Polarization Structure Light Shielding for LTPS Array Substrates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing n-type metal oxide semiconductor low temperature polysilicon-liquid crystal display (LTPS-LCD) manufacturing processes face issues with abnormal discharge phenomena due to the formation of metal light shield layers on entire base substrates, which require multiple patterning processes and result in thickness and slope angle issues affecting active layer crystallization.

Innovation Solution

The use of a first polarization structure, formed by a polarization layer, is implemented on the array substrate, with its projection overlapping the active layer projection on the base substrate, providing a light shield effect perpendicular to the polarization plate direction to prevent backlight irradiation and eliminate abnormal discharge, thereby reducing the need for conventional metal light shield layers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a metal light shield layer is formed on the entire surface of the base substrate, then the light shield function is achieved, but abnormal discharge phenomenon occurs and manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight shield functionVSAvoidabnormal discharge phenomenon
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the light shield layer into multiple segments: a first light shield layer formed only in the active pixel region, and a second light shield layer formed in the common electrode region. This segmentation eliminates the abnormal discharge phenomenon caused by continuous metal layers while maintaining light shielding effectiveness in both regions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different light shielding structures to different regions of the substrate. The active pixel region receives a first light shield layer with specific properties, while the common electrode region receives a second light shield layer with different properties, optimizing performance for each region's specific requirements and avoiding discharge issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a metal light shield layer is formed on the entire surface of the base substrate, then the light shield function is achieved, but the number of patterning processes increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight shield functionVSAvoidnumber of patterning processes
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the formation of the first light shield layer and the active layer into a single patterning process. By using the same mask pattern for both structures, the number of patterning steps is reduced while still achieving the required light shielding function in the active pixel region.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The first light shield layer serves multiple functions: it provides light shielding for the active pixel region and simultaneously serves as a mask layer for subsequent processing steps. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated mask layers, simplifying the overall manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a metal light shield layer is formed on the entire surface of the base substrate, then the light shield function is achieved, but thickness and slope angle issues affect active layer crystallization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight shield functionVSAvoidactive layer crystallization quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different light shielding structures to different regions: the first light shield layer in the active pixel region is designed with optimized thickness and profile to avoid affecting active layer crystallization, while the second light shield layer in the common electrode region has different characteristics suited for that region's requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an organic insulating layer between the metal light shield layers and the active layer. This intermediary layer prevents direct contact between the metal and the active layer, eliminating the harmful effects of metal-induced discharge and preventing interference with active layer crystallization while maintaining light shielding effectiveness.

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

This solution effectively avoids photogenerated leakage currents, enhances yield rates, and simplifies the manufacturing process by reducing the number of patterning steps required, while maintaining the light shield function without the thickness and slope angle issues associated with traditional metal light shield layers.

Implementation Method 1

a light absorbing layer positioned to absorb light reflected by the metal pattern

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP3543778B1Array substrate and manufacturing method therefor, display panel, and display device
Publication Date: 2022.10.05 BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD
  • EP3543778B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2c
  • EP3543778B1 patent drawingFigure 2d~3
  • EP3543778B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5c

AI summary

An array substrate and a manufacturing method thereof, and a display device are provided. The array substrate includes: a base substrate (101), an active layer (102), and a first polarization structure (104). The active layer (102) is disposed on the base substrate (101); the first polarization structure (104) is disposed on a side of the active layer (102) facing the base substrate (101), and an orthographic projection of the first polarization structure (104) on the base substrate (101) is at least partially overlapped with an orthographic projection of the active layer (102) on the base substrate (101). The first polarization structure substitutes a conventional metal light shield layer, which can effectively avoid an abnormal discharge phenomenon caused by a first polarization structure having the light shield function.