｂ This is what happens.

[0180] 26A , the first electrodes 121 and second electrodes 123 of each light-emitting element 12 are formed to have the same film thickness. A reflector 71 is disposed below the first electrodes 121 of the light-emitting elements 12 with an optical adjustment layer 72 sandwiched therebetween.

[0181] In contrast, in the fourth example shown in FIG. 26B, the optical adjustment layer 72 is omitted, and the film thickness of the first electrode 121 is set to the same as that of the light emitting element 12 Ｒ , 12 Ｇ , 12 Ｂ The settings were different depending on the type of

[0182] The reflector 71 is formed to have a common thickness for each light-emitting element 12. The thickness of the first electrode 121 varies depending on the color to be displayed by the sub-pixel. Ｒ , 121 Ｇ , 121Ｂ By having different film thicknesses, it is possible to set the optical distance that produces the optimum resonance for the wavelength of light corresponding to the color to be displayed.

[0183] The materials constituting the reflector 71, the optical adjustment layer 72, the first electrode 121 and the second electrode 123 are the same as those described in the first example, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0184] (Resonator Structure: Fifth Example) FIG. 27A is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining a fifth example of the resonator structure.

[0185] 25A , the first electrode 121 and the second electrode 123 are formed to have the same film thickness in each light-emitting element 12. A reflector 71 is disposed below the first electrode 121 of the light-emitting element 12 with an optical adjustment layer 72 sandwiched therebetween.

[0186] 27A, the optical adjustment layer 72 is omitted, and instead, an oxide film 74 is formed on the surface of the reflector 71. The thickness of the oxide film 74 is Ｒ , 12 Ｇ , 12 Ｂ In the following description, the oxide films 74 provided corresponding to the sub-pixels 10R, 10G, and 10B are referred to as oxide films 74 Ｒ , 74 Ｇ , 74 Ｂ This is what happens.

[0187] The thickness of the oxide film 74 varies depending on the color to be displayed by the sub-pixel. Ｒ , 74 Ｇ , 74 Ｂ By having different film thicknesses, it is possible to set the optical distance that produces the optimum resonance for the wavelength of light corresponding to the color to be displayed.

[0188] The oxide film 74 is a film obtained by oxidizing the surface of the reflector 71, and is made of, for example, aluminum oxide, tantalum oxide, titanium oxide, magnesium oxide, zirconium oxide, etc. The oxide film 74 functions as an insulating film for adjusting the optical path length (optical distance) between the reflector 71 and the second electrode 123.

[0189] Light-emitting element 12 Ｒ , 12 Ｇ , 12 Ｂ The oxide film 74, which has a different thickness depending on the type of material, can be formed, for example, as follows.

[0190] First, a container is filled with an electrolyte, and the substrate on which the reflector 71 is formed is immersed in the electrolyte. An electrode is disposed so as to face the reflector 71.

[0191] Then, a positive voltage is applied to the reflector 71 with the electrode as a reference, and the reflector 71 is anodized. The thickness of the oxide film formed by anodization is proportional to the voltage value applied to the electrode. Ｒ , 71 Ｇ , 71 Ｂ Anodic oxidation is performed while a voltage according to the type of light emitting element 12 is applied to each of the layers 71 and 72. This allows oxide films 74 with different thicknesses to be formed all at once.

[0192] The materials constituting the reflector 71, the first electrode 121 and the second electrode 123 are the same as those described in the first example, and therefore will not be described again.

[0193] (Resonator Structure: Sixth Example) FIG. 27B is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining a sixth example of the resonator structure.

[0194] In the sixth example, the light emitting element 12 is configured by laminating a first electrode 121, an OLED layer 122, and a second electrode 123. However, in the sixth example, the first electrode 121 is formed so as to function both as an electrode and a reflector. The first electrode (also serving as a reflector) 121 is formed so as to function as a light emitting element 12. Ｒ , 12 Ｇ , 12 Ｂ The first electrode (also serving as a reflector) 121 is formed of a material having an optical constant selected according to the type of color to be displayed. By varying the phase shift due to the first electrode (also serving as a reflector) 121, it is possible to set the optical distance that produces the optimum resonance for the wavelength of light according to the color to be displayed.

[0195] The first electrode (also serving as a reflector) 121 can be made of a single metal such as aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), gold (Au), or copper (Cu), or an alloy containing these as a main component. Ｒ First electrode (also serving as a reflector) 121 Ｒ is formed of copper (Cu), and the light emitting element 12 Ｇ First electrode (also serving as a reflector) 121 Ｇ and light-emitting element 12 Ｂ First electrode (also serving as a reflector) 121 Ｂ The insulating film 11 may be made of aluminum.

[0196] The material constituting the second electrode 123 is the same as that described in the first example, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0197] (Resonator Structure: Seventh Example) FIG. 28 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining a seventh example of the resonator structure.

[0198] The seventh example is basically the same as the light emitting element 12 Ｒ , 12 Ｇ The sixth example is applied to the light emitting element 12 Ｂ In this configuration, the optical distance that generates the optimum resonance for the wavelength of light corresponding to the color to be displayed can also be set.

[0199] Light-emitting element 12 Ｒ , 12 Ｇ First electrode (also serving as a reflector) 121 used in Ｒ , 121 Ｇ The electrode can be made of a single metal such as aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), gold (Au), or copper (Cu), or an alloy containing any of these as a main component.

[0200] Light-emitting element 12 Ｂ Reflector 71 used in Ｂ , optical adjustment layer 72 Ｂ and the first electrode 121 Ｂ The materials constituting the second embodiment are the same as those described in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described here.

[0201] 6. Application Examples (Electronic Devices) The display device 101 according to an embodiment may be provided in various electronic devices. The display device 101 according to an embodiment is particularly suitable for eyewear devices such as head-mounted displays, or electronic viewfinders for video cameras or single-lens reflex cameras that require high resolution and are used in close proximity to the eyes with magnification.

[0202] 29A and 29B show an example of the appearance of a digital still camera 310. This digital still camera 310 is an interchangeable lens single-lens reflex type, and has an interchangeable taking lens unit (interchangeable lens) 312 located approximately in the center of the front of a camera main body 311, and a grip part 313 for the photographer to hold on the left side of the front.

[0203] A monitor 314 is provided at a position shifted to the left from the center on the back of the camera body 311. An electronic viewfinder (eyepiece window) 315 is provided above the monitor 314. By looking through the electronic viewfinder 315, the photographer can visually confirm the optical image of the subject guided by the photographing lens unit 312 and determine the composition. The electronic viewfinder 315 includes any one of the display devices 101 according to an embodiment.

[0204] 30 shows an example of the appearance of a head-mounted display 320. The head-mounted display 320 is an example of an eyewear device. The head-mounted display 320 has, for example, ear hooks 322 on both sides of a glasses-shaped display unit 321 for wearing on the user's head. The display unit 321 includes any one of the display devices 101 according to an embodiment.

[0205] 31 shows an example of the appearance of a television device 330. This television device 330 has, for example, an image display screen unit 331 including a front panel 332 and a filter glass 333, and this image display screen unit 331 is equipped with any one of the display devices 101 according to an embodiment.

[0206] 32 shows an example of the appearance of a see-through head mounted display 340. The see-through head mounted display 340 is an example of an eyewear device. The see-through head mounted display 340 includes a main body 341, an arm 342, and a lens barrel 343.

[0207] The main body 341 is connected to the arm 342 and the glasses 350. Specifically, an end of the long side of the main body 341 is coupled to the arm 342, and one side of the main body 341 is connected to the glasses 350 via a connecting member. The main body 341 may also be worn directly on the head of a human body.

[0208] The main body 341 incorporates a control board for controlling the operation of the see-through head mounted display 340 and a display unit. The arm 342 connects the main body 341 to the lens barrel 343 and supports the lens barrel 343. Specifically, the arm 342 is coupled to an end of the main body 341 and an end of the lens barrel 343, respectively, and fixes the lens barrel 343. The arm 342 also incorporates a signal line for communicating data related to images provided from the main body 341 to the lens barrel 343.

[0209] The lens barrel 343 projects image light provided from the main body 341 via the arm 342, through the eyepiece 351, toward the eyes of the user wearing the see-through head mounted display 340. In this see-through head mounted display 340, the display unit of the main body 341 includes any one of the display devices 101 according to an embodiment.

[0210] 33 shows an example of the appearance of a smartphone 360. The smartphone 360 ​​includes a display unit 361 that displays various information, an operation unit 362 that includes buttons and the like that accept operation inputs from a user, and the like. The display unit 361 includes any one of the display devices 101 and the like according to an embodiment.

[0211] (Specific Example 6) The display device 101 according to an embodiment may be provided in various displays provided in vehicles.

[0212] 34A and 34B are diagrams showing an example of the internal configuration of a vehicle 500 equipped with various displays. Specifically, Fig. 34A is a diagram showing an example of the internal appearance of the vehicle 500 from the rear to the front of the vehicle 500, and Fig. 34B is a diagram showing an example of the internal appearance of the vehicle 500 from diagonally rear to diagonally front of the vehicle 500.

[0213] The vehicle 500 includes a center display 501, a console display 502, a head-up display 503, a digital rearview mirror 504, a steering wheel display 505, and a rear entertainment display 506. At least one of these displays includes any one of the display devices 101, etc. according to an embodiment. For example, all of these displays may include any one of the display devices 101, etc. according to an embodiment.

[0214] The center display 501 is disposed in a portion of the dashboard facing the driver's seat 508 and the passenger seat 509. While FIGS. 34A and 34B show an example of a horizontally elongated center display 501 extending from the driver's seat 508 to the passenger seat 509, the screen size and location of the center display 501 are arbitrary. The center display 501 can display information detected by various sensors. As a specific example, the center display 501 can display an image captured by an image sensor, a distance image to obstacles in front of or to the side of the vehicle 500 measured by a ToF sensor, the body temperature of a passenger detected by an infrared sensor, and the like. The center display 501 can be used to display, for example, at least one of safety-related information, operation-related information, a life log, health-related information, authentication / identification-related information, and entertainment-related information.

[0215] The safety-related information includes information such as detection of drowsiness, distraction, child mischief, whether a seatbelt is fastened, and whether a passenger has been abandoned. This information is detected, for example, by a sensor placed on the rear side of the center display 501. The operation-related information is obtained by detecting gestures related to passenger operations using a sensor. The detected gestures may include operations of various equipment within the vehicle 500. For example, operations of the air conditioning system, navigation system, AV system, lighting system, etc. are detected. The life log includes life logs of all passengers. For example, the life log includes a record of each passenger's actions while on board. By acquiring and saving the life log, the condition of the passenger at the time of the accident can be confirmed. The health-related information is obtained by detecting the passenger's body temperature using a sensor such as a temperature sensor, and inferring the passenger's health condition based on the detected body temperature. Alternatively, an image sensor may be used to capture an image of the passenger's face, and the passenger's health condition may be inferred from the facial expression in the image. Furthermore, the system may have an automated voice conversation with the occupant and estimate the occupant's health condition based on the occupant's responses. The authentication / identification-related information includes a keyless entry function that uses a sensor to perform facial authentication, a function that automatically adjusts seat height and position using facial recognition, etc. The entertainment-related information includes a function that uses a sensor to detect operation information of an AV device by the occupant, a function that recognizes the occupant's face using a sensor and provides content suitable for the occupant via the AV device, etc.

[0216] The console display 502 can be used to display, for example, life log information. The console display 502 is disposed near a shift lever 511 on a center console 510 between a driver's seat 508 and a passenger seat 509. Information detected by various sensors can also be displayed on the console display 502. Furthermore, the console display 502 may display an image of the vehicle's surroundings captured by an image sensor, or an image showing the distance to an obstacle around the vehicle.

[0217] The head-up display 503 is virtually displayed behind the windshield 512 in front of the driver's seat 508. The head-up display 503 can be used to display, for example, at least one of safety-related information, operation-related information, a life log, health-related information, authentication / identification-related information, and entertainment-related information. Because the head-up display 503 is often virtually located in front of the driver's seat 508, it is suitable for displaying information directly related to the operation of the vehicle 500, such as the speed of the vehicle 500 and the remaining fuel (battery) level.

[0218] The digital rearview mirror 504 can not only display the rear of the vehicle 500 but also the status of passengers in the rear seats. Therefore, by placing a sensor on the back side of the digital rearview mirror 504, it can be used to display life log information, for example.

[0219] The steering wheel display 505 is disposed near the center of the steering wheel 513 of the vehicle 500. The steering wheel display 505 can be used to display, for example, at least one of safety-related information, operation-related information, a life log, health-related information, authentication / identification-related information, and entertainment-related information. In particular, because the steering wheel display 505 is located near the driver's hands, it is suitable for displaying life log information such as the driver's body temperature, and for displaying information related to the operation of AV equipment, air conditioning equipment, etc.

[0220] The rear entertainment display 506 is attached to the back side of the driver's seat 508 and the passenger seat 509 and is intended for viewing by rear seat passengers. The rear entertainment display 506 can be used to display, for example, at least one of safety-related information, operation-related information, a life log, health-related information, authentication / identification-related information, and entertainment-related information. In particular, since the rear entertainment display 506 is located directly in front of the rear seat passengers, information related to the rear seat passengers is displayed on the rear entertainment display 506. For example, the rear entertainment display 506 may display information related to the operation of an AV device or an air conditioning system, or may display the results of measuring the body temperature of the rear seat passengers using a temperature sensor.

[0221] A sensor may be arranged on the rear surface of the display device 101 or the like, enabling distances to surrounding objects to be measured. Optical distance measurement methods are broadly divided into passive and active types. Passive methods measure distance by receiving light from an object without projecting light from the sensor onto the object. Passive methods include the lens focusing method, the stereo method, and the monocular vision method. Active methods measure distance by projecting light onto an object and receiving reflected light from the object with a sensor. Active methods include the optical radar method, the active stereo method, the photometric stereo method, the moire topography method, and the interferometry method. The display device 101 or the like according to an embodiment can be applied to any of these distance measurement methods. The above-described passive or active distance measurement can be performed by using a sensor arranged on the rear surface of the display device 101 or the like according to an embodiment.

[0222] 10R, 10G, 10B Sub-pixel 10P 1 pixel 11 Driving substrate 111 Substrate 112 Insulating layer 113 Pad portion 12 Light emitting element 121 First electrode 122 OLED layer 123 Second electrode 13 Protective layer (first protective layer) 13St Stepped portion 13S １　　 Bottom surface (first surface) 13S ２ REFERENCE SIGNS LIST Upper surface (second surface) 14 Connection portion 141 Upper portion 141a Opening 142 Side portion 142a Opening 15 Protective layer (second protective layer) 16 Low refractive index layer 17 Third electrode 18 Planarization layer 19 Color filter 190R, 190G, 190B Colored layer 20 Filling layer 21 Protective layer (third protective layer) 22 Protective layer (fourth protective layer) 23 Lens array 230 Lens 101 Display device 310 Digital still camera 320 Head mounted display 330 Television device 340 See-through head mounted display 360 Smartphone 500 Vehicle U Single layer light emitting unit U1, U2 Two layer light emitting unit RE1 Display area RE2 Peripheral area

Claims

1. A display device comprising: a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged two-dimensionally, each having a first electrode, a light-emitting layer, and a second electrode; a plurality of first protective layers provided on each of the plurality of light-emitting elements; a plurality of connecting portions each having an upper portion provided on the upper surface of the first protective layer and a side portion provided on a side surface of the first protective layer; and a third electrode in contact with each of the upper portions of the plurality of connecting portions.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the third electrode is in contact with the entire upper surface of each of the upper portions.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the third electrode has a protruding portion that protrudes toward the upper portion and is in contact with the upper portion.

4. The display device according to claim 3, further comprising: a second protective layer provided between the upper portion and the third electrode; and a filling layer provided inside the protrusion, wherein the refractive index of the filling layer is lower than the refractive index of the second protective layer.

5. The display device according to claim 3, further comprising a filling layer provided inside the protrusion, wherein the refractive index of the filling layer is higher than the refractive index of the first protective layer.

6. The display device according to claim 3, further comprising a plurality of third protective layers respectively provided on the plurality of upper portions.

7. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising a fourth protective layer covering an outer peripheral surface of the side portion.

8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the top and side portions are made of different conductive layers.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the upper portion includes a conductive layer having light-transmitting properties, and the side portion includes a metal layer.

10. The display device according to claim 1, wherein at least some of the plurality of connection portions have openings in the side portions.

11. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, of the plurality of connection parts, the connection parts located on the periphery of the display area have openings in the parts of the side parts that face the periphery of the display area.

12. The display device according to claim 11, wherein the side portion having the opening includes a metal layer.

13. The display device according to claim 1, wherein at least some of the plurality of connection parts have an opening at the top, and the opening is positioned eccentrically with respect to the center of the connection part in a plan view.

14. A display device as described in claim 1, wherein, of the plurality of connection parts, a connection part located on the periphery of the display area has an opening at the top, and the opening is positioned eccentrically toward the periphery of the display area relative to the center of the connection part in a plan view.

15. The display device of claim 14, wherein the top and side portions include a metal layer.

16. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the first protective layer has a stepped portion having a first surface and a second surface that is higher than the first surface, and the connection portion has an opening at a position corresponding to the first surface.

17. An electronic device comprising the display device according to claim 1.

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