OLED Cathode Protection Layer for Camera Region Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

In OLED display devices, the cathode film layer processing during the Thin Film Encapsulation (TFE) process is prone to damage due to limited mask exposure and plasma diffusion, leading to poor display performance, especially around camera regions where precise light penetration is required.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the formation of a protection layer with a first opening on the cathode and a second opening in the cathode, where the second opening is located below the first, using plasma treatment or chemical etching under a metal mask to remove only the necessary portions of the cathode, preventing damage and ensuring accurate light transmittance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If plasma treatment or chemical etching is performed directly on the cathode during TFE process, then the cathode can be processed for camera regions, but the cathode film layer is damaged due to plasma diffusion and limited mask exposure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecathode processing precisionVSAvoidcathode film layer integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the processing into two separate steps: first forming openings in the protection layer, then forming openings in the cathode. This segmentation prevents plasma diffusion damage by isolating the cathode processing from the protection layer processing, allowing precise camera region openings without damaging the surrounding cathode film layer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The protection layer is formed and processed first before processing the cathode. This preliminary action creates a protective structure that prevents plasma diffusion during subsequent cathode etching, ensuring the cathode film layer integrity while allowing precise processing of camera regions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Illumination intensity

If the cathode is removed in camera regions to enable light penetration, then light transmittance is improved, but the cathode structure is compromised and display performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight transmittanceVSAvoiddisplay performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different structures to different regions: the cathode is removed only in the camera region where light penetration is needed, while the cathode remains intact in display regions. This local differentiation achieves high light transmittance in camera areas without compromising display performance in other areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The protection layer serves as an intermediary structure that enables precise local processing. It allows the cathode to be removed only in specific camera regions while protecting the cathode in display regions, thus achieving both high light transmittance and maintained display performance through controlled local modification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 approach prevents damage to the cathode film layer outside the camera region, enhancing light transmittance and overall display quality by precisely removing only the necessary portions of the cathode, thus improving the yield and performance of OLED display devices.

Implementation Method 1

by causing a first region of the protection material layer corresponding to the first opening to be formed and a second region of the second electrode corresponding to the first region to be subjected to a plasma treatment or a chemical etching treatment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlasma treatment: Plasma

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical etching:

Implementation Method 3

forming the second opening in the second electrode by causing the portion of the second electrode below the first opening to be subjected to a plasma bombardment or a chemical etching treatment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlasma bombardment: Plasma

Data Source

PatentUS11335883B2Organic light-emitting diode display substrate with a protection layer and manufacturing method thereof, and display device

Publication Date: 2022.05.17 BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure provides an organic light-emitting diode display substrate and a manufacturing method thereof. The manufacturing method includes: sequentially forming a first electrode, a light-emitting layer and a second electrode on a base substrate; forming a protection layer having a first opening on a side of the second electrode distal to the base substrate; and forming a second opening in the second electrode, the second opening being located below the first opening. In the present disclosure, with the protection layer, only a portion of the second electrode below the first opening is removed, so that other portions of the second electrode are prevented from being damaged, thereby eliminating a poor display of the display device.