Display Array Substrate with PIN Photodiode for Higher Light Sensitivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional display panels with light sensors face increased manufacturing costs, lower integration density of electrical components, and poor aesthetics due to the plug-in mounting of light sensors, which limits their sensitivity and functionality.
Innovation Solution
An array substrate integrating a semiconductor layer with both active and photosensitive areas, including a PIN photoelectric diode, where the photosensitive area is made up of P-type, I-type, and N-type semiconductor areas, and an adjusting electrode is used to deplete the I-type semiconductor area, enhancing sensitivity and allowing for reduced diffusion of impurities and free carriers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a light sensor is mounted onto the display panel as a plug-in device, then the display panel can achieve multiple functions (fingerprint recognition, ambient light monitoring, UV sensing, pulse measuring), but this results in increased manufacturing costs, lowered density of integration of electrical components, and poor aesthetics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light sensor function with the existing semiconductor layer of the display panel by defining a photosensitive area that shares the same semiconductor structure. The PIN photoelectric diode is integrated into the semiconductor layer rather than being mounted as a separate plug-in device, combining multiple functions into a unified structure that maintains high integration density while achieving functional versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The photosensitive area is designed to perform multiple sensing functions (fingerprint recognition, ambient light monitoring, UV sensing, pulse measuring) through a single integrated structure. The same PIN photoelectric diode and semiconductor layer configuration can detect different types of light signals for various applications, making the component universal and eliminating the need for separate specialized sensors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a light sensor is mounted onto the display panel as a plug-in device, then the display panel can achieve multiple functions, but this results in increased manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The light sensor function is merged with the existing semiconductor manufacturing process. The photosensitive area is formed using the same semiconductor layer deposition and doping processes already used for the display panel's active areas, eliminating the need for separate light sensor fabrication and reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining functional versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the functional parameters of existing semiconductor areas by defining certain regions as photosensitive areas with specific doping configurations (P-type, N-type, and I-type semiconductor areas). This parameter change transforms ordinary semiconductor regions into light-sensitive regions without requiring separate manufacturing processes, thereby reducing costs while achieving multiple sensing functions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a light sensor is mounted onto the display panel as a plug-in device, then the display panel can achieve multiple functions, but this results in low sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a photosensitive area with specific local doping characteristics (P-type, N-type, and I-type semiconductor areas) within the semiconductor layer. This localized doping configuration optimizes the electrical properties and light absorption characteristics of the specific region, enhancing sensitivity for light detection while maintaining the overall functionality of the display panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The photosensitive area utilizes a composite semiconductor structure combining P-type, N-type, and I-type semiconductor materials in a PIN photoelectric diode configuration. This composite material structure enhances light absorption efficiency and charge carrier separation, thereby improving sensitivity compared to single-material light sensors.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a light sensor is mounted onto the display panel as a plug-in device, then the display panel can achieve multiple functions, but this results in poor aesthetics
Solution Approach 1:
The light sensor function is merged with the existing semiconductor layer structure, eliminating the need for separate plug-in devices that would be visible on the display surface. The photosensitive area is integrated into the same plane and structure as the display elements, creating a seamless appearance that maintains aesthetic quality while providing multiple sensing functions.
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 integration reduces manufacturing costs, increases the density of electrical components, and enhances sensitivity while maintaining the aperture ratio, making the display panels more competitive and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
a photosensitive area includes a P-type semiconductor area, a N-type semiconductor area, and an I-type semiconductor area laterally arranged... enhancing sensitivity and allowing for reduced diffusion of impurities and free carriers
Data Source
AI summary
An array substrate is disclosed. The array substrate includes a semiconductor layer integrated with a PIN photoelectric diode and an active area. The PIN photoelectric diode includes a P-type semiconductor area, an N-type semiconductor area, and an I-type semiconductor area defined between the P-type semiconductor area and the N-type semiconductor area. A gate electric current is introduced at a location corresponding to the I-type semiconductor area, so as to enhance light sensitivity.