Abstract:
A light source unit includes a light source configured to emit a light, a first case including a first groove configured to receive the light source therein, a first sealing member disposed in the first groove and covering the light source, a second case disposed on the first case and including a first opening portion overlapping with the first groove, and a quantum dot member disposed between the first case and the second case and including a light conversion area configured to convert the light to a white light and a defect area surrounding the light conversion area. The first opening portion is disposed through the second case, a portion of the light conversion area overlaps with the first opening portion and the first groove, and the light source unit is configured such that the white light exits therefrom through the first opening portion.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This patent application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2013-0077330, filed on Jul. 2, 2013, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     1. TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to a light source unit, a method of manufacturing the light source unit, and a backlight unit having the light source unit. 
     2. BACKGROUND OF THE RELATED ART 
     In recent years, various display devices, such as, for example, a liquid crystal display device, an electrowetting display device, an electrophoretic display device, etc., have been developed. 
     In general, a display device includes a display panel to display an image and a backlight unit to supply light to the display panel. The display panel controls a transmittance of the light provided from the backlight unit to display the image. The light provided to the display panel from the backlight unit is a white light. 
     The backlight unit is classified into, for example, an edge-illumination type backlight unit disposed at a side portion of the display panel to supply the light to the display panel and a direct-illumination type backlight unit disposed right under the display panel to supply the light to the display panel. The edge-illumination type backlight unit includes, for example, a light source to generate the light and a light guide plate to guide the light. The light guide plate guides the light emitted from the light source to the display panel. 
     SUMMARY 
     Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a light source unit capable of increasing the light conversion efficiency. 
     Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a method of manufacturing the light source unit. 
     Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a backlight unit having the light source unit. 
     Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a light source unit including a light source configured to emit a light, a first case that includes a first groove configured to receive a light source therein, a first sealing member disposed in the first groove and covering the light source, a second case disposed on the first case and including a first opening portion overlapping with the first groove, and a quantum dot member disposed between the first case and the second case and including a light conversion area configured to convert the light to a white light and a defect area surrounding the light conversion area. The first opening portion is disposed through the second case, a portion of the light conversion area overlaps with the first opening portion and the first groove, and the light source unit is configured such that the white light exits therefrom through the first opening portion. 
     The second case further includes a second opening portion disposed at a front surface of the second case, upwardly recessing from a lower surface of the second case, and extending in a first direction substantially parallel to the front surface of the second case, a second groove upwardly recessing from the lower surface of the second case and inwardly spaced apart from the front surface, a rear surface, a left surface, and a right surface of the second case, and a first hole disposed through the second case and disposed adjacent to the rear surface of the second case. The second opening portion and the quantum dot member have a first length in the first direction, the second groove has a second length longer than the first length, and the second opening portion overlaps with the second groove in a second direction vertically crossing the first direction. 
     A portion of a center of the second groove is connected to the first opening portion, the second groove is connected to the second opening portion in a front surface direction of the second case, the first hole is overlapped with the second groove and not overlapped with the quantum dot member, and each of the quantum dot member, the second opening portion, and the second groove has a first height in an upper direction. 
     The quantum dot member is inserted into the second opening portion and the second groove, the defect area partially overlaps with the second opening portion and the second groove, and a rear surface of the quantum dot member, a left surface of the quantum dot member, and a right surface of the quantum dot member are spaced apart from an inner surface of the second groove. 
     The light source further includes a second sealing member disposed between the inner surface of the second groove and the rear surface of the quantum dot member, the left surface of the quantum dot member, and the right surface of the quantum dot member. 
     The second case further includes a plurality of second opening portions respectively disposed at a front surface of the second case, a rear surface of the second case, a left surface of the second case, and a right surface of the second case and which upwardly recess from a lower surface of the second case, a second groove upwardly recessing from the lower surface of the second case and inwardly spaced apart from the front surface of the second case, the rear surface of the second case, the left surface of the second case, and the right surface of the second case by, and a first hole disposed through the second case and disposed adjacent to the rear surface of the second case. The second opening portions and the quantum dot member have a first length in a first direction substantially parallel to the front surface of the second case and a second direction vertically crossing the first direction in a plan view, the second groove has a second length longer than the first length in the first and second directions, and the second opening portions overlap with the second groove in the first and second directions. 
     A portion of a center of the second groove is connected to the first opening portion, the second groove is connected to the second opening portions in a front surface direction of the second case, a rear surface direction of the second case, a left surface direction of the second case, and a right surface direction of the second case, the first hole is disposed at a boundary between the second groove and the second opening portion disposed at the rear surface of the second case, and each of the quantum dot member, the second opening portions, and the second groove has a first height in an upper direction. 
     The quantum dot member is disposed in the second groove and inwardly spaced apart from an outer boundary of the second groove, and the defect area is inwardly spaced apart from the outer boundary of the second groove and partially overlaps with the second groove. 
     The light source further includes a second sealing member disposed in an area of the second groove, in which the quantum dot member is not disposed, and the second opening portions are disposed. 
     Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a method of manufacturing a light source unit including preparing a first case including a first groove in which a light source is disposed and a first sealing member disposed in the first groove and covering the light source, disposing a second case including a first opening portion on the first case and in which the first opening portion overlaps with the first groove, and disposing a quantum dot member between the first case and the second case. The quantum dot member includes a light conversion area configured to convert a light emitted from the light source to a white light and a defect area surrounding the light conversion area. A portion of the light conversion area overlaps with the first opening portion and the first groove, and the light source unit is configured such that the white light exits therefrom through the first opening portion. 
     Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a backlight unit including a light source unit configured to emit a white light and an optical sheet configured to diffuse the white light and condense the white light upwards. The light source unit includes a light source configured to emit a light, a first case that includes a first groove configured to receive the light source therein, a first sealing member disposed in the first groove and covering the light source, a second case disposed on the first case and including a first opening portion overlapping with the first groove, and a quantum dot member disposed between the first case and the second case and including a light conversion area configured to convert the light to the white light and a defect area surrounding the light conversion area. The first opening portion is disposed through the second case, a portion of the light conversion area overlaps with the first opening portion and the first groove, and the light source unit is configured such that the white light exits therefrom through the first opening portion. 
     Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a backlight unit including a light source unit configured to emit a light, a quantum dot member that includes a light conversion area configured to convert the light to a white light and a defect area surrounding the light conversion area, a frame member configured to hold the quantum dot member, accommodate the defect area, and expose a portion of the light conversion area, and an optical sheet configured to diffuse the white light provided from the quantum dot member and condense the white light upwards. 
     According to exemplary embodiments, a display device is provided. The display device includes a display panel including a thin film transistor substrate on which a plurality of pixels are disposed, a color filter substrate facing the thin film transistor substrate and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the thin film transistor substrate and the color filter substrate. The pixels include a pixel electrode and a thin film transistor connected to the pixel electrode. The display panel further includes a gate driver configured to generate and apply gate signals to the pixels, a driving circuit board, a data driver including a plurality of source driving chips connected to the driving circuit board and the thin film transistor substrate, in which the data driver is configured to generate and apply data voltages to the pixels, and a backlight unit. 
     The backlight unit of the display device includes a substrate, a light source unit disposed on the substrate and includes a first case including a first groove having a sidewall which is inclined with respect to a bottom surface of the first groove, a light source configured to emit blue light and disposed in the first groove, in which an upper surface of the first case is higher than an upper surface of the light source disposed in the groove, a first sealing member disposed in the first groove and covering the light source, in which the first sealing member includes a transparent organic material, a second case coupled to the first case and including a first opening portion overlapping with the first groove, a second groove upwardly recessing from a lower surface of the second case, a second opening portion disposed at a front side of the second case and upwardly recessing from a lower portion of the second case and overlapping with the second groove, and a first hole disposed in the second case and overlapping with the second groove, and a quantum dot member disposed in the second opening portion and the second groove of the second case and which does not overlap with the first hole. The quantum dot member includes a light conversion area configured to convert the blue light emitted from the light source to a white light and a defect area surrounding the light conversion area. An area in which the first groove of the first case is overlapped with the first opening portion of the second case is configured to transmit the white light and an area of the first case except for the first groove and an area of the second case except for the first opening portion are configured to block the blue light from reaching the defect area. The light source unit is configured such that the white light exits therefrom through the first opening portion. 
     The backlight unit of the display device further includes a light guide plate, a reflection plate disposed under the light guide plate, and an optical sheet disposed above the light guide plate. The light source unit is disposed adjacent to a side surface of the light guide plate and is configured to emit the white light to the light guide plate. The reflection plate is configured to reflect the white light exiting from a lower surface of the light guide plate such that the reflected white light travels back to the light guide plate, and the optical sheet is configured to diffuse the white light and condense the white light upwards. 
     According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the light source unit and the backlight unit having the light source unit may have increased light conversion characteristics. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Exemplary embodiments of the present invention can be understood in more detail from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view showing a light source unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a bottom view showing the second case and the quantum dot member shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view take along a line I-I′ shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view taken along a line II-II′ shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a view showing a quantum dot sheet manufactured in a roll shape; 
         FIG. 6  is a view showing a quantum dot member obtained by cutting the quantum dot sheet shown in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view taken along a line shown in  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIGS. 8A to 8F  are views showing a method of manufacturing the light source unit shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 9  is an exploded perspective view showing a light source unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a bottom view showing the second case and the quantum dot member shown in  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view taken along a line IV-IV′ shown in  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view taken along a line V-V′ shown in  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIGS. 13A to 13G  are views showing a method of manufacturing the light source shown in  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIGS. 14 and 15  are views showing a backlight unit including one of the light source units shown in  FIGS. 1 and 9 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view showing a backlight unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 17A to 17E  are views showing a method of fixing the quantum dot member to the frame member shown in  FIG. 16 ; and 
         FIG. 18  is a view showing a display device including one of the backlight units shown in  FIGS. 14, 15, and 16 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on”, “connected to” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected or coupled to the other element or layer or intervening elements or layers may be present. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms, “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “includes” and/or “including”, when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
     Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
       FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view showing a light source unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention,  FIG. 2  is a bottom view showing the second case and the quantum dot member shown in  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view take along a line I-I′ shown in  FIG. 1 , and  FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view taken along a line II-II′ shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 to 4 , a light source unit LSU includes, for example, a first case  11 , a light source LS, a second case  12 , and a quantum dot member  13 . The light source LS is disposed in the first case  11  and the quantum dot member  13  is disposed between the first case  11  and the second case  12 . The first case  11  and the second case  12  are connected to each other and overlapped with each other to hold the quantum dot member  13 . 
     The first case  11  includes, for example, a first groove G 1  formed by, for example, downwardly recessing an upper portion thereof. The light source LS is disposed in the first groove G 1 . The first groove G 1  has, for example, a depth greater than a height of the light source LS. Accordingly, an upper surface of the first case  11  is positioned at a position higher than an upper surface of the light source LS disposed on a bottom surface of the first groove G 1 . A side surface of the first groove G 1  is, for example, inclined with respect to the bottom surface of the first groove G 1  as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . 
     The light source LS may be, but is not limited to, a blue light emitting diode that emits a blue light. For example, alternatively, in an embodiment, the light source LS may be an elongated cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) which emits a blue light, or a flat fluorescent lamp (FFL) which emits a blue light. As shown in  FIGS. 1, 3, and 4 , a first sealing member EN 1  is disposed in the first groove G 1  to cover the light source LS. The first sealing member EN 1  holds the light source LS and protects the light source LS from external humidity and contaminants. The first sealing member EN 1  is formed of, for example, a transparent organic material. Thus, the light emitted from the light source LS transmits through the first sealing member EN 1 . 
     The second case  12  includes, for example, a first opening portion OP 1 , a second opening portion OP 2 , a second groove G 2 , and a first hole H 1 . The first opening portion OP 1  is formed through the second case  12 . 
     The first opening portion OP 1  is disposed to be, for example, overlapped with the first groove G 1  as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . The first opening portion OP 1  has, for example, the same shape and size as those of the first groove G 1  when viewed in a top view of the first case  11 . For instance, the first opening portion OP 1  and the first groove G 1  have the same shape and size and are overlapped with each other when viewed in the top view of the first case  11 , but exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not be limited thereto or thereby. That is, the first opening portion OP 1  and the first groove G 1  may have, for example, a circular shape. 
     The second opening portion OP 2  is disposed at a front side of the second case  12 . The second opening portion OP 2  is formed by, for example, upwardly recessing a lower portion of the second case  12 . The second opening portion OP 2  is, for example, extended in a first direction X 1  substantially parallel to the front surface of the second case  12 . The second opening portion OP 2  has, for example, the same length as that of the quantum dot member  13  in the first direction X 1 . The second opening portion OP 2  and the quantum dot member  13  have, for example, a first length L 1  in the first direction X 1 . 
     Hereinafter, a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction X 1  is referred to as a second direction X 2  when viewed in a plan view. A surface of the second case  12 , which faces the front surface of the second case  12 , is referred to as a rear surface. Side surfaces facing each other in the first direction X 1  and being disposed between the front surface and the rear surface are respectively referred to as a left surface and a right surface of the second case  12 . 
     The second groove G 2  is formed by, for example, upwardly recessing the lower surface of the second case  12 . The second groove G 2  has, for example, a second length L 2  in the first direction X 1 . The second length L 2  of the second groove G 2  is, for example, longer than the first length L 1  of the second opening portion OP 2 . The second opening portion OP 2  is disposed, for example, to be overlapped with the second groove G 2  in the second direction X 2 . The second groove G 2  is inwardly spaced apart from the front, rear, left, and right surfaces of the second case  12  by a predetermined distance. 
     A predetermined area of a center portion of the second groove G 2  is connected with the first opening portion OP 1 , and thus the predetermined area of the center portion of the second groove G 2  is exposed to the upper direction. The second groove G 2  is connected with the second opening portion OP 2  in the front surface direction of the second case  12 , and thus the second groove G 2  is exposed to the front surface direction. 
     The first hole H 1  is formed through the second case  12 . The first hole H 1  is disposed to be, for example, overlapped with the second groove G 2  and not to be overlapped with the quantum dot member  13 . 
     Hereinafter, surfaces of the quantum dot member  13 , which face each other in the second direction X 1 , are referred to as front and rear surfaces, respectively, and surfaces of the quantum dot member  13 , which face each other in the first direction X 1 , are referred to as left and right surfaces, respectively. 
     The quantum dot member  13  includes, for example, a light conversion area NLC and a defect area DEF surrounding the light conversion area NLC. A predetermined area of the quantum dot member  13 , e.g., an edge area adjacent to the front, rear, left, and right surfaces of the quantum dot member  13 , is referred to as the defect area DEF. 
     The quantum dot member  13  is inserted into the second opening portion OP 2  and the second groove G 2  and disposed to allow the front surface thereof to match the front surface of the second case  12 . The rear surface, the left surface, and the right surface of the quantum dot member  13  are disposed to be, for example, spaced apart from an inner side surface of the second groove G 2 . In addition, the quantum dot member  13  is disposed, for example, not to be overlapped with the first hole H 1 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2 to 4 , a predetermined area of the light conversion area NLC of the quantum dot member  13  is disposed to, for example, overlap with the first opening portion OP 1  and is exposed through the first opening portion OP 1 . In addition, as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , a predetermined area of the light conversion area NLC of the quantum dot member  13  is disposed to, for example, overlap with the first groove G 1 . The defect area DEF of the quantum dot member  13  is disposed to, for example, partially overlap with the second opening portion OP 2  and the second groove G 2 . 
     A second sealing member EN 2  is disposed between the inner side surface of the second groove G 2  and the rear, left, and right surfaces of the quantum dot member  13 . The second sealing member EN 2  holds the quantum dot member  13  and protects the quantum dot member  13  from external air and humidity. The second sealing member EN 2  may be formed of, for example, an organic material. 
     Each of the quantum dot member  13 , the second opening portion OP 2 , and the second groove G 2  has, for example, a first height HE 1  in the upper direction. That is, the height of the quantum dot member  13 , the height of the second opening portion OP 2 , and the height of the second groove G 2  are, for example, the same as each other. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2 to 4 , when viewed in a top view, an area in which the first groove G 1  of the first case  11  is overlapped with the first opening portion OP 1  of the second case  12  is defined as a transmission area TA. An area of the first case  11  except for the first groove G 1  and an area of the second case  12  except for the first opening portion OP are defined as a blocking area BA. Therefore, the blocking area BA is disposed to surround the transmission area TA. 
     The first case  11  and the second case  12  are formed of a material, e.g., a resin mold product, to block the light. Accordingly, the transmission area TA transmits the light and the blocking area BA blocks the light. 
     According to the configurations of the first and second cases  11  and  12 , a predetermined area of the light conversion area NLC of the quantum dot member  13  is disposed to correspond to the transmission area TA as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . The defect area DEF of the quantum dot member  13  is disposed to correspond to the blocking area BA. 
     The light emitted from the light source LS transmits through the light conversion area NLC of the quantum dot member  13  overlapped with the first groove G 1 . The light conversion area NLC of the quantum dot member  13  converts the light provided from the light source LS to a white light WL. The white light WL converted by the light conversion area NLC overlapped with the first groove G 1  travels to the outside of the light source unit LSU after passing through the first opening portion OP 1  of the second case  12 . 
     The defect area DEF of the quantum dot member  13  is disposed to correspond to the blocking area BA of the first and second cases  11  and  12 . The light emitted from the light source LS does not travel to the blocking area BA. Thus, the light emitted from the light source LS is not provided to the defect area DEF. 
     The quantum dot member  13  includes quantum dots. The quantum dots randomly convert a wavelength band of the light and mix lights having different wavelength bands. 
     The quantum dot may be particles each having, for example, a size that causes a quantum confinement effect. Each quantum dot has a size of, for example, from about 2 nm to about 15 nm and includes a central body and a shell surrounding the central body. For example, the central body of the quantum dot includes cadmium selenide (CdSe), cadmium telluride (CdTe), cadmium sulfide (CdS), indium gallium phosphide (InGaP), zinc selenide (ZnSe), zinc telluride (ZnTe), zinc sulfide (ZnS), mercury telluride (HgTe), or mercury sulfide (HgS) and the shell of the quantum dot includes zinc sulfide (ZnS), copper zinc sulfide (CuZnS), cadmium selenide (CdSe), cadmium telluride (CdTe), cadmium sulfide (CdS), zinc selenide (ZnSe), zinc telluride (ZnTe), mercury telluride (HgTe), or mercury sulfide (HgS). 
     The quantum dot is synthesized by, for example, a chemical wet method in which a particle grows by putting a precursor material into an organic solvent. The synthetic method of the quantum dot using the chemical wet method may be performed by well-known conventional methods. 
     The quantum dot has a strong fluorescence in a narrow wavelength band. The light emitted from the quantum dot is generated while excited electrons drop down to a valence band from a conduction band. 
     The light emitted from the quantum dot has a short wavelength as the size of the quantum dot decreases and has a long wavelength as the size of the quantum dot increases. Thus, the lights having various wavelengths may be generated according to a quantum size effect. 
     According to the size of the quantum dot, rainbow-colored lights including, for example, red, green, and blue colors are easily generated. In addition, light emitting diodes each emitting a light in accordance with a size thereof may be manufactured by the size of the quantum dot, and a white color and various colors may be realized by mixing the quantum dots having various sizes. 
     For example, the quantum dot has a high light emitting efficiency. Therefore, when the white color WL is realized by using the quantum dots, a color reproducibility of the red and green colors becomes higher than that of a conventional light emitting diode. 
     The quantum dot member  13  includes quantum dots having, for example, different sizes according to a kind of the light source to emit the white light. For instance, the light source LS may be the blue light emitting diode that emits the blue light. In this case, the quantum dot member  13  includes quantum dots having the size to absorb the light having the blue wavelength and quantum dots having the size to emit the light having the red wavelength. Hereinafter, the light emitted from the light source LS is referred to as the blue light BL. 
     The blue light BL emitted from the light source LS is provided to the light conversion area NLC of the quantum dot member  13  overlapped with the first groove G 1 . The quantum dots of the quantum dot member  13  absorb the blue light BL to covert the blue light BL to the light having the green or red wavelength. As a result, the lights having the blue, green, and red wavelengths are mixed with each other to emit the white light. That is, the blue light BL emitted from the light source LS is converted to the white light WL while passing through the light conversion area NLC of the quantum dot member  13  overlapped with the first groove G 1 . 
     The quantum dot member  13  is, for example, manufactured in the roll shape and used after being cut. A boundary interface of the quantum dot member  13  may be referred to as front, rear, left, and right surfaces of the quantum dot member  13 . When the boundary interface of the quantum dot member  13  is exposed to the external air and humidity, a chemical reaction occurs at the boundary interface. Due to the chemical reaction, the light conversion characteristics of the quantum dots are deteriorated. The predetermined area of the quantum dot member  13 , which is adjacent to the boundary surface of the quantum dot member  13 , corresponds to the defect area DEF in which the light conversion characteristics of the quantum dots are deteriorated. 
     The quantum dot member  13  converts the blue light BL provided from the light source LS to the white light WL. The light conversion is not performed in the defect area DEF of the quantum dot member  13 , in which the quantum dots having the deteriorated light conversion characteristics are disposed. When the blue light BL emitted from the light source LS is provided to the defect area DEF of the quantum dot member  13 , the blue light BL from the light source LS is not converted to the white light WL in the defect area DEF of the quantum dot member  13 . The blue light BL provided to the defect area DEF of the quantum dot member  13  may exit through the defect area DEF without being converted to the white light WL. Therefore, the light conversion characteristics of the light source unit may be deteriorated. 
     However, in the present embodiment, the defect area DEF of the quantum dot member  13  is disposed in the blocking area BA of the first and second cases  11  and  12 . The blue light BL emitted from the light source LS is not provided to the blocking area BA of the quantum dot member  13 . Accordingly, the blue light BL emitted from the light source LS is not provided to the defect area DEF of the quantum dot member  13 . As a result, the defect area DEF of the quantum dot member  13  does not perform the light conversion, and thus the blue light BL does not exit from the defect area DEF of the quantum dot member  13 . 
     The blue light BL emitted from the light source LS is provided to the light conversion area NLC of the quantum dot member  13  overlapped with the first groove G 1  but not to the defect area DEF of the quantum dot member  13 . The light conversion area NLC of the quantum dot member  13  performs the light conversion normally to convert the blue light BL to the white light WL. 
     As described above, as the blue light BL emitted from the light source LS is provided to the light conversion area NLC of the quantum dot member  13  but not to the defect area DEF, the light conversion is performed normally. Thus, the light conversion characteristics of the light source unit LSU are increased. 
     Consequently, the light source unit LSU may have increased light conversion characteristics. 
       FIG. 5  is a view showing a quantum dot sheet manufactured in a roll shape. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , the quantum dot sheet QDS may be manufactured, for example, in the roll shape. The quantum dot sheet QDS having the roll shape is cut to form the quantum dot member  13  used for the light source unit LSU. 
       FIG. 6  is a view showing the quantum dot member obtained by cutting the quantum dot sheet shown in  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view taken along a line III-III′ shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the quantum dot member  13  includes, for example, a first barrier layer BR 1 , a second barrier layer BR 2 , and the quantum dots QD disposed between the first barrier layer BR 1  and the second barrier BR 2 . The quantum dots QD are distributed in, for example, a resin RIN to be disposed between the first barrier layer BR 1  and the second barrier layer BR 2 . For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the resin RIN may be, an insulating polymer resin, such as, a silicon resin, an epoxy resin, or an acrylic resin, etc. 
     As described above, when the quantum dot member  13  converts the blue light to the white light, the quantum dots QD includes the quantum dots QD having the size to absorb the light having the blue wavelength and the quantum dots QD having the size to emit the light having the red wavelength. 
     The boundary interface of the quantum dot member  13  is exposed to the external air and humidity, and thus the chemical reaction occurs at the quantum dots QD disposed in the predetermined area DEF of the quantum dot member  13  due to the external air and humidity. Due to the chemical reaction, the light conversion characteristics of the quantum dots QD are deteriorated. 
     As described above, the predetermined area DEF of the quantum dot member  13  corresponds to the defect area DEF. In addition, the area of the quantum dot member  13  except for the defect area DEF corresponds to the light conversion area NLC. 
     The quantum dots QD disposed in the defect area DEF do not perform the light conversion normally, so that the light provided to the defect area DEF is not converted to the white light. 
     The quantum dots QD disposed in the light conversion area NLC performs the light conversion normally as the light conversion characteristics are not deteriorated. That is, the light provided to the light conversion area NLC is converted to the white light. 
       FIGS. 8A to 8F  are views showing a method of manufacturing the light source unit shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 8A , the light source LS is accommodated in the first groove G 1  and the first sealing member EN 1  is disposed in the first groove G 1  to cover the light source LS, thereby preparing the first case  11 . The second case  12  is disposed on the first case  11  to overlap with the first case  11 . 
     As described above, the first groove G 1  of the first case  11  is overlapped with the first opening portion OP 1  of the second case  12 . The first case  11  is coupled to the second case  12  while being overlapped with each other. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8B , the quantum dot member  13  is disposed between the first case  11  and the second case  12 . For example, after the first case  11  is coupled to the second case  12 , the quantum dot member  13  is inserted into the second opening portion OP 2  and the second groove G 2 , which are disposed between the first case  11  and the second case  12 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 8C , the front surface of the quantum dot member  13  is disposed to match the front surface of second case  12 . The predetermined area of the light conversion area NLC of the quantum dot member  13  is disposed to overlap with the first opening portion OP 1  and exposed through the first opening portion OP 1 . A nozzle NOZ is disposed to correspond to the first hole H 1 . The second sealing member EN 2  is injected into the first hole H 1  by the nozzle NOZ. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8D and 8E , the quantum dot member  13  is disposed to be spaced apart from the inner side surface of the second groove G 2 . The quantum dot member  13  is disposed not to be overlapped with the first hole H 1 . The first hole H 1  is overlapped with the second groove G 2  and not overlapped with the quantum dot member  13 . Accordingly, the second sealing member EN 2  injected into the first hole H 1  through the nozzle NOZ is provided to between the inner side surface of the second groove G 2  of the rear, left, and right surfaces of the quantum dot member  13 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 8F , the second sealing member EN 2  is cured by, for example, heat or ultraviolet light to hold the quantum dot member  13 . When the second sealing member EN 2  is not used, the boundary surface of the quantum dot member  13  is exposed to the external air and humidity and the chemical reaction occurs at the boundary surface of the quantum dot member  13 . However, as the boundary surface of the quantum dot member  13  is covered by the second sealing member EN 2 , the quantum dot member  13  may be protected from the external air and humidity by the second sealing member EN 2 . 
     As described above, as the blue light BL emitted from the light source LS is provided to the light conversion area NLC of the quantum dot member  13  but not to the defect area DEF, the light conversion is performed normally. Therefore, the light conversion characteristics of the light source unit LSU manufactured by the above-mentioned method are increased. 
       FIG. 9  is an exploded perspective view showing a light source unit according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention,  FIG. 10  is a bottom view showing the second case and the quantum dot member shown in  FIG. 9 ,  FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view taken along a line IV-IV′ shown in  FIG. 9 , and  FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view taken along a line V-V′ shown in  FIG. 9 . 
     The light source unit LSU shown in  FIG. 9  has the substantially same configurations as those of the light source unit LSU shown in  FIG. 1  except for the second case thereof. Accordingly, hereinafter the second case will be described in detail and the same elements will be assigned with the same reference numerals. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9 to 12 , the light source unit LSU includes, for example, a first case  11 , a light source LS, a second case  12 , and a quantum dot member  13 . The light source LS is disposed in the first groove G 1  of the first case  11 . The first sealing member EN 1  is disposed in the first groove G 1  to cover the light source LS. The quantum dot member  13  is disposed between the first case  11  and the second case  12 . The first case  11  is coupled to the second case  12 , and thus the quantum dot member  13  is fixed between the first and second cases  11  and  12 . 
     The configurations of the first case  11 , the light source LS, and the quantum dot member  13  are the same as those of the first case  11 , the light source LS, and the quantum dot member  13 , and thus detailed descriptions of the first case  11 , the light source LS, and the quantum dot member  13  will be omitted. 
     The second case  12  includes, for example, a first opening portion OP 1 , a plurality of second opening portions OP 2 _ 1 , OP 2 _ 2 , OP 2 _ 3 , and OP 2 _ 4 , a second groove G 2 , and a first hole H 1 . The first opening portion OP 1  is formed through the second case  12 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the first opening portion OP 1  is disposed to overlap with the first groove G 1 . The first opening portion OP 1  has, for example, the same shape and size as those of the first groove G 1  when viewed in a top view of the second case  12 . 
     The second opening portions OP 2 _ 1 , OP 2 _ 2 , OP 2 _ 3 , and OP 2 _ 4  include, for example, a second first opening portion OP 2 _ 1 , a second second opening portion OP 2 _ 2 , a second third opening portion OP 2 _ 3 , and a second fourth opening portion OP 2 _4. 
     The second first opening portion OP 2 _ 1  is disposed at a front side of the second case  12  and the second second opening portion OP 2 _ 2  is disposed at a rear side of the second case  12 . In addition, the second third opening portion OP 2 _ 3  is disposed at a left side of the second case  12 , and the second fourth opening portion OP 2 _ 4  is disposed at a right side of the second case  12 . 
     The second first to second fourth opening portions OP 2 _ 1 , OP 2 _ 2 , OP 2 _ 3 , and OP 2 _ 4  are formed by, for example, upwardly recessing a lower surface of the second case  12 . For example, the second first opening portion OP 2 _ 1  and the second second opening portion OP 2 _ 2  are extended in a first direction X 1 , and the second third opening portion OP 2 _ 3  and the second fourth opening portion OP 2 _ 4  are extended in a second direction X 2 . 
     The second first opening portion OP 2 _ 1  and the second second opening portion OP 2 _ 2  have, for example, the same length as that of the quantum dot member  13  in the first direction X 1 . In addition, the second first opening portion OP 2 _ 1 , the second second opening portion OP 2 _ 2 , and the quantum dot member  13  have, for example, a first length L 1 . 
     The second third opening portion OP 2 _ 3  and the second fourth opening portion OP 2 _ 4  have, for example, the same length as that of the quantum dot member  13  in the second direction X 2 . In addition, the second third opening portion OP 2 _ 3 , the second fourth opening portion OP 2 _ 4 , and the quantum dot member  13  have, for example, the first length L 1 . 
     The second groove G 2  is formed by, for example, upwardly recessing the lower surface of the second case  12 . The second groove G 2  has, for example, a second length L 2  in the first and second directions X 1  and X 2 . The second length L 2  of the second groove G 2  is, for example, longer than the first length L 1  of the second first to second fourth opening portions OP 2 _ 1 , OP 2 _ 2 , OP 2 _ 3 , and OP 2 _4. 
     The second first and second second opening portions OP 2 _ 1  and OP 2 _ 2  are disposed to, for example, overlap with the second groove G 2  in the second direction X 2 . In addition, the second third and second fourth opening portions OP 2 _ 3  and OP 2 _ 4  are disposed to, for example, overlap with the second groove G 2  in the first direction X 1 . The second groove G 2  is inwardly spaced apart from front, rear, left, and right surfaces of the second case  12  by a predetermined distance. 
     A predetermined area of a center portion of the second groove G 2  is connected with the first opening portion OP 1 , and thus the predetermined area of the center portion of the second groove G 2  is exposed to the upper direction. The second groove G 2  is connected with the second first opening portion OP 2 _ 1  in the front surface direction of the second case  12 , and thus the second groove G 2  is exposed to the front surface direction. The second groove G 2  is connected with the second second opening portion OP 2 _ 2  in the rear surface direction of the second case  12 , and thus the second groove G 2  is exposed to the rear surface direction. 
     The second groove G 2  is connected with the second third opening portion OP 2 _ 3  in the left surface direction of the second case  12 , and thus the second groove G 2  is exposed to the left surface direction. The second groove G 2  is connected with the second fourth opening portion OP 2 _ 4  in the rear surface direction of the second case  12 , and thus the second groove G 2  is exposed to the rear surface direction. 
     The first hole H 1  is formed through the second case  12 . For example, the first hole H 1  is disposed to overlap with the second groove G 2  and the second second opening portion OP 2 _ 2  and not to overlap with the quantum dot member  13 . For example, the first hole H 1  is disposed at a boundary between the second groove G 2  and the second second opening portion OP 2 _ 2  of the rear surface of the second case  12 , and thus the first hole H 1  is overlapped with the second groove G 2  and the second second opening portion OP 2 _2. 
     The quantum dot member  13  is inserted into the second groove G 2 . The quantum dot member  13  is disposed to be inwardly spaced apart from an outer boundary of the second groove G 2  by a predetermined distance. In addition, the quantum dot member  13  is disposed, for example, not to overlap with the first hole H 1 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 10 to 12 , the predetermined area of the light conversion area NLC of the quantum dot member  13  is disposed to, for example, overlap with the first opening portion OP 1  and is exposed through the first opening portion OP 1 . In addition, the predetermined area of the light conversion area NLC of the quantum dot member  13  is disposed to, for example, overlap with the first groove G 1  as shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 . 
     The defect area DEF of the quantum dot member  13  is, for example, inwardly spaced apart from the outer boundary of the second groove G 2  by a predetermined distance and partially overlapped with the second groove G 2 . In addition, the defect area DEF of the quantum dot member  13  is spaced apart from the inner side surface of the second groove G 2 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the second sealing member EN 2  is disposed in the area of the second groove G 2 , in which the quantum dot member  13  is not disposed, and in the second first to second fourth opening portions OP 2 _ 1 , OP 2 _ 2 , OP 2 _ 3 , and OP 2 _ 1 . The second sealing member EN 2  holds the quantum dot member  13  and protects the quantum dot member from the external air and humidity. 
     Each of the quantum dot member  13 , the second first to second fourth opening portions OP 2 _ 1 , OP 2 _ 2 , OP 2 _ 3 , and OP 2 _ 4 , and the second groove G 2  has, for example, a first height HE 1 . That is, the height of the quantum dot member  13 , the height of the second first to second fourth opening portions OP 2 _ 1 , OP 2 _ 2 , OP 2 _ 3 , and OP 2 _ 4 , and the height of the second groove G 2  are, for example, the same. 
     The predetermined area of the light conversion area NLC of the quantum dot member  13  is disposed to correspond to the transmission area TA, and the defect area DEF of the quantum dot member  13  is disposed to correspond to the blocking area BA. 
     The blue light BL emitted from the light source LS transmits through the light conversion area NLC of the quantum dot member  13  overlapped with the first groove G 1 . The light conversion area NLC of the quantum dot member  13  converts the blue light BL provided from the light source LS to the white light WL. The white light WL converted in the light conversion area NLC overlapped with the first groove G 1  travels to the outside of the second case  12  through the first opening portion OP 1  of the second case  12 . 
     The defect area DEF of the quantum dot member  13  is disposed to correspond to the blocking area BA of the first and second cases  11  and  12 . The blue light BL emitted from the light source LS is not provided to the blocking area BA of the quantum dot member  13 , and thus the blue light BL emitted from the light source LS is not provided to the defect area DEF. As a result, the light conversion is not performed in the defect area DEF. 
     The blue light BL emitted from the light source LS is provided to the light conversion area NLC of the quantum dot member  13  but not to the defect area DEF of the quantum dot member  13 . The light conversion is performed normally in the light conversion area NLC of the quantum dot member  13 , so that the blue light BL is converted to the white light WL in the light conversion area NLC of the quantum dot member  13 . 
     As described above, as the blue light BL emitted from the light source LS is provided to the light conversion area NLC of the quantum dot member  13  but not to the defect area DEF, the light conversion is performed normally. Thus, the light conversion characteristics of the light source unit LSU are increased. 
     Consequently, the light source unit LSU may have increased light conversion characteristics. 
       FIGS. 13A to 13G  are views showing a method of manufacturing the light source shown in  FIG. 9 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 13A , the light source LS is accommodated in the first groove G 1  and the first sealing member EN 1  is disposed in the first groove G 1  to cover the light source LS, thereby preparing the first case  11 . The second case  12  is disposed on the first case  11  to overlap with the first case  11 . 
     As described above, the first groove G 1  of the first case  11  is overlapped with the first opening portion OP 1  of the second case  12 . The first case  11  is coupled to the second case  12  while being overlapped with each other. 
     Referring to  FIG. 13B , the quantum dot member  13  is disposed between the first case  11  and the second case  12 . For example, the quantum dot member  13  is inserted into the second groove G 2  through one of the second opening portions OP 2 _ 1 , OP 2 _ 2 , OP 2 _ 3 , and OP 2 _ 4  disposed between the first case  11  and the second case  12 . For instance, the quantum dot member  13  is inserted into the second groove G 2  through the second first opening portion OP 2 _1. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 13C and 13D , a case cover  21  is disposed on the first and second cases  11  and  12  coupled to each other. The case cover  21  includes, for example, a third groove G 3  and a second hole H 2 . The case cover  21  moves downwardly to cover the first and second cases  11  and  12 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 13E , the predetermined area of the light conversion area NLC of the quantum dot member  13  is disposed, for example, to overlap with the first opening portion OP 1  and is exposed through the first opening portion OP 1 . In addition, the predetermined area of the light conversion area NLC of the quantum dot member  13  is disposed to, for example, overlap with the first groove G 1 . 
     The third groove G 3  of the case cover  21  is formed by, for example, upwardly recessing a lower surface of the case cover  21 . In addition, the third groove G 3  has, for example, the same shape as the first and second cases  11  and  12  and is disposed to overlap with the first and second cases  11  and  12  when viewed in a plan view. Accordingly, the first and second cases  11  and  12  are inserted into the third groove G 3  of the case cover  21 . 
     The second hole H 2  of the case cover  21  is, for example, overlapped with the first hole H 1  of the second case  12 . The second hole H 2  is formed through the case cover  21 . A nozzle NOZ is disposed at a position corresponding to the second hole H 2 . The second sealing member EN 2  is injected into the second hole H 2 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 13F , the quantum dot member  13  is disposed, for example, not to overlap with the first hole H 1 . The defect area DEF of the quantum dot member  13  is, for example, inwardly spaced apart from the outer boundary of the second groove G 2  by the predetermined distance and disposed to partially overlap with the second groove G 2 . In addition, the defect area DEF of the quantum dot member  13  is disposed to be spaced apart from the inner side surface of the second groove G 2 . Therefore, the second sealing member EN 2  injected into the second hole H 2  is provided to an area of the second groove G 2 , in which the quantum dot member  13  is not disposed, and the second first to second fourth opening portions OP 2 _ 1 , OP 2 _ 2 , OP 2 _ 3 , and OP 2 _ 4  are disposed via the first hole H 1 . 
     As the first and second cases  11  and  12  are accommodated in the third groove G 3  of the case cover  21 , the second first to second fourth opening portions OP 2 _ 1 , OP 2 _ 2 , OP 2 _ 3 , and OP 2 _ 4  are isolated from the outside by the case cover  21 . Accordingly, the second sealing member EN 2  provided to the second first to second fourth opening portions OP 2 _ 1 , OP 2 _ 2 , OP 2 _ 3 , and OP 2 _ 4  may be prevented from being leaked out. 
     Referring to  FIG. 13G , after the second sealing member EN 2  is cured by, for example, heat or ultraviolet light, the case cover  21  is separated from the first and second cases  11  and  12 . The second sealing member EN 2  is cured by, for example, the heat or the ultraviolet light to hold the quantum dot member  13 . 
     When the second sealing member EN 2  is not used, the boundary surface of the quantum dot member  13  is exposed to the external air and humidity and the chemical reaction occurs at the boundary surface of the quantum dot member  13 . However, as the boundary surface of the quantum dot member  13  is covered by the second sealing member EN 2 , the quantum dot member  13  may be protected from the external air and humidity by the second sealing member EN 2 . 
     As described above, as the blue light BL emitted from the light source LS is provided to the light conversion area NLC of the quantum dot member  13  but not to the defect area DEF, the light conversion is performed normally. Therefore, the light conversion characteristics of the light source unit LSU manufactured by the above-mentioned method are increased. 
       FIGS. 14 and 15  are views showing a backlight unit including one of the light source units shown in  FIGS. 1 and 9 . For example,  FIG. 14  shows an edge-illumination type backlight unit BLU and  FIG. 15  shows a direct-illumination type backlight unit BLU. In  FIGS. 14 and 15 , the same elements will be assigned with the same reference numerals. 
     Referring to  FIG. 14 , the edge-illumination type backlight unit BLU includes, for example, a light source unit LSU mounted on a substrate SUB, a reflection plate  31 , a light guide plate  32 , and an optical sheet  33 . 
     The light source unit LSU is disposed adjacent to one side surface of the light guide plate  32  to emit the light to the light guide plate  32 . The light source unit LSU may be, for example, one of the light source units LSU shown in  FIGS. 1 to 9 . The light source unit LSU emits the white light to the light guide plate  32 . 
     The light guide plate  32  guides the light from the light source unit LSU through the side surface thereof to allow the light to travel to a display panel (not shown) disposed on the backlight unit LSU. Moreover, the light guide plate  32  may be formed of, for example, a resin based material such as polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin, a polycarbonate (PC) resin, a cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) resin, and a polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) resin. 
     The reflection sheet  31  is disposed under the light guide plate  32  and reflects the light exiting from a lower surface of the light guide plate  32  such that the reflected light travels to the light guide plate  32 . For example, in an exemplary embodiment, reflection sheet  31  may be formed of, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or aluminum. Alternatively, in an exemplary embodiment, the reflection sheet  31  may include other materials such as, for example, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) or a resin such as polycarbonate (PC) blended in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT). 
     The optical sheet  33  includes, for example, a diffusion sheet and a prism sheet disposed on the diffusion sheet. The diffusion sheet diffuses the light provided from the light guide plate  32 . The prism sheet condenses the light diffused by the diffusion sheet to allow the condensed light to travel the upper direction. The light passing through the prism sheet travels to the direction substantially vertical to an upper surface of the prism sheet with a uniform brightness distribution and is provided to the display panel disposed on the backlight unit BLU. Alternatively, in an embodiment, the optical sheet  33  may further include, for example, a protective sheet disposed on the prism sheet to protect the prism sheet from external impacts. The protective sheet may transmit the light that passes through the prism sheet. 
     Referring to  FIG. 15 , the direct-illumination type backlight unit BLU includes, for example, light source units LSU mounted on a substrate SUB, a reflection plate  31 , and an optical sheet  33 . 
     The reflection plate  31  is disposed on the substrate SUB and includes, for example, a plurality of insertion holes IH. The light source units LSU are inserted into the insertion holes IH, respectively. 
     The light source units LSU may be, for example, the light source units LSU shown in  FIGS. 1 to 9 . The light source units LSU emit the white light. 
     The reflection plate  31  reflects the light emitted from the light source units LSU and traveling to the reflection plate  31  to allow the reflected light to travel to the upper direction. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, reflection sheet  31  may be formed of, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or aluminum. Alternatively, in an exemplary embodiment, the reflection sheet  31  may include other materials such as, for example, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) or a resin such as polycarbonate (PC) blended in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT). 
     The optical sheet  33  includes, for example, a diffusion sheet (not shown) and a prism sheet (not shown). The diffusion sheet diffuses the light provided from the light source units LSU. The prism sheet condenses the light diffused by the diffusion sheet to allow the condensed light to travel to the direction substantially vertical to the upper surface of the prism sheet. Alternatively, in an embodiment, the optical sheet  33  may further include, for example, a protective sheet disposed on the prism sheet to protect the prism sheet from external impacts. The protective sheet may transmit the light that passes through the prism sheet. 
     The light emitted from the light source LS is provided to the light conversion area NLC of the quantum dot member  13 , which is overlapped with the first groove G 1 , but not to the defect area DEF of the quantum dot member  13 . The light conversion is performed normally in the light conversion area NLC of the quantum dot member  13 , so that the light emitted from the light source LS is converted to the white light WL in the light conversion area NLC of the quantum dot member  13 . 
     As described above, as the light emitted from the light source LS is provided to the light conversion area NLC of the quantum dot member  13  but not to the defect area DEF, the light conversion is performed normally. Thus, the light conversion characteristics of the light source unit LSU are increased. 
     Consequently, the backlight unit BLU including the light source units LSU may have increased light conversion characteristics. 
       FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view showing a backlight unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. For example, the backlight unit BLU shown in  FIG. 16  is an edge-illumination type backlight unit BLU. 
     Referring to  FIG. 16 , the backlight unit BLU includes, for example, a light source unit LSU mounted on a substrate SUB, a reflection plate  31 , a light guide plate  32 , an optical sheet  33 , a quantum dot member  34 , a frame member FR, and a protection member  35 . 
     The light source unit LSU, the reflection plate  31 , the light guide plate  32 , the optical sheet  33 , the quantum dot member  34 , and the frame member FR are accommodated in the protective member  35 . The protective member  35  may be formed of various materials, such as, for example, a metal chassis, a resin mold, etc. 
     The light source unit LSU is disposed adjacent to one side surface of the light guide plate  32  to emit the light to the light guide plate  32 . The light source unit LSU may be, for example, a blue light emitting diode that emits the blue light. 
     The light guide plate  32  guides the light provided from the light source unit LSU through the side surface thereof to allow the guided light to travel to the display panel (not shown) disposed on the backlight unit BLU. Moreover, the light guide plate  32  may be formed of, for example, a resin based material such as polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin, a polycarbonate (PC) resin, a cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) resin, and a polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) resin. 
     The reflection sheet  31  is disposed under the light guide plate  32  and reflects the light exiting from the lower surface of the light guide plate  32  such that the reflected light to travel to the light guide plate  32  again. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, reflection sheet  31  may be formed of, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or aluminum. Alternatively, in an exemplary embodiment, the reflection sheet  31  may include other materials such as, for example, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) or a resin such as polycarbonate (PC) blended in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT). 
     The quantum dot member  34  has, for example, the substantially same configuration as that of the quantum dot member  13  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 9 . That is, the quantum dot member  34  includes, for example, the light conversion area NLC and the defect area DEF surrounding the light conversion area NLC. 
     The quantum dot member  34  is fixed to the frame member FR and accommodated in the protection member  35 . For example, a predetermined edge area of the quantum dot member  34  is accommodated in the frame member FR. The frame member FR is disposed on the light guide plate  32  after being accommodated in the protection member  35 . Accordingly, the quantum dot member  34  is disposed on the light guide plate  32 . 
     The quantum dot member  34  converts the light exiting from the light guide plate  32  to the white light. For example, the defect area DEF of the quantum dot member  34  is accommodated in the frame member FR. The frame member FR is formed of, for example, a plastic material that blocks the light. The predetermined area of the light conversion area NLC of the quantum dot member  34  is exposed without being accommodated in the frame member FR. 
     As the defect area DEF of the quantum dot member  34  is accommodated in the frame member FR, the light emitted from the light source LS is not provided to the defect area DEF of the quantum dot member  34 . Thus, the light conversion is not performed in the defect area DEF of the quantum dot member  34 . 
     The light exiting from the light guide plate  32  is provided to the predetermined area of the light conversion area NLC of the quantum dot member  34 , which is not accommodated in the frame member FR, but not to the defect area DEF of the quantum dot member  34 . The light conversion is performed normally in the predetermined area of the light conversion area NLC of the quantum dot member  34 , which is not accommodated in the frame member FR, and thus the light emitted from the light source unit LSU is converted to the white light. 
     When the light emitted from the light source unit LSU is a blue light, the blue light is converted to the white light by the predetermined area of the light conversion area NLC of the quantum dot member  34 , which is not accommodated in the frame member FR. The white light converted in the light conversion area NLC of the quantum dot member  34  is provided to the optical sheet  33 . 
     The optical sheet  33  includes, for example, a diffusion sheet (not shown) and a prism sheet (not shown) disposed on the diffusion sheet. The diffusion sheet diffuses the white light provided from the quantum dot member  34 . The prism sheet condenses the light diffused by the diffusion sheet to allow the condensed light to travel the upper direction. The light passing through the prism sheet travels to the direction substantially vertical to an upper surface of the prism sheet with a uniform brightness distribution and is provided to the display panel (not shown) disposed on the backlight unit BLU. Alternatively, in an embodiment, the optical sheet  33  may further include, for example, a protective sheet disposed on the prism sheet to protect the prism sheet from external impacts. The protective sheet may transmit the light that passes through the prism sheet. 
     As described above, as the light emitted from the light source LS is provided to the light conversion area NLC of the quantum dot member  34  but not to the defect area DEF, the light conversion is performed normally. Thus, the light conversion characteristics of the backlight unit BLU are increased. 
     Consequently, the backlight unit BLU may have increased light conversion characteristics. 
       FIG. 16  shows the edge-illumination type backlight unit BLU, but exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not be limited thereto or thereby. That is, the quantum dot member  34  fixed to the frame member FR may be applied to, for example, the direct-illumination type backlight unit. In other words, the quantum dot member  34  fixed to the frame member FR is disposed, for example, on the light source units in the direct-illumination type backlight unit, and the optical sheet  33  is disposed on the quantum dot member  34 . 
       FIGS. 17A to 17E  are views showing a method of fixing the quantum dot member to the frame member shown in  FIG. 16 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 17A , a first frame member FR 1  is prepared. The first frame member FR 1  includes, for example, a first extension portion EX 1  extended in a first direction X 1 , a second extension portion EX 2 , and a third extension portion EX 3 . The second and third extension portions EX 2  and EX 3  are extended, for example, in a second direction X 2  substantially perpendicular to the first direction X 1  and respectively connected to both ends of the first extension portion EX 1 . For example, one end of the second extension portion EX 2  and one end of the third extension portion EX 3  are connected to both ends of the first extension portion EX 1 , respectively. 
     The first extension portion EX 1  includes, for example, a first rail portion RA 1  recessed inward to the first extension portion EX 1  on an inner surface of the first extension portion EX 1 . The second extension portion EX 2  includes, for example, a second rail portion RA 2  recessed inward to the second extension portion EX 2  on an inner surface of the second extension portion EX 2 . The third extension portion EX 3  includes, for example, a third rail portion RA 3  recessed inward to the third extension portion EX 3  on an inner surface of the third extension portion EX 3 . 
     One end of the second rail portion RA 2  and one end of the third rail portion RA 3  are connected to both ends of the first rail portion RA 1 , respectively. The second and third rail portions RA 2  and RA 3  are disposed to face each other. The quantum dot member  34  is inserted into the first rail portion RA 1 , the second rail portion RA 2 , and the third rail portion RA 3 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 17B and 17C , a second frame member FR 2  is prepared. The second frame member FR 2  is extended, for example, in the first direction X 1  and has the same size as the first extension portion EX 1  of the first frame member FR 1 . The frame member FR includes, for example, the first and second frame members FR 1  and FR 2 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 17C , the second frame member FR 2  includes, for example, a fourth rail portion RA 4  recessed inward to the second frame member FR 2  on an inner surface of the second frame member FR 2 . The fourth rail portion RA 4  is disposed to face the first rail portion RA 1 . 
     The second extension portion EX 2  and the third extension portion EX 3  are connected to both ends of the second frame member FR 2 , respectively. For example, the other end of the second extension portion EX 2  and the other end of the third extension portion EX 3  are respectively connected to the both ends of the second frame member FR 2 . 
     The front side end portion of the quantum dot member  34  is not inserted into the first, second, and third rail portions RA 1 , RA 2 , and RA 3  to be exposed. The front side end portion of the quantum dot member  34 , which is exposed without being inserted into the first, second, and third rail portions RA 1 , RA 2 , and RA 3  is inserted into the fourth rail portion RA 4 . In addition, the other end of the second rail portion RA 2  and the other end of the third rail portion RA 3  are connected to the fourth rail portion RA 4 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 17D and 17E , the area of the quantum dot member  34 , which is adjacent to the boundary of the quantum dot member  34 , is accommodated in the first and second frame members FR 1  and FR 2 . For example, the defect area DEF of the quantum dot member  34  is inserted into the first, second, third, and fourth rail portions RA 1 , RA 2 , RA 3 , and RA 4  to be accommodated in the first and second frame members FR 1  and FR 2 . The predetermined area of the light conversion area NLC of the quantum dot member  34  is exposed without being inserted into the first and second frames FR 1  and FR 2 . 
       FIG. 18  is a view showing a display device including one of the backlight units shown in  FIGS. 14, 15, and 16 . 
     For the convenience of explanation, only one pixel PX has been shown in  FIG. 18 , but pixels are arranged in areas defined in association with gate lines GL 1  to GLn and data lines DL 1  to DLm. 
     Referring to  FIG. 18 , a display device  500  includes, for example, a display panel  100 , a gate driver  200 , a data driver  300 , a driving circuit board  400 , and a backlight unit BLU. 
     The display panel  100  includes, for example, a thin film transistor substrate  110  on which the pixels PX are arranged, a color filter substrate  120  facing the thin film transistor substrate  110 , on which a common electrode (not shown) is formed, and a liquid crystal layer LC disposed between the thin film transistor substrate  110  and the color filter substrate  120 . Each of the pixels PX is connected to a corresponding gate line of the gate lines GL 1  to GLn and a corresponding data line of the data lines DL 1  to DLm. 
     Each pixel PX includes, for example, a pixel electrode PE and a thin film transistor TFT connected to the pixel electrode PE. The thin film transistor TFT receives a data voltage provided through the corresponding data line in response to a gate signal provided through the corresponding gate line. The data voltage is applied to the pixel electrode PE. 
     The gate driver  200  generates gate signals in response to a gate control signal provided from a timing controller (not shown) mounted on the driving circuit board  400 . The gate signals are sequentially applied to the pixels PX in the unit of row. As a result, the pixels PX may be driven in the unit of row. 
     The data driver  300  receives image signals and a data control signal from the timing controller. The data driver  300  generates analog data voltages corresponding to the image signals in response to the data control signal. The data driver  300  applies the data voltages to the pixels PX through the data lines DL 1  to DLm. 
     The data driver  300  includes, for example, a plurality of source driving chips  310 _ 1  to  310 _ k . The source driving chips  310 _ 1  to  310 _ k  are mounted on flexible printed circuit boards  320 _ 1  to  320 _ k,  respectively, and connected to the driving circuit board  400  and the thin film transistor substrate  110 . 
     In the present exemplary embodiment, the source driving chips  310 _ 1  to  310 _ k  are mounted on the flexible printed circuit boards  320 _ 1  to  320 _ k  in, for example, a tape carrier package scheme, but exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto or thereby. As another example, the source driving chips  310 _ 1  to  310 _ k  may be mounted on a first non-display area NDA in, for example, a chip-on-glass scheme. 
     Although not shown in figures, color filters are formed on the color filter substrate  120 . The color filters include, for example, color pixels each displaying one of red, green, and blue colors. 
     The backlight unit BLU may be one of the backlight units shown in  FIGS. 14, 15, and 16 . The backlight unit BLU is disposed at a rear side of the display panel  100  and supplies the light to the display panel  100 . As described above, the light supplied to the display panel  100  from the backlight unit BLU may be, for example, the white light. 
     When the data voltages are applied to the pixel electrodes PE by the thin film transistors TFT and a common voltage is applied to the common electrode, an alignment of liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer LC is changed and a transmittance of the light provided from the backlight unit BLU is controlled by the changed alignment of the liquid crystal molecules, thereby displaying the image. 
     As described above, as the light emitted from the light source LS is provided to the light conversion area NLC of the quantum dot member  13  but not to the defect area DEF, the light conversion is performed normally. Thus, the light conversion characteristics of the backlight unit BLU are increased. 
     Consequently, the display device  500  including the backlight unit BLU may have increased light conversion characteristics. 
     Having described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it is further noted that it is readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention which is defined by the metes and bounds of the appended claims.