Light-Transmissive Cathode for OLED Sensor Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing OLED panels face challenges in achieving uniform brightness due to the placement of sensors on the light-emitting side, which restricts the ability to detect luminance intensity effectively, as the primary cathode layer is non-light-transmissive, preventing sensor placement on the non-light-emitting side.
Innovation Solution
A display panel design where the primary cathode layer is made light-transmissive, allowing sensors to be placed on the non-light-emitting side to detect light emitted from pixel units, with a composite cathode structure and auxiliary cathode connector to enhance electrical connectivity and reduce voltage drop, enabling better brightness uniformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the primary cathode layer is made non-light-transmissive to ensure electrical conductivity, then electrical connectivity is improved, but sensor placement on the non-light-emitting side is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The cathode is divided into two separate layers: a first cathode layer that is light-transmissive and a second cathode layer that is non-light-transmissive. This segmentation allows each layer to fulfill its specific function - the first layer enables light transmission for sensor detection, while the second layer provides optimal electrical conductivity, thus resolving the contradiction between electrical connectivity and sensor placement flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the cathode structure are assigned different properties. The first cathode layer is designed with light-transmissive properties to allow sensor placement on the non-light-emitting side, while the second cathode layer is designed with non-light-transmissive properties to ensure reliable electrical connectivity. This local differentiation of properties resolves the contradiction by allowing each layer to optimize for its specific function.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are placed on the light-emitting side to detect luminance intensity, then luminance detection is enabled, but brightness uniformity cannot be effectively improved
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing sensors on the light-emitting side as in conventional designs, the invention inverts the sensor placement to the non-light-emitting side by making the first cathode layer light-transmissive. This allows sensors to detect luminance intensity from the rear, enabling both accurate measurement and effective brightness uniformity compensation through the luminescence compensation electrode.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single-layer cathode structure is used to simplify manufacturing, then manufacturing process is simplified, but voltage drop across the panel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cathode is segmented into two layers with distinct functions. The first cathode layer provides light transmission and basic conductivity, while the second cathode layer, being non-light-transmissive, is optimized for electrical conductivity and serves as the luminescence compensation electrode. This segmentation reduces voltage drop across the panel while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through a systematic multi-layer approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The cathode structure uses composite material design with two different cathode layers, each made from materials optimized for their specific functions. The first layer uses light-transmissive materials, while the second layer uses materials with superior electrical conductivity. This composite structure reduces overall voltage drop while managing manufacturing complexity through a structured approach.
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
This solution allows for real-time luminance detection and compensation, improving brightness uniformity and reducing voltage drops across the OLED panel by enabling sensors to detect light emitted through the light-transmissive primary cathode layer, thus addressing the issue of uneven brightness.
Implementation Method 1
a primary cathode layer which is light transmissive disposed on two sides of the light emitting layer
Implementation Method 2
each sensor sensing the light emitted from a corresponding pixel unit
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides a display panel and a manufacturing method thereof, and a display device. The display panel includes a substrate; an array of pixel units disposed on a first side of the substrate, wherein each of at least some of the pixel units comprises: a light emitting layer, an anode layer and a primary cathode layer which is light transmissive disposed on two sides of the light emitting layer, the anode layer being closer to the substrate than the primary cathode layer; an array of sensors disposed on one side of the array of pixel units, which is far away from the substrate, and each sensor senses the light emitted from a corresponding pixel unit.