Display Device Auxiliary Electrode Layer Moisture Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Display devices using organic electroluminescent or quantum dot light-emitting materials are vulnerable to external substances like oxygen and moisture, leading to potential cracks and reduced reliability, especially during manufacturing and exposure to the environment.
Innovation Solution
A display device design incorporating an inorganic layer and an auxiliary electrode layer that directly covers the light-emitting element, with a specific manufacturing method involving atomic layer deposition and self-assembled monolayers to enhance protection and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If encapsulation material is disposed on the light-emitting element to block penetration of air and moisture, then protection against external substances is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The encapsulation structure is divided into multiple functional layers: inorganic protective layer, auxiliary electrode layer, pixel defining layer, and auxiliary pixel defining layer. Each layer performs a specific protection function, creating a segmented barrier system that improves reliability while managing complexity through functional specialization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite encapsulation combining inorganic materials (inorganic protective layer) with conductive materials (auxiliary electrode layer). This composite structure provides both barrier properties against moisture and oxygen, and electrical connectivity, resolving the contradiction between protection and device simplicity.
2Ease of manufacture
If light-emitting material is exposed to external environment during manufacturing, then manufacturing process is simplified, but foreign substances cause cracks reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The inorganic protective layer and auxiliary electrode layer are formed on the light-emitting element before final encapsulation and device assembly. This preliminary protection prevents foreign substance contamination during subsequent manufacturing steps, ensuring reliability without complicating the overall manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary electrode layer serves as a protective cushion that prevents direct exposure of the light-emitting material to foreign substances during manufacturing. This beforehand protection measures prevents potential cracks while maintaining ease of manufacture.
3Reliability
If auxiliary electrode layer and inorganic layer directly cover the light-emitting element, then protection effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary electrode layer serves multiple functions: electrical connectivity for the light-emitting element and protective barrier against foreign substances. This multi-functionality improves protection effectiveness while the same layer that provides protection also serves as an alignment reference, helping to manage manufacturing precision requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary electrode layer acts as an intermediary between the light-emitting element and the inorganic protective layer. It provides a stable intermediate surface that facilitates precise alignment and deposition of subsequent layers, reducing the overall manufacturing precision burden while maintaining effective protection.
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 solution effectively protects the light-emitting elements from moisture and oxygen, increasing the reliability of the display device and preventing defects from propagating, while also improving light extraction efficiency and manufacturing yield.
Implementation Method 1
an encapsulation technology in which an encapsulation material is disposed on the light-emitting element to block the penetration path of air and moisture
Implementation Method 2
a method of forming an auxiliary electrode layer and an inorganic layer that effectively cover a light-emitting element disposed in an opening
Implementation Method 3
incorporating an inorganic layer and an auxiliary electrode layer that directly cover a light-emitting element, with a specific manufacturing method involving atomic layer deposition and self-assembled monolayers
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes a base layer, a circuit layer on the base layer, an auxiliary pixel defining layer disposed on the circuit layer and that includes a first opening adjacent to the circuit layer and a second opening above the first opening, an inorganic protective layer disposed on the auxiliary pixel defining layer and that includes a third opening above the second opening, a pixel defining layer disposed on the inorganic protective layer and that includes a fourth opening above the third opening, a light-emitting element disposed on the circuit layer and that includes a first electrode, a functional layer disposed on the first electrode, and a second electrode disposed on the functional layer, an auxiliary electrode layer that covers the pixel defining layer and the light-emitting element, and an inorganic layer disposed on the auxiliary electrode layer and that overlaps the pixel defining layer and the light-emitting element.