Composite Electrode Structure for OLED Brightness Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high resistance of oxide-based transparent electrodes in electronic devices, such as OLED lighting, leads to non-uniform current distribution and thermal degradation, reducing device lifespan and brightness uniformity, especially as device size increases.
Innovation Solution
A metal auxiliary electrode pattern with a light blocking pattern and organic insulating pattern is implemented, where the light blocking pattern has a larger line width than the auxiliary electrode pattern, and both are formed using different metals with varying etching speeds, ensuring electrical connectivity and insulation stability, even with increased thickness of the auxiliary electrode pattern.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a transparent electrode based on metal oxide is used, then transparency is achieved, but resistance is high causing non-uniform current distribution and thermal degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a transparent electrode (metal oxide layer) with a reflective electrode (metal layer) to form a composite electrode structure. This composite structure maintains the transparency of the metal oxide while adding the low resistance of the metal layer, thereby resolving the contradiction between transparency and resistance. The reflective electrode layer is formed on the metal oxide layer, creating a multi-layer composite that delivers both optical and electrical performance.
2Area of stationary object
If the device size is increased, then screen area is enlarged, but carrier crowding phenomenon causes non-uniform current distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode structure is segmented into multiple functional layers: a transparent electrode layer and a reflective electrode layer. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function - the transparent electrode for light transmission and the reflective electrode for current distribution. By dividing the electrode into separate layers rather than using a single uniform electrode, the patent achieves uniform current distribution across large screen areas while maintaining transparency.
3Reliability
If a metal auxiliary electrode pattern is added, then resistance is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the auxiliary electrode function with the existing electrode structure by forming a reflective electrode layer on top of the transparent electrode layer. Instead of adding a separate auxiliary electrode pattern that would increase complexity, the solution combines multiple functions (transparency, reflectivity, and low resistance) into a single integrated multi-layer structure. This merging approach reduces resistance while avoiding additional structural complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present specification relates to an electrode structure, an electronic device including the electrode structure, and a method of manufacturing the electrode structure.