Recessed Electro-Optic Device Light Utilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electro-optic devices face challenges in efficiently utilizing light in active matrix type liquid crystal devices due to light diffraction at the end portions of light-shielding layers, leading to photo leakage currents and reduced display quality, especially in projection-type displays with small pixel sizes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a recessed portion in the opening region of the base substrate with a higher refractive index insulation layer, positioned between light-shielding layers, to reflect obliquely entering light effectively into the opening region, reducing diffraction and photo leakage currents, while maintaining structural integrity and flatness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a recessed portion is formed in an insulation film covering structural objects, then light reflection at the interface is improved, but the process conditions are restricted and manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The recessed portion is formed in the base substrate before forming the light-shielding layer and transistor. This preliminary action allows the recessed portion to be created under favorable process conditions without restricting subsequent manufacturing steps, thereby maintaining both light utilization efficiency and manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The light-shielding layer is divided into a first light-shielding layer and a second light-shielding layer with a space between them. This segmentation allows the recessed portion to be positioned between the layers, enabling light reflection while avoiding damage to structural objects during the etching process.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a recessed portion is formed after structural objects are formed, then light reflection is improved, but positional deviation occurs between the recessed portion and light-shielding layer
Solution Approach 1:
The recessed portion is formed in the base substrate before forming the light-shielding layer and transistor. This preliminary action establishes the recessed portion's position early in the manufacturing process, ensuring accurate alignment with the subsequently formed light-shielding layer and preventing positional deviation.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the recessed portion side portion has impaired flatness, then light reflection is reduced, but display quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The recessed portion is formed in the base substrate before forming the light-shielding layer and transistor. This preliminary action allows for better control of the recessed portion's formation process, ensuring that the side portions maintain adequate flatness for effective light reflection while preventing damage to structural objects.
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 configuration enhances light utilization and reduces photo leakage currents, resulting in a brighter and more excellent display quality for electro-optic devices, particularly in projection-type displays.
Implementation Method 1
a second insulation layer provided in the opening region and being in contact with the first insulation layer, and having a refractive index that is higher than a refractive index of the first insulation layer
Implementation Method 2
the interface formed by the insulation film and the fourth interlayer insulation film is made to reflect the incident light
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid crystal panel of a liquid crystal device as an electro-optic device includes a recessed portion provided in a pixel in a base substrate, a scanning line as a first light-shielding layer and a data line as a second light-shielding layer provided on the base substrate, the scanning line and the data line being disposed sequentially from a base substrate side in a thickness direction of the base substrate with a space between the scanning line and the data line, in a thickness direction of the base substrate, a transistor provided between the scanning line and the data line, a first insulation layer covering the data line, and disposed along the recessed portion, and a second insulation layer being in contact with the first insulation layer, and having a refractive index n2 that is higher than a refractive index n1 of the first insulation layer.