Pixel Insulating Openings for Higher-Efficiency Micro-LED Displays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current technologies for manufacturing subminiature light emitting elements with inorganic crystal structures face challenges in enhancing light efficiency in display devices.

Innovation Solution

A display device design that includes a pixel structure with a light emitting element positioned between first and second electrodes, surrounded by insulating layers with specific openings to enhance light efficiency, and a method for fabricating this structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If the light emitting element is densely arranged in the pixel, then the display resolution and brightness are improved, but the light efficiency and extraction are reduced due to insufficient light emission space

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovebrightnessVSAvoidlight efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating layer is divided into multiple regions with different properties: a first insulating region covering the light emitting element for electrical isolation, and a second insulating region with light extraction structures for enhanced light outcoupling. This segmentation allows simultaneous optimization of electrical isolation and light extraction efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the insulating layer are assigned different functions and structures: the first region provides electrical insulation with high dielectric constant, while the second region provides light extraction with specific refractive index and geometric structures. This local differentiation optimizes both electrical and optical performance in their respective zones.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If insulating layers are added to isolate the light emitting element, then electrical isolation is improved, but light extraction is blocked due to the insulating layer's coverage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical isolationVSAvoidlight extraction
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating layer is segmented into a first insulating region for electrical isolation and a second insulating region for light extraction. This segmentation allows the insulating layer to simultaneously provide both electrical isolation and light extraction functions without compromising either performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second insulating region acts as an intermediary between the light emitting element and the external environment, providing both electrical isolation and optical coupling. The light extraction structures in this region mediate the interaction between light and the insulating layer, enabling efficient light outcoupling while maintaining electrical isolation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Area of moving object

If the pixel size is reduced for higher resolution, then the display density is improved, but the light emission space and efficiency are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepixel sizeVSAvoidlight emission space
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The light extraction structures extend into the vertical dimension, utilizing the thickness of the insulating layer to create multiple light extraction interfaces. This dimensional approach allows enhanced light extraction from a horizontally compact pixel structure, effectively decoupling pixel size from light extraction efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Within the reduced pixel area, the insulating layer is locally optimized with light extraction structures positioned strategically to maximize light outcoupling from the light emitting element. This local optimization ensures efficient light extraction despite the overall reduction in pixel dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3968384B1Display device and manufacturing method thereof
Publication Date: 2025.04.30 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP3968384B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3968384B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3968384B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

Provided herein may be a display device including a pixel disposed in a display area. The pixel may include: a first partition wall and a second partition wall disposed on a base layer; a first electrode and a second electrode respectively disposed on the first and second partition walls, and spaced apart from each other; a light emitting element disposed between the first and second electrodes, and including a first end connected to the first electrode, and a second end connected to the second electrode; and at least one insulating layer disposed over the light emitting element and at least one electrode of the first electrode and the second electrode. The insulating layer may include at least one of a first opening adjacent to the first end of the light emitting element and a second opening adjacent to the second end of the light emitting element.