Light Emitting Element Structure to Prevent Etching Defects

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current display devices face challenges in enhancing light emission efficiency due to surface defects and leakage currents, which are not adequately addressed by existing technologies.

Innovation Solution

A light emitting element with a first semiconductor layer featuring a groove and protrusion, a light emitting layer corresponding to the groove shape, a second semiconductor layer, and an insulating pattern layer surrounding the second semiconductor layer, which prevents exposure during etching and stabilizes separation, thereby reducing surface defects and increasing light emission efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the light emitting layer is exposed during etching, then etching can be performed, but surface defects and leakage currents occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveetching processVSAvoidsurface defects and leakage currents
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

An insulating pattern layer is introduced as an intermediary protective layer between the light emitting layer and the etching environment. This insulating layer covers the light emitting layer during etching processes, preventing direct exposure that would cause surface defects and leakage currents, while still allowing the etching to proceed on other structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The insulating pattern layer is formed on the light emitting layer before the etching process begins. This preliminary protective action ensures that the light emitting layer is already shielded when etching commences, preventing damage before it can occur

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If semiconductor layers are separated, then individual elements can be formed, but unstable separation occurs without proper structure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation of elementsVSAvoidseparation stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The structure is segmented into distinct functional layers including the light emitting layer and insulating pattern layer, with the insulating layer serving as a separation boundary. This segmentation allows for stable separation of semiconductor elements while maintaining structural integrity through the insulating barrier

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The insulating pattern layer acts as an intermediary layer that enables stable separation between semiconductor layers. This intermediate insulating structure provides mechanical stability and electrical isolation, ensuring that separation can occur without compromising structural composition

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the light emitting layer is protected during etching, then surface defects are prevented, but the etching process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface defects preventionVSAvoidetching process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating pattern layer serves as a simple intermediary protective coating that can be applied uniformly over the light emitting layer. This approach prevents surface defects without requiring complex etching procedures, as the insulating layer provides straightforward protection that can be removed or retained based on design requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4239695A1Light emitting element and method of manufacturing the light emitting element
Publication Date: 2023.09.06 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP4239695A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4239695A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4239695A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A light emitting element is capable of increasing light emission efficiency. The light emitting element includes a first semiconductor layer including a groove and a protrusion disposed around the groove, a light emitting layer disposed on the groove of the first semiconductor layer and having a shape corresponding to the groove, a second semiconductor layer disposed on the light emitting layer, and an insulating pattern layer disposed on the protrusion of the first semiconductor layer and surrounding the second semiconductor layer.