Mask Group Aperture Segmentation for Organic Device Transmittance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The formation of cathodes in organic electroluminescent display devices using multiple masks results in overlapping layers that are electrically connected, leading to decreased optical transmittance due to increased thickness in the electrode overlapping region.
Innovation Solution
A mask group comprising two or more masks with specific aperture ratios and recessed portions is used to form a second electrode, where the through-holes have defined angles and regions, allowing for increased optical transmittance by separating the hole overlapping regions from the effective regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple masks are used to form cathode layers, then electrical connection between adjacent layers is achieved, but optical transmittance decreases due to increased thickness in the electrode overlapping region
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different thickness profiles in different regions of the electrode overlapping area. The electrode structure has a first region with greater thickness and a second region with lesser thickness, allowing the electrode to provide sufficient electrical connection where needed while maintaining optical transmittance in regions where electrical connection is less critical.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode overlapping region is segmented into multiple regions with different thickness characteristics. This segmentation allows the electrode to fulfill dual functions: providing robust electrical connection in the first region while minimizing optical obstruction in the second region, thereby resolving the contradiction between electrical reliability and optical performance.
2Reliability
If the thickness of the electrode overlapping region is increased, then electrical connection between layers is improved, but optical transmittance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by varying the electrode thickness locally across different regions. The first region has increased thickness to ensure reliable electrical connection, while the second region has reduced thickness to maintain high optical transmittance, thus resolving the trade-off between electrical performance and optical performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the contradiction by introducing a spatial dimension variation in electrode thickness. Instead of uniform thickness, the electrode structure transitions from a first region with greater thickness to a second region with lesser thickness, utilizing the thickness dimension to simultaneously satisfy electrical connection requirements and optical transmittance requirements in different areas.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enhances optical transmittance by reducing the thickness of the electrode overlapping regions, thereby improving light transmission and enabling higher light reception for sensors like cameras and fingerprint sensors.
Implementation Method 1
a substrate on which an anode is formed in a pattern suitable for an element is first prepared. Subsequently, an organic material is attached to the anode via a through-hole in a mask, and an organic layer is formed on the anode. Subsequently, a conductive material is attached to the organic layer via the through-hole of the mask, and a cathode is formed on the organic layer.
Data Source
AI summary
A mask group may include two or more masks. When a section in a normal direction is viewed, a region-defining straight line may be defined as a straight line that forms an angle θ together with a first surface. The region-defining straight line may intersect the first surface at a first intersection point. An effective region may be defined as a region inside the first intersection point in the through-hole, and a peripheral region may be defined as a region outside the first intersection point in the through-hole. The angle θ may be 35° or more and 70° or less. The penetration region in the second mask region may include a hole overlapping region in which the through-holes of two masks overlap. The hole overlapping region may include a first hole overlapping region in which the peripheral regions of the through-holes of the two masks overlap.