Patterned Conductive Traces for Low Resistance and High Transmittance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transparent electrically conductive materials face a trade-off between low electrical sheet resistance and high light transmittance, making it challenging to enhance the performance of devices such as liquid crystal displays and photovoltaic cells.
Innovation Solution
A substrate with a pattern of separated pairs of electrically conductive metallic traces, where the traces have a significant overlap relative to their separation distance, is used to create a conductive layer with reduced electrical sheet resistance and high light transmittance, allowing for improved device performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If individual transparent conductive materials such as indium tin oxide or electrically conducting polymers are used, then the device structure remains simple, but the electrical sheet resistance cannot be sufficiently reduced without compromising light transmittance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple transparent conductive materials (e.g., indium tin oxide and aluminum zinc oxide, or electrically conducting polymers with metal nanowires) to create a composite transparent electrode. This composite structure allows the materials to complement each other's properties, achieving lower electrical sheet resistance while maintaining high light transmittance, thereby resolving the trade-off between electrical and optical characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the transparent electrode into multiple separate conductive layers or components (e.g., a first transparent conductive layer and a second transparent conductive layer, or patterned traces with gaps). By segmenting the electrode structure, each layer can be optimized for specific functions, and the combined effect achieves superior electrical conductivity without compromising optical transparency.
2Manufacturing precision
If the electrical sheet resistance is reduced by using thicker or more continuous conductive layers, then the electrical performance improves, but the light transmittance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs segmented or patterned conductive traces with controlled gaps rather than continuous thick layers. The segmentation allows light to pass through the gaps while the distributed conductive elements collectively provide low sheet resistance. This approach achieves electrical performance comparable to or better than continuous layers while maintaining high optical transparency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different conductive material properties and thicknesses in different regions of the electrode. By optimizing the local characteristics of conductive materials and their distribution, the electrode achieves uniform electrical performance across the surface while preserving light transmittance in critical viewing areas.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex multi-layer transparent conductive structures are used to reduce sheet resistance, then electrical performance improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and utilizes the complementary strengths of different transparent conductive materials by combining them in a multi-layer structure. Each layer is designed with specific properties (e.g., one layer provides primary conductivity while another enhances transparency or provides structural support), and together they achieve superior performance without requiring excessive complexity in any single layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite transparent electrode structures that integrate multiple conductive materials with complementary properties. This composite approach achieves low sheet resistance and high transmittance through material synergy rather than through complex geometric arrangements or excessive layering, thereby controlling device complexity while improving electrical performance.
Data Source
AI summary
Articles comprising a substrate having a first major surface; an electrical conductor pattern on the first major surface of the substrate, the electrical conductor pattern comprising a plurality of separated pairs of separated first and second electrically conductive metallic traces. Optionally the articles further comprise a first electrically conductive layer. Embodiments of articles described herein are useful in, for example, displays, touch sensors, lighting elements, photovoltaic cells, electrochromic windows and displays, and electroluminescent lamps and displays.