Micro-LED Protective Structures for Longer Display Lifespan
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing micro-light emitting diode (micro-LED) elements in display devices face issues with the deterioration of organic light emitting diode (OLED) elements due to their organic materials, leading to a shorter lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A display device structure is designed with a reflective layer protected by a protective layer and contact electrodes that protrude from the semiconductor layer stacks, ensuring electrical connectivity and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If micro-LED elements are used instead of OLED elements, then lifespan and durability are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to the need for protective layers and reflective layer structures
Solution Approach 1:
The protective structure is divided into distinct functional layers: a protective layer covering the side surfaces of semiconductor layer stacks, and a reflective layer positioned at the bottom. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently for its specific function while simplifying the overall manufacturing process through modular construction
Solution Approach 2:
The protective layer is formed to cover the side surfaces of the semiconductor layer stacks before the reflective layer is deposited. This preliminary protective action prevents damage to the semiconductor structures during subsequent manufacturing steps and ensures the reflective layer is deposited only on intended surfaces, reducing manufacturing complexity
2Reliability
If contact electrodes protrude from the semiconductor layer stacks, then electrical connectivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional structural requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The contact electrodes extend not only in the horizontal plane for electrical connection but also protrude vertically from the top surface of the semiconductor layer stacks. This three-dimensional configuration allows electrical connections to be made from above while maintaining structural simplicity and avoiding the need for complex lateral routing
Solution Approach 2:
The protruding contact electrodes serve multiple functions: they provide electrical connectivity to the semiconductor layer, extend beyond the protective layer to enable wire bonding or other connection methods, and maintain mechanical stability. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, simplifying the overall device structure
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes a pixel electrode and a common electrode on the substrate and spaced from each other, a light emitting element including a first contact electrode on the pixel electrode and a second contact electrode on the common electrode and a first connection electrode that electrically connects the first contact electrode and the pixel electrode, and a second connection electrode that electrically connects the second contact electrode and the common electrode, wherein the light emitting element further includes: a plurality of semiconductor layer stacks, a protective layer around sides of the plurality of semiconductor layer stacks except one side and a reflective layer around the plurality of semiconductor layer stacks on the protective layer, wherein the protective layer and the reflective layer protrude from a top end of the semiconductor layer stack to an outside perpendicular to the side of the semiconductor layer stack.