Grooved Refractive Pattern for Thin Display Light Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display devices face challenges in improving light emission efficiency and reducing external light reflection, particularly in thin form factor designs such as curved, rollable, and foldable displays.
Innovation Solution
A display device incorporating a refractive pattern with grooves on its upper surface, where the grooves have diameters between 50 nm and 500 nm, and a cover layer with a refractive index lower than the refractive pattern, to enhance light emission efficiency and reduce external light reflection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a thin thickness display device is implemented by reducing the number of optical functional layers, then the device thickness is reduced, but the light emission efficiency deteriorates and external light reflection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical functional layer is segmented into multiple sub-layers: a first optical functional layer with a refractive pattern containing grooves (50-500 nm diameter) and a second optical functional layer with a flat surface. This segmentation allows the thin display device to maintain improved light emission efficiency through the refractive pattern while preserving a thin overall profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The refractive pattern is applied locally to specific regions where light emission occurs, rather than uniformly across the entire display surface. The grooves in the refractive pattern create localized optical effects that enhance light emission efficiency and reduce external light reflection in critical areas without adding overall device thickness.
2Length of stationary object
If a thin thickness display device is implemented by reducing the number of optical functional layers, then the device thickness is reduced, but the external light reflection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical functional layer is segmented into multiple sub-layers: a first optical functional layer with a refractive pattern containing grooves (50-500 nm diameter) and a second optical functional layer with a flat surface. This segmentation allows the thin display device to maintain improved light emission efficiency through the refractive pattern while preserving a thin overall profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The refractive pattern is applied locally to specific regions where light emission occurs, rather than uniformly across the entire display surface. The grooves in the refractive pattern create localized optical effects that enhance light emission efficiency and reduce external light reflection in critical areas without adding overall device thickness.
3Loss of energy
If multiple optical functional layers are added to improve light emission efficiency, then the light emission efficiency is improved, but the device thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple optical functions (light emission enhancement and external light reflection reduction) are merged into a single integrated optical functional layer structure. The first optical functional layer with the refractive pattern performs both functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate layers and maintaining thin device profile while achieving improved light emission efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The first optical functional layer with the refractive pattern serves multiple purposes: it enhances light emission efficiency through the grooved structure, reduces external light reflection through the refractive index difference, and maintains a thin overall device profile. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate specialized layers.
4Loss of energy
If a refractive pattern with grooves is added to improve light emission efficiency, then the light emission efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex mechanical process of creating nanoscale grooves (50-500 nm diameter) is replaced by using a self-assembling block copolymer material. The photosensitive block copolymer naturally forms the grooved refractive pattern through its phase separation structure during photolithography, eliminating the need for complex nanofabrication processes while achieving the desired optical effects.
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 refractive pattern improves light emission efficiency by directing light emissions in a more efficient manner and reduces external light reflection by scattering it in other directions, thereby enhancing display performance.
Implementation Method 1
A refractive pattern disposed on the light emitting element and overlapping the pixel opening... The refractive pattern improves light emission efficiency by directing light emissions in a more efficient manner
Implementation Method 2
reduces external light reflection by scattering it in other directions
Implementation Method 3
The refractive pattern includes a photosensitive polymer... exposing the grid part to an ultraviolet light, and coating a developing solution on the preliminary refractive pattern to form a refractive pattern including an upper surface in which a plurality of grooves is formed
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes a pixel definition layer provided with a pixel opening defined through the pixel definition layer, a light emitting element comprising a light emitting layer having at least a portion disposed in the pixel opening, a refractive pattern disposed on the light emitting element and overlapping the pixel opening, and a cover layer covering the refractive pattern and having a refractive index smaller than a refractive index of the refractive pattern. Grooves are defined in an upper surface of the refractive pattern, and each of the grooves has a diameter equal to or greater than about 50 nm and equal to or smaller than about 500 nm.