Series OLED Subpixel Layout With Shared Electrodes for Fewer Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The tandem structure in display devices faces challenges due to a significant increase in layer quantity, which affects the arrangement of light-emitting layers in the current path and external quantum efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A display device configuration featuring subpixels with light-emitting elements connected in series, where shared island-shaped electrodes function as both cathodes and anodes, allowing for a reduced layer quantity while increasing external quantum efficiency by arranging light-emitting layers in a planar direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a tandem structure with multiple light-emitting layers is used to increase external quantum efficiency, then the external quantum efficiency improves, but the layer quantity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from stacking light-emitting layers vertically (z-dimension) to arranging them horizontally in the planar direction (x-y plane). Multiple light-emitting layers are positioned side-by-side within the same current path, allowing photons to be emitted in different directions while maintaining a reduced vertical layer count. This dimensional shift resolves the contradiction by achieving high external quantum efficiency without proportionally increasing the number of layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the light-emitting structure into multiple discrete light-emitting layers that are arranged separately in the planar direction rather than stacked. Each light-emitting layer can be independently optimized and controlled, allowing for efficient light extraction while maintaining a manageable layer quantity. The segmentation enables each layer to contribute to external quantum efficiency without requiring all layers to be stacked vertically.
2Ease of operation
If multiple light-emitting layers are arranged in the current path to improve luminance control, then luminance control improves, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
By arranging light-emitting layers in the planar direction rather than stacking them vertically, the patent simplifies the vertical device structure while maintaining multiple light-emitting elements in the current path. This dimensional reorganization allows for easier luminance control through independent electrical connection of each layer without requiring complex vertical stacking and interconnection structures.
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 effectively increases external quantum efficiency while minimizing the number of layers, facilitating easier luminance control and reducing material costs and manufacturing processes.
Implementation Method 1
a first light-emitting element Y1 and a second light-emitting element Y2 connected in series... a third light-emitting element Y3 and a fourth light-emitting element Y4 connected in series
Data Source
AI summary
This display device includes a first light-emitting element and a second light-emitting element connected in series, and a third light-emitting element and a fourth light-emitting element connected in series. The first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element share a second electrode formed in an upper layer above a first light-emitting layer and a second light-emitting layer, and the third light-emitting element and the fourth light-emitting element share a fourth electrode formed in an upper layer above a third light-emitting layer and a fourth light-emitting layer. The second electrode is an island-shaped electrode and functions as a cathode of one of the first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element and an anode of the other, and the fourth electrode is an island-shaped electrode and functions as a cathode of one of the third light-emitting element and the fourth light-emitting element and an anode of the other.