OLED Pixel Electrode Formation via Single-Layer Transparent Conductor
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of organic light emitting diode (OLED) display structures leads to increased processing failures, reduced productivity, and higher production costs due to the number of thin film processes required during manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A simplified OLED display structure is achieved by using a substrate with a semiconductor layer, gate insulating layer, interlayer insulating layer, source and drain electrodes with a double-layered conductive structure, and a pixel electrode with a single-layered transparent conductive material, allowing for reduced processing operations and efficient light emission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multiple thin film processes are conducted to form electrodes and layers in OLED displays, then the display structure becomes more complex and functional, but processing failures increase and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the formation of source/drain electrodes and pixel electrodes into a single thin film process. By forming both electrode types simultaneously from the same conductive material layer, the number of separate fabrication steps is reduced, directly improving productivity while maintaining the required structural complexity for OLED functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive material layer serves multiple functions: it forms both the source/drain electrodes for the thin film transistor and the pixel electrode for light emission. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate formation processes for different electrode types, reducing processing steps and failures
2Device complexity
If multiple thin film processes are conducted to form electrodes and layers in OLED displays, then the display structure becomes more complex and functional, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the formation of source/drain electrodes and pixel electrodes into a single thin film process. By forming both electrode types simultaneously from the same conductive material layer, the number of separate fabrication steps is reduced, directly improving productivity while maintaining the required structural complexity for OLED functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a single conductive material layer that is selectively patterned to form different electrode structures. Rather than depositing separate material layers for each electrode type, the same material layer is reused and selectively removed or retained in different regions, reducing material costs and processing expenses
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
The simplified structure enables cost-effective and efficient production of OLED displays with improved productivity and reduced processing failures, while maintaining high luminance and response time performance.
Implementation Method 1
an organic emissive layer formed on the pixel electrode within the opening of the pixel definition layer... the organic emissive layer may emit light in the direction of the pixel electrode
Data Source
AI summary
An organic light emitting diode display and a method of manufacturing the display, the organic light emitting diode display including: a substrate; a semiconductor layer formed on the substrate, having a channel region, a source region, and a drain region; a gate insulating layer covering the semiconductor layer; a gate electrode formed on the channel region; and an interlayer insulating layer covering the gate electrode. Source and drain electrodes are formed on the interlayer insulating layer, and are connected to the source and drain regions, respectively. A pixel electrode extends from the drain electrode, in the same plane as the source and drain electrodes. The source and drain electrodes each have a first conductive layer formed of a transparent conductive material, and a metallic second conductive layer formed on the first conductive layer. The pixel electrode is formed from the first conductive layer.