GaN Functional Panel With Color Conversion for Low-Leakage Displays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display technologies face challenges in achieving high luminance at low current density, reliability, and reduced display unevenness, particularly when using organic compounds for light-emitting materials.

Innovation Solution

A functional panel is designed with a first pixel that includes a light-emitting element containing gallium nitride, a color conversion layer, and a functional layer with a pixel circuit and insulating film. This configuration allows for high luminance at low current density, improved reliability, and reduced current leakage and display unevenness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If organic compounds are used for light-emitting materials, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates and current leakage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoiddisplay uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from organic compounds to inorganic light-emitting materials (such as micro LEDs), fundamentally altering the physical and chemical properties of the light-emitting layer. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by providing materials that inherently possess both the required simplicity and superior reliability with reduced current leakage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite material structures including multiple insulating films (first insulating film, second insulating film, third insulating film) with different functional properties. These composite insulating layers work together to provide electrical isolation, mechanical support, and protection, achieving high reliability while maintaining structural simplicity through integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Illumination intensity

If high current density is applied to achieve high luminance, then brightness is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to increased current leakage

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveluminanceVSAvoidcurrent leakage
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the current density parameter from high to low by using inorganic light-emitting materials that achieve high luminance efficiency. This allows the display to maintain high brightness while operating at lower current densities, thereby reducing current leakage and improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adopts inorganic light-emitting materials that have longer operational lifetimes and better stability compared to organic materials. These materials can sustain operation without degradation from current leakage, effectively replacing short-lived organic compounds with durable inorganic alternatives.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If insulating films are added to reduce current leakage, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent leakage controlVSAvoidlayer structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs insulating films that perform multiple functions simultaneously: electrical isolation between conductive layers, mechanical support for the pixel structure, and protection against current leakage. By making each insulating film multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functions of electrical isolation and structural support into the same insulating film layers. The first, second, and third insulating films are integrated into the pixel structure such that they simultaneously provide both electrical insulation and mechanical stability, reducing the overall component count while achieving reliable current leakage control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 proposed functional panel achieves high luminance at low current density, enhances reliability, and reduces display unevenness compared to traditional organic compound-based technologies.

Implementation Method 1

The first element has a function of emitting light and contains gallium nitride

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission from gallium nitride: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

The color conversion layer has a function of converting the color of light emitted from the first element into a different color

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectColor conversion: Photoluminescence

Data Source

PatentUS12205979B2Functional panel, display device, input/output device, and data processing device
Publication Date: 2025.01.21 SEMICON ENERGY LAB CO LTD
  • US12205979B2 patent drawing
  • US12205979B2 patent drawing
  • US12205979B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A novel functional panel that is highly convenient or highly reliable is provided. The functional panel includes a first pixel. The first pixel includes a first element, a color conversion layer, and a first functional layer. The first functional layer is positioned between the first element and the color conversion layer. The first element has a function of emitting light and contains gallium nitride. The color conversion layer has a function of converting the color of light emitted from the first element into a different color. The first functional layer includes a first insulating film and a pixel circuit. The first insulating film includes a region positioned between the pixel circuit and the first element, and has an opening. The pixel circuit includes a first transistor. The first transistor includes a first oxide semiconductor film and is electrically connected to the first element through the opening.