Quantum Rod Alignment via Electric Fields in Photoresist
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing technology for aligning quantum rods (QRs) in liquid crystal display (LCD) panels is complicated and costly, with low alignment efficiency due to the requirement for independent production of extension thin films and introduction of extension technology.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the formation of alignment electrodes on a base through lithography, mixing QRs with resin photoresist, applying voltages to align the QRs horizontally, and vacuum-drying to enhance viscosity, allowing the QRs to remain aligned and form a photoresist layer, which is then baked to solidify, simplifying the process and improving alignment efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If thin film extension technology is used to align quantum rods, then QR alignment can be achieved, but the production process becomes more complicated and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the alignment function with the photoresist coating process by integrating alignment electrodes into the substrate structure. The alignment electrodes are formed simultaneously with the color filter substrate through the same lithography process, eliminating the need for separate extension thin film production and independent alignment steps. This merging of functions directly reduces production process complexity while maintaining QR alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment electrodes serve multiple functions: they act as both the alignment structure for QR orientation and as part of the color filter substrate structure. By making the alignment structure universal and integrated into the existing substrate, the patent eliminates the need for separate extension technology, thereby simplifying the production process without compromising alignment effectiveness.
2Manufacturing precision
If thin film extension technology is used to align quantum rods, then QR alignment can be achieved, but alignment efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment electrodes are pre-formed on the color filter substrate before the quantum rod coating process. This preliminary preparation of the alignment structure eliminates the need for subsequent extension thin film production and independent alignment steps. The QRs are aligned directly during the coating process itself, significantly improving alignment efficiency while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging the alignment process with the photoresist coating process, the patent performs both alignment and coating in a single step. The alignment electrodes are already in place to guide QR orientation during coating, eliminating separate alignment operations and thereby improving productivity without sacrificing manufacturing precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If extension technology is introduced to align quantum rods, then alignment can be achieved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the alignment function into the existing color filter substrate structure, eliminating the need for separate extension thin film production. The alignment electrodes are formed using the same lithography process as the color filter, sharing production resources and process steps. This integration directly reduces material costs and manufacturing expenses while maintaining alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment electrodes serve as both structural support for the color filter and as the alignment guide for quantum rods. By making the substrate structure universal and multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for additional extension technology, thereby reducing production costs without compromising the manufacturing precision of QR alignment.
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 method enhances color saturation and gamut of LCD panels, simplifies the production process, reduces production costs, and improves alignment efficiency by aligning QRs using electric fields and high viscosity photoresist, eliminating the need for complex extension thin films and technologies.
Implementation Method 1
forming alignment electrodes on a base through lithography, wherein when the alignment electrodes are applied with positive and negative voltages, a horizontal electric field is produced; applying the base coated with the mixed material with positive and negative voltages so that the long axes of the color QRs align horizontally under the effect of the horizontal electric fields generated by the alignment electrodes
Implementation Method 2
vacuum-drying the base coated with the mixed material to enhance the viscosity of the photoresist
Implementation Method 3
baking the vacuum-dried mixed material by 230° C. for 25 to 35 minutes so that the resin photoresist is fully solidified
Data Source
AI summary
A method of forming a photoresist layer includes: forming alignment electrodes on a base; mixing color QRs and photoresist to form a mixed material; coating the mixed material on the base; applying the base coated with the mixed material with positive and negative voltages so that the long axes of the color QRs align horizontally under the effect of the horizontal electric fields generated by the alignment electrodes; vacuum-drying the base coated with the mixed material to enhance the viscosity of the photoresist; interrupting electricity at a designated point to form a photoresist layer, wherein the long axes of QRs remain aligned horizontally; the color film substrate includes color resist films; when a backlight source emits blue light to the color film substrate, a color filter is disposed on top of the red color film to filtrate the blue light.