U.S. patent application number 11/529989 was filed with the patent office on 2007-08-23 for organic light emitting display and method of fabricating the same.
Invention is credited to Young Seo Choi, Jae Sun Lee, Jin Woo Park, Seung Yong Song, Young Cheol Zu.
Application Number | 20070194304 11/529989 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38007118 |
Filed Date | 2007-08-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070194304 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Zu; Young Cheol ; et
al. |
August 23, 2007 |
Organic light emitting display and method of fabricating the
same
Abstract
An organic light emitting display in which differential pressure
is controlled to prevent Newton's rings from being generated and a
method of fabricating the same are provided. The organic light
emitting display includes a first substrate including a pixel
region in which at least one organic light emitting diode (OLED) is
formed and a non-pixel region, a second substrate attached to one
region including the pixel region of the first substrate, and a
frit provided between the non-pixel region of the first substrate
and the second substrate. At least one of the first substrate and
the second substrate is formed to be convex outward.
Inventors: |
Zu; Young Cheol;
(Gyeonggi-do, KR) ; Park; Jin Woo; (Gyeonggi-do,
KR) ; Lee; Jae Sun; (Gyeonggi-do, KR) ; Song;
Seung Yong; (Gyeonggi-do, KR) ; Choi; Young Seo;
(Gyeonggi-do, KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KNOBBE MARTENS OLSON & BEAR LLP
2040 MAIN STREET, FOURTEENTH FLOOR
IRVINE
CA
92614
US
|
Family ID: |
38007118 |
Appl. No.: |
11/529989 |
Filed: |
September 29, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
257/40 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01L 51/56 20130101;
H01L 51/0097 20130101; H01L 51/5246 20130101; H01L 27/3244
20130101; H01L 27/3281 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
257/40 |
International
Class: |
H01L 29/08 20060101
H01L029/08 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 20, 2006 |
KR |
10-2006-0016480 |
Apr 19, 2006 |
KR |
10-2006-0035456 |
Claims
1. An organic light emitting display (OLED) device, comprising: a
first substrate comprising a first outer surface and a first inner
surface; a second substrate generally opposing the first substrate,
the second substrate comprising a second outer surface and a second
inner surface; an array of organic light emitting pixels interposed
between the first and second substrates; and a frit seal interposed
between the first and second substrates while surrounding the
array, wherein the frit seal, the first substrate, and the second
substrate in combination define an enclosed space in which the
array is located; wherein the second substrate has a curvature
sufficient to substantially reduce Newton's rings on the second
substrate compared to when there is no curvature in the second
substrate.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the second substrate bends
outward.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the second substrate bends
inward.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein the second substrate is more
flexible than the first substrate.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein the enclosed space has a gas
pressure substantially the same as the atmospheric pressure.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein a distance between the first and
second inner surfaces is greater than about 10 .mu.m.
7. The device of claim 6, wherein the first substrate has a
reflectance of about 60% to about 70%, and wherein the second
substrate has a reflectance of about 4%.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein the second substrate comprises a
material selected from the group consisting of bare glass and edge
glass.
9. The device of claim 1, further comprising another sealing
structure interposed between the first and second substrates,
wherein the other sealing structure surrounds the frit seal.
10. The device of claim 9, wherein the other sealing structure and
the frit seal forms a gap therebetween.
11. The device of claim 1, wherein the frit seal comprises one or
more materials selected from the group consisting of magnesium
oxide (MgO), calcium oxide (CaO), barium oxide (BaO), lithium oxide
(Li.sub.2O), sodium oxide (Na.sub.2O), potassium oxide (K.sub.2O),
boron oxide (B.sub.2O.sub.3), vanadium oxide (V.sub.2O.sub.5), zinc
oxide (ZnO), tellurium oxide (TeO.sub.2), aluminum oxide
(Al.sub.2O.sub.3), silicon dioxide (SiO.sub.2), lead oxide (PbO),
tin oxide (SnO), phosphorous oxide (P.sub.2O.sub.5), ruthenium
oxide (Ru.sub.2O), rubidium oxide (Rb.sub.2O), rhodium oxide
(Rh.sub.2O), ferrite oxide (Fe.sub.2O.sub.3), copper oxide (CuO),
titanium oxide (TiO.sub.2), tungsten oxide (WO.sub.3), bismuth
oxide (Bi.sub.2O.sub.3), antimony oxide (Sb.sub.2O.sub.3),
lead-borate glass, tin-phosphate glass, vanadate glass, and
borosilicate.
12. An organic light emitting display (OLED) device, comprising: a
first substrate comprising a first outer surface and a first inner
surface; a second substrate generally opposing the first substrate,
the second substrate comprising a second outer surface and a second
inner surface; an array of organic light emitting pixels interposed
between the first and second substrates; and a frit seal interposed
between the first and second substrates while surrounding the
array, wherein the frit seal, the first substrate, and the second
substrate in combination define an enclosed space in which the
array is located, wherein the second substrate has a curvature,
wherein a tangential line at an edge of the second inner surface
and the first outer surface have an angle therebetween, the
tangential line being perpendicular to the edge of the second inner
surface, and wherein the angle is greater than 0.degree. and is
sufficient to substantially reduce Newton's rings on the second
substrate compared to when the angle is 0.degree..
13. The device of claim 12, wherein the second substrate bends
outward.
14. The device of claim 12, wherein the second substrate bends
inward.
15. The device of claim 12, wherein the enclosed space has a gas
pressure substantially the same as the atmospheric pressure.
16. The device of claim 12, wherein the second substrate is
substantially more flexible than the first substrate.
17. A method of making an organic light emitting display (OLED)
device, the method comprising: providing a first substrate and an
array of organic light emitting pixels, the array being formed over
the first substrate; placing a second substrate over the first
substrate so as to interpose the array between the first and second
substrates; interposing a frit between the first and second
substrates while surrounding the array, wherein the frit, the first
substrate, and the second substrate in combination define an
enclosed space in which the array is located, wherein the frit
substantially hermetically seals the enclosed space, wherein the
enclosed space has a predetermined gas pressure; and subjecting the
device to the atmospheric pressure so as to form a curvature in the
second substrate.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the atmospheric pressure is 760
Torr.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein after forming the curvature,
the gas pressure within the enclosed space is substantially equal
to the atmospheric pressure outside the enclosed space.
20. The method of claim 17, wherein the predetermined gas pressure
is sufficiently different from the atmospheric pressure given
pliability of the second substrate so as to form such a curvature
in the second substrate when subjecting the device to the
atmospheric pressure.
21. The method of claim 17, wherein the second substrate generally
bends outward after subjecting the device to the atmospheric
pressure.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein the predetermined gas pressure
is higher than the atmospheric pressure.
23. The method of claim 17, wherein the second substrate generally
bends inward after subjecting the device to the atmospheric
pressure.
24. The method of claim 23, wherein the predetermined air pressure
is lower than the atmospheric pressure.
25. The method of claim 17, wherein the second substrate is
substantially more flexible than the first substrate.
26. The method of claim 17, further comprising providing a second
seal interposed between the first and second substrates, wherein
the second seal surrounds the frit before subjecting the device to
the atmospheric pressure.
27. The method of claim 17, further comprising holding one of outer
surfaces of the first and second substrates by suction during
interposing the frit.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent
Application Nos. 10-2006-0016480 and 10-2006-0035456 filed on Feb.
20, 2006 and Apr. 19, 2006, respectively, in the Korean
Intellectual Property Office, the disclosures of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to an organic light emitting
display and a method of fabricating the same, and more
particularly, to an organic light emitting display in which
differential pressure is controlled to prevent Newton's rings from
being generated and a method of fabricating the same.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Technology
[0005] Recently, organic light emitting displays are widely used
for its relatively simple structure. The organic light emitting
display is a self-emission display in which an organic layer is
used as an emission layer. Since the organic light emitting display
does not need a back-light for emitting light unlike a liquid
crystal display (LCD), the thickness and weight of the organic
light emitting display are small. Therefore, the organic light
emitting display has been actively developed as a display panel of
a portable electronic device such as a portable computer, a mobile
telephone, a portable game apparatus, and electronic books.
[0006] In an organic light emitting display, one or more organic
layers including an emission layer are interposed between first
electrodes and second electrodes. The first electrodes are formed
on a substrate and function as anodes for injecting holes. The
organic layers are formed on the first electrodes. Second
electrodes that function as cathodes for injecting electrons are
formed on the organic layers to face the first electrodes.
[0007] When moisture and oxygen are permeated from the outside to
organic light emitting diodes (OLED) in the organic light emitting
display, the electrodes are oxidized and separated from each other.
In such a case, the life of the OLEDs is reduced, and emission
efficiency deteriorates. In addition, emission colors may
change.
[0008] Therefore, in the fabrication of the organic light emitting
display, a sealing process for protecting the OLEDs from the
outside may be performed. In one method, a polymer such as
polyethyleneteraphthlate (PET) may be laminated on the cathodes of
the OLEDs. In another method, a cover or a cap formed of a metal or
glass includes an absorbent. In addition, a nitrogen gas may be
filled in the cover or the cap. The edges of the cover or the cap
may be capsule sealed by a sealant such as an epoxy resin.
[0009] However, since it is not possible to completely prevent
moisture and oxygen from being permeated from the outside to the
OLEDs by the above-described methods, the OLEDs may deteriorate and
change.
[0010] In order to solve the above problem, a capsule sealing up
method in which a frit as a sealing material is used to improve a
moisture-proof property between an element substrate and a cap has
been proposed. According to U.S. Patent Publication No. 20040207314
in which a structure of coating a glass substrate with a frit to
seal up an OLED is disclosed, since a gap between a first substrate
and a second substrate is completely sealed up using the frit so
that it is possible to effectively protect the OLED.
[0011] In the structure where the OLED is sealed up using a sealing
substrate coated with the frit, the distance between the substrate
and the sealing substrate is smaller than the distance between the
substrate and the sealing substrate in a structure where the
absorbent is used. Also, in manufacturing the organic light
emitting display sealed with the frit, a plurality of display
panels are simultaneously fabricated on a mother substrate. Then,
the mother substrate may be cut into individual unit display
panels. The center of the substrate may be curved down due to the
weight of the substrate.
[0012] In such an OLED, light incident on the substrate from the
outside generates optical interference to form concentric rings at
connection points of the sealing substrate. These concentric rings
are referred to as Newton's rings. The phenomenon of Newton's rings
is an interference pattern caused by the reflection of light
between two surfaces: a spherical surface and an adjacent flat
surface. It appears as a series of concentric, alternating light
and dark rings centered at the point of contact between the two
surfaces. The Newton's rings deteriorate the quality of an image
during the operation of OLEDs. The discussion in this section is to
provide general background of the invention and does not constitute
an admission of prior art.
[0013] The discussion in this section is to provide background of
the related technology, and does not constitute an admission of
prior art.
SUMMARY OF CERTAIN INVENTIVE ASPECTS
[0014] One aspect of the invention provides an organic light
emitting display (OLED) device. The device comprises: a first
substrate comprising a first outer surface and a first inner
surface; a second substrate generally opposing the first substrate,
the second substrate comprising a second outer surface and a second
inner surface; an array of organic light emitting pixels interposed
between the first and second substrates; and a frit seal interposed
between the first and second substrates while surrounding the
array, wherein the frit seal, the first substrate, and the second
substrate in combination define an enclosed space in which the
array is located; wherein the second substrate has a curvature
sufficient to substantially reduce Newton's rings on the second
substrate compared to when there is no curvature in the second
substrate.
[0015] A radius of the curvature may range from about 0.2 meters to
about 100 meters. The second substrate may bend outward. The second
substrate may bend inward. The second substrate may be
substantially more flexible than the first substrate. The enclosed
space may have a gas pressure substantially the same as the
atmospheric pressure. A distance between the first and second inner
surfaces may be greater than about 10 .mu.m. The first substrate
may have a reflectance of about 60% to about 70%, and wherein the
second substrate has a reflectance of about 4%. The second
substrate may comprise a material selected from the group
consisting of bare glass and edge glass. The device may further
comprise another sealing structure interposed between the first and
second substrates, wherein the other sealing structure surrounds
the frit seal. The other sealing structure and the frit seal may
form a gap therebetween.
[0016] Another aspect of the invention provides an organic light
emitting display (OLED) device, comprising: a first substrate
comprising a first outer surface and a first inner surface; a
second substrate generally opposing the first substrate, the second
substrate comprising a second outer surface and a second inner
surface; an array of organic light emitting pixels interposed
between the first and second substrates; and a frit seal interposed
between the first and second substrates while surrounding the
array, wherein the frit seal, the first substrate, and the second
substrate in combination define an enclosed space in which the
array is located, wherein the second substrate has a curvature,
wherein a tangential line at an edge of the second inner surface
and the first outer surface have an angle therebetween, the
tangential line being perpendicular to the edge of the second inner
surface, and wherein the angle is greater than 0.degree. and is
sufficient to substantially reduce Newton's rings on the second
substrate compared to when the angle is 0.degree..
[0017] The second substrate may bend outward. The second substrate
may bend inward. The enclosed space may have a gas pressure
substantially the same as the atmospheric pressure. The second
substrate may be substantially more flexible than the first
substrate.
[0018] Another aspect of the invention provides a method of making
an organic light emitting display (OLED) device, the method
comprising: providing a first substrate and an array of organic
light emitting pixels, the array being formed over the first
substrate; placing a second substrate over the first substrate so
as to interpose the array between the first and second substrates;
interposing a frit between the first and second substrates while
surrounding the array, wherein the frit, the first substrate, and
the second substrate in combination define an enclosed space in
which the array is located, wherein the frit substantially
hermetically seals the enclosed space, wherein the enclosed space
has a predetermined gas pressure; and subjecting the device to the
atmospheric pressure so as to form a curvature in the second
substrate.
[0019] The atmospheric pressure may be 760 Torr. After forming the
curvature, the gas pressure within the enclosed space may be
substantially equal to the atmospheric pressure outside the
enclosed space. The predetermined gas pressure may be sufficiently
different from the atmospheric pressure given pliability of the
second substrate so as to form such a curvature in the second
substrate when subjecting the device to the atmospheric
pressure.
[0020] The second substrate may generally bend outward after
subjecting the device to the atmospheric pressure. The
predetermined gas pressure may be higher than the atmospheric
pressure. The second substrate may generally bend inward after
subjecting the device to the atmospheric pressure. The
predetermined air pressure may be lower than the atmospheric
pressure. The second substrate may be substantially more flexible
than the first substrate. The method may further comprise providing
a second seal interposed between the first and second substrates,
wherein the second seal surrounds the frit before subjecting the
device to the atmospheric pressure. The method may further comprise
holding one of outer surfaces of the first and second substrates by
suction during interposing the frit.
[0021] Another aspect of the invention provides an organic light
emitting display in which differential pressure is controlled to
prevent Newton's rings from being generated and a method of
fabricating the same.
[0022] Another aspect of the invention provides an organic light
emitting display comprising a first substrate including a pixel
region in which at least one organic light emitting diode (OLED) is
formed and a non-pixel region, a second substrate attached to one
region including the pixel region of the first substrate, and a
frit provided between the non-pixel region of the first substrate
and the second substrate. At least one of the first substrate and
the second substrate is formed to be convex outward.
[0023] A sealant for attaching the first substrate and the second
substrate to each other is further provided between the first
substrate and the second substrate outside the frit. A sealant for
attaching the first substrate and the second substrate to each
other is further provided between the first substrate and the
second substrate inside the frit. The second substrate may be
formed of edge glass or bare glass. The distance between the first
substrate and the second substrate is no less than about 10 .mu.m
when the reflectance of the first substrate is about 60 to about
70% and the reflectance of the second substrate is about 4%.
[0024] Yet another aspect of the invention provides a method of
fabricating an organic light emitting display including a first
substrate including an OLED and a second substrate for sealing up
at least the pixel region of the first substrate, the method
comprising the steps of providing a first substrate including a
pixel region in which an OLED is formed and a non-pixel region,
forming a frit on the circumference of the second substrate
corresponding to the non-pixel region, attaching the second
substrate to the first substrate under predetermined pressure lower
than the air pressure, and melting the frit under the air pressure
to be adhered to the first substrate. At least one of the first
substrate and the second substrate expands outward by a change in
pressure.
[0025] Another aspect of the invention provides an organic light
emitting display comprising a first substrate including a pixel
region in which at least one organic light emitting diode (OLED) is
formed and a non-pixel region, a second substrate attached to one
region including the pixel region of the first substrate, and a
frit provided between the non-pixel region of the first substrate
and the second substrate. At least one of the first substrate and
the second substrate is formed to be concave inward.
[0026] Yet another aspect of the invention provides a method of
fabricating an organic light emitting display including a first
substrate including an OLED and a second substrate for sealing up
at least the pixel region of the first substrate, the method
comprising the steps of providing a first substrate including a
pixel region in which an OLED is formed and a non-pixel region,
forming a frit on the circumference of the second substrate
corresponding to the non-pixel region, attaching the second
substrate to the first substrate under predetermined pressure lower
than the air pressure, and melting the frit under the air pressure
to be adhered to the first substrate. At least one of the first
substrate and the second substrate contracts inward by a change in
pressure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] These and/or other objects and advantages of the invention
will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the
following description of embodiments, taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings of which:
[0028] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an
organic light emitting display according to a first embodiment;
[0029] FIGS. 2A to 2E are schematic cross-sectional views
illustrating a method of fabricating the organic light emitting
display of FIG. 1;
[0030] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the
angle of the curvature of the second substrate according to the
first embodiment;
[0031] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an
organic light emitting display according to a second
embodiment;
[0032] FIGS. 5A to 5E are schematic cross-sectional views
illustrating a method of fabricating the organic light emitting
display of FIG. 4; and
[0033] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the
angle of the curvature of the second substrate according to the
second embodiment.
[0034] FIG. 7A is a schematic exploded view of a passive matrix
type organic light emitting display device in accordance with one
embodiment.
[0035] FIG. 7B is a schematic exploded view of an active matrix
type organic light emitting display device in accordance with one
embodiment.
[0036] FIG. 7C is a schematic top plan view of an organic light
emitting display in accordance with one embodiment.
[0037] FIG. 7D is a cross-sectional view of the organic light
emitting display of FIG. 7C, taken along the line d-d.
[0038] FIG. 7E is a schematic perspective view illustrating mass
production of organic light emitting devices in accordance with one
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN INVENTIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0039] Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention will be described
in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings as
follows.
[0040] An organic light emitting display (OLED) is a display device
comprising an array of organic light emitting diodes. Organic light
emitting diodes are solid state devices which include an organic
material and are adapted to generate and emit light when
appropriate electrical potentials are applied.
[0041] OLEDs can be generally grouped into two basic types
dependent on the arrangement with which the stimulating electrical
current is provided. FIG. 7A schematically illustrates an exploded
view of a simplified structure of a passive matrix type OLED 1000.
FIG. 7B schematically illustrates a simplified structure of an
active matrix type OLED 1001. In both configurations, the OLED
1000, 1001 includes OLED pixels built over a substrate 1002, and
the OLED pixels include an anode 1004, a cathode 1006 and an
organic layer 1010. When an appropriate electrical current is
applied to the anode 1004, electric current flows through the
pixels and visible light is emitted from the organic layer.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 7A, the passive matrix OLED (PMOLED)
design includes elongate strips of anode 1004 arranged generally
perpendicular to elongate strips of cathode 1006 with organic
layers interposed therebetween. The intersections of the strips of
cathode 1006 and anode 1004 define individual OLED pixels where
light is generated and emitted upon appropriate excitation of the
corresponding strips of anode 1004 and cathode 1006. PMOLEDs
provide the advantage of relatively simple fabrication.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 7B, the active matrix OLED (AMOLED)
includes local driving circuits 1012 arranged between the substrate
1002 and an array of OLED pixels. An individual pixel of AMOLEDs is
defined between the common cathode 1006 and an anode 1004, which is
electrically isolated from other anodes. Each driving circuit 1012
is coupled with an anode 1004 of the OLED pixels and further
coupled with a data line 1016 and a scan line 1018. In embodiments,
the scan lines 1018 supply scan signals that select rows of the
driving circuits, and the data lines 1016 supply data signals for
particular driving circuits. The data signals and scan signals
stimulate the local driving circuits 1012, which excite the anodes
1004 so as to emit light from their corresponding pixels.
[0044] In the illustrated AMOLED, the local driving circuits 1012,
the data lines 1016 and scan lines 1018 are buried in a
planarization layer 1014, which is interposed between the pixel
array and the substrate 1002. The planarization layer 1014 provides
a planar top surface on which the organic light emitting pixel
array is formed. The planarization layer 1014 may be formed of
organic or inorganic materials, and formed of two or more layers
although shown as a single layer. The local driving circuits 1012
are typically formed with thin film transistors (TFT) and arranged
in a grid or array under the OLED pixel array. The local driving
circuits 1012 may be at least partly made of organic materials,
including organic TFT. AMOLEDs have the advantage of fast response
time improving their desirability for use in displaying data
signals. Also, AMOLEDs have the advantages of consuming less power
than passive matrix OLEDs.
[0045] Referring to common features of the PMOLED and AMOLED
designs, the substrate 1002 provides structural support for the
OLED pixels and circuits. In various embodiments, the substrate
1002 can comprise rigid or flexible materials as well as opaque or
transparent materials, such as plastic, glass, and/or foil. As
noted above, each OLED pixel or diode is formed with the anode
1004, cathode 1006 and organic layer 1010 interposed therebetween.
When an appropriate electrical current is applied to the anode
1004, the cathode 1006 injects electrons and the anode 1004 injects
holes. In certain embodiments, the anode 1004 and cathode 1006 are
inverted; i.e., the cathode is formed on the substrate 1002 and the
anode is opposingly arranged.
[0046] Interposed between the cathode 1006 and anode 1004 are one
or more organic layers. More specifically, at least one emissive or
light emitting layer is interposed between the cathode 1006 and
anode 1004. The light emitting layer may comprise one or more light
emitting organic compounds. Typically, the light emitting layer is
configured to emit visible light in a single color such as blue,
green, red or white. In the illustrated embodiment, one organic
layer 1010 is formed between the cathode 1006 and anode 1004 and
acts as a light emitting layer. Additional layers, which can be
formed between the anode 1004 and cathode 1006, can include a hole
transporting layer, a hole injection layer, an electron
transporting layer and an electron injection layer.
[0047] Hole transporting and/or injection layers can be interposed
between the light emitting layer 1010 and the anode 1004. Electron
transporting and/or injecting layers can be interposed between the
cathode 1006 and the light emitting layer 1010. The electron
injection layer facilitates injection of electrons from the cathode
1006 toward the light emitting layer 1010 by reducing the work
function for injecting electrons from the cathode 1006. Similarly,
the hole injection layer facilitates injection of holes from the
anode 1004 toward the light emitting layer 1010. The hole and
electron transporting layers facilitate movement of the carriers
injected from the respective electrodes toward the light emitting
layer.
[0048] In some embodiments, a single layer may serve both electron
injection and transportation functions or both hole injection and
transportation functions. In some embodiments, one or more of these
layers are lacking. In some embodiments, one or more organic layers
are doped with one or more materials that help injection and/or
transportation of the carriers. In embodiments where only one
organic layer is formed between the cathode and anode, the organic
layer may include not only an organic light emitting compound but
also certain functional materials that help injection or
transportation of carriers within that layer.
[0049] There are numerous organic materials that have been
developed for use in these layers including the light emitting
layer. Also, numerous other organic materials for use in these
layers are being developed. In some embodiments, these organic
materials may be macromolecules including oligomers and polymers.
In some embodiments, the organic materials for these layers may be
relatively small molecules. The skilled artisan will be able to
select appropriate materials for each of these layers in view of
the desired functions of the individual layers and the materials
for the neighboring layers in particular designs.
[0050] In operation, an electrical circuit provides appropriate
potential between the cathode 1006 and anode 1004. This results in
an electrical current flowing from the anode 1004 to the cathode
1006 via the interposed organic layer(s). In one embodiment, the
cathode 1006 provides electrons to the adjacent organic layer 1010.
The anode 1004 injects holes to the organic layer 1010. The holes
and electrons recombine in the organic layer 1010 and generate
energy particles called "excitons." The excitons transfer their
energy to the organic light emitting material in the organic layer
1010, and the energy is used to emit visible light from the organic
light emitting material. The spectral characteristics of light
generated and emitted by the OLED 1000, 1001 depend on the nature
and composition of organic molecules in the organic layer(s). The
composition of the one or more organic layers can be selected to
suit the needs of a particular application by one of ordinary skill
in the art.
[0051] OLED devices can also be categorized based on the direction
of the light emission. In one type referred to as "top emission"
type, OLED devices emit light and display images through the
cathode or top electrode 1006. In these embodiments, the cathode
1006 is made of a material transparent or at least partially
transparent with respect to visible light. In certain embodiments,
to avoid losing any light that can pass through the anode or bottom
electrode 1004, the anode may be made of a material substantially
reflective of the visible light. A second type of OLED devices
emits light through the anode or bottom electrode 1004 and is
called "bottom emission" type. In the bottom emission type OLED
devices, the anode 1004 is made of a material which is at least
partially transparent with respect to visible light. Often, in
bottom emission type OLED devices, the cathode 1006 is made of a
material substantially reflective of the visible light. A third
type of OLED devices emits light in two directions, e.g. through
both anode 1004 and cathode 1006. Depending upon the direction(s)
of the light emission, the substrate may be formed of a material
which is transparent, opaque or reflective of visible light.
[0052] In many embodiments, an OLED pixel array 1021 comprising a
plurality of organic light emitting pixels is arranged over a
substrate 1002 as shown in FIG. 7C. In embodiments, the pixels in
the array 1021 are controlled to be turned on and off by a driving
circuit (not shown), and the plurality of the pixels as a whole
displays information or image on the array 1021. In certain
embodiments, the OLED pixel array 1021 is arranged with respect to
other components, such as drive and control electronics to define a
display region and a non-display region. In these embodiments, the
display region refers to the area of the substrate 1002 where OLED
pixel array 1021 is formed. The non-display region refers to the
remaining areas of the substrate 1002. In embodiments, the
non-display region can contain logic and/or power supply circuitry.
It will be understood that there will be at least portions of
control/drive circuit elements arranged within the display region.
For example, in PMOLEDs, conductive components will extend into the
display region to provide appropriate potential to the anode and
cathodes. In AMOLEDs, local driving circuits and data/scan lines
coupled with the driving circuits will extend into the display
region to drive and control the individual pixels of the
AMOLEDs.
[0053] One design and fabrication consideration in OLED devices is
that certain organic material layers of OLED devices can suffer
damage or accelerated deterioration from exposure to water, oxygen
or other harmful gases. Accordingly, it is generally understood
that OLED devices be sealed or encapsulated to inhibit exposure to
moisture and oxygen or other harmful gases found in a manufacturing
or operational environment. FIG. 7D schematically illustrates a
cross-section of an encapsulated OLED device 1011 having a layout
of FIG. 7C and taken along the line d-d of FIG. 7C. In this
embodiment, a generally planar top plate or substrate 1061 engages
with a seal 1071 which further engages with a bottom plate or
substrate 1002 to enclose or encapsulate the OLED pixel array 1021.
In other embodiments, one or more layers are formed on the top
plate 1061 or bottom plate 1002, and the seal 1071 is coupled with
the bottom or top substrate 1002, 1061 via such a layer. In the
illustrated embodiment, the seal 1071 extends along the periphery
of the OLED pixel array 1021 or the bottom or top plate 1002,
1061.
[0054] In embodiments, the seal 1071 is made of a frit material as
will be further discussed below. In various embodiments, the top
and bottom plates 1061, 1002 comprise materials such as plastics,
glass and/or metal foils which can provide a barrier to passage of
oxygen and/or water to thereby protect the OLED pixel array 1021
from exposure to these substances. In embodiments, at least one of
the top plate 1061 and the bottom plate 1002 are formed of a
substantially transparent material.
[0055] To lengthen the life time of OLED devices 1011, it is
generally desired that seal 1071 and the top and bottom plates
1061, 1002 provide a substantially non-permeable seal to oxygen and
water vapor and provide a substantially hermetically enclosed space
1081. In certain applications, it is indicated that the seal 1071
of a frit material in combination with the top and bottom plates
1061, 1002 provide a barrier to oxygen of less than approximately
10.sup.-3 cc/m.sup.2-day and to water of less than 10.sup.-6
g/m.sup.2-day. Given that some oxygen and moisture can permeate
into the enclosed space 1081, in some embodiments, a material that
can take up oxygen and/or moisture is formed within the enclosed
space 1081.
[0056] The seal 1071 has a width W, which is its thickness in a
direction parallel to a surface of the top or bottom substrate
1061, 1002 as shown in FIG. 7D. The width varies among embodiments
and ranges from about 300 .mu.m to about 3000 .mu.m, optionally
from about 500 .mu.m to about 1500 .mu.m. Also, the width may vary
at different positions of the seal 1071. In some embodiments, the
width of the seal 1071 may be the largest where the seal 1071
contacts one of the bottom and top substrate 1002, 1061 or a layer
formed thereon. The width may be the smallest where the seal 1071
contacts the other. The width variation in a single cross-section
of the seal 1071 relates to the cross-sectional shape of the seal
1071 and other design parameters.
[0057] The seal 1071 has a height H, which is its thickness in a
direction perpendicular to a surface of the top or bottom substrate
1061, 1002 as shown in FIG. 7D. The height varies among embodiments
and ranges from about 2 .mu.m to about 30 .mu.m, optionally from
about 10 .mu.m to about 15 .mu.m. Generally, the height does not
significantly vary at different positions of the seal 1071.
However, in certain embodiments, the height of the seal 1071 may
vary at different positions thereof.
[0058] In the illustrated embodiment, the seal 1071 has a generally
rectangular cross-section. In other embodiments, however, the seal
1071 can have other various cross-sectional shapes such as a
generally square cross-section, a generally trapezoidal
cross-section, a cross-section with one or more rounded edges, or
other configuration as indicated by the needs of a given
application. To improve hermeticity, it is generally desired to
increase the interfacial area where the seal 1071 directly contacts
the bottom or top substrate 1002, 1061 or a layer formed thereon.
In some embodiments, the shape of the seal can be designed such
that the interfacial area can be increased.
[0059] The seal 1071 can be arranged immediately adjacent the OLED
array 1021, and in other embodiments, the seal 1071 is spaced some
distance from the OLED array 1021. In certain embodiment, the seal
1071 comprises generally linear segments that are connected
together to surround the OLED array 1021. Such linear segments of
the seal 1071 can extend, in certain embodiments, generally
parallel to respective boundaries of the OLED array 1021. In other
embodiment, one or more of the linear segments of the seal 1071 are
arranged in a non-parallel relationship with respective boundaries
of the OLED array 1021. In yet other embodiments, at least part of
the seal 1071 extends between the top plate 1061 and bottom plate
1002 in a curvilinear manner.
[0060] As noted above, in certain embodiments, the seal 1071 is
formed using a frit material or simply "frit" or glass frit," which
includes fine glass particles. The frit particles includes one or
more of magnesium oxide (MgO), calcium oxide (CaO), barium oxide
(BaO), lithium oxide (Li.sub.2O), sodium oxide (Na.sub.2O),
potassium oxide (K.sub.2O), boron oxide (B.sub.2O.sub.3), vanadium
oxide (V.sub.2O.sub.5), zinc oxide (ZnO), tellurium oxide
(TeO.sub.2), aluminum oxide (Al.sub.2O.sub.3), silicon dioxide
(SiO.sub.2), lead oxide (PbO), tin oxide (SnO), phosphorous oxide
(P.sub.2O.sub.5), ruthenium oxide (Ru.sub.2O), rubidium oxide
(Rb.sub.2O), rhodium oxide (Rh.sub.2O), ferrite oxide
(Fe.sub.2O.sub.3), copper oxide (CuO), titanium oxide (TiO.sub.2),
tungsten oxide (WO.sub.3), bismuth oxide (Bi.sub.2O.sub.3),
antimony oxide (Sb.sub.2O.sub.3), lead-borate glass, tin-phosphate
glass, vanadate glass, and borosilicate, etc. In embodiments, these
particles range in size from about 2 .mu.m to about 30 .mu.m,
optionally about 5 .mu.m to about 10 .mu.m, although not limited
only thereto. The particles can be as large as about the distance
between the top and bottom substrates 1061, 1002 or any layers
formed on these substrates where the frit seal 1071 contacts.
[0061] The frit material used to form the seal 1071 can also
include one or more filler or additive materials. The filler or
additive materials can be provided to adjust an overall thermal
expansion characteristic of the seal 1071 and/or to adjust the
absorption characteristics of the seal 1071 for selected
frequencies of incident radiant energy. The filler or additive
material(s) can also include inversion and/or additive fillers to
adjust a coefficient of thermal expansion of the frit. For example,
the filler or additive materials can include transition metals,
such as chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co),
copper (Cu), and/or vanadium. Additional materials for the filler
or additives include ZnSiO.sub.4, PbTiO.sub.3, ZrO.sub.2,
eucryptite.
[0062] In embodiments, a frit material as a dry composition
contains glass particles from about 20 to 90 about wt %, and the
remaining includes fillers and/or additives. In some embodiments,
the frit paste contains about 10-30 wt % organic materials and
about 70-90% inorganic materials. In some embodiments, the frit
paste contains about 20 wt % organic materials and about 80 wt %
inorganic materials. In some embodiments, the organic materials may
include about 0-30 wt % binder(s) and about 70-100 wt % solvent(s).
In some embodiments, about 10 wt % is binder(s) and about 90 wt %
is solvent(s) among the organic materials. In some embodiments, the
inorganic materials may include about 0-10 wt % additives, about
20-40 wt % fillers and about 50-80 wt % glass powder. In some
embodiments, about 0-5 wt % is additive(s), about 25-30 wt % is
filler(s) and about 65-75 wt % is the glass powder among the
inorganic materials.
[0063] In forming a frit seal, a liquid material is added to the
dry frit material to form a frit paste. Any organic or inorganic
solvent with or without additives can be used as the liquid
material. In embodiments, the solvent includes one or more organic
compounds. For example, applicable organic compounds are ethyl
cellulose, nitro cellulose, hydroxyl propyl cellulose, butyl
carbitol acetate, terpineol, butyl cellusolve, acrylate compounds.
Then, the thus formed frit paste can be applied to form a shape of
the seal 1071 on the top and/or bottom plate 1061, 1002.
[0064] In one exemplary embodiment, a shape of the seal 1071 is
initially formed from the frit paste and interposed between the top
plate 1061 and the bottom plate 1002. The seal 1071 can in certain
embodiments be pre-cured or pre-sintered to one of the top plate
and bottom plate 1061, 1002. Following assembly of the top plate
1061 and the bottom plate 1002 with the seal 1071 interposed
therebetween, portions of the seal 1071 are selectively heated such
that the frit material forming the seal 1071 at least partially
melts. The seal 1071 is then allowed to resolidify to form a secure
joint between the top plate 1061 and the bottom plate 1002 to
thereby inhibit exposure of the enclosed OLED pixel array 1021 to
oxygen or water.
[0065] In embodiments, the selective heating of the frit seal is
carried out by irradiation of light, such as a laser or directed
infrared lamp. As previously noted, the frit material forming the
seal 1071 can be combined with one or more additives or filler such
as species selected for improved absorption of the irradiated light
to facilitate heating and melting of the frit material to form the
seal 1071.
[0066] In some embodiments, OLED devices 1011 are mass produced. In
an embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7E, a plurality of separate OLED
arrays 1021 is formed on a common bottom substrate 1101. In the
illustrated embodiment, each OLED array 1021 is surrounded by a
shaped frit to form the seal 1071. In embodiments, common top
substrate (not shown) is placed over the common bottom substrate
1101 and the structures formed thereon such that the OLED arrays
1021 and the shaped frit paste are interposed between the common
bottom substrate 1101 and the common top substrate. The OLED arrays
1021 are encapsulated and sealed, such as via the previously
described enclosure process for a single OLED display device. The
resulting product includes a plurality of OLED devices kept
together by the common bottom and top substrates. Then, the
resulting product is cut into a plurality of pieces, each of which
constitutes an OLED device 1011 of FIG. 7D. In certain embodiments,
the individual OLED devices 1011 then further undergo additional
packaging operations to further improve the sealing formed by the
frit seal 1071 and the top and bottom substrates 1061, 1002.
[0067] In one embodiment, an organic light emitting display (OLED)
device includes a first substrate comprising a first outer surface
and a first inner surface and a second substrate generally opposing
the first substrate. The second substrate has a second outer
surface and a second inner surface. The OLED device also includes
an array of organic light emitting pixels interposed between the
first and second substrates. The OLED further includes a frit seal
interposed between the first and second substrates while
surrounding the array. The frit seal, the first substrate, and the
second substrate in combination define an enclosed space in which
the array is located.
[0068] The second substrate may have a curvature with a radius of
the curvature. The curvature may be formed across the entire second
substrate. In other embodiments, the curvature may be formed in a
portion of the second substrate. The second substrate may have a
curvature sufficient to substantially reduce Newton's rings on the
second substrate compared to when there is no curvature in the
second substrate.
[0069] In one embodiment, a radius of the curvature may range from
about 0.2 m to about 200 m. The radius of the curvature may be
selected from 0.2 m, 0.3 m, 0.4 m, 0.5 m, 0.75 m, 1 m, 1.25 m, 1.5
m, 1.75 m, 2 m, 2.25 m, 2.5 m, 2.75 m, 3 m, 3.25 m, 3.5 m, 3.75 m,
4 m, 4.25 m, 4.5 m, 4.75 m, 5 m, 5.25 m, 5.5 m, 5.75 m, 6 m, 6.25
m, 6.5 m, 6.75 m, 7 m, 7.25 m, 7.5 m, 7.75 m, 8 m, 8.25 m, 8.5 m,
8.75 m, 9 m, 9.25 m, 9.5 m, 9.75 m, 10 m, 15 m, 20 m, 25 m, 30 m,
35 m, 40 m, 45 m, 50 m, 55 m, 60 m, 65 m, 70 m, 75 m, 80 m, 85 m,
90 m, 95 m, 100 m, 110 m, 120 m, 130 m, 140 m, 150 m, 160 m, 170 m,
180 m, 190 m, and 200 m. A skilled artisan will appreciate that the
radius of the curvature may vary depending on the size and
configuration of the OLED device.
[0070] In another embodiment, a tangential line at an edge of the
second inner surface and the first outer surface have an angle
therebetween. The tangential line is perpendicular to the edge of
the second inner surface. The angle is greater than O and is
sufficient to substantially reduce Newton's rings on the second
substrate compared to when the angle is 0.degree.. In one
embodiment, the angle may be between about 0.05 degrees and about
15 degrees. The angle may be selected from 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08,
0.09, 0.10, 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, 0.14, 0.15, 0.16, 0.17, 0.18, 0.19,
0.20, 0.21, 0.22, 0.23, 0.24, 0.25, 0.26, 0.27, 0.28, 0.29, 0.30,
0.31, 0.32, 0.33, 0.34, 0.35, 0.36, 0.37, 0.38, 0.39, 0.40, 0.41,
0.42, 0.43, 0.44, 0.45, 0.46, 0.47, 0.48, 0.49, 0.50, 0.51, 0.52,
0.53, 0.54, 0.55, 0.56, 0.57, 0.58, 0.59, 0.60, 0.61, 0.62, 0.63,
0.64, 0.65, 0.66, 0.67, 0.68, 0.69, 0.70, 0.71, 0.72, 0.73, 0.74,
0.75, 0.76, 0.77, 0.78, 0.79, 0.80, 0.81, 0.82, 0.83, 0.84, 0.85,
0.86, 0.87, 0.88, 0.89, 0.90, 0.91, 0.92, 0.93, 0.94, 0.95, 0.96,
0.97, 0.98, 0.99, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,
and 15 degrees. A skilled artisan will appreciate that the angle
may vary depending on the size and configuration of the OLED
device.
[0071] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an organic
light emitting display according to a first embodiment. Referring
to FIG. 1, an organic light emitting display 100 includes a first
substrate 110, a second substrate 150, and a frit 130. The first
substrate 110 includes a pixel region 120a in which at least one
organic light emitting diode (OLED) is formed and a non-pixel
region 120b. The second substrate 150 is placed over the pixel
region 120a and at least a portion of the non-pixel region 120b of
the first substrate 110. The frit 130 is provided between the
non-pixel region 120b of the first substrate 110 and the second
substrate 150. At least one of the first substrate 110 and the
second substrate 150 may become convex outward.
[0072] The substrate 110 includes the pixel region 120a and the
non-pixel region 120b. The pixel region 120a may include at least
one OLED having a first electrode, an organic layer, and a second
electrode. The non-pixel region 120b surrounds the pixel region
120a. The pixel region 120a refers to a region which displays an
image. The non-pixel region 120b refers to the substantially all
the region outside the pixel region 120a.
[0073] The frit 130 is provided between the non-pixel region 120b
of the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 150 to adhere
the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 150 to each other.
The term "frit" may refer to powder type glass. In the context of
this document, a frit may also refer to gel or paste type glass
that may be obtained by adding an organic material to the powder
type glass or a solid glass that may be obtained by radiating laser
onto the powder type glass so that the powder type glass is
hardened.
[0074] A sealant 140 may be formed on the outermost peripheries of
the second substrate 150 outside the frit 130. The sealant 140 is
formed outside the frit 130 to improve adhesive strength between
the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 150. The
illustrated sealant 140 is formed outside the frit 130. In other
embodiments, the sealant 140 may be formed inside the frit 130.
[0075] The external center of the second substrate 150 is convex,
as shown in FIG. 1. Since the external center of the second
substrate 150 is convex, the distance between the center of the
first substrate 110 and the center of the second substrate 150 is
larger than the height of the frit 130 or the sealant 140. For
example, when the reflectance of the first substrate 110 is about
60 to about 70% (LTPS glass) and the reflectance of the second
substrate 150 is about 4% (bare glass), the distance between the
first substrate 110 and the second substrate 150 may be maintained
to be no less than 10 .mu.m. This configuration may prevent
Newton's rings from being generated. The second substrate 150 may
be formed of edge glass or bare glass. When the second substrate
150 is formed of the edge glass, the distance between the first
substrate 110 and the second substrate 150 is no less than several
tens .mu.m along the edge region. Thus, optical interference
intensity may be reduced. As used herein, the term "edge glass"
refers to a glass plate having an etched or recessed portion on at
least one of the surfaces thereof. The etched or recessed portion
may be formed by a chemical or mechanical process. The term "bare
glass," as used herein, generally refers to a flat glass plate.
[0076] FIGS. 2A to 2E are cross-sections illustrating a method of
fabricating the organic light emitting display according to the
first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the
angle of the curvature of the second substrate according to the
first embodiment.
[0077] Referring to FIG. 2A, the substrate 110 includes the pixel
region 120a in which at least one OLED including a first electrode,
an organic layer, and a second electrode is formed, and the
non-pixel region 120b surrounding the pixel region 120a. The second
substrate 150 for sealing the first substrate 110 is positioned
under the first substrate 110.
[0078] Referring to FIG. 2B, a frit 130 is applied to one region of
the second substrate 150 that corresponds to the non-pixel region
120b. The frit 130 may include, as additives, a filler (not shown)
for controlling a thermal expansion coefficient and an absorbent
(not shown) that absorbs laser or infrared rays. In one embodiment,
the frit may include a powder type glass and an oxide powder. The
temperature of a glass material is rapidly dropped so that the
powder type glass is obtained. An organic material may be added to
the frit so that gel type paste is obtained. Then, when the frit
130 is annealed at a predetermined temperature, the organic
material is removed and the gel type frit paste is hardened so that
the solid frit 130 is obtained. The temperature at which the frit
130 is annealed may be in the range of about 300.degree. C. to
about 700.degree. C.
[0079] Referring to FIG. 2C, the sealant 140 may be formed on the
outermost peripheries of the second substrate 150, outside the frit
130. The sealant 140 is formed outside the frit 130 to improve the
adhesive strength between the first substrate 110 and the second
substrate 150. The sealant 140 may be formed by a bar coating
method using sputtering or a roller.
[0080] Referring to FIG. 2D, the first substrate 110 and the second
substrate 150 are placed into a vacuum chamber (not shown). After
placing the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 150 into
the vacuum chamber, the pressure in the vacuum chamber may be
reduced to negative pressure that is lower than the atmospheric
pressure (760 torr) using pressure controlling means. In this
embodiment, the pressure in the vacuum chamber is maintained to be
higher than the pressure P1 between the first substrate and the
second substrate that are not attached to each other in order to
maintain the pressure between the first substrate 110 and the
second substrate 120 that are attached to each other at the
atmospheric pressure 760 torr. When it is assumed that
P.sub.1*V.sub.1=P.sub.2*V.sub.2, a value obtained by multiplying
the pressure and the volume between the first substrate and the
second substrate that are not attached to each other is equal to a
value obtained by multiplying the pressure and the volume between
the first substrate and the second substrate that are attached to
each other. The pressure P1 can be represented by EQUATION 1.
P.sub.1=760*V.sub.2 /V.sub.1 EQUATION 1
[0081] In EQUATION 1, P1, V1, P2, and V2 denote the pressure
between the first substrate and the second substrate that are not
attached to each other, the volume between the first substrate and
the second substrate that are not attached to each other, the
pressure between the first substrate and the second substrate that
are attached to each other, and the volume between the first
substrate and the second substrate that are attached to each other,
respectively.
[0082] The EQUATION 1 represents the Boyle's law in which the
pressure of a gas is in inverse proportion to the volume of the gas
at a constant temperature. That is, when the pressure is applied
from the outside to reduce the volume of the gas to 1/2, the
density of the gas doubles and the number of collision of the gas
per unit time doubles so that the pressure doubles. To the
contrary, when the pressure from the outside is reduced, the gas
expands so that the volume of the gas increases. Therefore, the
volume of a uniform gas is in inverse proportion to the pressure at
a uniform temperature.
[0083] Then, the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 150
are attached to each other by a physical force. Therefore, the
pressure of the gas molecules between the first substrate 110 and
the second substrate 150 is maintained to be higher than the
pressure P1.
[0084] Referring to FIG. 2E, the vacuum of the vacuum chamber is
broken or the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 120 that
are attached to each other are exposed to the atmospheric pressure.
When the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 150 that are
attached to each other are exposed to the atmospheric pressure, due
to a difference in pressure (differential pressure) between the
pressure between the first substrate 110 and the second substrate
150 that are attached to each other and the atmospheric pressure,
the volume of the gas molecules that exist between the first
substrate 110 and the second substrate 150 increases by the amount
of the differential pressure. Therefore, the first substrate 110
and the second substrate 150 expand outward.
[0085] The angles of the first substrate and the second substrate
are represented by EQUATION 2 (refer to FIG. 3).
h>10 .mu.m
tan .alpha.=h/a
h=a*tan .alpha.>10 .mu.m
Therefore, .alpha.>tan.sup.-1(10/a)
wherein .alpha.<45.degree. and the value of .beta. is not
limited. EQUATION 2
[0086] In the EQUATION 2, .alpha., .beta., h, a, and b represent
the angle corresponding to the distance between the first substrate
and the second substrate, the angle that is formed by the curvature
of the second substrate that expands and the peak between the two
ends of the second substrate, the height of the frit provided
between the first substrate and the second substrate, 1/2 of the
length of the second substrate, and the height of the peak of the
curvature of the second substrate, respectively.
[0087] At least one of the first substrate 110 and the second
substrate 150 may be provided with a vacuum pump or suction in
order to prevent sliding of the substrates due to the difference in
pressure. For example, a plurality of inlets (not shown) for
inhaling the air are provided on one surface of the first substrate
110. The inlets are connected to an air inhaling device such as a
vacuum pump (not shown) that is positioned on one side of the first
substrate 110 through outlets. Therefore, the air that is inhaled
to the inside of the first substrate 110 through the inlets is
discharged to the air inhaling device such as the vacuum pump
through the outlets. One of the first substrate 110 and the second
substrate 150 is fixed using a vacuum suction plate under the first
substrate 110 so as to prevent the sliding of the first substrate
110 and the second substrate 150 and to change the shape of a
desired substrate.
[0088] In one embodiment, the first substrate 110 is fixed to the
plate by the above method so that only the second substrate 150
expands to become convex. Since the center of the second substrate
150 expands to become convex, the distance between the centers of
the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 150 that are
attached to each other is maintained to be larger than the height
of the frit 130 or the sealant 140.
[0089] Then, laser or infrared rays may be radiated onto the frit
130 to melt the frit 130. Therefore, the first substrate 110 and
the second substrate 150 are interconnected to each other.
[0090] FIG. 4 is a sectional view illustrating an organic light
emitting display according to a second embodiment. Referring to
FIG. 4, the organic light emitting display includes a first
substrate 210 including a pixel region 220a in which at least one
organic light emitting diode (OLED) is formed and a non-pixel
region 220b that is formed outside the pixel region 220a, a second
substrate 250 that is attached to one region including the pixel
region 220a of the first substrate 210, and a frit 230 that is
provided between the non-pixel region 220b of the first substrate
210 and the second substrate 250. At least one of the first
substrate 210 and the second substrate 250 is formed to be concave
inward.
[0091] In order to avoid redundancy, description of the first
substrate 210, the frit 230, and the sealant 240 that are the same
elements as those of the above-described first embodiment will be
omitted.
[0092] The second substrate 250 is formed to be concave inward,
which is caused by reduction in pressure, that is, difference in
pressure between the pressure between the first substrate 210 and
the second substrate 250 that are not attached and the pressure
between the first substrate 210 and the second substrate 250 that
are attached to each other. For example, when the reflectance of
the first substrate 210 is about 60 to about 70% (LTPS glass) and
the reflectance of the second substrate 250 is about 4% (bare
glass), it is possible to prevent the distance between the first
substrate 210 and the second substrate 250 from being reduced to be
less than 10 .mu.m and to thus prevent Newton's rings from being
generated.
[0093] FIGS. 5A to 5E are schematic cross-sections illustrating a
method of fabricating the organic light emitting display according
to the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a sectional view illustrating
the angle of the curvature of the second substrate according to the
second embodiment.
[0094] Referring to FIG. 5A, the substrate 210 includes the pixel
region 220a in which at least one OLED including a first electrode,
an organic layer, and a second electrode is formed and the
non-pixel region 220b that is formed outside the pixel region 220a.
The second substrate 250 for sealing up the first substrate 210 is
positioned under the first substrate 210.
[0095] Referring to FIG. 5B, one region of the second substrate 250
that corresponds to the non-pixel region 220b is coated with the
frit 230 so that the pixel region 220a of the first substrate 210
is sealed up. Referring to FIG. 5C, the sealant 240 is formed on
the outermost periphery of the second substrate 250, that is,
outside of the frit 230.
[0096] Referring to FIG. 5D, the first substrate 210 and the second
substrate 250 are placed in a vacuum chamber (not shown). After
placing the first substrate 210 and the second substrate 250 into
the vacuum chamber, the pressure in the vacuum chamber is reduced
to negative pressure that is lower than the atmospheric pressure
(760 torr) using pressure controlling means. At this time, the
pressure in the vacuum chamber is maintained to be lower than the
pressure P1 between the first substrate and the second substrate
that are not attached to each other in order to maintain the
pressure between the first substrate 210 and the second substrate
220 that are attached to each other as the air pressure 760 torr.
When it is assumed that P.sub.1*V.sub.1=P.sub.2*V.sub.2, since the
value that is obtained by multiplying the pressure and the volume
between the first substrate and the second substrate that are not
attached to each other by each other must be equal to the value
that is obtained by multiplying the pressure and the volume between
the first substrate and the second substrate that are attached to
each other, the pressure P1 can be represented by EQUATION 3.
P.sub.1=760*V.sub.2 /V.sub.1 EQUATION 3
[0097] In Equation 3, P1, V1, P2, and V2 denote the pressure
between the first substrate and the second substrate that are not
attached to each other, the volume between the first substrate and
the second substrate that are not attached to each other, the
pressure between the first substrate and the second substrate that
are attached to each other, and the volume between the first
substrate and the second substrate that are attached to each other,
respectively.
[0098] The EQUATION 3 represents the Boyle's law in which the
pressure of a gas is in inverse proportion to the volume of the gas
at a uniform temperature. That is, when the pressure is applied
from the outside to reduce the volume of the gas to 1/2, the
density of the gas doubles and the number of time of collision of
the gas per a unit time doubles so that the pressure doubles. To
the contrary, when the pressure from the outside is reduced, the
gas expands so that the volume of the gas increases. Therefore, the
volume of a uniform gas is in inverse proportion to the pressure at
a uniform temperature.
[0099] Then, the first substrate 210 and the second substrate 250
are attached to each other by physical force. Therefore, the
pressure of the gas molecules between the first substrate 210 and
the second substrate 250 is maintained to be lower than the
pressure P1.
[0100] Referring to FIG. 5E, the vacuum of the vacuum chamber is
broken or the first substrate 210 and the second substrate 220 that
are attached to each other are exposed to the atmospheric pressure.
When the first substrate 210 and the second substrate 250 that are
attached to each other under the negative pressure that is lower
than the pressure P1 are exposed to the atmospheric pressure, due
to difference in pressure (differential pressure) between the
pressure between the first substrate 210 and the second substrate
250 that are attached to each other and the air pressure, the
volume of the gas molecules that exist between the first substrate
210 and the second substrate 250 is reduced. Therefore, the first
substrate 210 and the second substrate 250 contract inward.
[0101] The angles of the first substrate and the second substrate
are represented by EQUATION 4 (refer to FIG. 6).
h'-b'>10 .mu.m
tan .alpha.'=h'/a', tan .beta.'=b'/a'
Therefore, h'=a'*tan .alpha.' and b'=a'*tan .beta.'
a'*(tan .alpha.'-tan .beta.')>10 .mu.m
tan .beta.'<(tan .alpha.'-10 .mu.m/a'), where a'>0 and
.alpha.', .beta.'<45.degree.
.beta.'<tan.sup.-1((h'-10 .mu.m)/a') EQUATION 4
[0102] In the EQUATION 4, .alpha.', .beta.', h', a, and b'
represent the angle corresponding to the distance between the first
substrate and the second substrate, the angle that is formed by the
curvature of the second substrate that expands and the peak between
the two ends of the second substrate, the height of the frit
provided between the first substrate and the second substrate, 1/2
of the length of the second substrate, and the height of the peak
of the curvature of the second substrate, respectively.
[0103] In one embodiment, at least one of the first substrate 210
and the second substrate 250 includes a vacuum pump or suction in
order to prevent sliding of the substrates due to the difference in
pressure. For example, a plurality of inlets (not shown) for
inhaling the air are provided to one surface of the first substrate
210. The inlets are connected to an air inhaling device such as a
vacuum pump (not shown) that is positioned on one side of the first
substrate 210 through outlets. Therefore, the air that is inhaled
to the inside of the first substrate 210 through the inlets is
discharged to the air inhaling device such as the vacuum pump
through the outlets. One of the first substrate 210 and the second
substrate 250 is fixed using a vacuum suction plate under the first
substrate 210 so as to prevent the sliding of the first substrate
210 and the second substrate 250 and to change the shape of a
desired substrate.
[0104] In one embodiment, the first substrate 210 is fixed to the
plate by the above method so that the center of the second
substrate 250 contracts to become concave. A predetermined pressure
is maintained between the first substrate 210 and the second
substrate 250 so that it is possible to prevent the second
substrate 250 from being sagged.
[0105] Then, laser or infrared rays are radiated onto the frit 230
to melt the frit 230. Therefore, the first substrate 210 and the
second substrate 250 are adhered to each other.
[0106] As described above, according to the embodiments, the
pressure between the first substrate and the second substrate of
the organic light emitting display is controlled so that the
distance between the first substrate and the second substrate is
maintained to be uniform. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the
Newton's rings, that is, the concentric rings that are displayed on
a screen from being generated.
[0107] Although a few embodiments of the invention have been shown
and described, it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art
that changes might be made in this embodiment without departing
from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which
is defined in the claims and their equivalents.
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