OLED Pixel Define Layer Patterning With Selective Plasma Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional double-layer pixel define layers in OLED display panels require two photolithography processes, which is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a step-shaped opening formation on a pixel define film, followed by fluorinated plasma treatment to create a hydrophilic and hydrophobic pixel define layers, reducing the number of photolithography steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a double-layer pixel define layer is used to improve luminous efficiency and color gamut, then the luminous efficiency and uniformity are improved, but the number of photolithography processes increases to two
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the formation of the first pixel define layer and the second pixel define layer into a single photolithography process by using a step-shaped opening structure. The step-shaped opening allows different regions of the same pixel define film to be exposed to different treatments (fluorinated plasma for hydrophobicity in the first layer area, and maintained hydrophilicity in the second layer area), thereby creating a double-layer structure with different properties from one photolithography step instead of requiring two separate processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating regions with different surface properties (hydrophilic and hydrophobic) within the same pixel define film through selective fluorinated plasma treatment in different areas defined by the step-shaped opening. The first pixel define layer region receives fluorinated plasma treatment to become hydrophobic, while the second pixel define layer region maintains its hydrophilic character, allowing each region to serve its specific function in the OLED structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If a double-layer pixel define layer is used to increase uniformity of organic light-emitting layer thickness, then the color gamut is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the formation of two distinct pixel define layers with different surface properties into a single integrated structure using one photolithography process. The step-shaped opening design allows the same pixel define film to serve dual functions: the first region (with opening) provides hydrophobic characteristics for the first pixel define layer, while the second region (without opening) maintains hydrophilic characteristics for the second pixel define layer, thereby achieving uniform thickness control without increasing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the surface energy parameter of the pixel define film through selective fluorinated plasma treatment in different regions. By controlling the plasma treatment area using the step-shaped opening geometry, the patent creates distinct hydrophobic and hydrophilic zones within a single film layer, thereby achieving the functional differentiation of a double-layer structure without adding physical layer complexity.
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
Simplifies the preparation process by combining photolithography and fluorinated plasma treatment to form hydrophilic and hydrophobic layers, thereby reducing the number of photolithography processes.
Implementation Method 1
performing fluorinated plasma treatment on the pixel define film outside the opening such that the pixel define film outside the opening forms a first pixel define layer having a hydrophilic surface layer
Implementation Method 2
the remaining pixel define film forms a hydrophobic second pixel define layer
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a display panel and a method for preparing same and a display device. The preparation method includes: forming a step-shaped opening on a pixel define film using a patterning process; forming an organic photoresist in the opening; performing fluorinated plasma treatment on the pixel define film outside the opening such that the pixel define film outside the opening forms a first pixel define layer having a hydrophilic surface layer, and the remaining pixel define film forms a hydrophobic second pixel define layer; and removing the organic photoresist in the opening.