Nested Lens Substrate for Electro-Optical Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electro-optical devices, the disposition of lenses between switching elements and pixel electrodes leads to increased aspect ratio of contact holes, reducing the reliability of electrical coupling between pixel and relay electrodes.
Innovation Solution
A substrate configuration with first and second lenses, where the second lens has a concave surface recessed toward the substrate and a lens-forming layer filled within, reducing the contact hole depth and aspect ratio, allowing for effective electrical coupling despite lens disposition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If second lenses are disposed between switching elements and pixel electrodes to optimize light ray inclination, then display brightness is improved, but contact hole aspect ratio increases and electrical coupling reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The lens structure is nested within the interlayer insulating film by forming a lens concave surface recessed into the film thickness direction. The lens-forming layer is then filled into this concave surface, creating a nested configuration where the lens is embedded within the insulating film structure rather than protruding outward. This nesting approach allows the lens to be integrated into the existing layer structure without increasing the overall film thickness in the light transmission direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens formation transitions from a protruding convex structure (extending in the light transmission direction) to a recessed concave structure (extending in the thickness direction of the interlayer insulating film). This dimensional change allows the lens to be formed within the plane of the insulating film rather than protruding outward, thereby reducing the aspect ratio of contact holes formed in subsequent layers.
2Ease of operation
If convex curved surfaces are formed on lens layer to optimize light inclination, then light ray control is improved, but film thickness increases and contact hole aspect ratio increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of forming convex curved surfaces that protrude outward from the lens layer (as in conventional approaches), the invention inverts the approach by forming concave curved surfaces that recess into the interlayer insulating film. This inversion allows the lens to achieve its light-inclination function while actually reducing the overall film thickness in the light transmission direction, as the lens structure is embedded within the existing film rather than adding to it.
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 ensures reliable electrical coupling between pixel and relay electrodes while optimizing light inclination and transmission, enhancing display brightness and contrast.
Implementation Method 1
the second lens-forming lens layer having a refractive index different from a refractive index of the first interlayer insulating film
Data Source
AI summary
An element substrate of an electro-optical device (substrate for an electro-optical device) includes a first lens and a second lens. The first lens is formed between a first substrate and a switching element, and the second lens is formed between the switching element and a pixel electrode. The second lens includes a second lens concave surface and a second lens-forming lens layer. The second lens concave surface is recessed in a surface of an interlayer insulating film. The second lens-forming lens layer is filled in the inside of the second lens concave surface. The interlayer insulating film includes a contact hole in a location not overlapping, in a plan view, with the second lens concave surface. The contact hole electrically couples the pixel electrode to the switching element.