Wavelength-Conversion OLED Pixel Layout for Color Purity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display devices face challenges in reducing the physical distance between wavelength conversion patterns and organic light-emitting layers, which can affect efficiency and color reproducibility.

Innovation Solution

The display device incorporates a design with reduced physical distance between wavelength conversion patterns and organic light-emitting layers by using conductive oxide materials for the first and second conductive patterns, along with reflective metals, and includes a method of manufacturing that integrates wavelength conversion patterns directly on a TFT substrate with organic light-emitting elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If wavelength conversion patterns are disposed close to organic light-emitting layers, then color reproducibility and efficiency are improved, but light may penetrate into neighboring pixels causing color contamination

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor reproducibilityVSAvoidlight penetration into neighboring pixels
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A reflective electrode layer is introduced as an intermediary component between the organic light-emitting layer and the wavelength conversion pattern. This reflective electrode serves as a mediator that redirects light downward toward the wavelength conversion pattern while preventing lateral light penetration into neighboring pixels, thus resolving the contradiction between improving color reproducibility and preventing color contamination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the spatial arrangement by disposing the wavelength conversion pattern beneath the organic light-emitting layer in the thickness direction rather than laterally adjacent. This vertical stacking approach allows close proximity for efficient wavelength conversion while the reflective electrode prevents lateral light spread, simultaneously achieving both goals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If wavelength conversion patterns are disposed close to organic light-emitting layers, then efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconversion efficiencyVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the wavelength conversion pattern and the reflective electrode into a single integrated layer structure. The wavelength conversion pattern is disposed directly on the reflective electrode, combining two functional elements into one compact unit that reduces manufacturing steps while maintaining high conversion efficiency through close proximity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The reflective electrode serves multiple functions: it acts as a reflective surface to redirect light downward, provides a structural support layer, and serves as a barrier between the organic light-emitting layer and the wavelength conversion pattern. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, simplifying the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 design enhances color reproducibility and efficiency by minimizing light penetration into neighboring pixels, reducing manufacturing time and cost, and improving the overall thickness and flexibility of the display panel.

Implementation Method 1

a wavelength conversion pattern disposed on the first base substrate, in the light-emitting area

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWavelength conversion: Photoluminescence

Implementation Method 2

The second conductive film includes a reflective metal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3806160B1Display device
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP3806160B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3806160B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3806160B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A display device includes: a first base substrate (110) having, defined thereon, a light-emitting area and a non-light-emitting area around the light-emitting area; a wavelength conversion pattern (130) disposed on the first base substrate, in the light-emitting area; and a light-emitting element layer disposed on the wavelength conversion pattern, wherein the light-emitting element layer includes a pixel electrode (AE1), which includes a first conductive pattern (AE11, AE12) disposed between the wavelength conversion pattern (130) and the first base substrate (110) and a second conductive pattern (AE13) spaced apart from the first conductive pattern (AE11, AE12) with the wavelength conversion pattern (130) interposed therebetween, an organic light-emitting layer (OL), which is disposed on the second conductive pattern (AE13), and a common electrode, which is disposed on the organic light-emitting layer (OL).