Pattern-Mask Laser Irradiation for Non-Uniform Metal Layer Patterning

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laser irradiation devices face challenges in minimizing damage to substrates during the patterning process of display devices, particularly when dealing with metal layers of non-uniform thickness.

Innovation Solution

A laser irradiation device is designed to pattern a metal layer overlapping pad and bump electrodes on a substrate using a laser, with a pattern mask and moving module that control the area of laser irradiation to form metal patterns without damaging the substrate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If laser irradiation is applied to pattern metal layer with non-uniform thickness, then metal patterns can be formed, but substrate damage occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemetal pattern formationVSAvoidsubstrate damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the metal layer into multiple thickness zones (first thickness region and second thickness region) and applies different laser irradiation conditions to each zone. The pattern mask segments the laser beam to selectively irradiate different areas, preventing excessive energy accumulation that would damage the substrate while ensuring complete removal of metal in all regions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by applying differentiated laser irradiation parameters to different spatial regions of the metal layer. The first laser beam irradiates the first thickness region with specific energy density, while the second laser beam irradiates the second thickness region with adjusted parameters, optimizing pattern formation without causing substrate damage in each local area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If laser energy is increased to remove metal layer completely, then patterning efficiency improves, but substrate damage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepatterning efficiencyVSAvoidsubstrate damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes laser irradiation parameters (energy density, irradiation time, beam focus) based on the local metal layer thickness. By dynamically adjusting these parameters for different thickness regions, the system achieves complete metal removal efficiency while maintaining substrate integrity, resolving the contradiction between productivity and damage prevention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic control of laser irradiation parameters during the patterning process. The system adaptively modifies laser energy delivery based on real-time feedback about metal layer thickness variations, enabling efficient pattern formation without exceeding substrate damage thresholds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If pattern mask is used to control laser area, then manufacturing precision improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepattern formation accuracyVSAvoidoptical system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a pattern mask as an intermediary component between the laser source and the metal layer. This mask selectively transmits or blocks laser beams to define precise pattern boundaries, achieving high manufacturing precision. The mask acts as a simple yet effective mediator that controls laser area without requiring complex real-time control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 device effectively forms metal patterns on display devices without causing damage to the substrate, ensuring reliable manufacturing processes for display devices with improved user experience.

Implementation Method 1

a light source emitting the laser

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

The plurality of pad electrodes and the plurality of bump electrodes are electrically connected through the plurality of metal patterns

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation:

Implementation Method 3

an optical lens between the substrate and the pattern mask

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical lens focusing: Lens

Implementation Method 4

irradiating the metal layer with a laser to form a plurality of metal patterns

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Data Source

PatentUS20250120296A1Laser irradiation device and method for manufacturing display device using the same
Publication Date: 2025.04.10 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • US20250120296A1 patent drawing
  • US20250120296A1 patent drawing
  • US20250120296A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A laser irradiation device includes an optical system including a light source emitting a laser, a pattern mask including a plurality of patterns on which the laser emitted from the optical system is incident and through which the laser passes, and a moving module moving the pattern mask in a direction perpendicular to the substrate while irradiating the metal layer with the laser to control an area in which the metal layer is irradiated with the laser. The plurality of pad electrodes and the plurality of bump electrodes are electrically connected through the plurality of metal patterns.