OLED Partition Structure With Etch-Resistant Conductive Bottom Layer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to improve the reliability of manufacturing display devices with organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) by enhancing the structural integrity and etching resistance of the partition and electrode layers.
Innovation Solution
The display device incorporates a partition with a conductive bottom layer and a stem layer, where the bottom layer is formed from materials with a lower etching rate than the stem layer, and is designed to maintain conductivity and structural integrity during the etching processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single-layer conductive structure is used for the partition, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the etching rate control and conductivity maintenance are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The partition is divided into two distinct layers: a first layer with high etching rate to the first acid (forming the stem structure) and a second layer with high etching rate to the second acid (forming the upper partition). This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function, preventing conduction failure while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through sequential etching processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition uses a composite structure combining materials with different etching characteristics. The first layer uses material selectively etched by the first acid, while the second layer uses material selectively etched by the second acid. This composite approach enables precise control over etching rates and conductivity maintenance, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and reliability.
2Area of stationary object
If the partition directly contacts the upper electrode, then the contact area is maximized, but the etching rate mismatch causes conduction failure
Solution Approach 1:
The first layer acts as an intermediary between the upper electrode and the second layer. It is selectively etched by the first acid to form a stem structure that provides gradual transition and maintains electrical conductivity. This intermediary layer prevents direct contact issues while maximizing effective contact area, resolving the contradiction between contact area and conduction reliability.
3Ease of manufacture
If the organic layer is etched away during upper electrode formation, then the upper electrode can be formed, but the lower electrode contact is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The etching selectivity parameters are changed by using two different acids with specific selectivity ratios. The first acid selectively etches the first layer while preserving the organic layer and lower electrode contact. The second acid selectively etches the second layer. This parameter control enables upper electrode formation while maintaining lower electrode contact, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing ease and reliability.
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 enhances the reliability of the display device by preventing conduction failures and maintaining the structural integrity of the partition and electrode layers, thereby improving the overall manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
the bottom layer is formed of a material which has a smaller etching rate to a mixed acid containing phosphoric acid, nitric acid, and acetic acid than the stem layer
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a display device comprises a first lower electrode, a rib including a first pixel aperture, a partition including a lower portion on the rib and an upper portion protruding from a side surface of the lower portion, a first upper electrode, and a first organic layer between the first lower electrode and the first upper electrode. The lower portion includes a bottom layer and a stem layer on the bottom layer. The bottom layer is formed of a material which has a smaller etching rate to a mixed acid containing phosphoric acid, nitric acid, and acetic acid than the stem layer and which is conductive.