Multilayer Display Electrodes for Lower Contact Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Display devices face challenges in reducing contact resistance and resistive-capacitive (RC) delay, which affect their performance and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The display device incorporates a multi-layer structure for electrodes, including a first layer of aluminum and a second layer of tungsten oxide, with a third layer of the same material as the first layer, and a metal layer with a conductivity-enhancing material, along with a color conversion layer to manage light wavelength, thereby reducing contact resistance and RC delay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single-layer aluminum electrode is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the contact resistance and RC delay are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by creating a multi-layer electrode structure combining aluminum (high conductivity) and tungsten oxide (low resistance, corrosion protection). This composite structure reduces contact resistance and RC delay while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through sequential deposition processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode is segmented into multiple functional layers: a first aluminum layer for electrical conductivity, a tungsten oxide layer for resistance reduction and corrosion protection, and a second aluminum layer for additional conductivity. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its specific function, collectively reducing overall contact resistance.
2Reliability
If a multi-layer electrode structure is used, then the contact resistance and RC delay are reduced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes manufacturing by controlling specific parameters: the tungsten oxide layer thickness (50-300 Å) is precisely controlled to balance resistance reduction with process simplicity. The aluminum layers are deposited using standard sputtering techniques with optimized power and time parameters, making the multi-layer structure manufacturable with existing equipment.
3Reliability
If aluminum layer is exposed, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the aluminum layer corrodes over time
Solution Approach 1:
The tungsten oxide layer serves as an intermediary between the aluminum electrode layers and the environment. It physically separates the reactive aluminum from corrosive elements while maintaining electrical contact, thus protecting against corrosion without significantly increasing device complexity or compromising electrical performance.
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 configuration effectively decreases contact resistance and RC delay, enhancing the display device's performance and efficiency while preventing corrosion of the aluminum layer.
Implementation Method 1
The first layer may include a metal reflecting light
Implementation Method 2
The first pixel electrode may be in direct contact with the second layer of the first electrode
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes a first electrode and a second electrode that are disposed on a substrate and spaced apart from each other. A light emitting element is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. A first pixel electrode is disposed on the first electrode, and is electrically connected to a first end portion of the light emitting element and the first electrode. A second pixel electrode is disposed on the second electrode, and is electrically connected to a second end portion of the light emitting element. Each of the first electrode and the second electrode includes a multi-layer structure including a first layer and a second layer disposed on the first layer. The first layer includes a metal reflecting light. The second layer includes tungsten oxide.