Common Electrode Structure for Side-Light Reflection in Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display devices require a separate mask process to form a side reflective film, which is inefficient and adds complexity to the manufacturing process.
Innovation Solution
A display device is designed with a common electrode that includes a first portion made of an oxide material and a second portion made of a conductive material, which extends to surround the side surface of the light emitting element, allowing for reflection of side light without the need for a separate side reflective film.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a separate side reflective film is formed using mask and etching processes, then light reflection performance is improved, but manufacturing complexity and process time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the side reflective film function with the common electrode by forming the common electrode to extend along the side surface of the light emitting element. This integration eliminates the need for a separate side reflective film, reducing manufacturing steps while maintaining light reflection performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The common electrode is designed to serve dual functions: providing electrical connection (its primary function) and reflecting side light (additional function). By making the common electrode extend along the side surface of the light emitting element, it simultaneously performs electrostatic and optical functions, simplifying the overall device structure.
2Illumination intensity
If a separate side reflective film is formed using mask and etching processes, then light reflection performance is improved, but manufacturing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the side reflective film function with the common electrode by forming the common electrode to extend along the side surface of the light emitting element. This integration eliminates the need for a separate side reflective film, reducing manufacturing steps while maintaining light reflection performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The common electrode is formed during the standard electrode fabrication process before final device assembly. By integrating the light reflection function into this existing process step, the patent avoids adding separate mask and etching steps that would extend manufacturing time.
3Device complexity
If the common electrode is formed to extend along the side surface of the light emitting element, then manufacturing process is simplified, but oxidation resistance becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an oxidation prevention layer as an intermediary between the common electrode and the environment. This layer protects the extended common electrode structure from oxidation while allowing the electrode to maintain its light reflection function. The oxidation prevention layer serves as a protective mediator that enables the simplified structure to achieve reliable long-term performance.
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
The common electrode effectively blocks and reflects side light, eliminating the need for a separate mask process and simplifying the manufacturing method while maintaining the display's performance.
Implementation Method 1
an oxidation prevention layer disposed on a portion of the common electrode that does not overlap the light emitting element in a thickness direction
Implementation Method 2
a common electrode disposed on the light emitting element and the step coverage prevention layer... The common electrode effectively blocks and reflects side light
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes a substrate having a pixel electrode, a light emitting element disposed on the pixel electrode and including a first semiconductor layer, an active layer, and a second semiconductor layer, a step coverage prevention layer surrounding the light emitting element in a plan view, a common electrode disposed on the light emitting element and the step coverage prevention layer, and an oxidation prevention layer disposed on a portion of the common electrode that does not overlap the light emitting element in a thickness direction. The common electrode includes a first portion disposed on the light emitting element and a second portion disposed between the oxidation prevention layer and the step coverage prevention layer, and a material forming the first portion is an oxide of a material forming the second portion.