Micro-Lens Optical Layout for Light Extraction and Leakage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display devices using micro-LEDs suffer from inefficiencies in light extraction due to total internal reflection at the interface between the device and air, leading to reduced display efficiency and definition.
Innovation Solution
The optical device incorporates a light-shielding layer and micro-lenses to manage light paths, blocking undesired light leakage and enhancing light extraction efficiency by refracting light perpendicularly through a cover member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If micro-LEDs are covered with transparent resin to prevent falling off, then reliability is improved, but light extraction efficiency deteriorates due to total internal reflection at the interface
Solution Approach 1:
A light-shielding layer is introduced as an intermediary component between the micro-LEDs and the external environment. This layer selectively blocks light from defective micro-LEDs while allowing light from functional micro-LEDs to pass through, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining reliability (preventing falling off) and improving light extraction efficiency by reducing energy loss from defective elements
Solution Approach 2:
The light-shielding layer is applied selectively only to regions where defective micro-LEDs are located, rather than uniformly across the entire display. This local application allows functional micro-LEDs to maintain their light extraction efficiency while defective regions are masked, resolving the contradiction by improving overall light extraction efficiency without compromising the reliability of functional elements
2Device complexity
If light is totally reflected at the interface between display device and air, then device simplicity is maintained, but display definition deteriorates due to undesired light leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The light-shielding layer serves as a mediator that selectively blocks light paths from defective micro-LEDs without requiring complex interface structures. This maintains the simplicity of the air interface while improving display definition by preventing undesired light leakage from defective regions
Solution Approach 2:
The light-shielding layer utilizes optical absorption properties (effectively 'blocking' light) to prevent light leakage from defective micro-LEDs. This approach maintains interface simplicity while significantly improving display definition by eliminating unwanted light paths
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
Improves light extraction efficiency and reduces undesired light leakage, thereby enhancing display luminance and definition.
Implementation Method 1
a light-shielding layer disposed to overlap a gap between the first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element
Implementation Method 2
enhancing light extraction efficiency by refracting light perpendicularly through a cover member
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an optical device includes a first light-emitting element and a second light-emitting element, a light-shielding layer disposed to overlap a gap between the first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element and including a first opening overlapping the first light-emitting element and a second opening overlapping the second light-emitting element, an overcoat layer covering the light-shielding layer, a first micro-lens disposed on the overcoat layer and overlapping the first opening and a second micro-lens disposed on the overcoat layer and overlapping the second opening, and an edge of each of the first micro-lens and the second micro-lens overlaps the light-shielding layer.