Light-Emitting Element Structure With Side Reflector for Higher Output

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current display devices, such as OLEDs, face challenges in enhancing optical efficiency and reducing momentary afterimages due to limitations in light-emitting element design.

Innovation Solution

A light-emitting element structure is developed, featuring a multilayer insulating film and a reflective layer that surrounds the insulating film, improving quantum efficiency and light output efficiency by reflecting emitted light and protecting the light-emitting layer from degradation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a conventional light-emitting element structure is used, then the device is simple to manufacture, but the optical efficiency and quantum efficiency are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidoptical efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested structure where the reflective layer is positioned within the light-emitting element, surrounding the light-emitting layer in a radial direction. This nested configuration allows the reflective layer to be integrated into the existing device architecture without adding external components, thereby improving optical efficiency by reflecting emitted light back through the light-emitting layer while maintaining ease of manufacture through seamless integration into the conventional device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a radial dimension for the reflective layer arrangement, where multiple reflective layers are positioned at different radial distances from the light-emitting layer. This dimensional change from a simple planar structure to a radial multi-layer configuration enables enhanced light reflection and optical efficiency without significantly complicating the manufacturing process, as the radial arrangement can be achieved through standard deposition techniques.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If the light-emitting layer is exposed, then the structure is simple, but the light-emitting layer degrades and momentary afterimages occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating film is nested within the light-emitting element structure, surrounding the light-emitting layer radially and extending from the top surface to the bottom surface. This nested configuration provides comprehensive protection of the light-emitting layer against degradation and momentary afterimages while maintaining device simplicity. The insulating film is integrated into the existing device architecture without adding external protective components, thereby preventing light-emitting layer exposure without significantly increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a thin film insulating layer that conforms to the radial geometry of the light-emitting element. This thin film structure provides effective protection of the light-emitting layer by forming a continuous barrier around it, preventing degradation and momentary afterimages. The flexible nature of the thin film allows it to adapt to the radial configuration while maintaining device simplicity and avoiding excessive complexity in the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 structure enhances quantum efficiency and reduces momentary afterimages, leading to improved optical efficiency and extended lifespan of the light-emitting elements.

Implementation Method 1

a reflective layer surrounding a side surface of the insulating film... improving quantum efficiency and light output efficiency by reflecting emitted light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

an insulating film surrounding a side surface of the light-emitting layer... protecting the light-emitting layer from degradation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical protection and isolation:

Data Source

PatentEP4336575A1Light-emitting element and display device including the same
Publication Date: 2024.03.13 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP4336575A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4336575A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4336575A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A light-emitting element includes a first semiconductor layer, a light-emitting layer disposed on the first semiconductor layer, a second semiconductor layer disposed on the light-emitting layer, a device electrode layer disposed on the second semiconductor layer, a reflective electrode layer disposed on the device electrode layer, an insulating film surrounding a side surface of the light-emitting layer, a side surface of the second semiconductor layer, and a side surface of the device electrode layer, and a reflective layer surrounding a side surface of the insulating film, wherein the side surface of the device electrode layer is aligned with a side surface of the reflective electrode layer.