throbber
(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2003/0127657 A1
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Jul. 10, 2003
`Park
`
`US 2003O127657A1
`
`(54) ACTIVE MATRIX ORGANIC
`ELECTROLUMNESCENT DISPLAY DEVICE
`AND METHOD OF EABRICATING THE
`SAME
`(75) Inventor: Jae-Yong Park, Gyeonggi-do (KR)
`Correspondence Address:
`MORGAN LEWIS & BOCKUS LLP
`1111 PENNSYLVANIAAVENUE NW
`WASHINGTON, DC 20004 (US)
`Assignee: LG.Philips LCD Co., Ltd.
`
`(73)
`(21)
`(22)
`(30)
`
`Appl. No.:
`
`10/330,259
`
`Filed:
`
`Dec. 30, 2002
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`
`Dec. 29, 2001 (KR)....................................... 2001-88539
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51) Int. Cl. .................................................. H01L 27/15
`
`(52) U.S. Cl. ................................................................ 257/79
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`An active matrix organic electroluminescent device includes
`a Substrate, a buffer layer on the Substrate, a thin film
`transistor on the buffer layer, a passivation layer on an entire
`Surface of the Substrate covering the thin film transistor, a
`first electrode disposed on the passivation layer to contact
`the thin film transistor through a contact hole formed in the
`passivation layer, a first bank layer disposed on the first
`electrode and on the passivation layer, the first bank layer
`having a first bank opening exposing a portion of the first
`electrode, a Second bank layer disposed on the first bank
`layer to have a Second bank opening aligned with the first
`bank opening, an organic electroluminescent layer formed
`within the first bank opening to electrically contact the first
`electrode and the first bank layer, and a Second electrode
`formed on the organic electroluminescent layer and on the
`Second bank layer within the first and Second bank openings.
`
`140
`
`rs
`
`w
`
`160
`
`160
`
`Ys
`
`X
`
`ex
`
`y
`
`xy
`
`Y YSKKYXX
`
`D
`230 63 20 200
`to
`S 1718116
`162172
`%ZZXZZZZZZZZ
`ZXXXXXXXX:
`2.
`:x:
`3.
`&S ISS
`2 & S
`III,
`II
`
`212 190 130
`220
`
`e
`
`w
`
`
`
`were
`
`w
`
`-
`
`. . .
`
`SY
`33NSK
`
`a
`
`M
`
`-
`as
`
`a
`
`-
`
`-
`is
`
`-
`
`-
`
`--
`
`--
`
`r
`
`-
`
`w
`--
`-
`
`As a NZaaaaS
`
`SYNN-NS R
`NSNN as
`Y
`
`aa
`
`& 8
`
`40
`
`160
`
`122
`
`10
`
`130
`121
`
`131
`
`123 100
`
`125 140
`
`5
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1014 - 1/18
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 10, 2003 Sheet 1 of 11
`
`US 2003/0127657 A1
`
`FIG. I.
`Related Art
`
`A
`
`22a
`
`21
`2.3 19a
`18a e
`(x2& 6%-2422
`2
`77 6%2t 27 7
`2
`26x2
`22ZX22
`W . x: Z
`&SNSoir.
`$3SYS3RS
`&K2. &YYYYYYy
`N
`says
`XXX
`N % Nexy N.
`I 7),
`
`
`
`13a
`
`17
`
`YX.
`
`O
`
`11
`
`14
`12b
`
`2a 5
`
`2c
`
`10
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1014 - 2/18
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 10, 2003 Sheet 2 of 11
`
`US 2003/0127657 A1
`
`FIG. 2
`Related Art
`
`22a
`
`
`
`22
`
`
`
`COXORC
`S&S
`
`SSRSSR
`
`8
`
`22
`
`FIG. 3
`Related Art
`
`
`
`yearynxrrrrrr
`S&S&S&SRSS&S d
`X
`XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
`XXXXXXXXXXXX
`XXXXXXXXXXYCYC
`XXXXXXXX
`XCXXXXXXXX
`CXXXXXXXXX
`XXXXXXXXXX
`XXCXXXXXXX
`XXXXXXXX
`XXXXXXXXX
`XXXXXXXXX
`
`XXXXXXXXX S& S&S
`&S&SRSSRSRS
`XXXXXXXXX
`XXXXXXXXXX
`XXXXXXXXX
`XXXXXXXXXX
`XCXCXCCCXXX
`XOXXXXXX)
`XXXXXXXXX
`XXXXXXXXXX
`XXXXXXXXX
`OxXXXXXX
`XXXXXXXXX
`KXXXXXXXXX
`XXXXXXXXX
`XXXXXXXX
`XXXXXXXXX
`XXXXXXXXX
`XXXXXXXXX
`CXXXXXX
`XXXXXXXX
`XXXXXXXXX
`XXXXXXXXX
`XXXXXXXXXX
`XXXXXXXXX
`XXXXXXXX)
`XXYXXXXXX
`XXXXXXXX
`XXXXXXXXX
`XXXXXXXXXX
`XXXXXXXXX
`CXXXXXXXX
`XXXXXXXXX
`XXXXXXXXX
`XXXXXXXXX
`XXXXXXXXX
`XXXXXXXXX
`XXXXXXXXX
`XXXXXXXXX
`XXXXXXXXX
`XXXXXXXXX
`(XXXXXXXXXVrvarr
`XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
`S&SRSX SSR
`XXXXXXX
`2322
`
`XXXXXXXX
`
`wrxtracruravative tra 8 X
`XXXXXXXXX
`CXXXXXXXXXX
`SYSXSS
`2S2s2S3RS&S&
`XXXXXXXX
`XXXXXX
`CXXXXX RS&S
`XXXXXXXXX
`XXXXXXX
`XXXXXXXC
`XXXX
`XXXX
`XXX &S CXXXXXX
`XXXXXX
`XXXXXX
`XXXXXXX
`XXXXXXXX
`XXXXXXXX
`XXXXXXXXX
`XXXXXXXX)
`XXXXXXXXX
`XXXXXXXXC
`COOCXCXXXXX
`XXXXXXXX
`XXXXXXXXX
`dCXXXXXXXX
`XXXXXXXXX)
`XXXXXXXX)
`XXXXXXX
`XXXXXXXX
`XXXXXXXXX
`XXXXXXXX
`XXXXXX
`XXXXX)
`XXXXXX)
`XXXX
`XXXXX
`XXXXXX)
`XXXXXXXX
`XXXXXXX)
`CXXXXXXCCXC
`XXXXX
`XXXXXXXX)
`XXXXXXXX
`XXXXXXXXX
`CX
`XXXX
`XXXCXXXXXX
`XXXXXXXXX
`XXXXXXXX
`XXXXXXX)
`XXXXXXX
`XXXXXXXX
`XXXXXXXC
`XXXXXX
`XXYYXX. 8 YYYYYYYYY
`XXXXX
`SSRS
`S&S
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1014 - 3/18
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 10, 2003 Sheet 3 of 11
`
`US 2003/0127657 A1
`
`FIG. 4
`
`80
`
`1
`
`230
`
`20
`
`XYXXYXXXXXXXX
`-
`-
`-
`-
`-
`
`MY
`
`+ +
`i
`
`-
`
`180
`2,
`\ 17, 181161' 162172 1607 iss
`% & g
`X 232NEX2N2&2&XXXXXXXXX XXXX
`2NNS
`SSSNQQ&2&2&2&2&2&2&2&N28
`aXY2 8S S.Š8
`N 2% NYe-SSNs
`--- - - - - A --
`/ (
`) / / )
`/ / /
`140
`122"
`125 " is
`
`
`
`
`
`&
`AYY
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`--
`
`-
`+ --
`
`--
`
`-
`4-
`
`--
`-
`
`-
`-
`
`-
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`130
`
`at
`
`a to
`
`140
`
`FIG. 5
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Z % 220
`210-xxx)
`3.23%
`
`
`
`230 Aé
`%x: -210
`4&S
`
`4 + + + + +
`4++++
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1014 - 4/18
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 10, 2003 Sheet 4 of 11
`
`US 2003/0127657 A1
`
`×××××××
`
`2O
`
`220
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1014 - 5/18
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 10, 2003 Sheet 5 of 11
`
`US 2003/0127657 A1
`
`FIG. 74
`
`FIG. 7B
`
`On Doping
`
`|
`
`|
`
`|
`
`|
`
`|
`
`|
`
`|
`
`|
`
`|
`
`|
`
`|
`
`|
`
`|
`
`|
`
`|
`
`|
`
`
`
`22
`
`121
`
`100
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1014 - 6/18
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 10, 2003 Sheet 6 of 11
`
`US 2003/0127657 A1
`
`140
`
`110
`
`s
`
`122
`
`130 131
`
`23
`%al
`
`151
`
`125
`
`SS-N-N-N-Naaaay
`
`121
`
`100
`
`FIG. 7D
`
`
`
`122
`
`121 131 123
`
`100
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1014 - 7/18
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 10, 2003 Sheet 7 of 11
`
`US 2003/0127657 A1
`
`FIG. 7E
`
`i
`
`16
`
`171
`
`162
`
`172
`
`163
`
`160
`140
`
`160
`
`10
`
`60
`
`151
`
`NSN
`
`N
`
`\ \,
`
`\
`
`1250
`SNSNSS Al- Y
`KN
`NZN & is is Ns
`/ )
`
`130
`122
`121 131
`
`123
`
`100
`
`FIG. 7F
`
`180
`
`181
`i7 (
`
`'
`
`162172
`
`
`
`180
`
`rvX vir v.
`
`3.232 &232XXXX RXX
`
`&S )
`NS
`TSE, NSi SS
`
`sites
`
`EEEE
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`40
`
`160
`
`110
`
`130
`22
`W
`121 13
`
`123 100
`
`125 140
`
`15
`5
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1014 - 8/18
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 10, 2003 Sheet 8 of 11
`
`US 2003/0127657 A1
`
`FIG. 7G
`
`190
`
`180
`
`17
`
`181
`
`161
`
`140
`
`162172
`
`160 15
`
`60
`
`180
`
`a NaNNNN
`
`------
`
`140
`
`160
`
`110
`
`122
`
`30
`121 13
`
`w
`123 100
`
`125 140
`
`151
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1014 - 9/18
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 10, 2003 Sheet 9 of 11
`
`US 2003/0127657 A1
`
`FIG. 7H
`
`200
`
`210 / 212 590 180
`
`171181161
`
`162 172 160
`
`210
`
`*
`
`180
`
`s
`
`-
`
`163
`
`risks E &&RS-4-44S& S&KXXXXXXXy3&
`&S INNSS38
`/ / ) //)
`777
`
`NNXY-NaNNS NS SN
`N 2 N
`A - 1 -
`
`-
`
`140
`
`160
`
`122
`
`30
`121 131 123 100
`
`125
`
`40
`
`151
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1014 - 10/18
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 10, 2003. Sheet 10 of 11
`
`US 2003/0127657 A1
`
`FIG. 7
`
`17, 18116 ' 162 a 160 153
`
`210
`
`180
`
`200
`
`210 / 220 '90
`
`212
`
`180
`
`8xx::::::::::::::::
`& ---". ...A. '''''
`**
`&S INS&
`T - NZNYes N
`| | | IIT
`III
`
`110
`
`122
`
`12
`
`13
`
`123 100
`
`125 140
`
`15
`
`siasesses
`
`K
`
`Yal
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1014 - 11/18
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 10, 2003 Sheet 11 of 11
`
`US 2003/0127657 A1
`
`FIG. 7J
`
`200
`1210
`220 212 190 180
`
`17 181161 140 162172 16063 210 200 180 160
`
`yyyyyyyyyy YYYYYYYYYYYYYYY
`--
`--
`:::::::::::::::::::::... .
`. . . . . . . . . . .
`. . . . . . . . .
`. . . . . . . . .
`--
`
`-
`
`+ +
`-
`-
`-
`-
`
`-
`
`ar
`-
`
`-
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`--
`-- i.
`+ +
`--
`a
`
`y XXY vrr re-rry-rry proprian Rev. 7. KXX-X&XXXXXXXXXXX:S
`Siff St
`EE
`| | | |
`|
`| |
`
`/ |
`
`|
`
`140
`
`O
`16
`
`110
`
`130
`22
`121 131 123 10
`
`125 140
`
`151
`
`EEEE
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1014 - 12/18
`
`

`

`US 2003/O127657 A1
`
`Jul. 10, 2003
`
`ACTIVE MATRIX ORGANIC
`ELECTROLUMNESCENT DISPLAY DEVICE AND
`METHOD OF FABRICATING THE SAME
`0001. The present invention claims the benefit of Korean
`Patent Application No. 2001-0088539 filed in Korea on Dec.
`29, 2001, which are hereby incorporated by reference.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`0002) 1. Field of the Invention
`0003. The present invention relates to an organic elec
`troluminescent display device, and more particularly, to an
`active matrix electroluminescent display devices and a
`method of fabricating the same.
`0004 2. Discussion of the Related Art
`0005 Currently, the need for flat panel displays having
`thin profiles, lightweight, and lower power consumption has
`increased. Accordingly, various flat panel display (FPD)
`devices Such as liquid crystal display (LCD) devices, plasma
`display panels (PDPs), field emission display (FED) devices,
`and electroluminescence display (ELD) devices are being
`developed now.
`0006 Among the many different types of FPD devices,
`the electro luminescence display (ELD) device is the only
`one that makes use of electroluminescence phenomenon in
`which light is generated when an electric field is applied to
`a fluorescent Substance. The electroluminescence display
`(ELD) devices can be classified into inorganic electrolumi
`nescence display (ELD) devices and organic electrolumi
`nescent display (ELD) devices depending on what type of
`Source excites carriers in each of the devices. The organic
`electro-luminescent display (ELD) device can display colors
`within a range of Visible wavelengths and has a high
`brightness and a low action Voltage. In addition, Since the
`organic electro-luminescence display (ELD) devices are
`Self-luminescent, they have a high contrast ratio and are
`Suitable for ultra-thin type display devices. Moreover, Since
`they have a simple manufacturing process, environmental
`contamination during manufacturing is relatively low. Fur
`thermore, the organic electro luminescence display (ELD)
`devices have a few microSeconds (us) response time So that
`they are Suitable for displaying moving images. The organic
`electroluminescence display (ELD) devices are not limited
`by their viewing angle, and are Stable under low temperature
`operating conditions. Accordingly, they can be driven with
`a relatively low voltage (between 5V and 15V), thereby
`Simplifying manufacturing and design of corresponding
`driving circuitry.
`0007 Structures of the organic electroluminescent dis
`play (ELD) devices are similar to the structures of the
`inorganic electroluminescence display (ELD) devices, but
`the light-emitting system is different from that of the inor
`ganic electroluminescence display (ELD) devices. For
`example, the organic electro luminescent display (ELD)
`devices emit light by a recombination of an electron and a
`hole, whereby they are often referred to as organic light
`emitting diodes (OLEDs). In addition, active matrix type
`Systems having a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix
`form with a thin film transistor connected thereto has been
`widely applied to the flat panel display devices. The active
`matrix type Systems are also applied to the organic elec
`
`troluminescent display (ELD) devices and are commonly
`referred to as an active matrix organic electroluminescent
`display (ELD) device.
`0008 FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of an active matrix
`organic electro luminescent display device according to the
`related art. In FIG. 1, a buffer layer 11 is formed on a
`Substrate 10, and a first polycrystalline Silicon layer having
`first to third portions 12a, 12b, and 12c and a second
`polycrystalline silicon layer 13a are formed on the buffer
`layer 11. The first polycrystalline silicon layer is divided into
`the first portion 12a (i.e., an active region) where impurities
`are not doped, into the Second portion 12b (i.e., a drain
`region), and into the third portion 12c (i.e., a Source region)
`where the impurities are doped. The Second polycrystalline
`Silicon layer 13.a functions as a capacitor electrode.
`0009. A gate insulation layer 14 is disposed on the active
`region 12a, and a gate electrode 15 is disposed on the gate
`insulation layer 14. A first interlayer insulator 16 is formed
`on the gate insulation layer 14 and the gate electrode 15,
`while covering the drain and Source regions 12b and 12c and
`the second polycrystalline silicon layer 13a. A power line 17
`is disposed on the first interlayer insulator 16 above the
`Second polycrystalline Silicon layer 13a. Although not
`shown, the power line 17 extends along one direction as a
`line. The power line 17, the second polycrystalline silicon
`layer 13a, and the first interlayer insulator 16 form a Storage
`capacitor. A Second interlayer insulator 18 is formed on the
`first interlayer insulator 16 to cover the power line 17.
`0010 First and second contact holes 18a and 18b pen
`etrate both the first and second interlayer insulators 16 and
`18 to expose portions of the drain region 12b and Source
`region 12c, respectively. In addition, a third contact hole 18c
`that penetrates the second interlayer insulator 18 is formed
`to expose a portion of the power line 17. A drain electrode
`19a and a source electrode 19b are formed on the second
`interlayer insulator 18, whereby the drain electrode 19a
`contacts the drain region 12b through the first contact hole
`18a, and the Source electrode 19b contacts both the Source
`region 12c and the power line 17 through the Second contact
`hole 18b and through the third contact hole 18c, respectively.
`0011 A passivation layer 20 is formed on the drain and
`Source electrodes 19a and 19b and on the exposed portions
`of the second interlayer insulator 18. The passivation layer
`20 has a fourth contact hole 20a that exposes a portion of the
`drain electrode 19a. A first electrode 21 that is made of a
`transparent conductive material is disposed on the passiva
`tion layer 20 to electrically contact the drain electrode 19a
`through the fourth contact hole 20a. A bank layer 22 is
`formed on the first electrode 21 and on the exposed portions
`of the passivation layer 20, and has an opening 22a (often
`referred to as a bank) that exposes a portion of the first
`electrode 21. An electroluminescent layer 23 is formed in the
`bank 22a of the bank layer 22. On the exposed portions of
`the bank layer 22 and on the electroluminescent layer 23, a
`Second electrode 24 is formed of an opaque metallic con
`ductive material.
`0012. In FIG. 1, the first electrode 21 is formed of the
`transparent conductive material, and the Second electrode 24
`is formed of the opaque conductive material. Accordingly,
`the light emitted from the organic electroluminescent layer
`23 is released along a bottom direction, which is commonly
`called a bottom emission-type device.
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1014 - 13/18
`
`

`

`US 2003/O127657 A1
`
`Jul. 10, 2003
`
`0013 FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross sectional view of a
`portion A of FIG. 1 according to the related art, and FIG. 3
`is a plan view of the enlarged portion A of FIGS. 1 and 2
`according to the related art. In FIGS. 2 and 3, the organic
`electroluminescent layer 23 is generally formed of a high
`molecular Substance, whereby a Solvent dissolves the high
`molecular Substance and the dissolved high molecular Sub
`stance is deposited into the bank opening 22a and on the
`bank layer 22 by an ink-jet technique. Then, the liquid high
`molecular substance on the bank layer 22 flows into the bank
`opening 22a during a heat treatment process. As a result of
`the heat treatment process, the organic electroluminescent
`layer 23 is formed in the bank opening 22a, and the Solvent
`and other impurities contained in the liquid high molecular
`Substance are removed. However, Since the bank layer 22 is
`an organic material, Such as one of the polyimide groups that
`have good interface characteristics with the high molecular
`Substance, the electroluminescent layer 23 of the high
`molecular Substance is positioned not only on the first
`electrode 21 but also on the bank layer 22 around the bank
`opening 22a, especially on Side and top Surfaces of the bank
`layer 22.
`0.014) To prevent the electroluminescent layer 23 from
`being formed on the Surfaces of the bank layer 22, a plasma
`treatment may be conducted on the electroluminescent layer
`23 of high molecular Substance. However, the plasma treat
`ment causes the electroluminescent layer 23 to have poor
`interface characteristics with the first electrode 21, thereby
`preventing adequate bonding to the first electrode 2. Accord
`ingly, the electroluminescent layer 23 delaminates due to
`thermal Stresses when the electroluminescent layer 23 is
`operated for a long period of time, thereby significantly
`reducing its operational life span.
`0.015. In addition, since the electroluminescent layer 23 is
`disposed on inclined Side and top Surfaces of the bank layer
`22, as denoted by portions C in FIGS. 2 and 3, the light
`emitted from the portions C of the electroluminescent layer
`23 has abnormally paths, as compared to the light emitted
`from a portion B where the electroluminescent layer 23 is
`disposed on the first electrode 21. The light generated in the
`portions C provides different spectral distributions of red,
`green, and blue light, whereby the red, green, and blue colors
`are refracted and disperse. Accordingly, it is difficult for the
`organic electroluminescent display devices shown in FIGS.
`1, 2, and 3 to achieve white balance and to obtain a gray
`level display.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`0016. Accordingly, the present invention is directed to an
`active matrix organic electroluminescent display device and
`method of fabricating the same that substantially obviates
`one or more of problems due to limitations and disadvan
`tages of the related art.
`0.017. An object of the present invention is to provide an
`active matrix organic electroluminescent display device
`having Stable Structure elements and prolonged operational
`life Span.
`0.018. Another object of the present invention is to pro
`vide a method of fabricating an active matrix organic
`electroluminescent display device having prolonged opera
`tional life and high resolution and picture quality.
`
`0019. Another object of the present invention is to pro
`vide an active matrix organic electroluminescent display
`device having high resolution and picture quality.
`0020 Additional features and advantages of the inven
`tion will be set forth in the description which follows, and
`in part will be apparent from the description, or may be
`learned by practice of the invention. These and other advan
`tages of the invention will be realized and attained by the
`Structure particularly pointed out in the written description
`and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.
`0021. To achieve these and other advantages and in
`accordance with the purpose of the present invention, as
`embodied and broadly described, an active matrix organic
`electroluminescent device includes a Substrate, a buffer layer
`on the Substrate, a thin film transistor on the buffer layer, a
`passivation layer on an entire Surface of the Substrate
`covering the thin film transistor, a first electrode disposed on
`the passivation layer to contact the thin film transistor
`through a contact hole formed in the passivation layer, a first
`bank layer disposed on the first electrode and on the passi
`Vation layer, the first bank layer having a first bank opening
`exposing a portion of the first electrode, a Second bank layer
`disposed on the first bank layer to have a Second bank
`opening aligned with the first bank opening, an organic
`electroluminescent layer formed within the first bank open
`ing to electrically contact the first electrode and the first bank
`layer, and a Second electrode formed on the organic elec
`troluminescent layer and on the Second bank layer within the
`first and Second bank openings.
`0022. In another aspect, a method of fabricating an active
`matrix organic electroluminescent device includes forming a
`buffer layer on a Substrate, forming a thin film transistor on
`the buffer layer, forming a passivation layer over the Sub
`Strate to cover the thin film transistor, forming a first
`electrode on the passivation layer to electrically contact the
`thin film transistor through a contact hole formed in the
`passivation layer, forming a first bank layer on the first
`electrode and on the passivation layer, forming a Second
`bank layer on the first bank layer, forming a bank opening
`through the first and Second bank layers to expose a portion
`of the first electrode, forming an organic electroluminescent
`layer within the bank opening to contact the first electrode
`and the first bank layer, and forming a Second electrode on
`the organic electroluminescent layer and on the Second bank
`layer.
`0023. In another aspect, an active matrix organic elec
`troluminescent device includes a Substrate, a buffer layer on
`the Substrate, a thin film transistor on the buffer layer, a gate
`line on the buffer layer, a first insulating layer on the thin
`film transistor- and the gate line, a power line on the first
`insulating layer over the gate line, a Second insulating layer
`on the first insulating layer and the power line, a first
`electrode disposed on the Second insulating layer, the first
`electrode electrically contacts the thin film transistor through
`a first hole formed in the first and Second insulating layers
`and electrically contacts the power line through a Second
`hole formed in the Second insulating layer, a passivation
`layer disposed on an entire Surface of the Substrate covering
`the Second interlayer insulating layer and the thin film
`transistor, a Second electrode disposed on the passivation
`layer to contact the thin film transistor through a third
`contact hole formed in the passivation layer, a first bank
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1014 - 14/18
`
`

`

`US 2003/O127657 A1
`
`Jul. 10, 2003
`
`layer disposed on the Second electrode and on the passiva
`tion layer, the first bank layer having a first bank opening
`exposing a portion of the Second electrode, a Second bank
`layer disposed on the first bank layer to have a Second bank
`opening aligned with the first bank opening, an organic
`electroluminescent layer disposed within the first bank open
`ing to electrically contact the Second electrode and the first
`bank layer, and a third electrode disposed on the organic
`electroluminescent layer and on the Second bank layer
`within the first and Second bank openings.
`0024.
`It is to be understood that both the foregoing
`general description and the following detailed description
`are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide
`further explanation of the invention as claimed.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
`0.025 The accompanying drawings, which are included
`to provide a further understanding of the invention and are
`incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification,
`illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with
`the description Serve to explain the principles of the inven
`tion. In the drawings:
`0.026
`FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of an active matrix
`organic electro luminescent display device according to the
`related art,
`0.027
`FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross sectional view of a
`portion A of FIG. 1 according to the related art;
`0028 FIG. 3 is a plan view of the enlarged portion A of
`FIGS. 1 and 2 according to the related art;
`0029 FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of an exemplary
`active matrix organic electro luminescent display device
`according to the present invention;
`0030 FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross sectional view of an
`exemplary portion D of FIG. 4 according to the present
`invention;
`0.031
`FIG. 6 is a plan view of the enlarged portion D of
`FIGS. 4 and 5 according to the present invention; and
`0032 FIGS. 7A to 7J are cross sectional views of an
`exemplary fabricating process of an active matrix organic
`electro luminescent display device of FIG. 4 according to
`the present invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS
`Reference will now be made in detail to an embodi
`0.033
`ment of the present invention, example of which is illus
`trated in the accompanying drawings.
`0034 FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of an exemplary
`active matrix organic electroluminescent display device
`according to the present invention. In FIG. 4, a buffer layer
`110 may be formed on a substrate 100, and a first polycrys
`talline Silicon layer having first, Second, and third portions
`121, 122, and 123 and a Second polycrystalline Silicon layer
`125 may be formed on the buffer layer 110. The first
`polycrystalline silicon layer may be divided into the first
`portion 121 (i.e., an active region) where impurities are not
`doped, the Second portion 122 (i.e., a drain region), and the
`third portion 123 (i.e., a Source region) where the impurities,
`
`Such as ions, are doped. In addition, the Second polycrys
`talline Silicon layer 125 may function as a capacitor elec
`trode.
`0035) Agate insulation layer 130 may be disposed on the
`active region 121, and a gate electrode 131 may be disposed
`on the gate insulation layer 130. A first interlayer insulator
`140 may be formed on the gate insulation layer 130 and on
`the gate electrode 131 to cover the drain and Source regions
`122 and 123 and the second polycrystalline silicon layer
`125. A power line 151 may be disposed on the first interlayer
`insulator 140 above the second polycrystalline silicon layer
`125 (i.e., the capacitor electrode). Although not shown, the
`power line 151 may extend as a line along one direction. The
`power line 151 and the second polycrystalline silicon layer
`125 may form a Storage capacitor with the first interlayer
`insulator 140 interposed therebetween. A second interlayer
`insulator 160 may be formed on the first interlayer insulator
`140 to cover the power line 151.
`0036 First and second contact holes 161 and 162 may be
`formed to penetrate both the first and Second interlayer
`insulators 140 and 160 to expose portions of the drain region
`122 and Source region 123. In addition, a third contact hole
`163 may be formed to penetrate the second interlayer
`insulator 160 to expose a portion of the power line 151. A
`drain electrode 171 and source electrode 172 may be formed
`on the second interlayer insulator 160, whereby the drain
`electrode 171 contacts the drain region 122 through the first
`contact hole 161, and the Source electrode 172 contacts both
`the source region 123 and the power line 151 through the
`second contact hole 162 and through the third contact hole
`163, respectively. A passivation layer 180 may be formed on
`the drain and source electrodes 171 and 172 and on exposed
`portions of the second interlayer insulator 160, whereby the
`passivation layer 180 may have a planar upper Surface. In
`addition, the passivation layer 180 may have a fourth contact
`hole 181 that exposes a portion of the drain electrode 171.
`Then, a first electrode 190 made of a transparent conductive
`material may be disposed on the planar upper Surface of the
`passivation layer 180 and may electrically contact the drain
`electrode 171 through the fourth contact hole 181. The
`transparent conductive material for the first electrode 190
`may include indium-tin-oxide (ITO) or indium-zinc-oxide
`(IZO).
`0037. In FIG.4, first and second bank layers 200 and 210
`may be formed on the first electrode 190 and on the exposed
`portions of the passivation layer 180, whereby the first and
`second bank layers 200 and 210 may have a bank opening
`212 (often referred to as a bank) that exposes a portion of the
`first electrode 190. An organic electroluminescent layer 220
`may be formed within the bank opening 212 of the first bank
`layer 200, especially on the first electrode 190. Then, a
`second electrode 230 may be formed over an entire surface
`of the substrate 100 to overlap the second bank layer 210 and
`the organic electroluminescent layer 220. The Second elec
`trode 230 may include opaque metallic materials including
`aluminum (Al), aluminum alloys (e.g., AlNd), and calcium
`(Ca).
`0038 FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross sectional view of an
`exemplary portion D of FIG. 4 according to the present
`invention, and FIG. 6 is a plan view of the enlarged portion
`D of FIGS. 4 and 5 according to the present invention. In
`FIGS. 5 and 6, the organic electroluminescent layer 220
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1014 - 15/18
`
`

`

`US 2003/O127657 A1
`
`Jul. 10, 2003
`
`may be formed only within the bank opening 212. Accord
`ingly, the organic electroluminescent layer 220 is only on the
`first electrode 190 and does not overlap the second bank
`layer 210. Although the first and second bank layers 200 and
`210 may be formed of organic materials, the first bank layer
`200 is formed of a material having hydrophilic properties
`and the second bank layer 210 is formed of a material having
`hydrophobic properties. The hydrophilic properties of the
`first bank layer 200 accelerates adhesive strength with the
`organic electroluminescent layer 220, and the hydrophobic
`properties of the second bank layer 210 decelerates adhesive
`Strength with the organic electroluminescent layer 220. A
`high molecular Substance may be dissolved in a Solvent and
`deposited onto top and inclined side Surfaces of the Second
`bank layer 210 when forming the organic electroluminescent
`layer 220. Accordingly, the dissolved high molecular Sub
`stance may easily flow downward into the bank opening 212
`Since it does not have good adhesive properties with the
`hydrophobic second bank layer 210. In addition, a thickness
`of the first bank layer 200 may be larger than a thickness of
`the organic electroluminescent layer 220 So that the organic
`electroluminescent layer 220 does not contact the Second
`bank layer 200. For example, the first bank layer 200 may
`have a thickness twice as much as a thickness of the organic
`electroluminescent layer 220, and the second bank layer 210
`may also have a thickness of more than 0.5 micrometers
`
`Since the organic electroluminescent layer 220 is
`0.039
`disposed only within the bank opening 212 and not on the
`top or side surfaces of the bank layers 200 and 210, the
`delamination phenomenon of the organic electroluminescent
`layer 220 may be prevented. In addition, Since the organic
`electroluminescent layer 220 adheres much more to the
`hydrophilic first bank layer 200, the organic electrolumines
`cent layer 220 can be much more Stable and the operational
`life span of the organic electroluminescent layer 220 may be
`prolonged. Furthermore, when comparing FIGS. 5 and 6 to
`FIGS. 2 and 3, the portions C in FIGS. 2 and 3 is decreased
`to become portions F of FIGS. 5 and 6 where the electrolu
`minescent layer 220 contacts only the first bank layer 200.
`Thus, an essential light-emitting area E may become larger,
`thereby improving resolution and image quality.
`0040 FIGS. 7A to 7J are cross sectional views of an
`exemplary fabricating process of an active matrix organic
`electro luminescent display device of FIG. 4 according to
`the present invention. Many of the layer patterns shown in
`FIGS. 7A to 7J may be formed through photolithographic
`processes using photoresist (PR) coatings, aligning, and
`exposure and developing StepS using a mask. In FIG. 7A,
`after a buffer layer 110 is formed on an entire surface of a
`substrate 100, first and second silicon layers 126 and 127 of
`polycrystalline may be formed on the buffer layer 110
`through a first mask process, wherein the first and Second
`polycrystalline silicon layers 126 and 127 may have island
`shapes.
`0041. In FIG. 7B, an insulator of silicon nitride or silicon
`oxide and a conductive material of metal may be sequen
`tially deposited onto the first polycrystalline Silicon layer
`126, and then patterned using a Second mask. Accordingly,
`a gate insulation layer 130 and a gate electrode 131 may be
`Sequentially formed on the first polycrystalline Silicon layer
`126. Then, p-type or n-type ion impurities may be doped on
`exposed portions of the first and Second polycrystalline
`
`Silicon layerS 126 and 127. During the doping process, Since
`the gate electrode 131 acts as a mask, the first polycrystalline
`silicon layer 126 may be divided into an active region 121
`where the impurities are not doped, and drain and Source
`regions 123 and 123 where the impurities are doped. Fur
`thermore, the Second polycrystalline Silicon layer 127 upon
`which the impurities are fully doped may function as a
`capacitor electrode 125.
`0042. In FIG.7C, a first interlayer insulator 140 may be
`formed on an entire surface of the buffer layer 110 to cover
`the gate electrode 131, the drain and Source regions 122 and
`123, and the capacitor electrode 125. Then, a power line 151
`made of a metal material may be formed through a third
`mask process on the first interlayer insulator 140 to overlap
`the capacitor electrode 125. Since the power line 151 may be
`formed above the capacitor electrode 125, a Storage capaci
`tor may be formed with the capacitor electrode 125 and the
`interposed first interlayer insulator 140.
`0043. In FIG. 7D, a second interlayer insulator 160 may
`be formed on the firs

This document is available on Docket Alarm but you must sign up to view it.


Or .

Accessing this document will incur an additional charge of $.

After purchase, you can access this document again without charge.

Accept $ Charge
throbber

Still Working On It

This document is taking longer than usual to download. This can happen if we need to contact the court directly to obtain the document and their servers are running slowly.

Give it another minute or two to complete, and then try the refresh button.

throbber

A few More Minutes ... Still Working

It can take up to 5 minutes for us to download a document if the court servers are running slowly.

Thank you for your continued patience.

This document could not be displayed.

We could not find this document within its docket. Please go back to the docket page and check the link. If that does not work, go back to the docket and refresh it to pull the newest information.

Your account does not support viewing this document.

You need a Paid Account to view this document. Click here to change your account type.

Your account does not support viewing this document.

Set your membership status to view this document.

With a Docket Alarm membership, you'll get a whole lot more, including:

  • Up-to-date information for this case.
  • Email alerts whenever there is an update.
  • Full text search for other cases.
  • Get email alerts whenever a new case matches your search.

Become a Member

One Moment Please

The filing “” is large (MB) and is being downloaded.

Please refresh this page in a few minutes to see if the filing has been downloaded. The filing will also be emailed to you when the download completes.

Your document is on its way!

If you do not receive the document in five minutes, contact support at support@docketalarm.com.

Sealed Document

We are unable to display this document, it may be under a court ordered seal.

If you have proper credentials to access the file, you may proceed directly to the court's system using your government issued username and password.


Access Government Site

We are redirecting you
to a mobile optimized page.





Document Unreadable or Corrupt

Refresh this Document
Go to the Docket

We are unable to display this document.

Refresh this Document
Go to the Docket