Patent Description:
Among display devices, an organic light-emitting display device has wide viewing angles, high contrast, and fast response times. Thus, the organic light-emitting display device has attracted the attention as a next-generation display device.

An organic light-emitting display device includes thin-film transistors and organic light-emitting elements above a substrate, and the organic light-emitting elements emit light by themselves. Organic light-emitting display devices may be used as displays for small products such as mobile phones or large products such as televisions.

Recently, as the resolution of organic light-emitting display devices has been increasing, studies have been actively conducted to improve color reproducibility of pixels.

<CIT> describes a color conversion panel including a substrate, first, second, and third color conversion layers on the substrate and configured to emit lights of different colors, and a light blocking member between adjacent ones of the first, second, and third color conversion layers, wherein any one of the first, second, and third color conversion layers and the light blocking member is soluble.

<CIT> describes a photoluminescence device (PLD) for an image-generating device (IMGD) including a color conversion pattern (CCP), a color filter (CF), and a low index of refraction layer (LIRL). The color conversion pattern (CCP) has a first refractive index and is configured to convert light transmitted from the image-generating device (IMGD) from one wavelength to another. The color filter (CF) is configured to selectively pass light of a given range of wavelengths transmitted through the color conversion pattern (CCP). The low index of refraction layer (LIRL) has a second refractive index and is disposed between the color conversion pattern (CCP) and the color filter (CF). The second refractive index is lower than the first refractive index.

<CIT> describes a color substrate and a display device including the same. The color substrate includes: a substrate including first and second pixel regions spaced apart from each other, and a light shielding region between the first and second pixel regions; a first color conversion layer over the first pixel region and configured to convert incident light into first color light; a second color conversion layer over the second pixel region and configured to convert the incident light into second color light; and a retroreflective layer over the light shielding region and configured to retroreflect incident light through the first and second color conversion layer.

The present disclosure provides a color filter having improved light efficiency and color reproducibility, and a display device including the same. However, this is merely an example, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereby.

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a color filter includes: a substrate having a plurality of pixel areas and a light blocking area surrounding the plurality of pixel areas; a light blocking layer on the light blocking area; a first color conversion layer on a first pixel area among the plurality of pixel areas and configured to convert incident light into light of a first color; a first color filter layer on the first pixel area and between the substrate and the first color conversion layer and configured to selectively transmit the light of the first color emitted from the first color conversion layer; and a light reflection layer between the first color conversion layer and the first color filter layer and including a reflective material, an opening formed in the light reflection layer to expose the first pixel area.

According to the present embodiment, the first color filter layer may be arranged to cover an edge of the light blocking layer, and the light reflection layer may be arranged to overlap the light blocking layer.

According to the present embodiment, the color filter may further include: a second color conversion layer on a second pixel area apart from the first pixel area by the light blocking area among the plurality of pixel areas and configured to convert the incident light into light of a second color; and a second color filter layer between the substrate and the second color conversion layer and configured to selectively transmit the light of the second color emitted from the second color conversion layer.

According to the present embodiment, the color filter may further include a partition wall between the first color conversion layer and the second color conversion layer on the light blocking area and including a reflective material.

According to the present embodiment, the color filter may further include: a transmission layer on a third pixel area apart from the first pixel area and the second pixel area by the light blocking area among the plurality of pixel areas and configured to transmit the incident light; and a third color filter layer between the substrate and the transmission layer and configured to selectively transmit the incident light.

According to the present embodiment, the incident light may be blue light, and the first color may be red or green.

According to the present embodiment, the color filter may further include: a third color conversion layer on a third pixel area apart from the first pixel area and the second pixel area by the light blocking area among the plurality of pixel areas and configured to convert the incident light into light of a third color; and a third color filter layer between the substrate and the third color conversion layer and configured to selectively transmit the light of the third color emitted from the third color conversion layer.

According to the present embodiment, the incident light may be ultraviolet light, and the first color may be red, green, or blue.

According to the present embodiment, the light reflection layer may be between the second color conversion layer and the second color filter layer so as to overlap the light blocking layer.

According to the present embodiment, the first color conversion layer may include first quantum dots that are excited by the incident light and emit the light of the first color having a wavelength longer than that of the incident light.

According to the present embodiment, the incident light may have a wavelength shorter than that of the light of the first color.

According to the present embodiment, the light blocking layer may include a light absorbing material including an organic material.

According to the present embodiment, the color filter may further include a first partition wall arranged to cover sidewalls of the first color conversion layer and the first color filter layer corresponding to the light blocking area and including a reflective material.

According to the present embodiment, the color filter may further include: a second color conversion layer on a second pixel area among the plurality of pixel areas and configured to convert the incident light into light of a second color; a second color filter layer between the substrate and the second color conversion layer and configured to selectively transmit the light of the second color emitted from the second color conversion layer; and a second partition wall arranged to cover sidewalls of the second color conversion layer and the second color filter layer corresponding to the light blocking area and including a reflective material.

According to the present embodiment, the color filter may further include a filling layer between the first partition wall and the second partition wall corresponding to the light blocking area.

According to second aspect of the present disclosure, a display device includes: a display panel in which a plurality of pixels are arranged, each of the plurality of pixels including a light-emitting element; and a color filter according to the first aspect, configured to implement a color by converting a wavelength of light emitted from the light-emitting element of each of the plurality of pixels.

According to the present embodiment, the display panel may include: a further substrate on which the plurality of pixels are arranged; and a thin-film encapsulation layer on the further substrate.

According to the present embodiment, the display device may further include a filling layer between the thin-film encapsulation layer and the color filter.

According to the present embodiment, in the color filter, the first color filter layer may be arranged to cover an edge of the light blocking layer, and the light reflection layer may be arranged to overlap the light blocking layer.

According to the present embodiment, the color filter may further include: a second color conversion layer on a second pixel area apart from the first pixel area by the light blocking area among the plurality of pixel areas and configured to convert the incident light into light of a second color; a second color filter layer between the substrate and the second color conversion layer and configured to selectively transmit the light of the second color emitted from the second color conversion layer; and a partition wall between the first color conversion layer and the second color conversion layer on the light blocking area and including a reflective material.

Other aspects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood through the accompanying drawings, the claims and the detailed description.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which is configured as described above, a color filter having improved light efficiency and color reproducibility and a display device including the same may be implemented. The scope of the present disclosure is not limited by such an effect.

As the present description allows for various changes and numerous embodiments, certain embodiments will be illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the written description. Effects and features of the present disclosure, and methods of achieving them will be clarified with reference to embodiments described below in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments and may be embodied in various forms.

The embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those elements that are the same or are in correspondence with each other are rendered the same reference numeral regardless of the figure number, and redundant explanations are omitted.

It will be understood that although the terms "first," "second," etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" as used herein are intended to include the plural forms as well unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising" used herein specify the presence of stated features or elements, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features or elements. It will be further understood that, when a layer, region, or element is referred to as being "on" another layer, region, or element, it can be directly or indirectly on the other layer, region, or element. That is, for example, intervening layers, regions, or elements may be present.

Sizes of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated or reduced for convenience of explanation. For example, because sizes and thicknesses of elements in the drawings are arbitrarily illustrated for convenience of explanation, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

The x-axis, the y-axis, and the z-axis are not limited to three axes of the rectangular coordinate system and may be interpreted in a broader sense. For example, the x-axis, the y-axis, and the z-axis may be perpendicular to one another or may represent different directions that are not perpendicular to one another.

<FIG> is a schematic plan view of a color filter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> and <FIG> are schematic cross-sectional views of the color filter taken along lines II-II' and III-III' of <FIG>, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a color filter <NUM> includes a substrate <NUM>, a light blocking layer <NUM>, a color filter layer <NUM>, a light reflection layer <NUM>, a partition wall <NUM>, and a first color conversion layer <NUM>.

The substrate <NUM> may have a first pixel area PA1 and a light blocking area BA surrounding the first pixel area PA1. The first color conversion layer <NUM> may be on the first pixel area PA1 and may convert incident light into light of a first color, and the color filter layer <NUM> may selectively pass the light of the first color.

Referring to <FIG>, a pixel area PA and the light blocking area BA are defined in the substrate <NUM>. The pixel area PA is an area through which light is emitted, and is surrounded by the light blocking area BA. The pixel area PA may be divided into the first pixel area PA1, a second pixel area PA2, and a third pixel area PA3 according to the color of the emitted light. For example, the first pixel area PA1 may be an area through which light of a first color (see Lr of <FIG>) is emitted, the second pixel area PA2 may be an area through which light of a second color (see Lg of <FIG>) is emitted, and the third pixel area PA3 may be an area through which light of a third color (see Lb of <FIG>) is emitted. The arrangement of the first to third pixel areas PA1, PA2, and PA3 illustrated in <FIG> is exemplary, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The first to third pixel areas PA1, PA2, and PA3 may be arranged in various shapes corresponding to the arrangement of pixels of the display device.

The light blocking area BA is an area through which light is not emitted, and may be arranged in a mesh shape between the first to third pixel areas PA1, PA2, and PA3.

The substrate <NUM> is a transparent substrate in which the light of the first color emitted from the first color conversion layer <NUM> may be emitted through the first pixel area PA1. The substrate <NUM> is not particularly limited as long as the substrate <NUM> is commonly used, but may include, for example, an insulating material such as glass, plastic, or crystal. The substrate <NUM> may include, for example, an organic polymer material such as polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polysulfone (PSF), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), triacetyl cellulose (TAC), cycloolefin polymer (COP), or cycloolefin copolymer (COC). The substrate <NUM> may be selected considering mechanical strength, thermal stability, transparency, surface smoothness, ease of handling, waterproofness, and the like.

The light blocking layer <NUM> may be on the light blocking area BA. The light blocking layer <NUM> may be formed as a thin-film on the light blocking area BA. When light is emitted through the light blocking area BA, light leakage may occur in the display device. The light blocking layer <NUM> may prevent light leakage caused because light is emitted to the outside through the light blocking area BA.

The light blocking layer <NUM> may have various colors including black or white. When the light blocking layer <NUM> is black, the light blocking layer <NUM> may include a black matrix. When the light blocking layer <NUM> is white, the light blocking layer <NUM> may include an organic insulating material such as a white resin. The light blocking layer <NUM> may include an opaque inorganic insulating material such as CrOx or MoOx, or an opaque organic insulating material such as a black resin.

The color filter layer <NUM> may be arranged to cover edges of the light blocking layer <NUM>. The color filter layer <NUM> may be an organic material pattern including a dye or a pigment. The color filter layer <NUM> may selectively transmit only light of a specific color.

The light reflection layer <NUM> may be on the color filter layer <NUM>. The light reflection layer <NUM> may include a material that scatters and/or reflects light. The light reflection layer <NUM> may include, for example, a metal material such as Cu, Al, Mo, Ti, Ag, Ni, Mn, Au, or Cr, and may include a single layer or multiple layers.

The light reflection layer <NUM> may scatter and/or reflect light incident from the first color conversion layer <NUM>. The light reflection layer <NUM> is arranged to overlap the light blocking layer <NUM>. In an overlapping area OA in which the light reflection layer <NUM> and the light blocking layer <NUM> overlap each other, an end 140a of the light reflection layer <NUM> and an end 120a of the light blocking layer <NUM> coincide with each other. That is, in order to prevent the aperture ratio of the pixel area PA from decreasing, the end 140a of the light reflection layer <NUM> is formed so as not to exceed the end 120a of the light blocking layer <NUM>.

The light blocking layer <NUM> generally absorbs light. As a comparative example, when the light reflection layer <NUM> is not provided, the light blocking layer <NUM> located in the overlapping area OA absorbs light incident from the first color conversion layer <NUM>. In this case, light loss occurs because part of the light emitted from the first color conversion layer <NUM> is absorbed by the light blocking layer <NUM>. Therefore, the color filter <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes the light reflection layer <NUM> between the color filter layer <NUM> and the first color conversion layer <NUM>. The light reflection layer <NUM> may be arranged to overlap the light blocking layer <NUM> and may scatter and/or reflect light incident onto the light blocking layer <NUM>. Also, because the end 140a of the light reflection layer <NUM> is formed so as not to exceed the end 120a of the light blocking layer <NUM>, a decrease in the aperture ratio of the pixel area PA may be prevented.

The partition wall <NUM> is on the light blocking area BA. The partition wall <NUM> blocks light emitted from the first color conversion layer <NUM> from being introduced into an adjacent pixel area. The partition wall <NUM> is on the light blocking layer <NUM> and may come into contact with the side surfaces of the color filter layer <NUM> and the first color conversion layer <NUM>. The partition wall <NUM> may include a material that scatters and/or reflects light. The partition wall <NUM> may include, for example, MTO, Ti, TiO<NUM>, Cu, or the like, but is not limited thereto, and a material capable of reflecting, deposition, coating, and/or printing may be variously used.

A planarization layer <NUM> may be on the substrate <NUM> and cover the first color conversion layer <NUM>. The planarization layer <NUM> may include a transparent material so that incident light may be irradiated to the first color conversion layer <NUM>. The planarization layer <NUM> may include, for example, a transparent organic material such as a polyimide resin, an acrylic resin, or a resist material. The planarization layer <NUM> may be formed by a wet process such as slit coating or spin coating, a dry process such as chemical vapor deposition or vacuum deposition, and the like. The present embodiment is not limited to these materials and forming methods.

According to another embodiment, the planarization layer <NUM> may be omitted.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the color filter <NUM> includes a plurality of pixels emitting different colors.

The substrate <NUM> may include the first pixel area PA1, the second pixel area PA2, and the third pixel area PA3, which are apart from each other, and the light blocking area BA between the first to third pixel areas PA1, PA2, and PA3. The first color conversion layer <NUM> is on the first pixel area PA1 and converts the incident light Lib into light Lr of a first color. The second color conversion layer <NUM> is on the second pixel area PA2 and converts the incident light Lib into light Lg of a second color. The color filter <NUM> may further include a transmission layer <NUM>. The transmission layer <NUM> may be on the third pixel area PA3 and may transmit the incident light Lib.

The color filter <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may receive the incident light Lib and emit the light Lr, Lg, and Lb of the first to third colors. The light Lr of the first color may be red light, the light Lg of the second color may be green light, and the light Lb of the third color may be blue light. The red light has a peak wavelength of <NUM> or more and less than <NUM>. The green light has a peak wavelength of <NUM> or more and less than <NUM>. The blue light has a peak wavelength of <NUM> or more and less than <NUM>. The incident light Lib may be the light Lb of the third color. According to another embodiment, the first color may be a color other than red, green, and blue (e.g., cyan, magenta, or yellow). Hereinafter, it is assumed that the first color conversion layer <NUM> converts blue light into red light.

The color filter layer <NUM> may include a first color filter layer 130a, a second color filter layer 130b, and a third color filter layer 130c. The first color filter layer 130a may be on at least the first pixel area PA1, the second color filter layer 130b may be on at least the second pixel area PA2, and the third color filter layer 130c may be on at least the third pixel area PA3. The first color filter layer 130a may selectively transmit only the light Lr of the first color, the second color filter layer 130b may selectively transmit only the light Lg of the second color, and the third color filter layer 130c may selectively transmit only the light Lb of the third color.

The first and second color conversion layers <NUM> and <NUM> and the transmission layer <NUM> may be on the color filter layer <NUM>. The light reflection layer <NUM> is between the first color filter layer 130a and the first color conversion layer <NUM> and between the second color filter layer 130b and the second color conversion layer <NUM>. In <FIG>, the light reflection layer <NUM> is spaced apart on the light blocking area BA between adjacent pixel areas. According to another embodiment, the light reflection layers <NUM> may be connected to each other on the light blocking area BA between adjacent pixel areas.

In <FIG>, the light reflection layer <NUM> is not between the third color filter layer 130c and the transmission layer <NUM>. The light reflection layer <NUM> reflects light partially absorbed by the light blocking layer <NUM> among pieces of light emitted from the first and second color conversion layers <NUM> and <NUM> in all directions, so that the light is absorbed again by the first and second color conversion layers <NUM> and <NUM>. Therefore, the light reflection layer <NUM> may not be on the third pixel area PA3 in which the transmission layer <NUM> is arranged.

The light reflection layer <NUM> may include a material that scatters and/or reflects light. As described above with reference to <FIG>, the light reflection layer <NUM> may be arranged to overlap the light blocking layer <NUM> on the first and second pixel areas PA1 and PA2 and may scatter and/or reflect light incident onto the light blocking layer <NUM> located in the overlapping area OA. Also, because the end 140a of the light reflection layer <NUM> is formed so as not to exceed the end 120a of the light blocking layer <NUM>, a decrease in the aperture ratio of the pixel area PA may be prevented.

Most of the light Lr of the first color emitted from the first color conversion layer <NUM> and scattered and/or reflected from the light reflection layer <NUM>, for example, more than half the light Lr of the first color may be re-incident on the first color conversion layer <NUM>. Any case falls within the scope of the present embodiment as long as more than half the light Lr of the first color reflected by the light reflection layer <NUM> is re-incident onto the first color conversion layer <NUM>. Similarly, most of the light Lg of the second color emitted from the second color conversion layer <NUM> and scattered and/or reflected from the light reflection layer <NUM>, for example, more than half the light Lg of the second color may be re-incident on the second color conversion layer <NUM>. Similarly, any case falls within the scope of the present embodiment as long as more than half the light Lg of the second color reflected by the light reflection layer <NUM> is re-incident onto the second color conversion layer <NUM>.

The partition wall <NUM> may be on the light blocking area BA and may be between the first color conversion layer <NUM>, the second color conversion layer <NUM>, and the transmission layer <NUM> in a horizontal direction. The partition wall <NUM> may be arranged to overlap the light blocking layer <NUM>.

The partition wall <NUM> may include a material that scatters and/or reflects the pieces of light Lr, Lg, and Lb of the first to third colors Lr, Lg, and Lb. The partition wall <NUM> may scatter and/or reflect light incident from the first and second color conversion layers <NUM> and <NUM> and the transmission layer <NUM>. Therefore, the partition wall <NUM> may reduce light loss due to light absorption.

The partition wall <NUM> may prevent the light Lr of the first color emitted from the first color conversion layer <NUM> from being irradiated to the second color conversion layer <NUM> or the transmission layer <NUM>, may prevent the light Lg of the second color emitted from the second color conversion layer <NUM> from being irradiated to the first color conversion layer <NUM> or the transmission layer <NUM>, or may prevent the light Lb of the third color emitted from the transmission layer <NUM> from being irradiated to the first color conversion layer <NUM> or the second color conversion layer <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view of a color filter according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, a color filter <NUM>' of <FIG> differs from the embodiment of <FIG> in a structure of a partition wall <NUM>'. The configuration except for the partition wall <NUM>' is the same as that of the embodiment of <FIG>, and the following description will be given focusing on differences in the structure of the partition wall <NUM>'.

The partition wall <NUM>' may be on the light blocking area BA, and may be spaced apart for each pixel. The partition wall <NUM>' may be arranged to cover side surfaces of the first and second color conversion layers <NUM> and <NUM>. The partition wall <NUM>' may extend from the side surfaces of the first and second color conversion layers <NUM> and <NUM> to the light blocking layer <NUM>, and may cover the side surface of the light reflection layer <NUM> and the side surfaces of the first and second color filter layers 130a and 130b. That is, because the partition wall <NUM>' reflects light emitted from the first and second color conversion layers <NUM> and <NUM> so as to be re-incident onto the first and second color conversion layers <NUM> and <NUM>, it is sufficient as long as the partition wall <NUM>' is formed to cover the side surfaces of the first and second color conversion layers <NUM> and <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates that the partition wall <NUM>' covers all the side surfaces of the first and second color conversion layers <NUM> and <NUM> and the transmission layer <NUM>, but according to another embodiment, the partition wall <NUM>' may not cover the side surface of the transmission layer <NUM>.

The planarization layer <NUM> may be buried in the light blocking area BA between adjacent partition walls <NUM>'.

<FIG> is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the first and second color conversion layers and the transmission layer of the color filter, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the first color conversion layer <NUM> converts incident blue light Lib into the light Lr of the first color. The first color conversion layer <NUM> may include a first photosensitive polymer <NUM> in which first quantum dots <NUM> and first scattering particles <NUM> are dispersed.

The first quantum dots <NUM> may be excited by the incident blue light Lib to isotropically emit the light Lr of the first color having a wavelength longer than that of the blue light. The first photosensitive polymer <NUM> may include an organic material having light-transmitting properties. The first scattering particles <NUM> may scatter incident blue light Lib that has not been absorbed by the first quantum dots <NUM>, so that more of the first quantum dots <NUM> are excited. Therefore, the color conversion rate of the first color conversion layer <NUM> may be increased. The first scattering particles <NUM> may include, for example, titanium oxide (TiO<NUM>) or metal particles. The first quantum dots <NUM> may include a Group II-VI compound, a Group III-V compound, a Group IV-VI compound, a Group IV compound, or any combination thereof.

The Group II-VI compound may be selected from: a binary compound selected from the group consisting of CdSe, CdTe, ZnS, ZnSe, ZnTe, ZnO, HgS, HgSe, HgTe, MgSe, MgS, and any mixture thereof; a ternary compound selected from the group consisting of CdSeS, CdSeTe, CdSTe, ZnSeS, ZnSeTe, ZnSTe, HgSeS, HgSeTe, HgSTe, CdZnS, CdZnSe, CdZnTe, CdHgS, CdHgSe, CdHgTe, HgZnS, HgZnSe, HgZnTe, MgZnSe, MgZnS, and any mixture thereof; and a quaternary compound selected from the group consisting of HgZnTeS, CdZnSeS, CdZnSeTe, CdZnSTe, CdHgSeS, CdHgSeTe, CdHgSTe, HgZnSeS, HgZnSeTe, HgZnSTe, and any mixture thereof.

The Group III-V compound may be selected from: a binary compound selected from the group consisting of GaN, GaP, GaAs, GaSb, AIN, AIP, AlAs, AlSb, InN, InP, InAs, InSb, and mixture thereof; a ternary compound selected from the group consisting of GaNP, GaNAs, GaNSb, GaPAs, GaPSb, AINP, AINAs, AINSb, AIPAs, AlPSb, InNP, InNAs, InNSb, InPAs, InPSb, and any mixture thereof; and a quaternary compound selected from the group consisting of GaAINP, GaAINAs, GaAINSb, GaAIPAs, GaAIPSb, GalnNP, GalnNAs, GalnNSb, GalnPAs, GalnPSb, InAINP, InAINAs, InAINSb, InAIPAs, InAIPSb, and any mixture thereof.

The Group IV-VI compound may be selected from: a binary compound selected from the group consisting of SnS, SnSe, SnTe, PbS, PbSe, PbTe, and any mixture thereof; a ternary compound selected from the group consisting of SnSeS, SnSeTe, SnSTe, PbSeS, PbSeTe, PbSTe, SnPbS, SnPbSe, SnPbTe, and any mixture thereof; and a quaternary compound selected from the group consisting of SnPbSSe, SnPbSeTe, SnPbSTe, and any mixture thereof.

The Group IV compound may be selected from: an elemental compound selected from the group consisting of Si, Ge, and any mixture thereof; and a binary compound selected from the group consisting of SiC, SiGe, and any mixture thereof.

The second color conversion layer <NUM> converts the incident blue light Lib into the light Lg of the second color. The second color conversion layer <NUM> may include a second photosensitive polymer <NUM> in which second quantum dots <NUM> and second scattering particles <NUM> are dispersed.

The second quantum dots <NUM> may be excited by the incident blue light Lib to isotropically emit the light Lg of the second color having a wavelength longer than that of the blue light. The second photosensitive polymer <NUM> may include an organic material having light-transmitting properties and may include the same material as that of the first photosensitive polymer <NUM>. The second scattering particles <NUM> may scatter incident blue light Lib that has not been absorbed by the second quantum dots <NUM>, so that more of the second quantum dots <NUM> are excited. Therefore, the color conversion rate of the second color conversion layer <NUM> may be increased. The second scattering particles <NUM> may include, for example, titanium oxide (TiO<NUM>) or metal particles, and may include the same material as that of the first scattering particles <NUM>. The second quantum dots <NUM> may include a Group II-VI compound, a Group III-V compound, a Group IV-VI compound, a Group IV compound, or any combination thereof. The second quantum dots <NUM> may include the same material as that of the first quantum dots <NUM>. In this case, the size of the second quantum dots <NUM> may be less than the size of the first quantum dots <NUM>.

The transmission layer <NUM> may transmit the incident blue light Lib and emit the incident blue light Lib toward the substrate <NUM>. The transmission layer <NUM> may include a third photosensitive polymer <NUM> in which third scattering particles <NUM> are dispersed. The third photosensitive polymer <NUM> may include, for example, an organic material having light-transmitting properties, such as a silicone resin or an epoxy resin, and may include the same material as that of the first and second photosensitive polymers <NUM> and <NUM>. The third scattering particles <NUM> may scatter and emit the incident blue light Lib, and may include the same material as that of the first and second scattering particles <NUM> and <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, it is assumed that a color filter <NUM>" of <FIG> uses ultraviolet light Luv as incident light. Therefore, the color filter <NUM>" of <FIG> differs from the embodiment of <FIG> in a structure of a third pixel area PA3. The configuration except for the third pixel area PA3 is the same as that of the embodiment of <FIG>, and the following description will be given focusing on differences in the third pixel area PA3.

A third color conversion layer 180c may be on the third pixel area PA3. The third color conversion layer 180c may convert incident light into light of a third color.

Red light emitted from a first color conversion layer <NUM> is emitted to the outside through a first pixel area PA1, green light emitted from a second color conversion layer <NUM> is emitted to the outside through a second pixel area PA2, and blue light emitted from the third color conversion layer 180c is emitted to the outside through the third pixel area PA3.

The third color conversion layer 180c is on a third color filter layer 130c, converts incident ultraviolet light Luv into blue light, and emits the blue light toward a substrate <NUM>. The third color conversion layer 180c may include a third photosensitive polymer 181c in which third quantum dots 182c are dispersed. The third color conversion layer 180c may further include third scattering particles 183c dispersed in the third photosensitive polymer 181c.

The third color filter layer 130c may selectively pass the blue light emitted from the third color conversion layer 180c. The third color filter layer 130c may absorb or reflect red light and green light so that light of a color other than blue light (e.g., red light and green light) is not emitted to the outside through the third pixel area PA3.

<FIG> are cross-sectional views schematically illustrating a process of manufacturing a color filter, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, a light blocking layer <NUM> may be formed in a light blocking area BA on a substrate <NUM>. The light blocking layer <NUM> may be formed by spraying organic ink, or may be formed by patterning a metal layer through a photolithography process. Therefore, a first opening OP1 may be formed in the light blocking area BA.

Referring to <FIG>, a color filter layer <NUM> may be formed on the substrate <NUM> on which the light blocking layer <NUM> is formed. The color filter layer <NUM> may be formed in the first opening OP1 of the light blocking layer <NUM>.

The color filter layer <NUM> may be formed by repeating a process of applying a color photoresist on the substrate <NUM> and selectively patterning the color photoresist. For example, a first color photoresist may be applied and etched to form a first color filter layer 130a, a second color photoresist may be applied and etched to form a second color filter layer 130b, and a third color photoresist may be applied and etched to form a third color filter layer 130c. The order of forming the first to third color filter layers 130a, 130b, and 130c is not limited. The color photoresist may include a photopolymerization type photosensitive composition such as a photopolymerization initiator, a monomer, or a binder, and an organic pigment that implements a color. The first color filter layer 130a, the second color filter layer 130b, and the third color filter layer 130c may be formed in, for example, a stripe type, a mosaic type, and the like according to an arrangement scheme.

In <FIG>, the color filter layer <NUM> is formed to have a height (thickness) greater than that of the light blocking layer <NUM>, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the color filter layer <NUM> may be formed to have a height (thickness) less than or equal to that of the light blocking layer <NUM>.

A light reflection layer <NUM> may be on the first and second color filter layers 130a and 130b. Each of the first to third color filter layers 130a, 130b, and 130c may be formed to cover the end of the light blocking layer <NUM>, and the light reflection layer <NUM> may be arranged to overlap the light blocking layer <NUM> on the first and second color filter layers 130a and 130b. An area in which the light reflection layer <NUM> and the light blocking layer <NUM> overlap each other may be defined as an overlapping area OA. The light reflection layer <NUM>, the color filter layer <NUM>, and the light blocking layer <NUM> may simultaneously overlap each other on the overlapping area OA.

A second opening OP2 exposing each of the first and second pixel areas PA1 and PA2 may be formed in the light reflection layer <NUM>. The second opening OP2 may be formed to have the same size as that of the first opening OP1 of the light blocking layer <NUM>. That is, because the first to third pixel areas PA1, PA2, and PA3 are defined by the first opening OP1 of the light blocking layer <NUM>, forming the second opening OP2 to have the same size as that of the first opening OP1 means that the light reflection layer <NUM> does not affect the aperture ratio.

The light reflection layer <NUM> is not formed on the third color filter layer 130c. The light reflection layer <NUM> reflects light partially absorbed by the light blocking layer <NUM> among pieces of light emitted from the first and second color conversion layers <NUM> and <NUM> in all directions, so that the light is absorbed again by the first and second color conversion layers <NUM> and <NUM>. Therefore, the light reflection layer <NUM> may not be on the third pixel area PA3 in which the transmission layer <NUM> is arranged.

Referring to <FIG>, a first color conversion layer <NUM> is formed on the first pixel area PA1, a second color conversion layer <NUM> is formed on the second pixel area PA2, and a transmission layer <NUM> is formed on the third pixel area PA3.

According to an embodiment, a first quantum dot-photoresist may be applied on the substrate <NUM> and patterned to form the first color conversion layer <NUM> in the first pixel area PA1. A second quantum dot-photoresist may be applied on the substrate <NUM> and patterned to form the second color conversion layer <NUM> in the second pixel area PA2. A third photoresist may be applied on the substrate <NUM> and patterned to form the transmission layer <NUM> in the third pixel area PA3. The order of forming the first and second color conversion layers <NUM> and <NUM> and the transmission layer <NUM> is not limited.

Referring to <FIG>, a partition wall <NUM> may be formed on the light blocking area BA between the first and second color conversion layers <NUM> and <NUM> and the transmission layer <NUM>. The partition wall <NUM> may be formed by applying a partition wall forming material on the substrate <NUM> and patterning the partition wall forming material. The partition wall <NUM> may be formed in a single layer or multiple layers including a material that scatters and/or reflects light Lr of a first color, light Lg of a second color, and light Lb of a third color. The height (thickness) of the partition wall <NUM> and the concentration of the scattering material and/or the reflective material may be designed differently according to an applied electronic device.

According to another embodiment, the partition wall <NUM> may be formed by an inkjet coating process of discharging ink onto the light blocking area BA between the first and second color conversion layers <NUM> and <NUM> and the transmission layer <NUM>. When the partition wall <NUM> is formed by the inkjet coating process, a photo process may not be added, a manufacturing cost may be reduced, and a process may be simplified.

Referring to <FIG>, a planarization layer <NUM> may be formed on the first and second color conversion layers <NUM> and <NUM> and the transmission layer <NUM>.

Up to this point, only the color filter has been mainly described, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, it will be understood that a display device including such a color filter also falls within the scope of the present disclosure.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic structure of a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

A display device <NUM> of <FIG> includes the color filter <NUM> of <FIG> and a display panel <NUM>. A filling layer <NUM> may be further provided between the display panel <NUM> and the color filter <NUM>. The filling layer <NUM> may include an insulating layer or an air layer including a transparent material having light-transmitting properties. The display device <NUM> of <FIG> does not include the planarization layer (see <NUM> of <FIG>), but in some cases, the display device <NUM> of <FIG> may include the planarization layer <NUM>.

The display panel <NUM> may include first to third pixels PX1, PX2, and PX3. The first pixel PX1 may include a light-emitting element <NUM> and a first pixel circuit 420a that controls the light-emitting element <NUM>, the second pixel PX2 may include a light-emitting element <NUM> and a second pixel circuit 420b that controls the light-emitting element <NUM>, and the third pixel PX3 may include a light-emitting element <NUM> and a third pixel circuit 420c that controls the light-emitting element <NUM>.

The light-emitting element <NUM> may include an organic light-emitting device (OLED). The light-emitting element <NUM> may emit the light of the third color, for example, the incident blue light Lib, which has an amount of light controlled by the first to third pixel circuits 420a, 420b, and 420c. The light-emitting element <NUM> may be arranged to correspond to the first to third pixel areas PA1, PA2, and PA3 of the color filter <NUM>. Each of the first to third pixel circuits 420a, 420b, and 420c may be on a pixel circuit layer <NUM> that is a lower layer of the light-emitting element <NUM>, and may or may not at least partially overlap the light-emitting element <NUM>.

The color filter <NUM> may perform color conversion on part of the incident light Lib of the third color emitted from the light-emitting elements <NUM> and emit the light Lr of the first color and the light Lg of the second color to the outside, and may exit part of the incident light Lib of the third color to the outside as the light Lb of the third color without color conversion.

The substrate <NUM> may include a material such as glass, a metal, or an organic material.

The first to third pixel circuits 420a, 420b, and 420c of the first to third pixels PX1, PX2, and PX3 may be on the substrate <NUM>. Each of the first to third pixel circuits 420a, 420b, and 420c may include a plurality of thin-film transistors and at least one capacitor. In addition to the first to third pixel circuits 420a, 420b, and 420c, signal lines and voltage lines configured to transmit signals and driving voltages to the first to third pixels PX1, PX2, and PX3 may be on the pixel circuit layer <NUM>. The light-emitting element <NUM> of the first pixel PX1 may be arranged to correspond to the first pixel area PA1 of the color filter <NUM>. The light-emitting element <NUM> of the second pixel PX2 may be arranged to correspond to the second pixel area PA2 of the color filter <NUM>. The light-emitting element <NUM> of the third pixel PX3 may be arranged to correspond to the third pixel area PA3 of the color filter <NUM>.

Each of the thin-film transistors may include a semiconductor layer, a gate electrode, a source electrode, and a drain electrode. The semiconductor layer may include amorphous silicon or may include polycrystalline silicon. The semiconductor layer may include an oxide semiconductor. The semiconductor layer may include a source region, a drain region, and a channel region therebetween.

The light-emitting element <NUM> may be on the pixel circuit layer <NUM>. The light-emitting element <NUM> may include a pixel electrode <NUM>, a middle layer <NUM>, and an opposite electrode <NUM>.

The pixel electrode <NUM> may be connected to the source electrode or the drain electrode of the thin-film transistor. The pixel electrode <NUM> may be exposed through an opening of a pixel defining layer <NUM>, and an edge of the pixel electrode <NUM> may be covered by the pixel defining layer <NUM>.

The middle layer <NUM> may be on the pixel electrode <NUM> exposed by the pixel defining layer <NUM>. The middle layer <NUM> may include an organic emission layer, and the organic emission layer may include a low molecular weight organic material or a high molecular weight organic material. The middle layer <NUM> may optionally further include, in addition to the organic light-emitting layer, a functional layer such as a hole transport layer (HTL), a hole injection layer (HIL), an electron transport layer (ETL), and an electron injection layer (EIL).

The opposite electrode <NUM> may be arranged to cover the middle layer <NUM> and the pixel defining layer <NUM>. The opposite electrode <NUM> may include a transparent or semitransparent electrode. For example, the opposite electrode <NUM> may include a metal thin-film having a low work function. The opposite electrode <NUM> may include a transparent conductive oxide (TCO).

An encapsulation layer <NUM> may be on the light-emitting element <NUM>. The encapsulation layer <NUM> may cover the opposite electrode <NUM> and may be on the entire surface of the substrate <NUM>. The encapsulation layer <NUM> may include at least one inorganic encapsulation layer including an inorganic material and at least one organic encapsulation layer including an organic material. According to an embodiment, the encapsulation layer <NUM> may have a structure in which a first inorganic encapsulation layer, an organic encapsulation layer, and a second inorganic encapsulation layer are sequentially stacked.

The color filter <NUM> may include a substrate <NUM>, a light blocking layer <NUM> and a light reflection layer <NUM> partitioning first to third pixel areas PA1, PA2, and PA3 for forming different colors, a partition wall <NUM>, and first to third color filter layers 130a, 130b, and 130c configured to selectively transmit different colors.

A first color conversion layer <NUM> configured to convert incident blue light Lib into red light Lr may be arranged in the first pixel area PA1, a second color conversion layer <NUM> configured to convert incident blue light Lib into green light Lg may be arranged in the second pixel area PA2, and a transmission layer <NUM> configured to transmit incident blue light Lib as blue light Lb as it is may be arranged in the third pixel area PA3.

The light Lb of the third color emitted from the light-emitting element <NUM> controlled by the first pixel circuit 420a of the first pixel PX1 is converted into the light Lr of the first color through the first color conversion layer <NUM> and emitted to the outside through the substrate <NUM>. The light Lb of the third color emitted from the light-emitting element <NUM> controlled by the second pixel circuit 420b of the second pixel PX2 is converted into the light Lg of the second color through the second color conversion layer <NUM> and emitted to the outside through the substrate <NUM>. The light Lb of the third color emitted from the light-emitting element <NUM> controlled by the third pixel circuit 420c of the third pixel PX3 is emitted to the outside through the transmission layer <NUM> and the substrate <NUM> without color conversion.

An image of the incident blue light Lib emitted from the display panel <NUM> is incident onto the color filter <NUM> and is converted into red light Lr, green light Lg, and blue light Lb. In this manner, a color image is displayed.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the partition wall <NUM> and the light reflection layer <NUM> may prevent color mixing by blocking light incident between the adjacent color conversion layers and the transmission layers. Therefore, a color matching rate and color reproducibility may be improved, light efficiency may be improved through light recycling, and thus, power consumption may be reduced.

A display device <NUM>' of <FIG> includes the color filter <NUM>' of <FIG> and a display panel <NUM>. Because the color filter <NUM>' is the same as that of <FIG> and the display panel <NUM> is the same as that of <FIG>, the above descriptions are incorporated herein.

A display device <NUM>" of <FIG> includes the color filter <NUM>" of <FIG> and a display panel <NUM>. Because the color filter <NUM>" is the same as that of <FIG>, the above descriptions are incorporated herein.

The display panel <NUM> is similar to that of <FIG> described above, but a light-emitting element <NUM> may emit ultraviolet light Luv. In this case, as described above with reference to <FIG>, the color filter <NUM>" includes a third color conversion layer 180c, and the third color conversion layer 180c may include a third photosensitive polymer 181c in which third quantum dots 182c and third scattering particles 183c are dispersed. The third color conversion layer 180c may convert incident light, that is, ultraviolet light Luv, into light of a third color (e.g., blue light).

<FIG> and <FIG> are cross-sectional views of color filters according to other embodiments of the present disclosure. <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate parts of <FIG> and <FIG> in detail, respectively.

Referring to <FIG>, a substrate <NUM> may include a first pixel area PA1 and a second pixel area PA2, which are spaced apart from each other, and a light blocking area BA between the first and second pixel areas PA1 and PA2. The first pixel area PA1 and the second pixel area PA2 of <FIG> may correspond to the first pixel area PA1 and the second pixel area PA2 of <FIG>.

A first color filter layer 130a, and a first color conversion layer <NUM> are arranged in the first pixel area PA1, a second color filter layer 130b,, and a second color conversion layer <NUM> are arranged in the second pixel area PA2, and a light blocking layer <NUM> and a partition wall <NUM> are arranged in the light blocking area BA. A filling layer <NUM> may be on the first and second color conversion layers <NUM> and <NUM>. The filling layer <NUM> flattens the upper surface thereof and covers the color filter.

As described above, the first color conversion layer <NUM> includes first quantum dots and converts incident blue light Lib into light Lr of a first color, and the second color conversion layer <NUM> includes second quantum dots and converts incident blue light Lib into light Lg of a second color. At this time, as part of the light reflected by the quantum dots is re-reflected through the structure of the light reflection layer <NUM> and the partition wall <NUM>, light entering the adjacent pixel area may be blocked and light efficiency may be increased through light recycling.

<FIG> is substantially the same as that of <FIG>, but there is a difference in a structure of a partition wall <NUM>'. While the partition wall <NUM> of <FIG> is formed to fill the light blocking area BA, the partition wall <NUM>' of <FIG> is formed to cover the side surfaces of the first color filter layer 130a and the first color conversion layer <NUM> and the side surfaces of the second color filter layer 130b and the second color conversion layer <NUM>. Part of the filling layer <NUM> may be buried between the partition walls <NUM>'.

Claim 1:
A color filter (<NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>") comprising:
a substrate (<NUM>) having a plurality of pixel areas (PA1, PA2, PA3) and a light blocking area (BA) surrounding the plurality of pixel areas (PA1, PA2, PA3);
a light blocking layer (<NUM>) on the light blocking area (BA);
a first color conversion layer (<NUM>) on a first pixel area (PA1) among the plurality of pixel areas (PA1, PA2, PA3) and configured to convert incident light (Lib, Luv) into light (Lr) of a first color;
a first color filter layer (130a) on the first pixel area (PA1) and between the substrate (<NUM>) and the first color conversion layer (<NUM>) and configured to selectively transmit the light (Lr) of the first color emitted from the first color conversion layer (<NUM>); and
a light reflection layer (<NUM>) including a reflective material, wherein an opening (OP2) is
formed in the light reflection layer (<NUM>) to expose the first pixel area (PA1), characterized in that
the light reflection layer (<NUM>) is disposed between the first color conversion layer (<NUM>) and the first color filter layer (130a).