OLED Subpixel Patterning via Inorganic Protective Masks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stably forming organic light-emitting layers at each subpixel in OLED display devices through photolithography is challenging due to difficulties in patterning and maintaining the integrity of the layers during the process.
Innovation Solution
The OLED display device incorporates inorganic patterns on the organic light-emitting layers, which are doped with phosphorus or boron, and include a micro cavity structure to prevent exposure and damage, allowing for stable patterning and formation of the layers at each subpixel during photolithography.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If photolithography process is used to form organic light-emitting layers at each subpixel, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but patterning stability and layer integrity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by forming inorganic patterns (such as oxide patterns) on the organic light-emitting layers before the photolithography process. These inorganic patterns serve as protective masks that prevent the organic layers from being damaged during subsequent photolithography steps, thereby maintaining patterning stability while enabling efficient manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The inorganic patterns act as an intermediary layer between the photolithography process and the organic light-emitting layers. This intermediary structure protects the sensitive organic layers from direct exposure to photolithography chemicals and radiation, preventing damage while allowing the photolithography process to proceed efficiently
2Ease of manufacture
If photolithography process is used to pattern organic light-emitting layers, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but layer integrity and protection from damage worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The inorganic patterns are formed in advance before the photolithography process, creating a protective structure that safeguards the organic light-emitting layers during manufacturing. This preliminary protective measure maintains layer integrity without adding significant complexity to the overall manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
The inorganic patterns provide beforehand cushioning by absorbing or blocking the harmful effects of the photolithography process before they can reach the organic light-emitting layers. This protective cushioning ensures layer integrity while allowing the use of simple photolithography manufacturing processes
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 enables stable and efficient formation of organic light-emitting layers at each subpixel, enhancing luminous efficiency and reducing power consumption by optimizing the micro cavity effect for improved light intensity and color accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display device, in which an organic light emitting layer can be stably formed at each subpixel through a photolithography process
Implementation Method 2
including a micro cavity structure to prevent exposure and damage, allowing for stable patterning and formation of the layers at each subpixel during photolithography
Implementation Method 3
The LED emits light through an organic electroluminescence phenomenon
Data Source
AI summary
An organic light emitting diode display device in one example includes a substrate including first to third subpixels, a first electrode in each of the first to third subpixels, a hole injection layer on the first electrode in each of the first to third subpixels, first to third light emitting layers each on the hole injection layer in each of the first to third subpixels, first to third inorganic patterns which are on the first to third emitting layers in the first to third subpixels, respectively, an electron injection layer which is on the first to third inorganic patterns and is over the entire surfaces of the first to third subpixels, and a second electrode which is on the electron injection layer and is over the entire surfaces of the first to third subpixels.