Light-Emitting Element With Offset Optical Axes for Front Outcoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display devices using organic electroluminescence (EL) elements face challenges in maximizing the utilization efficiency of emitted light, particularly in enhancing front light outcoupling efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The proposed light-emitting element incorporates a first and second optical path control unit with positive optical power, separated by a bonding member, where the optical axes of these units are displaced, and may include a wavelength selector to enhance light outcoupling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If two microlenses are vertically provided to enhance light outcoupling efficiency, then the utilization efficiency of emitted light is improved, but the front light outcoupling efficiency cannot be maximized
Solution Approach 1:
The optical path control unit is divided into multiple independent lens units (first lens unit, second lens unit, third lens unit) with different optical powers. Each lens unit has a specific focal length (f1, f2, f3) and is positioned at different heights above the light-emitting element. This segmentation allows each unit to perform a specific optical function, collectively achieving optimized front light outcoupling efficiency that cannot be achieved by a simple two-lens vertical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a simple vertical stacking arrangement to a multi-dimensional optical configuration where lens units are positioned at different heights (z-axis) and have different optical powers. The first lens unit is positioned at height h1, the second at h2, and the third at h3, creating a three-dimensional optical path control structure that optimizes light extraction in multiple directions and planes, thereby maximizing front light outcoupling efficiency.
2Device complexity
If a simple vertical microlens structure is used, then the device complexity is low, but the front light outcoupling efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The optical path control unit is divided into multiple independent lens units (first lens unit, second lens unit, third lens unit) with different optical powers. Each lens unit has a specific focal length (f1, f2, f3) and is positioned at different heights above the light-emitting element. This segmentation allows each unit to perform a specific optical function, collectively achieving optimized front light outcoupling efficiency that cannot be achieved by a simple two-lens vertical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different lens units are assigned different optical properties (different focal lengths f1, f2, f3 and different positions h1, h2, h3) to optimize specific regions of the optical path. The first lens unit with focal length f1 operates at height h1, the second with f2 at height h2, and the third with f3 at height h3, creating localized optical optimization at different levels to achieve overall superior light outcoupling 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 significantly improves the front light outcoupling efficiency by optimizing the light path, leading to enhanced luminance and image quality in display devices.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical path control unit to which light emitted from the light-emitting region enters, the first optical path control unit having positive optical power
Implementation Method 2
a second optical path control unit to which light exited from the first optical path control unit enters, the second optical path control unit having positive optical power
Data Source
AI summary
A light-emitting element (10) includes: a light-emitting part (30) including a light-emitting region; a first optical path control unit (71) which has positive optical power and to which light emitted from the light-emitting region enters; a second optical path control unit (72) which has positive optical power and to which light exited from the first optical path control unit (71) enters; and a bonding member (35) interposed between the first optical path control unit (71) and the second optical path control unit (72), in which an optical axis (LN1) of the first optical path control unit (71) is displaced from an optical axis (LN2) of the second optical path control unit (72).