JP4437653B2 - ORGANIC EL ELEMENT AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING ORGANIC EL ELEMENT - Google Patents

ORGANIC EL ELEMENT AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING ORGANIC EL ELEMENT Download PDF

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JP4437653B2
JP4437653B2 JP2003331021A JP2003331021A JP4437653B2 JP 4437653 B2 JP4437653 B2 JP 4437653B2 JP 2003331021 A JP2003331021 A JP 2003331021A JP 2003331021 A JP2003331021 A JP 2003331021A JP 4437653 B2 JP4437653 B2 JP 4437653B2
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anode electrode
thin film
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insulating layer
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JP2005100728A (en
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傑煕 李
正博 伊藤
禎之 浮島
裕司 一戸
孝 小松
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Ulvac Inc
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Description

本発明は、有機EL素子の技術分野にかかり、特に、単純マトリスク型の有機EL素子に関する。   The present invention relates to the technical field of organic EL elements, and more particularly, to a simple matrix type organic EL element.

近年、表示装置の分野においてフラットパネルディスプレイが注目されており、フラットパネルディスプレイ用の素子として、有機EL素子がさかんに用いられている
図10の符号110は従来技術の有機EL素子の一例を示している。この有機EL素子110は、ガラス基板111と、ガラス基板111上に配置された透明なアノード電極113と、アノード電極113上に配置された有機薄膜123と、有機薄膜123上に配置されたカソード電極127とを有している。
In recent years, flat panel displays have attracted attention in the field of display devices, and organic EL elements have been widely used as elements for flat panel displays. Reference numeral 110 in FIG. 10 represents an example of a conventional organic EL element. ing. The organic EL element 110 includes a glass substrate 111, a transparent anode electrode 113 disposed on the glass substrate 111, an organic thin film 123 disposed on the anode electrode 113, and a cathode electrode disposed on the organic thin film 123. 127.

アノード電極113はITO(インジウム錫酸化物)薄膜のパターニングによって形成された複数本の配線からなり、各アノード電極113は所定間隔を空けて互いに平行に配置されている。   The anode electrode 113 includes a plurality of wirings formed by patterning an ITO (indium tin oxide) thin film, and the anode electrodes 113 are arranged in parallel to each other with a predetermined interval.

アノード電極113間には、アノード電極113と平行に延設された絶縁層115がそれぞれ配置されており、互いに隣接するアノード電極113間は絶縁層115によって絶縁されている。絶縁層115の膜厚はアノード電極113の膜厚よりも大きく、その表面はアノード電極113表面から突き出されているが、突き出された部分は、順テーパになっているため、有機薄膜123やカソード電極127は絶縁層115によって分断されることなく、一様に塗布されている。   An insulating layer 115 extending in parallel with the anode electrode 113 is disposed between the anode electrodes 113, and the anode electrodes 113 adjacent to each other are insulated by the insulating layer 115. The thickness of the insulating layer 115 is larger than the thickness of the anode electrode 113, and its surface protrudes from the surface of the anode electrode 113, but the protruding portion is forward-tapered. The electrode 127 is uniformly applied without being divided by the insulating layer 115.

例えば、カソード電極127がアノード電極113と直交する方向に複数本配置した場合に、電圧を印加するアノード電極113とカソード電極127とをそれぞれ特定すると、特定された電極113、127が交差する部分に位置する有機薄膜123が発光し、該有機薄膜123で発光する光が透明なアノード電極113とガラス基板111とを透過して有機EL素子外へ放射される。このように、電圧を印加する電極113、127を選ぶことで所望の文字や図柄を表示することができる。   For example, when a plurality of cathode electrodes 127 are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the anode electrode 113, when the anode electrode 113 and the cathode electrode 127 to which a voltage is applied are specified, the specified electrodes 113 and 127 cross each other. The positioned organic thin film 123 emits light, and the light emitted from the organic thin film 123 passes through the transparent anode electrode 113 and the glass substrate 111 and is emitted outside the organic EL element. In this manner, desired characters and designs can be displayed by selecting the electrodes 113 and 127 to which the voltage is applied.

このような有機EL素子110は一般に単純マトリクス型(パッシブマトリクス型)と呼ばれ、その構造が簡易であり、製造が容易であるため近年盛んに用いられている。   Such an organic EL element 110 is generally called a simple matrix type (passive matrix type), and its structure is simple and manufacturing is easy.

ところで、有機薄膜123は導電性を有しているため、電極113、127間に電圧を印加した場合に電流が深さ方向だけではなく水平方向にも流れることがある。電流が水平方向に流れると、特定した電極113、127が交差する部分だけではなく、絶縁層115表面や隣接するアノード電極113表面に位置する有機薄膜123も発光し、表示される文字や図柄がぼやけてしまう場合がある(クロストーク現象)。
特開2003−92188
By the way, since the organic thin film 123 has conductivity, when a voltage is applied between the electrodes 113 and 127, a current may flow not only in the depth direction but also in the horizontal direction. When the current flows in the horizontal direction, not only the portion where the specified electrodes 113 and 127 intersect, but also the organic thin film 123 located on the surface of the insulating layer 115 and the adjacent anode electrode 113 emits light, and the displayed characters and designs are displayed. It may be blurred (crosstalk phenomenon).
JP 2003-92188 A

本発明は上記従来技術の不都合を解決するために創作されたものであり、その目的は、クロストーク現象が起こらない単純マトリクス型の有機EL素子を提供することにある。   The present invention was created in order to solve the above-described disadvantages of the prior art, and an object thereof is to provide a simple matrix type organic EL element in which a crosstalk phenomenon does not occur.

上記課題を解決するために、請求項1記載の発明は、基板上に平行に複数のアノード電極を形成するステップと、前記基板上にスパッタ法により前記アノード電極表面上と前記アノード電極表面以外の部分上とで膜厚が同じで前記アノード電極の厚さの分の段差がある絶縁膜を成膜し、前記アノード電極上の前記絶縁膜の一部をエッチングして、前記アノード電極の間の領域と、前記アノード電極の表面のうちの前記アノード電極の長手方向の辺に沿った部分とに絶縁層を形成するステップと、前記絶縁層のうちの、前記アノード電極の表面上の部分が前記アノード電極の表面上以外の部分よりも高く形成された凸条の表面上と、前記アノード電極の表面上とに前記凸条よりも膜厚が薄い有機薄膜を蒸着法により形成するステップと、前記有機薄膜上に前記凸条よりも厚い膜厚のカソード電極を形成するステップとを有し、前記有機薄膜を形成するステップは、前記有機薄膜のうち、前記アノード電極上の前記凸条表面に形成された部分と、前記アノード電極表面に形成された部分とを分離させ、電気的に絶縁させる有機EL素子の製造方法である。
請求項2記載の発明は、基板と、前記基板上に配置され、互いに平行に延設された複数本のアノード電極と、前記アノード電極の間の領域と、前記アノード電極の表面のうちの前記アノード電極の長手方向の辺に沿った部分とに配置され、前記アノード電極の表面上と、前記アノード電極の表面上以外の部分とで、膜厚が同じであって前記アノード電極の膜厚分の段差を有する絶縁層と、前記絶縁層のうち、前記アノード電極の表面上の部分が前記アノード電極の表面上以外の部分より高く形成された凸条の表面上と、前記アノード電極の表面上とに形成され、前記凸条よりも膜厚が薄い有機薄膜と、前記有機薄膜上に形成され、前記凸条の膜厚よりも厚いカソード電極と、を有し、前記アノード電極上の前記凸条表面に形成された前記有機薄膜と、前記アノード電極表面に形成された前記有機薄膜とは分離され、電気的に絶縁されている有機EL素子である。
請求項3記載の発明は、請求項記載の有機EL素子であって、前記カソード電極のうち、前記アノード電極上の有機薄膜上に形成された部分と、前記凸条上の有機薄膜上に形成された部分は連続し、電気的に接続された有機EL素子である。
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 1 is characterized in that a plurality of anode electrodes are formed in parallel on a substrate, and a surface of the anode electrode other than the surface of the anode electrode is formed on the substrate by sputtering. Forming an insulating film having the same thickness on the portion and having a step corresponding to the thickness of the anode electrode, etching a part of the insulating film on the anode electrode, Forming an insulating layer in a region and a portion of the surface of the anode electrode along a longitudinal side of the anode electrode; and a portion of the insulating layer on the surface of the anode electrode and on the surface of the convex, which is higher than the portion other than the surface of the anode electrode, on the surface of the anode electrode, and forming by vapor deposition a thin organic film is a film thickness than said convex, Above Forming a cathode electrode having a film thickness thicker than the ridge on the thin film, and forming the organic thin film is formed on the surface of the ridge on the anode electrode of the organic thin film. This is a method for manufacturing an organic EL element in which the formed portion and the portion formed on the surface of the anode electrode are separated and electrically insulated.
The invention according to claim 2 is a substrate, a plurality of anode electrodes arranged on the substrate and extending in parallel to each other, a region between the anode electrodes, and the surface of the anode electrode. Disposed on a portion along the side in the longitudinal direction of the anode electrode, and the film thickness is the same on the surface of the anode electrode and on the portion other than on the surface of the anode electrode. A step on the surface of the anode electrode, and a portion on the surface of the anode electrode higher than a portion other than on the surface of the anode electrode, and on the surface of the anode electrode. An organic thin film having a thickness smaller than that of the ridge, and a cathode electrode formed on the organic thin film and having a thickness greater than that of the ridge, and the protrusion on the anode electrode. The organic formed on the strip surface And the membrane, wherein the said organic thin film formed on the anode electrode surface is separated, which is electrically the organic EL elements are insulated.
The invention according to claim 3 is the organic EL element according to claim 2 , wherein a portion of the cathode electrode formed on the organic thin film on the anode electrode and an organic thin film on the ridge are provided. The formed part is a continuous and electrically connected organic EL element.

本発明は上記のように構成されており、絶縁層のパターニングによって形成される凸条は絶縁層と同じ膜厚を維持しているので、絶縁層よりも膜厚の薄い有機薄膜を成膜した場合、凸条の先端部分が有機薄膜から突き出される。従って、隣接するアノード電極上に位置する有機薄膜は連続しておらず、凸条によって互いに絶縁される。また、有機薄膜と凸条は絶縁層より膜厚の大きいカソード電極に埋没するので、有機薄膜上に形成されるカソード電極は凸条によって断線されない。   The present invention is configured as described above, and the protrusions formed by patterning the insulating layer maintain the same film thickness as the insulating layer. Therefore, an organic thin film having a thickness smaller than that of the insulating layer is formed. In this case, the tip of the ridge protrudes from the organic thin film. Therefore, the organic thin film located on the adjacent anode electrode is not continuous, and is insulated from each other by the ridges. Further, since the organic thin film and the ridges are buried in the cathode electrode having a thickness larger than that of the insulating layer, the cathode electrode formed on the organic thin film is not disconnected by the ridges.

凸条の先端表面と、凸条の長手方向の側面とが成す角度は90°以下にされているので、有機薄膜を真空蒸着法によって形成する場合に、凸条側面に有機薄膜が蒸着せず、凸条によって有機薄膜がより確実に分離される。例えば、絶縁層をパターニングする際に、エッチング時間をやや長くし、オーバーエッチングとなるようにパターニングを行えば、凸条の先端表面と長手方向の側面との成す角度が90°以下になる。   Since the angle formed by the tip surface of the ridge and the side surface in the longitudinal direction of the ridge is 90 ° or less, the organic thin film is not deposited on the ridge side surface when the organic thin film is formed by vacuum deposition. The organic thin film is more reliably separated by the ridges. For example, when the insulating layer is patterned, if the patterning is performed so that the etching time is slightly longer and overetching is performed, the angle formed between the tip surface of the ridge and the side surface in the longitudinal direction becomes 90 ° or less.

本発明によれば、アノード電極上の有機薄膜が凸条によって互いに分離されているため、電極間に電圧を印加した場合にアノード電極上の有機薄膜から他の部分へ電流が流れず、クロストーク現象が防止される。   According to the present invention, since the organic thin film on the anode electrode is separated from each other by the ridges, current does not flow from the organic thin film on the anode electrode to other portions when a voltage is applied between the electrodes, and crosstalk The phenomenon is prevented.

以下に本発明の有機EL素子をその製造工程とともに詳細に説明する。
図4の符号11は矩形形状のガラス基板からなる基板を示している。基板11表面には複数本のアノード電極13が等間隔を空けて互いに平行に配置されており、互いに隣接するアノード電極13間には基板11表面が露出している。ここでは、アノード電極13を膜厚100nmの透明なITO薄膜で構成した。
Hereinafter, the organic EL device of the present invention will be described in detail together with its production process.
Reference numeral 11 in FIG. 4 indicates a substrate made of a rectangular glass substrate. A plurality of anode electrodes 13 are arranged in parallel to each other on the surface of the substrate 11 at equal intervals, and the surface of the substrate 11 is exposed between the anode electrodes 13 adjacent to each other. Here, the anode electrode 13 was formed of a transparent ITO thin film having a thickness of 100 nm.

このガラス基板11のアノード電極13が配置された側の面に、スパッタ法により絶縁物である二酸化ケイ素(SiO2)を成膜し、アノード電極13よりも膜厚の大きい絶縁層を形成する(図1(a))。ここでは膜厚120nmの絶縁層14を形成した。 On the surface of the glass substrate 11 on which the anode electrode 13 is disposed, silicon dioxide (SiO 2 ), which is an insulator, is formed by sputtering to form an insulating layer having a larger film thickness than the anode electrode 13 ( FIG. 1 (a)). Here, the insulating layer 14 having a thickness of 120 nm was formed.

図1(a)の符号14は絶縁層を示しており、アノード電極13表面と、アノード電極13間に露出する基板11表面は、それぞれ絶縁層14によって覆われている。絶縁層14の膜厚はアノード電極13の膜厚よりも大きいため、絶縁層14表面の基板11表面からの高さは、アノード電極13表面の基板11表面の高さよりも高くなっている。   Reference numeral 14 in FIG. 1A denotes an insulating layer, and the surface of the anode electrode 13 and the surface of the substrate 11 exposed between the anode electrodes 13 are each covered with the insulating layer 14. Since the thickness of the insulating layer 14 is larger than the thickness of the anode electrode 13, the height of the surface of the insulating layer 14 from the surface of the substrate 11 is higher than the height of the surface of the substrate 11 on the surface of the anode electrode 13.

次いで、絶縁層14表面にレジスト層を形成する。図1(b)の符号16はレジスト層を示しており、その状態では絶縁層14表面はレジスト層16によって覆われている。   Next, a resist layer is formed on the surface of the insulating layer 14. Reference numeral 16 in FIG. 1B denotes a resist layer. In this state, the surface of the insulating layer 14 is covered with the resist layer 16.

次いで、レジスト層16上にマスク19を配置する(図1(c))。マスク19は光を透過する透光部19aと光を遮断する遮蔽部19bとを有しており、マスク19を位置合わせした後、露光、現像を行うと、光が照射された部分がエッチングされてレジスト層16に複数個の窓部18が形成され、該窓部18底面に絶縁層14が部分的に露出する(図1(d))。図1(d)の符号17はエッチングによりパターニングされたレジスト層を示している。   Next, a mask 19 is disposed on the resist layer 16 (FIG. 1C). The mask 19 has a light transmitting portion 19a that transmits light and a shielding portion 19b that blocks light. After the mask 19 is aligned, exposure and development are performed, and the portion irradiated with light is etched. Thus, a plurality of window portions 18 are formed in the resist layer 16, and the insulating layer 14 is partially exposed on the bottom surface of the window portions 18 (FIG. 1D). Reference numeral 17 in FIG. 1D shows a resist layer patterned by etching.

図5は窓部18が形成された状態を示す平面図であり、各窓部18はアノード電極13上に位置している。各窓部18のアノード電極13の幅方向の大きさは、アノード電極13の幅よりも小さくされており、窓部18の縁はアノード電極13の縁の内側に位置するので、窓部18の縁とアノード電極13の縁との間にはパターニングされたレジスト層17が存する。各アノード電極13上の窓部18は互いに等間隔を空けて配置されているので、アノード電極13上の窓部18間に位置する部分にはパターニングされたレジスト層17が存する。   FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a state in which the window portions 18 are formed. Each window portion 18 is located on the anode electrode 13. The size of each window portion 18 in the width direction of the anode electrode 13 is smaller than the width of the anode electrode 13, and the edge of the window portion 18 is located inside the edge of the anode electrode 13. A patterned resist layer 17 is present between the edge and the edge of the anode electrode 13. Since the window portions 18 on each anode electrode 13 are arranged at equal intervals from each other, a patterned resist layer 17 exists in a portion located between the window portions 18 on the anode electrode 13.

また、窓部18は行列状に配置されている。図1(d)は各窓部18の電極13とは垂直方向の断面図であり、図5のA−A線断面図に相当する。また、B−B線はA−A線と平行な方向であって、窓部18の位置しない部分を示しており、その部分に後述する隔壁が形成される。このB−B線の切断線に沿った断面図を図3(a)に示す。   Moreover, the window part 18 is arrange | positioned at matrix form. FIG. 1D is a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the electrode 13 of each window 18 and corresponds to a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. Moreover, the BB line is a direction parallel to the AA line and indicates a portion where the window portion 18 is not located, and a partition which will be described later is formed in that portion. A cross-sectional view along the cutting line BB is shown in FIG.

次いで、5重量%のフッ酸水溶液を用いて窓部18の下層部分をエッチング除去する(パターニング)。図2(e)はパターニング後のA−A線に相当する部分を示しており、窓部18底面に露出していた絶縁層14が除去され、窓部18と同形状の開口22が形成されている。   Next, the lower layer portion of the window 18 is removed by etching using 5 wt% hydrofluoric acid aqueous solution (patterning). FIG. 2E shows a portion corresponding to the AA line after patterning, and the insulating layer 14 exposed on the bottom surface of the window portion 18 is removed, and an opening 22 having the same shape as the window portion 18 is formed. ing.

上述したように、各窓部18のアノード電極13の幅方向の大きさは、アノード電極13の幅よりも小さくされており、窓部18の縁のうち、アノード電極13の長手方向の縁に近接する2つの縁は、アノード電極13の長手方向の縁よりもそれぞれ同じ距離dだけ内側に配置されている。従って、A−A線に相当する部分では、アノード電極13の長手方向の2つの縁から、それぞれ距離dだけ内側にレジスト層17が残っており、その部分はエッチングされずに残るので、アノード電極13の長手方向の2つの縁の近傍に、それぞれ幅dの凸条15bが形成される。   As described above, the size in the width direction of the anode electrode 13 of each window portion 18 is smaller than the width of the anode electrode 13, and the edge in the longitudinal direction of the anode electrode 13 among the edges of the window portion 18. Two adjacent edges are arranged on the inner side by the same distance d from the longitudinal edge of the anode electrode 13. Therefore, in the portion corresponding to the AA line, the resist layer 17 remains on the inner side by a distance d from the two edges in the longitudinal direction of the anode electrode 13, and the portion remains without being etched. 13 are formed in the vicinity of two edges in the longitudinal direction 13 respectively.

また、凸条15aの幅dは窓部18の幅よりも小さくされており、窓部18と同形状の開口22底面に露出するアノード電極13の面積が大きくなり、後述する有機薄膜がアノード電極13に接触する面積が大きくなる。   Further, the width d of the ridge 15a is made smaller than the width of the window portion 18, and the area of the anode electrode 13 exposed on the bottom surface of the opening 22 having the same shape as that of the window portion 18 is increased. The area in contact with 13 increases.

他方、互いに隣接するアノード電極13の間には窓部18が形成されていないので、アノード電極13の間には絶縁層14が残る。図2(e)の符号15bはアノード電極13の間の絶縁層を示している。   On the other hand, since the window 18 is not formed between the anode electrodes 13 adjacent to each other, the insulating layer 14 remains between the anode electrodes 13. Reference numeral 15 b in FIG. 2E indicates an insulating layer between the anode electrodes 13.

絶縁層14は膜厚が均一であるから、パターニング後に残った絶縁層15a、15bの膜厚も均一であり、アノード電極13上に位置する凸条15aの基板11表面からの高さは、アノード電極の間に位置する絶縁層15bの基板11表面からの高さよりもアノード電極13の厚さ分高くなっている。   Since the insulating layer 14 has a uniform film thickness, the insulating layers 15a and 15b remaining after patterning also have a uniform film thickness, and the height of the protrusion 15a located on the anode electrode 13 from the surface of the substrate 11 is the anode. The thickness of the anode electrode 13 is higher than the height of the insulating layer 15b positioned between the electrodes from the surface of the substrate 11.

アノード電極13の断面形状は矩形にされているが、絶縁層14の膜厚はアノード電極13の膜厚よりも大きくされているので、アノード電極13の角部は絶縁層15bに覆われ、露出しない。   Although the cross-sectional shape of the anode electrode 13 is rectangular, the film thickness of the insulating layer 14 is larger than the film thickness of the anode electrode 13, so that the corners of the anode electrode 13 are covered with the insulating layer 15b and exposed. do not do.

また、図3(b)はB−B線に相当する部分を示しており、その部分の絶縁層15b、15c表面にはレジスト層17が存するためエッチングされず、基板11表面の絶縁層15bと、アノード電極13表面の絶縁層15cは連続して残っている。   FIG. 3B shows a portion corresponding to the line B-B. Since the resist layer 17 exists on the surfaces of the insulating layers 15b and 15c in the portions, the etching is not performed, and the insulating layer 15b on the surface of the substrate 11 is not etched. The insulating layer 15c on the surface of the anode electrode 13 remains continuously.

次に、有機溶媒であるアセトンを用いてレジスト層17を除去する。図6はその状態を示す平面図であり、図2(f)は図6のA−A線断面図を、図3(c)は図6のB−B線断面図をそれぞれ示している。図2(f)を参照し、A−A線に相当する部分では、凸条15aと、基板11表面の絶縁層15bと、開口22底面のアノード電極13が露出しているが、図3(c)を参照し、B−B線に相当する部分はアノード電極13と垂直な方向に連続して残った絶縁層15b、15cが露出している。   Next, the resist layer 17 is removed using acetone which is an organic solvent. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the state, FIG. 2 (f) shows a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 6, and FIG. 3 (c) shows a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. Referring to FIG. 2 (f), in the portion corresponding to the line AA, the ridges 15a, the insulating layer 15b on the surface of the substrate 11, and the anode electrode 13 on the bottom surface of the opening 22 are exposed. Referring to c), the portions corresponding to the line BB are exposed to the insulating layers 15b and 15c that remain continuously in the direction perpendicular to the anode electrode 13.

次いで、連続する絶縁層15b、15c表面にそれぞれ直線状の隔壁26を形成する(図7)。図7は隔壁26が形成された状態を示す平面図であり、図2(g)は図7のA−A線断面図を、図3(d)は図7のB−B線断面図を示している。   Next, linear partition walls 26 are formed on the surfaces of the continuous insulating layers 15b and 15c (FIG. 7). 7 is a plan view showing a state in which the partition wall 26 is formed. FIG. 2 (g) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 7, and FIG. 3 (d) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. Show.

A−A線に相当する部分は隔壁26の隙間に位置し、その部分に位置する絶縁層15bと、凸条15aと、開口22底面のアノード電極13とは隔壁26に覆われずに露出している(図2(g))。他方、B−B線に相当する部分では、絶縁層15b、15c表面が隔壁26で覆われている(図3(d))。   The portion corresponding to the AA line is located in the gap of the partition wall 26, and the insulating layer 15b, the protrusion 15a, and the anode electrode 13 on the bottom surface of the opening 22 are exposed without being covered by the partition wall 26. (FIG. 2 (g)). On the other hand, in the portion corresponding to the BB line, the surfaces of the insulating layers 15b and 15c are covered with the partition walls 26 (FIG. 3D).

次に、基板11の隔壁26が形成された側の面に、発光有機材料を真空蒸着し、絶縁層15a〜15cよりも膜厚の小さい有機薄膜(例えば、膜厚90nm以上120nm以下)を隔壁26表面と隔壁26の隙間に形成すると、隔壁26によって形成された段差により、隔壁26表面に形成された有機薄膜と、隔壁26の隙間に形成された有機薄膜とが互いに分離する。   Next, a light emitting organic material is vacuum-deposited on the surface of the substrate 11 where the partition wall 26 is formed, and an organic thin film (for example, a film thickness of 90 nm or more and 120 nm or less) smaller than the insulating layers 15a to 15c is formed. 26, the organic thin film formed on the surface of the partition wall 26 and the organic thin film formed on the space of the partition wall 26 are separated from each other due to the step formed by the partition wall 26.

図2(h)は有機薄膜が形成された状態のA−A線に相当する部分の断面図を示しており、図3(e)は有機薄膜が形成された状態のB−B線に相当する部分を示している。   FIG. 2 (h) shows a cross-sectional view of a portion corresponding to line AA in a state where an organic thin film is formed, and FIG. 3 (e) corresponds to a line BB in a state where an organic thin film is formed. The part to do is shown.

図3(e)の符号23bは隔壁26表面に形成された有機薄膜を示している。他方、図2(h)の符号23aは隔壁26の隙間に形成された有機薄膜を示している。この有機薄膜23aはアノード電極13の間の絶縁層15b表面と、凸条15a先端と、開口22底面のアノード電極13表面に位置しており、凸条15aはアノード電極13表面に位置する有機薄膜23aと、絶縁層15b表面に位置する有機薄膜23bとに挟まれている。図2(h)の符号12は、凸条15aが有機薄膜23aに挟まれた部分を示しており、図8は図2(h)の符号12に示す部分の拡大図である。   Reference numeral 23 b in FIG. 3E indicates an organic thin film formed on the surface of the partition wall 26. On the other hand, reference numeral 23a in FIG. 2 (h) denotes an organic thin film formed in a gap between the partition walls 26. The organic thin film 23 a is located on the surface of the insulating layer 15 b between the anode electrodes 13, the tip of the ridge 15 a, and the surface of the anode electrode 13 on the bottom surface of the opening 22, and the ridge 15 a is located on the surface of the anode electrode 13. 23a and the organic thin film 23b located on the surface of the insulating layer 15b. Reference numeral 12 in FIG. 2 (h) indicates a portion where the ridge 15a is sandwiched between the organic thin films 23a, and FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the portion indicated by reference numeral 12 in FIG. 2 (h).

図8の符号h1は、凸条15a先端のアノード電極13表面からの高さを示しており、同図の符号h2はアノード電極13表面に位置する有機薄膜23aの膜厚を示している。 Code h 1 in FIG. 8 shows the height from the anode electrode 13 surface of the protrusions 15a tip, sign h 2 of the figure shows the film thickness of the organic thin film 23a located on the anode electrode 13 surface .

有機薄膜23aの膜厚は絶縁層14の膜厚よりも小さくされており、凸条15aはパターニングされた絶縁層14からなるので、凸条15a先端のアノード電極13表面からの高さh1は、アノード電極13表面に位置する有機薄膜23aの膜厚h2(即ち、有機薄膜23a表面のアノード電極13表面からの高さ)よりも膜厚差(h1−h2)分高くなっている。 The film thickness of the organic thin film 23a is made smaller than the film thickness of the insulating layer 14, and the ridge 15a is made of the patterned insulating layer 14. Therefore, the height h 1 from the surface of the anode 13 at the tip of the ridge 15a is The film thickness h 2 of the organic thin film 23a located on the surface of the anode electrode 13 (ie, the height of the surface of the organic thin film 23a from the surface of the anode electrode 13) is higher by the film thickness difference (h 1 −h 2 ). .

凸条15aの長手方向の側面のうち、アノード電極13表面からの高さがアノード電極13表面に位置する有機薄膜23aの膜厚よりも大きい部分が有機薄膜23aに覆われずに露出するので、各アノード電極13表面に位置する有機薄膜23aは連続しておらず、凸条15aの露出した部分によって互いに絶縁される。   Of the side surface in the longitudinal direction of the ridge 15a, a portion where the height from the surface of the anode electrode 13 is larger than the film thickness of the organic thin film 23a located on the surface of the anode electrode 13 is exposed without being covered with the organic thin film 23a. The organic thin film 23a located on the surface of each anode electrode 13 is not continuous and is insulated from each other by the exposed portion of the protrusion 15a.

ここでは、凸条15aは各アノード電極13の長手方向の両縁にそれぞれ位置するので、アノード電極13表面の有機薄膜23aは両縁に位置する2つの凸条15aによって有機薄膜23aの他の部分から絶縁されている。   Here, since the ridges 15a are located on both edges in the longitudinal direction of each anode electrode 13, the organic thin film 23a on the surface of the anode electrode 13 is another part of the organic thin film 23a by two ridges 15a located on both edges. Insulated from.

尚、絶縁層14をパターニングする際に、凸条15a先端表面と、凸条15aの長手方向の側面との角度θが90°以下になるようエッチングを行った場合は、凸条15aの長手方向の側面が凸条15a表面によって遮られ、有機薄膜23aが蒸着されないので、凸条15aの長手方向の側面のうち、アノード電極13表面からの高さが、アノード電極13表面の有機薄膜23aの膜厚よりも大きい部分が露出し、各アノード電極13上の有機薄膜23aがより確実に絶縁される。   When the insulating layer 14 is patterned, when etching is performed so that the angle θ between the tip surface of the ridge 15a and the side surface in the longitudinal direction of the ridge 15a is 90 ° or less, the longitudinal direction of the ridge 15a Since the organic thin film 23a is not vapor-deposited by the surface of the ridge 15a, the height from the surface of the anode electrode 13 is the height of the organic thin film 23a on the surface of the anode electrode 13 among the side surfaces in the longitudinal direction of the ridge 15a. A portion larger than the thickness is exposed, and the organic thin film 23a on each anode electrode 13 is more reliably insulated.

次に、有機薄膜23a、23b表面に金属を真空蒸着させ、絶縁層14よりも膜厚の大きい金属薄膜(例えば、膜厚150nm以上200nm以下)を形成すると、隔壁26上に形成される金属薄膜と、隔壁26の隙間に形成される金属薄膜とは有機薄膜23a、23bが分離されたのと同じ理由で互いに分離される。   Next, when metal is vacuum-deposited on the surfaces of the organic thin films 23a and 23b to form a metal thin film (for example, a film thickness of 150 nm or more and 200 nm or less) larger than the insulating layer 14, a metal thin film formed on the partition wall 26 is formed. And the metal thin film formed in the gap between the partition walls 26 are separated from each other for the same reason that the organic thin films 23a and 23b are separated.

金属薄膜27aの膜厚は、凸条15aのアノード電極13表面からの高さよりも大きくされており、凸条15aと、有機薄膜23aは完全に金属電極27aに埋没されるので、金属電極27aは断線されずに連続し、この連続した金属電極27aから有機EL素子10のカソード電極が形成される。   The film thickness of the metal thin film 27a is made larger than the height of the protrusion 15a from the surface of the anode electrode 13, and the protrusion 15a and the organic thin film 23a are completely buried in the metal electrode 27a. The cathode electrode of the organic EL element 10 is formed continuously from the continuous metal electrode 27a without being disconnected.

他方、図3(e)はB−B線に対応する部分を示しており、同図の符号27bは隔壁26上に形成された金属薄膜を示している。隔壁26上の有機薄膜23bと、金属薄膜27bは、隔壁26によってカソード電極27aやアノード電極13から分離されており、有機EL素子10の動作に関与しない。   On the other hand, FIG. 3E shows a portion corresponding to the line BB, and reference numeral 27 b in FIG. 3 shows a metal thin film formed on the partition wall 26. The organic thin film 23 b and the metal thin film 27 b on the partition wall 26 are separated from the cathode electrode 27 a and the anode electrode 13 by the partition wall 26, and are not involved in the operation of the organic EL element 10.

この有機EL素子10のカソード電極27aとアノード電極13とをそれぞれ選択して電圧を印加した場合に、アノード電極13とカソード電極27aとが交差する部分が発光する。この有機EL素子10では、アノード電極13表面の有機薄膜23aは凸条15aによって他の部分から絶縁されているので、選択されたアノード電極13とカソード電極27aとが交差する部分のみが発光し、クロストーク現象が起こらない。   When the cathode electrode 27a and the anode electrode 13 of the organic EL element 10 are respectively selected and a voltage is applied, the portion where the anode electrode 13 and the cathode electrode 27a intersect emits light. In this organic EL element 10, since the organic thin film 23a on the surface of the anode electrode 13 is insulated from other portions by the ridges 15a, only the portion where the selected anode electrode 13 and the cathode electrode 27a intersect emits light, Crosstalk phenomenon does not occur.

以上は、凸条15aをアノード電極13の長手方向の縁部に形成する場合について説明したが、本発明はこれに限定されるものではない。図9の符号50は本発明他の例の有機EL素子を示している。   Although the above has described the case where the ridge 15a is formed on the edge in the longitudinal direction of the anode electrode 13, the present invention is not limited to this. Reference numeral 50 in FIG. 9 represents an organic EL element of another example of the present invention.

この有機EL素子50は図1(a)に示したものと同じ構造の基板51とアノード電極53とを有している。同図の符号55はアノード電極53間に配置された絶縁層を示しており、絶縁層55はアノード電極53の延設方向に沿って延設されている。同図の符号65は該絶縁層55表面に位置し、アノード電極53の延びる方向に延設された凸条を示している。凸条65の膜厚は、有機薄膜54の膜厚よりも大きくされているので、有機薄膜54のうち絶縁層55表面に形成された部分は、凸条65によって分離されている。従って、有機薄膜54は連続しておらず、隣接するアノード電極53表面の有機薄膜54は、凸条65によって互いに分離されている。   The organic EL element 50 has a substrate 51 and an anode electrode 53 having the same structure as that shown in FIG. Reference numeral 55 in the figure denotes an insulating layer disposed between the anode electrodes 53, and the insulating layer 55 extends along the extending direction of the anode electrode 53. Reference numeral 65 in the figure denotes a protrusion that is located on the surface of the insulating layer 55 and extends in the direction in which the anode electrode 53 extends. Since the film thickness of the ridge 65 is larger than the film thickness of the organic thin film 54, the portion of the organic thin film 54 formed on the surface of the insulating layer 55 is separated by the ridge 65. Therefore, the organic thin film 54 is not continuous, and the organic thin film 54 on the surface of the adjacent anode electrode 53 is separated from each other by the protrusion 65.

なお、基板11は、ガラス基板に限定されるものではなく、透明な樹脂フィルム等、透光性を有するものであれば、有機物や無機物等広く用いることができる、また、その表面に、無機物や有機物からなる下地層が形成されている場合も含まれる。   Note that the substrate 11 is not limited to a glass substrate, and can be widely used as long as it has translucency such as a transparent resin film. A case where an underlayer made of an organic material is formed is also included.

また、凸条や絶縁層を構成する絶縁物も二酸化ケイ素に限定されるものではなく、エッチングによってパターニングが行える絶縁物であれば、有機物や無機物等広く用いることができる。   Further, the insulator constituting the ridges and the insulating layer is not limited to silicon dioxide, and any organic or inorganic substance can be used as long as it is an insulator that can be patterned by etching.

(a)〜(d):本発明の有機EL素子の製造工程の前半を説明する断面図(A)-(d): Sectional drawing explaining the first half of the manufacturing process of the organic EL element of this invention (e)〜(i):本発明の有機EL素子の製造工程の後半を説明する断面図(E)-(i): Sectional drawing explaining the latter half of the manufacturing process of the organic EL element of this invention (a)〜(f):B−B線に相当する部分を説明する断面図(A)-(f): Sectional drawing explaining the part corresponded to the BB line 基板とアノード電極との位置関係を説明する斜視図The perspective view explaining the positional relationship between the substrate and the anode electrode パターニングされたレジスト層を説明する平面図Plan view for explaining a patterned resist layer パターニングされた絶縁層を説明する平面図Plan view illustrating a patterned insulating layer 隔壁を形成した状態を説明する平面図Plan view for explaining a state in which a partition is formed 凸条と有機薄膜との関係を説明する拡大断面図Enlarged sectional view explaining the relationship between ridges and organic thin films 本発明の有機EL素子の他の例を説明する断面図Sectional drawing explaining the other example of the organic EL element of this invention 従来技術の有機EL素子を説明するための断面図Sectional drawing for demonstrating the organic EL element of a prior art

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

10、50……有機EL素子
11、51……基板
13、53……アノード電極
15b、15c、55……絶縁層
15a、65……凸条
23a、54……有機薄膜
27a、57……カソード電極
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10, 50 ... Organic EL element 11, 51 ... Substrate 13, 53 ... Anode electrode 15b, 15c, 55 ... Insulating layer 15a, 65 ... Projection 23a, 54 ... Organic thin film 27a, 57 ... Cathode electrode

Claims (3)

基板上に平行に複数のアノード電極を形成するステップと、
前記基板上にスパッタ法により前記アノード電極表面上と前記アノード電極表面以外の部分上とで膜厚が同じで前記アノード電極の厚さの分の段差がある絶縁膜を成膜し、前記アノード電極上の前記絶縁膜の一部をエッチングして、前記アノード電極の間の領域と、前記アノード電極の表面のうちの前記アノード電極の長手方向の辺に沿った部分とに絶縁層を形成するステップと、
前記絶縁層のうちの、前記アノード電極の表面上の部分が前記アノード電極の表面上以外の部分よりも高く形成された凸条の表面上と、前記アノード電極の表面上とに前記凸条よりも膜厚が薄い有機薄膜を蒸着法により形成するステップと、
前記有機薄膜上に前記凸条よりも厚い膜厚のカソード電極を形成するステップとを有し、
前記有機薄膜を形成するステップは、前記有機薄膜のうち、前記アノード電極上の前記凸条表面に形成された部分と、前記アノード電極表面に形成された部分とを分離させ、電気的に絶縁させる有機EL素子の製造方法。
Forming a plurality of anode electrodes in parallel on a substrate;
An insulating film having the same film thickness on the surface of the anode electrode and a portion other than the surface of the anode electrode and having a step corresponding to the thickness of the anode electrode is formed on the substrate by sputtering. Etching a part of the insulating film on the upper surface to form an insulating layer in a region between the anode electrodes and a portion of the surface of the anode electrode along a longitudinal side of the anode electrode When,
Wherein one of the insulating layer, and the convex on the surface that is higher than the portion other than the surface of the portions on the surface anode electrode of the anode electrode, on the surface of the anode electrode, the ridges Forming an organic thin film having a thinner film thickness by vapor deposition ;
Forming a cathode electrode having a film thickness thicker than the ridges on the organic thin film,
In the step of forming the organic thin film, a portion of the organic thin film formed on the surface of the ridge on the anode electrode and a portion formed on the surface of the anode electrode are separated and electrically insulated. Manufacturing method of organic EL element.
基板と、
前記基板上に配置され、互いに平行に延設された複数本のアノード電極と、
前記アノード電極の間の領域と、前記アノード電極の表面のうちの前記アノード電極の長手方向の辺に沿った部分とに配置され、前記アノード電極の表面上と、前記アノード電極の表面上以外の部分とで、膜厚が同じであって前記アノード電極の膜厚分の段差を有する絶縁層と、
前記絶縁層のうち、前記アノード電極の表面上の部分が前記アノード電極の表面上以外の部分より高く形成された凸条の表面上と、前記アノード電極の表面上とに形成され、前記凸条よりも膜厚が薄い有機薄膜と、
前記有機薄膜上に形成され、前記凸条の膜厚よりも厚いカソード電極と、を有し、
前記アノード電極上の前記凸条表面に形成された前記有機薄膜と、前記アノード電極表面に形成された前記有機薄膜とは分離され、電気的に絶縁されている有機EL素子。
A substrate,
A plurality of anode electrodes disposed on the substrate and extending in parallel with each other;
It is arrange | positioned in the area | region between the said anode electrodes, and the part along the edge | side of the longitudinal direction of the said anode electrode among the surfaces of the said anode electrode, Other than on the surface of the said anode electrode, and the surface of the said anode electrode An insulating layer having the same thickness and a step corresponding to the thickness of the anode electrode ;
Of the insulating layer, the portion on the surface of the anode electrode is formed on the surface of the ridge formed higher than the portion other than on the surface of the anode electrode, and on the surface of the anode electrode, and the ridge An organic thin film with a thinner film thickness,
A cathode electrode formed on the organic thin film and thicker than the film thickness of the ridge,
An organic EL element in which the organic thin film formed on the surface of the ridge on the anode electrode and the organic thin film formed on the surface of the anode electrode are separated and electrically insulated.
請求項記載の有機EL素子であって、
前記カソード電極のうち、前記アノード電極上の有機薄膜上に形成された部分と、前記凸条上の有機薄膜上に形成された部分は連続し、電気的に接続された有機EL素子。
The organic EL device according to claim 2 ,
A portion of the cathode electrode formed on the organic thin film on the anode electrode and a portion formed on the organic thin film on the ridge are continuous and electrically connected.
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