Display Device Active Layer Protection Against Impurity Erosion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Oxide semiconductor-based display devices are susceptible to impurity erosion, leading to deteriorated characteristics due to the vulnerability of the active layer to impurities.

Innovation Solution

The display device incorporates a second electrode that overlaps the step of the active layer, providing protection from impurities and including a first and second light blocking layer, insulating layers, and a gate insulating layer to enhance the integrity of the active layer, specifically using indium gallium zinc oxide as the oxide semiconductor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If oxide semiconductor is used as the active layer material, then the display device can achieve good electrical characteristics and stability, but the active layer becomes susceptible to impurity erosion and damage from substances like hydrogen gas

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical characteristics stabilityVSAvoidimpurity erosion susceptibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A protective layer is introduced as an intermediary between the oxide semiconductor active layer and the external environment. This protective layer acts as a barrier that prevents harmful substances (impurities, hydrogen gas) from directly contacting and eroding the active layer, while allowing the active layer to maintain its electrical characteristics and stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The protective layer is applied in advance before the active layer is exposed to harmful substances. By establishing this protective barrier beforehand, the structure preemptively counteracts the potential erosion and damage that would otherwise occur during device operation or manufacturing processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

2Ease of manufacture

If the active layer is exposed to improve manufacturing simplicity, then the manufacturing process becomes easier, but the active layer becomes vulnerable to impurity contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing process simplicityVSAvoidactive layer purity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The protective layer serves as a mediator that allows the active layer to remain covered during manufacturing processes. This enables simpler manufacturing procedures without requiring complex purification steps, as the protective layer physically prevents impurity contamination while maintaining manufacturing ease

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20230005964A1Display device

Publication Date: 2023.01.05 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

A display device includes a first light blocking layer disposed on a substrate, a second light blocking layer disposed on the substrate and spaced apart from the first light blocking layer, an active layer including a first area disposed on the first light blocking layer, a second area disposed on the substrate between the first light blocking layer and the second light blocking layer, and a third area disposed between the first area and the second area, a gate electrode disposed on the active layer and overlapping a portion of the first area, a first electrode disposed on the gate electrode, and including at least a portion overlapping the first light blocking layer, and a second electrode disposed on the gate electrode, and including at least a portion overlapping the second light blocking layer and at least another portion overlapping the third area of the active layer.