Organic Transistor Separating Electrode for Off-Current Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing organic thin-film transistors face challenges with high off-current and crosstalk due to incomplete patterning of organic semiconductor layers, particularly when using polymer materials, which can be dissolved by photoresist solvents, and inkjet printing struggles with high resolution and large-area patterning.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a separating electrode laminated via an insulating film, which is connected to a bias power supply to electrically shield the organic semiconductor layer, reducing off-current and enabling higher resolution patterning through the use of a metallic ink with dispersed metal particles and conductive polymers, allowing for improved patterning accuracy and reduced power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If photolithography and etching are employed for patterning organic semiconductor layer, then patterning can be achieved, but transistor characteristics deteriorate due to dissolution by photoresist solvent or damage by resist stripper
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a separating electrode as an intermediary component between adjacent transistor regions. This electrode physically and electrically isolates the organic semiconductor layers, preventing direct interaction and eliminating the need for aggressive photoresist solvents and resist strippers that would damage the semiconductor material. The separating electrode acts as a protective barrier that enables patterning without compromising transistor characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the continuous organic semiconductor layer into discrete, isolated regions by introducing separating electrodes between adjacent transistors. This segmentation prevents the semiconductor material from being exposed to harmful chemicals across the entire substrate, allowing selective processing and reducing overall damage to transistor characteristics.
2Manufacturing precision
If shadow mask is used for patterning crystalline material, then pattern can be formed, but pattern size is limited and operating life is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical shadow mask system with an electrical field-based isolation approach using separating electrodes. This substitution eliminates the physical constraints of shadow masks (fixed pattern sizes, limited adaptability) and enables flexible patterning of various sizes and configurations through electrical isolation alone, significantly expanding the range of applicable pattern dimensions.
3Productivity
If inkjet printing is used for patterning organic semiconductor layer, then material utilization improves, but resolution of 50 μm or smaller cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses the resolution limitation by adding a vertical dimension to the isolation strategy. Instead of relying solely on horizontal inkjet printing precision, the separating electrode extends vertically to create an electrical barrier that compensates for lateral resolution limitations. This three-dimensional approach enables effective isolation even when inkjet printing resolution is insufficient, maintaining both material utilization and acceptable patterning quality.
4Ease of manufacture
If organic semiconductor layer is not patterned, then manufacturing process is simplified, but off-current increases and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The separating electrode serves as an intermediary structure that enables effective isolation of adjacent transistor channels without requiring complex patterning processes. By providing electrical isolation through this intermediate component, the patent achieves low off-current performance while maintaining manufacturing simplicity, as the separating electrode can be formed using straightforward deposition techniques rather than complex photolithography and etching sequences.
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 solution effectively reduces off-current and crosstalk, enhances patterning resolution, and decreases power consumption by electrically shielding the organic semiconductor layer, thereby improving the performance and efficiency of organic transistor arrays in display applications.
Implementation Method 1
a bias power supply connected to the separating electrode. In a region A, the organic semiconductor layer and the separating electrode are laminated via the gate insulating film or the like, and a region B in which the drain electrode and the separating electrode are laminated via the gate insulating film
Data Source
AI summary
An off-current is reduced in an organic transistor, with which an organic transistor array is formed. A display apparatus is constructed using the organic transistor array. The organic transistor includes a substrate, a gate electrode, a separating electrode, a gate insulating film, a source electrode, a drain electrode, and an organic semiconductor layer. The organic transistor has a region in which the separating electrode and the organic semiconductor layer are laminated. A power supply is connected to the separating electrode.