Patent ID: 12230525

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to example embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. In this regard, the example embodiments may have different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the descriptions set forth herein. Accordingly, the example embodiments are merely described below, by referring to the figures, to explain aspects. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Expressions such as “at least one of,” when preceding a list of elements, modify the entire list of elements and do not modify the individual elements of the list.

Hereinafter, a micro-semiconductor chip wet alignment apparatus according to various example embodiments, will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same elements and sizes of elements may be exaggerated for clarity and convenience of explanation. The terms “first,” “second,” etc. are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another component and should not be otherwise interpreted in a limited sense. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another component.

As used herein, the singular terms “a” and “an” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that when a part “includes” or “comprises” an element, unless otherwise defined, the part may further include other elements, not excluding the other elements. A size of each element in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity and convenience of explanation. Also, when a certain material layer is described as being on a substrate or another layer, the material layer may be on the substrate or the other layer by directly contacting the same, or a third layer may be arranged between the material layer, and the substrate or the other layer. Also, materials described to be included in each layer are examples, and materials other than the materials may also be used.

Also, the terms such as “ . . . unit,” “module,” or the like used in the specification indicate a unit, which processes a function or a motion, and the unit may be implemented by hardware or software, or by a combination of hardware and software.

Particular executions described in the example embodiments are examples and do not limit the technical scope by any means. For the sake of brevity, conventional electronics, control systems, software development and other functional aspects may not be described. Furthermore, the connections or connectors shown in the various figures presented are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and/or physical or logical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships, physical connections or logical connections may be present in a practical device.

The term “the” and other equivalent determiners may correspond to a singular referent or a plural referent. As used herein, expressions such as “at least one of,” when preceding a list of elements, modify the entire list of elements and do not modify the individual elements of the list. For example, the expression, “at least one of a, b, and c,” should be understood as including only a, only b, only c, both a and b, both a and c, both b and c, or all of a, b, and c.

Unless orders of operations included in a method are specifically described or there are contrary descriptions, the operations may be performed according to appropriate orders. The use of all example terms (e.g., etc.) are merely for describing the disclosure in detail and the disclosure is not limited to the examples and the example terms, unless they are not defined in the scope of the claims.

FIG.1is a block diagram schematically showing a micro-semiconductor chip wet alignment apparatus1according to an example embodiment,FIGS.2,3A,3B and4are diagrams illustrating a transfer substrate120according to an example embodiment, andFIG.5is a diagram illustrating a configuration and an operation of the micro-semiconductor chip wet alignment apparatus1according to an example embodiment.

Referring toFIG.1, the micro-semiconductor chip wet alignment apparatus1according to an example embodiment includes a semiconductor chip wet supply module10and a chip alignment module20. in which a plurality of micro-semiconductor chips130are aligned in a plurality of grooves110of the transfer substrate12. According to the example embodiment, the micro-semiconductor chip wet alignment apparatus1may align a plurality of micro-semiconductor chips130in a plurality of grooves110of a transfer substrate120. The micro-semiconductor chip wet alignment apparatus1includes a controller70that controls operations of the semiconductor chip wet supply module10and the chip alignment module20. Moreover, the micro-semiconductor chip wet alignment apparatus1according to an example embodiment may further include cleaning module30, inspection module40, recovery module50, and antistatic module60and the controller70may be configured to control operations of the cleaning module30, inspection module40, recovery module50, and antistatic module60.

Referring toFIGS.2and3A, the transfer substrate120includes the plurality of grooves110into which at least some of the plurality of micro-semiconductor chips130may be inserted.

Each of the plurality of grooves110may have a size in which at least some of the plurality of micro-semiconductor chips130are insertable. That is, each of the plurality of grooves110may have a size capable of receiving at least some of the plurality of micro-semiconductor chips130. For example, the size of the groove110may have a size of a micro unit. For example, the size of the groove110may be less than 1000 um, for example, equal to or less than 500 um, equal to or less than 200 um, or equal to or less than 100 um. The size of the groove110may be larger than the size of the micro-semiconductor chip130.

Spaces between the plurality of grooves110may correspond to spaces between the micro-semiconductor chips130inserted into the grooves110. For example, when the micro-semiconductor chip130is a light emitting device, spaces between the plurality of grooves110may correspond to pixel spaces of a display apparatus used in the final product. However, spaces between the plurality of grooves110are not limited thereto, and may be variously modified as necessary.

The transfer substrate120may include a plurality of layers. For example, the transfer substrate120may include a base substrate1201and a guide mold1202.

Materials of the base substrate1201and the guide mold1202may be different according to an example embodiment, but may be the same according to another example embodiment. However, the configuration of the transfer substrate120is not limited to the plurality of layers, and as such, according to an example embodiment shown inFIG.3B, a transfer substrate120A may be a single layer. However, the transfer substrate120A may still have a base region1201and the guide mold region1202. In addition, a planar shape of the transfer substrate120may be a quadrangle as shown inFIG.2, but is not limited thereto. For example, according to an example embodiment shown inFIG.4, the planar shape of a transfer substrate120B may be circular.

Referring toFIGS.5and6, the semiconductor chip wet supply module10supplies the micro-semiconductor chip130and a liquid L onto the transfer substrate120.

Referring toFIG.5, a chip supply module12may supply the plurality of micro-semiconductor chips130onto the transfer substrate120and a liquid supply module11may supply liquid L onto the transfer substrate120according to an example embodiment. The liquid L supplied onto the transfer substrate120forms a thin film on the transfer substrate120, and at least some of the plurality of micro-semiconductor chips130may be immersed in the liquid L.

As shown inFIG.6, because the plurality of micro-semiconductor chips130are immersed in the liquid L, the plurality of micro-semiconductor chips130may be in a flowable state on the transfer substrate120. At this time, the liquid L supplied onto the transfer substrate120may be formed thinly on the transfer substrate120to prevent or minimize an unintended flow of the plurality of micro-semiconductor chips130by the chip alignment module20to be described later while allowing the plurality of micro-semiconductor chips130to flow.

As an example, the liquid L may be maintained on the transfer substrate120without a separate configuration (e.g., a tank, etc.) for holding the liquid L on the transfer substrate120. The liquid L supplied onto the transfer substrate120may have a convex surface upward due to a surface tension or the like. The closer to the edge of the transfer substrate120, the lower a height H of the liquid L.

The height H of the liquid L supplied onto the transfer substrate120may be equal to or less than 20 times than a thickness TH of the micro-semiconductor chip130. The height H of the liquid L supplied onto the transfer substrate120may be equal to or less than 10 times the thickness TH of the micro-semiconductor chip130. The height H of the liquid L supplied onto the transfer substrate120may be equal to or less than 5 times the thickness TH of the micro-semiconductor chip130. The height H of the liquid L supplied onto the transfer substrate120may be equal to or less than twice the thickness TH of the micro-semiconductor chip130. Here, the height H of the liquid L may be an average height.

The liquid L may be any type of liquid as long as it does not corrode or damage the micro-semiconductor chip130. The liquid L may include, for example, at least one from a group including water, ethanol, alcohol, polyol, ketone, halocarbon, acetone, a flux, and an organic solvent. The organic solvent may include, for example, isopropyl alcohol (IPA). The liquid L is not limited thereto, and various changes are possible.

The micro-semiconductor chip130may be a member having a size of a micro unit. For example, the micro-semiconductor chip130may be a member having a size of less than 1000 um, for example, equal to or less than 500 um, equal to or less than 200 um, or equal to or less than 100 um.

The micro-semiconductor chip130may be a micro-light emitting device. However, the micro-semiconductor chip130is not limited thereto, and may vary if it is a member having the size of the micro unit. For example, the micro-semiconductor chip130may be a pressure sensor, a photodiode, a thermistor, a piezoelectric device, etc.

The planar shape of the micro-semiconductor chip130may have a symmetrical structure.

For example, the planar shape of the micro-semiconductor chip130may be a square, a circle, a triangle, or a hexagon shape, as shown inFIG.7.

Referring toFIG.8, electrodes132may be disposed on ends of a micro-semiconductor chip130-1according to an example embodiment. The electrodes132of the micro-semiconductor chip130-1may have a symmetrical structure, however, the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, a first electrode131of the micro-semiconductor chip130-1may be disposed in the center, and a second electrode132may be spaced apart from the first electrode131and disposed outside the first electrode131. As described above, even if the micro-semiconductor chip130-1rotates during a process of being aligned in the groove110in a subsequent operation, the electrodes of the micro-semiconductor chip130-1may be disposed on certain positions.

The semiconductor chip wet supply module10may supply the liquid L and the micro-semiconductor chip130simultaneously or sequentially. For example, the semiconductor chip wet supply module10may include a liquid supply module11and a chip supply module12.

Referring toFIGS.5and9, the liquid supply module11may first supply the liquid L before the plurality of micro-semiconductor chips130are supplied onto the transfer substrate120. According to an example embodiment, the liquid L in the liquid supply module11may be referred to as a first liquid L1. For example, the liquid supply module11may supply the liquid L to the plurality of grooves110of the transfer substrate120. The amount of liquid L supplied by the liquid supply module11may be variously adjusted as necessary.

A method of supplying the liquid L to the plurality of grooves110may be variously used. For example, the method of supplying the liquid L may include a spray method, a dispensing method, an inkjet dot method, a method of making the liquid L flowing onto the transfer substrate120, etc.

The liquid supply module11may supply the liquid L onto the transfer substrate120in various ways. The liquid supply module11may move the liquid supply module11in a horizontal direction or a vertical direction in order to evenly supply the liquid L onto the transfer substrate120. Moreover, the liquid supply module11may move the liquid supply module11in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction in order to evenly supply the liquid L onto the transfer substrate120. According to an example embodiment, as shown inFIG.10, the liquid supply module11may supply the liquid L to a part of the transfer substrate120in a dot shape S1and move in the vertical direction Y and the horizontal direction X. According to another example embodiment, as shown inFIG.11, the liquid supply module11may supply the liquid L in an elongated shape S2in the vertical direction Y and move in the horizontal direction X. As another example, as shown inFIGS.12and13, the liquid supply module11may supply the liquid L to a larger region than the transfer substrate120.

As another example, as shown inFIGS.14to15, the liquid supply module11supplies a relatively large amount of the liquid L to a partial region of the transfer substrate120in the dot shape S1or in the elongated shape S2in the vertical direction. Thereafter, as shown inFIGS.16to17, a height limiting member111such as a blade may be used to spread the liquid L supplied onto the transfer substrate120evenly, and thus a thin film may be formed on the transfer substrate120.

The liquid supply method may be variously used, such as a method of making the liquid L flowing onto the transfer substrate120, a spray method, a dispensing method, an inkjet dot method, etc.

Referring toFIGS.5and18, the chip supply module12may supply the plurality of micro-semiconductor chips130onto the transfer substrate120. In this regard, the plurality of grooves110of the transfer substrate120may be filled with the liquid L to some extent.

The chip supply module12may supply the plurality of micro-semiconductor chips130together with the liquid L. According to an example embodiment, the liquid L in the chip supply module12may be referred to as a second liquid L2. The chip supply module12may supply a suspension170including the plurality of micro-semiconductor chips130. In this case, the method of supplying the micro-semiconductor chip130may be variously used, such as a spray method, a dispensing method, an inkjet dot method, and a method of making the suspension170flowing onto the transfer substrate120.

In the suspension170, the plurality of micro-semiconductor chips130have a greater specific gravity than the liquid L. The specific gravity of the micro-semiconductor chip130may be equal to or greater than 2 times, for example, equal to or greater than 4 times, or equal to or greater than 6 times the specific gravity of the liquid L. The specific gravity of the micro-semiconductor chip130may be equal to or less than 40 times the specific gravity of the liquid L.

In this way, when the specific gravity of the micro-semiconductor chip130is greater than that of the liquid L, as shown inFIG.19, before being discharged from the chip supply module12, the plurality of micro-semiconductor chips130may be in a sinking state. For example, the plurality of micro-semiconductor chips130may be concentrated in an entrance of a nozzle unit13of the chip supply module12. In this state, when the suspension170is discharged from the chip supply module12, a large amount of micro-semiconductor chips130may be discharged unintentionally at a time.

To prevent this phenomenon, the chip supply module12may be configured such that the plurality of micro-semiconductor chips130included in the suspension170are evenly mixed.

For example, the chip supply module12may vibrate a configuration or a component including the suspension170. For example, the chip supply module12may shake the nozzle unit13including the suspension170. For example, as shown inFIG.20A, the chip supply module12may rotate the nozzle unit13with respect to a certain rotation axis AX1. For example, as shown inFIGS.20B and20C, the chip supply module12may shake the nozzle unit13left or right or up and down. As another example, as shown inFIG.21, the chip supply module12may have a structure that vibrates the tank14that supplies the suspension170to the nozzle unit13. As another example, as shown inFIG.22, the chip supply module12may include an agitator15disposed inside the suspension170to mix the suspension170. In this case, the agitator15may be configured not to damage the micro-semiconductor chip130in spite of a collision with the micro-semiconductor chip130. For example, the agitator15may have a smaller strength or a greater elastic deformation force than the micro-semiconductor chip130.

Referring back toFIG.18, the liquid L (hereinafter referred to as ‘second liquid L2’) of the suspension170discharged by the chip supply module12may mix with the liquid L (hereinafter referred to as ‘first liquid L1’) supplied onto the transfer substrate120by the liquid supply module11. The second liquid L2may be dissolved in the first liquid L1.

For example, the second liquid L2may be the same liquid as the first liquid L1. However, a material of the second liquid L2is not limited thereto, and may be a liquid different from the first liquid L1as long as a certain degree of solubility in the first liquid L1may be secured.

The second liquid L2and the first liquid L1may mix to form the liquid L of a thin film on the transfer substrate120. The liquid L of the thin film may be formed to slightly cover the plurality of micro-semiconductor chips130. The liquid L may have a convex surface. The closer to the edge of the transfer substrate120, the lower the height of the liquid L may be. The surface of the liquid L may have a height H2lower than the height H1of a central region of the transfer substrate120.

According to an example embodiment, in order to evenly supply the suspension170onto the transfer substrate120, the chip supply module12may use a method similar to a method used by the liquid supply module11for supplying the liquid Las shown inFIGS.10to17. A description in this regard is redundant, and thus it will not be repeated.

According to an example embodiment, a method of supplying the suspension170to the transfer substrate120may include one of a method of making the suspension170flowing onto the transfer substrate120, a spray method, a dispensing method, or an inkjet dot method. However, the method of supplying the suspension170is not limited thereto.

In the above-described example embodiment, an example in which the chip supply module12supplies the micro-semiconductor chip130in the form of the suspension170is described, but the example embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the chip supply module12may supply the plurality of micro-semiconductor chips130without a liquid supply.

Meanwhile, in the above-described example embodiment, an example in which the liquid supply module11and the chip supply module12are separate configurations is described, but the example embodiment is not limited thereto, and the liquid supply module11and the chip supply module12may be one configuration. In this case, the semiconductor chip wet supply module10may supply the plurality of micro-semiconductor chips130together with the liquid L.

Referring toFIG.23, the chip alignment module20includes an absorber21that absorbs the liquid L according to an example embodiment. The transfer substrate120may be scanned with the absorber21. The chip alignment module20may move the absorber21along the surface of the transfer substrate120. The absorber21may move along the surface of the transfer substrate120while contacting the transfer substrate120.

The absorber21may include, for example, fabric, tissue, polyester fiber, paper or wiper.

The absorber21may have a structure in the form of a mesh capable of absorbing the liquid L. Referring toFIG.24, the absorber21has a plurality of mesh holes, and the size of the mesh hole may be smaller than the micro-semiconductor chip130to prevent the micro-semiconductor chip130from being stuck or pinched.

The absorber21may be used alone without other auxiliary devices. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the absorber21may be coupled to a supporting plate22to facilitate scanning of the transfer substrate120with the absorber21. The supporting plate22may have various shapes and structures suitable for scanning the transfer substrate120. The supporting plate22may include, for example, a rod, a blade, a plate, a wiper, or the like. The absorber21may be provided on either side of the supporting plate22, or may have a shape in which the absorber21is wound around a circumference of the supporting plate22.

The chip supply module12may scan the transfer substrate120while the absorber21presses the transfer substrate120at an appropriate pressure. Referring toFIG.25, in a scanning operation, the absorber21may contact the transfer substrate120and pass through the plurality of grooves110. During scanning, the liquid L may be absorbed by the absorber21.

Scanning may be performed using various methods including at least one of, for example, a sliding method, a rotating method, a translating method, a reciprocating method, a rolling method, a spinning method, or a rubbing method of the absorber21, and may include both a regular method and an irregular method. Alternatively, scanning may include at least one of rotating, translating, rolling, and spinning of the transfer substrate120. Alternatively, scanning may be performed in cooperation with the absorber21and the transfer substrate120. For example, while the absorber21presses the transfer substrate120, the transfer substrate120moves or rotates such that scanning may proceed.

Scanning the transfer substrate120with the absorber21may include absorbing the liquid L in the plurality of grooves110while the absorber21passes through the plurality of grooves110. The absorber21may pass through the plurality of grooves110by contacting the transfer substrate120.

Referring toFIG.26, during a process in which the absorber21passes through the groove110, the liquid L in the groove110may be absorbed, and in the process, the micro-semiconductor chip130may be aligned inside the groove110. According to an example embodiment, the absorber21may enter into the groove110, and the liquid L in the groove110may be absorbed. According to an example embodiment, at least a portion of the absorber21may enter into the groove110, and the liquid L in the groove110may be absorbed.

Referring toFIG.27, during a process in which the absorber21moves along the surface of the transfer substrate120, the absorber21absorbs the liquid L present on the transfer substrate120. Due to absorption by the absorber21, the amount of liquid L present on the transfer substrate120is changed. For example, the amount of the liquid L present in a region120-2of the transfer substrate120through which the absorber21has passed and the amount of the liquid L present in a region120-1of the transfer substrate120before the absorber21has passed through may be different. For example, the amount of the liquid L present in the region120-2of the transfer substrate120through which the absorber21has passed may be smaller than the amount of the liquid L present in the region120-1of the transfer substrate120before the absorber21has passed through. Almost no liquid L may remain in the region120-2of the transfer substrate120through which the absorber21has passed. According to an example embodiment, all liquid L or substantially all liquid L may be absorbed by the absorber. The height of the liquid L present in the region120-2of the transfer substrate120through which the absorber21has passed is lower than a height H3of the liquid L present in the region120-1of the transfer substrate120before the absorber21has passed through.

According to a relationship between the micro-semiconductor chip130and the liquid L, an alignment state of the micro-semiconductor chip130may vary. For example, referring toFIG.28, a first end1301of the micro-semiconductor chip130may have a first surface property, and a second end1302of the micro-semiconductor chip130may have a second surface property. The first surface property and the second surface property may be opposite to each other. For example, the first surface property may be liquid-repellent, and the second surface property may be lyophilic.

For example, an electrode having liquid repellency may be disposed in the first end1301of the micro-semiconductor chip130, and the second end1302of the micro-semiconductor chip130may have a lyophilic property. Because the liquid L is present in the groove110, the micro-semiconductor chip130may have a relatively stable posture in which the second end1302having the lyophilic property faces downward and the first end1301having the liquid repellency faces upward. Accordingly, the liquid L is absorbed in the process in which the absorber21passes through the groove110while contacting the surface of the transfer substrate120, and the first end1301of the micro-semiconductor chip130is aligned in an upward-facing posture.

If the micro-semiconductor chip130is located in the groove110of the transfer substrate120so that the first end1301faces downward, as shown inFIG.29, the first end1301having the liquid repellency of the micro-semiconductor chip130may be in an unstable state due to the contact with the liquid L. Accordingly, during the process in which the absorber21passes through the groove110while contacting the surface of the transfer substrate120, the liquid L may be absorbed by the absorber21or during the process in which the absorber21presses the micro-semiconductor chip130, the micro-semiconductor chip130may be turned over so that the first end1301is in the upward-facing posture as shown inFIG.28.

A scanning process by the absorber21may be repeatedly performed. When the liquid L is absorbed during the scanning process by the absorber21and is insufficient, the liquid L may also be repeatedly supplied by the liquid supply module11. During this operation, the height of the liquid L present on the transfer substrate120may be repeatedly increased or decreased.

The pressure applied by the absorber21to the transfer substrate120and the micro-semiconductor chip130may be determined in consideration of a material of the absorber21, a moving speed of the absorber21, a strength of the transfer substrate120, and a support state of the transfer substrate120. The pressure at which the absorber21presses the transfer substrate120may be determined in consideration of the material of the absorber21, the moving speed of the absorber21, the strength of the transfer substrate120, and the support state of the transfer substrate120, thereby preventing the micro-semiconductor chip130from being damaged, the transfer substrate120from being damaged, the transfer substrate120from being shaken, etc. by the absorber21.

The absorber21may be singular, but is not limited thereto. As shown inFIG.30, there may be a plurality of absorbers21A and21B.

According to an example embodiment, in the process of scanning the transfer substrate120by the absorber21, as shown inFIG.31, the plurality of micro-semiconductor chips130are inserted into and aligned in the grooves110of the transfer substrate120. In this case, some of the micro-semiconductor chips130may be positioned on the surface of the transfer substrate120without being inserted into the grooves110. The micro-semiconductor chip130may be referred to as a dummy micro-semiconductor chip130D. Almost no liquid L may remain on the transfer substrate120due to evaporation or absorption. In this case, the dummy micro-semiconductor chip130D may have poor fluidity.

The cleaning module30may be configured to remove the dummy micro-semiconductor chip130D remaining on the surface of the transfer substrate120after the plurality of micro-semiconductor chips130are completely aligned in the plurality of grooves110by the chip alignment module20. The cleaning module30may remove the dummy micro-semiconductor chip130D using various methods.

As an example, referring toFIGS.32and33, the cleaning module30may include a second liquid supply module311and a pressurization module312.

The second liquid supply module311may supply the liquid L onto the transfer substrate120in order to increase the fluidity of the dummy micro-semiconductor chip130D.

The liquid L may be any type of liquid L as long as it does not corrode or damage the micro-semiconductor chip130. The liquid L may be the same as the liquid L supplied by the liquid supply module11, but is not limited thereto and may be different.

The liquid L may include, for example, at least one from a group including water, ethanol, alcohol, polyol, ketone, halocarbon, acetone, flux, and an organic solvent. The organic solvent may include, for example, isopropyl alcohol (IPA). The liquid L is not limited thereto, and various changes are possible.

In a state in which the liquid L is supplied, the pressurization module312may move while contacting and pressing the surface of the transfer substrate120.

The pressure applied to the transfer substrate120by the pressurization module312may be greater than the pressure applied to the transfer substrate120by the absorber21of the chip alignment module20. Accordingly, it is possible to easily separate the dummy micro-semiconductor chip130D attached to the surface of the transfer substrate120in the scanning operation by the chip alignment module20.

The dummy micro-semiconductor chip130D may be separated from the surface of the transfer substrate120by the pressurization module312and may be transferred to the outside of the transfer substrate120. Accordingly, as shown inFIG.34, the transfer substrate120may be in a state in which the plurality of micro-semiconductor chips130are aligned in the plurality of grooves110and the dummy micro-semiconductor chip130D is removed.

The pressurization module312may be a member capable of pressurizing the dummy micro-semiconductor chip130D to an extent that the pressurization module312does not damage the dummy micro-semiconductor chip130D.

As an example, the pressurization module312may include an absorber3121that absorbs the liquid L. The absorber3121may include, for example, fabric, tissue, polyester fiber, paper or wiper. The absorber3121may be used alone without other auxiliary devices. The pressurization module312may include a supporting plate3122supporting the absorber3121. For example, the supporting plate3122may include a rod, a blade, a plate, a wiper, or the like. The absorber3121may be provided on either side of the supporting plate3122or may have a shape in which the absorber3121is wound around a circumference of the supporting plate3122.

As another example, as shown inFIG.35, the pressurization module312A may include an elastic member3123which is elastically deformable instead of the absorber3121shown inFIG.33. For example, the elastic member3123may include a silicone material.

Referring back toFIG.33, the dummy micro-semiconductor chip130D may adhere to a surface of the absorber3121in the pressurization module312during a cleaning process. In consideration of this point, the pressurization module312may have a rotatable structure. For example, the absorber3121may rotate with respect to a rotation axis. The absorber3121may rotate for a period of time under a certain condition, and thus a surface of the absorber3121to which the dummy micro-semiconductor chip130D adheres may be disposed at a rear end, and a clean surface of the absorber3121to which the dummy micro-semiconductor chip130D does not adhere may be disposed at a front end in a moving direction of the pressurization module312. According to an example embodiment, the period of time may be predetermined and the condition may be predetermined. Accordingly, the surface of the transfer substrate120may be prevented from being contaminated by the pressurization module312.

However, the configuration of the cleaning module30is not limited thereto, and may be variously modified.

As an example, referring toFIGS.36and37, the cleaning module30may include an adhesive member32. The cleaning module30may be configured to move the adhesive member32to approach and be spaced apart from the transfer substrate120. The adhesive member32may approach a height where only the dummy micro-semiconductor chip130D is in contact without contacting the surface of the transfer substrate120. In this process, only the dummy micro-semiconductor chip130D may be selectively adhered to the adhesive member32. Accordingly, only the dummy micro-semiconductor chip130D may be selectively removed from the transfer substrate120.

As another example, referring toFIG.38, the cleaning module30may include a light irradiator33that irradiates a pulsed light P onto the transfer substrate120. The light irradiator33may be a pulse lamp. For example, the light irradiator33may be a Xenon lamp. The liquid L or a foreign matter expands between the surface of the transfer substrate120and the dummy micro-semiconductor chip130D by the pulsed light P provided on the transfer substrate120, and thus the dummy micro-semiconductor chip130D may be separated from the surface of the transfer substrate120.

As another example, referring toFIG.39, the cleaning module30may include a laser irradiator34that locally irradiates a laser beam L on the transfer substrate120. The laser irradiator34may locally irradiate the laser beam L between the dummy micro-semiconductor chip130D and the surface of the transfer substrate120. The laser irradiator34may selectively focus the laser beam L on a lower region of the dummy micro-semiconductor chip130D to separate the dummy micro-semiconductor chip130D from the surface of the transfer substrate120.

Referring toFIGS.1and40, the micro-semiconductor chip wet alignment apparatus1according to the example embodiment may further include an inspection module40that inspects a state of the transfer substrate120. The inspection module40may be a camera capable of analyzing a high-resolution image. The inspection module40may inspect the state of the transfer substrate120through image analysis.

As an example, the inspection module40may inspect an alignment state of the micro-semiconductor chip130on the transfer substrate120. Based on results of inspection by the inspection module40, the controller70may control at least one of the semiconductor chip wet supply module10and the chip alignment module20to operate. Accordingly, it is possible to improve an alignment accuracy of the plurality of micro-semiconductor chips130.

For example, as shown inFIG.41, as a result of the inspection by the inspection module40, a position A of the groove110in which the micro-semiconductor chip130is not aligned among the plurality of grooves110of the transfer substrate120may be identified. In this case, based on results of inspection by the inspection module40, the controller70may control at least one of the semiconductor chip wet supply module10and the chip alignment module20to operate with respect to the identified position A of the groove110.

As another example, the inspection module40may inspect a supply state of the plurality of micro-semiconductor chips130and the liquid L on the transfer substrate120.

For example, the inspection module40may inspect whether the liquid L is present on the transfer substrate120or whether the liquid L is sufficient even if the liquid L is present. Based on results of inspection by the inspection module40, the controller70may control the liquid supply module11to operate.

For example, the inspection module40may inspect whether the plurality of micro-semiconductor chips130are present on the transfer substrate120, or whether the plurality of micro-semiconductor chips130are sufficient even if the plurality of micro-semiconductor chips130are present. Based on results of inspection by the inspection module40, the controller70may control the chip supply module12to operate.

As described above, the controller70controls at least one of the semiconductor chip wet supply module10and the chip alignment module20to operate based on results of inspection of the inspection module40, thereby improving the alignment accuracy of the plurality of micro-semiconductor chips130.

FIG.42is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a semiconductor chip wet alignment apparatus1for supporting the transfer substrate120and peripheral members thereof. Referring toFIG.42, the micro-semiconductor chip wet alignment apparatus1according to the example embodiment may include a substrate support80and a recovery module50.

The substrate support80may support the transfer substrate120. The substrate support80supports the transfer substrate120so that the transfer substrate120does not unintentionally move during relative movement of the absorber21and the transfer substrate120. The substrate support80may adsorb and support a lower surface of the transfer substrate120. The substrate support80may be rotatable. However, a support structure and an operation of the substrate support80are not limited thereto, and may be variously modified.

The recovery module50may recover the dummy micro-semiconductor chip130D. The recovery module50may include an accommodator51that accommodates the dummy micro-semiconductor chip130D separated from the transfer substrate120. The dummy micro-semiconductor chip130D accommodated in the accommodator51may be recycled. The recovery module50may have a structure in which a fluid flows toward the accommodator51on a bottom surface91so that the micro-semiconductor chip130is transferred toward the accommodator51. The bottom surface91may have a shape inclined downward toward a drain hole52.

Referring toFIGS.1,43, and44, the micro-semiconductor chip wet alignment apparatus1according to the example embodiment may further include an antistatic module60supplying ions onto the transfer substrate120to remove static electricity on the transfer substrate120

The plurality of micro-semiconductor chips130have a very small size, and accordingly, the plurality of micro-semiconductor chips130may be damaged or may unintendedly move even due to a small static electricity. In consideration of this point, the antistatic module60may supply ions for preventing static electricity to the transfer substrate120or the plurality of micro-semiconductor chips130.

According to an example embodiment, referring toFIG.43, the antistatic module60may supply ions for preventing static electricity to the transfer substrate120before the plurality of micro-semiconductor chips130are supplied onto the transfer substrate120. According to another example embodiment, referring toFIG.44, the antistatic module60may supply ions for preventing static electricity after the plurality of micro-semiconductor chips130are supplied onto the transfer substrate120and aligned to some extent.

FIGS.45A,45B, and45Care conceptual diagrams illustrating the micro-semiconductor chip wet alignment apparatus1according to an example embodiment. Referring toFIGS.45A,45B, and45C, semiconductor chip wet supply modules10A,10B, and100and chip alignment modules20A,20B, and20C may be each provided in plurality.

The plurality of semiconductor chip wet supply modules10A,10B, and10C and the plurality of chip alignment modules20A,20B, and20C divide the transfer substrate120into a plurality of regions to supply and align the plurality of micro-semiconductor chips130.

The plurality of semiconductor chip wet supply modules10A,10B, and10C include first, second, and third semiconductor chip wet supply modules10A,10B, and10C spaced apart in a moving direction. The first, second, and third semiconductor chip wet supply modules10A,10B, and100may respectively include liquid supply modules11A,11B, and11C and chip supply modules12A,12B, and12C. In the example embodiment, an example in which the plurality of semiconductor chip wet supply modules10A,10B, and10C and the plurality of chip alignment modules20A,20B, and20C are three is described, but the example embodiment is not limited thereto, and the plurality of semiconductor chip wet supply modules10A,10B, and100and the plurality of chip alignment modules20A,20B, and20C may be two or four or more.

The first semiconductor chip wet supply module10A may sequentially or simultaneously supply the liquid L and the micro-semiconductor chip130onto a first region120-A of the transfer substrate120. The second semiconductor chip wet supply module10B may sequentially or simultaneously supply the liquid L and the micro-semiconductor chip130onto a second region120-B of the transfer substrate120. The third semiconductor chip wet supply module10C may sequentially or simultaneously supply the liquid L and the micro-semiconductor chip130onto a third region120-C of the transfer substrate120.

The plurality of chip alignment modules20A,20B, and20C include first, second, and third chip alignment modules20A,20B, and20C spaced apart in the moving direction.

The first chip alignment module20A may align the micro-semiconductor chip130supplied onto the first region120-A of the transfer substrate120in the groove110of the transfer substrate120. The second chip alignment module20B may align the micro-semiconductor chip130supplied onto the second region120-B of the transfer substrate120in the groove110of the transfer substrate120. The third chip alignment module20C may align the micro-semiconductor chip130supplied onto the third region120-C of the transfer substrate120in the groove110of the transfer substrate120.

First, second, and third antistatic modules60A,60B, and60C may be respectively disposed in front of the first, second, and third semiconductor chip wet supply modules10A,10B, and10C in the moving direction. The first, second, and third antistatic modules60A,60B, and60C may remove static electricity on the transfer substrate120by respectively supplying ions for preventing static electricity onto the first, second, and third regions120-A,120-B, and120-C of the transfer substrate120.

Each of the plurality of semiconductor chip wet supply modules10A,10B, and100and the plurality of chip alignment modules20A,20B, and20C may supply the plurality of micro-semiconductor chips130and the liquid L, and then align the plurality of micro-semiconductor chips130in the plurality of grooves111while moving relative to the transfer substrate120in a predetermined direction. The plurality of semiconductor chip wet supply modules10A,10B, and100and the plurality of chip alignment modules20A,20B, and20C may circulate in a direction indicated by an arrow in order to repeat at least one of an operation of supplying the plurality of micro-semiconductor chips130and the liquid L and an operation of aligning the plurality of micro-semiconductor chips130.

The first region120-A and the second region120-B of the transfer substrate120may partially overlap, and the second region120-B and the third region120-C may partially overlap. As described above, the first, second, and third regions120-A,120-B, and120-C partially overlap, thereby preventing the first, second, and third regions120-A,120-B, and120-C from aligning in the boundary thereof discontinuously with a peripheral region.

As described above, the micro-semiconductor chip wet alignment apparatus1may divide the transfer substrate120into the plurality of regions such as the first, second, and third regions120-A,120-B, and120-C and supply and align the micro-semiconductor chips130, thereby quickly aligning the plurality of micro-semiconductor chips130in the plurality of grooves110even in the transfer substrate120having a large area.

In the micro-semiconductor chip wet alignment apparatus1according to the above-described example embodiment, an example in which the liquid L is supplied by the liquid supply modules11A,11B, and11C, and the micro-semiconductor chips130are supplied by the chip supply modules12A,12B, and12C is described, but the example embodiment is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, referring toFIG.45B, the semiconductor chip wet supply modules10A,10B, and100may simultaneously supply the liquid L and the plurality of micro-semiconductor chips130in one body.

In addition, the micro-semiconductor chip wet alignment apparatus1may further include the cleaning module30. The cleaning module30may be configured so that other adjacent regions of the transfer substrate120are not contaminated in a cleaning operation on a partial region of the transfer substrate120. For example, as shown inFIG.45C, the cleaning module30may selectively remove the dummy micro-semiconductor chip130D without contamination of a peripheral region through a plurality of adhesive members32A,32B, and32C. However, the cleaning module30is not limited thereto, and as shown inFIGS.32to39, may sequentially or simultaneously remove the dummy micro-semiconductor chip130D present on the entire region of the transfer substrate120.

Referring toFIG.46, the plurality of micro-semiconductor chips130aligned in the plurality of grooves110of the transfer substrate120may be transferred onto another substrate SUB1. The size of the substrate SUB1may correspond to the size of the transfer substrate120. Alignment marks M1and M2for alignment may be formed at correct positions of the transfer substrate120and the substrate SUB1.

As another example, referring toFIG.47, the size of a substrate SUB2may be larger than the size of the transfer substrate120. The substrate SUB2may be equal to or greater than twice the size of the transfer substrate120. The substrate SUB2may be equal to or greater than four times the size of the transfer substrate120. The substrate SUB2may be equal to or greater than eight times the size of the transfer substrate120.

The alignment marks M1and M2may be formed on the transfer substrate120and the substrate SUB2, respectively. Through the alignment marks M1and M2, the transfer substrate120may be aligned at an exact position on the substrate SUB2.

The plurality of micro-semiconductor chips130are aligned on the transfer substrate120smaller than the substrate SUB2, and transfer is performed on the substrate SUB2in units of the transfer substrate120, thereby preventing a decrease in mass production that occurs when transfer is directly performed on the large substrate SUB2.

A wet alignment method of the micro-semiconductor chip130using the above-described micro-semiconductor chip wet alignment apparatus1will be described.

FIG.48is a diagram illustrating a wet alignment method of the micro-semiconductor chip130according to an example embodiment.FIGS.49to51are diagrams illustrating a modified example of a wet alignment method of the micro-semiconductor chip130according to an example embodiment.

Referring toFIG.48, the transfer substrate120including the plurality of grooves110is prepared (S101).

The transfer substrate120may be provided as a single layer or may include a plurality of layers. The plurality of grooves110may be provided to align the at least one micro-semiconductor chip130.

The liquid L is supplied to the plurality of grooves110(S102). The liquid L may be any type of liquid L as long as it does not corrode or damage the micro-semiconductor chip130. The liquid L may include, for example, at least one from a group including water, ethanol, alcohol, polyol, ketone, halocarbon, acetone, flux, and an organic solvent. The organic solvent may include, for example, isopropyl alcohol (IPA). The liquid L is not limited thereto, and various changes are possible.

A method of supplying the liquid L to the plurality of grooves110may be variously used, such as a spray method, a dispensing method, an inkjet dot method, a method of making the liquid L flowing onto the transfer substrate120, etc.

The plurality of micro-semiconductor chips130are supplied to the transfer substrate120(S103). The plurality of micro-semiconductor chips130may be directly sprayed on the transfer substrate120without the liquid L, or may be supplied using a material other than the liquid L. Alternatively, the micro-semiconductor chip130may be supplied to the transfer substrate120in various ways while being included in the suspension170. In this case, the method of supplying the micro-semiconductor chip130may be variously used, such as a spray method, a dispensing method, an inkjet dot method, and a method of making the suspension170flowing onto the transfer substrate120. The method of supplying the micro-semiconductor chip130to the transfer substrate120is not limited thereto and may be variously modified. The liquid L may be supplied to fit the groove110, or the liquid L may be supplied so as to overflow from the groove110. The supply amount of the liquid L may be variously adjusted.

The transfer substrate120is scanned with the absorber21capable of absorbing the liquid L (S104). The absorber21suffices as long as it is a material capable of absorbing the liquid L, and its shape or structure is not limited. The absorber21may include, for example, fabric, tissue, polyester fiber, paper or wiper. The absorber21may be used alone without other auxiliary devices. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the absorber21may be coupled to the supporting plate22to facilitate scanning of the transfer substrate120with the absorber21. The supporting plate22may have various shapes and structures suitable for scanning the transfer substrate120. The supporting plate22may include, for example, a rod, a blade, a plate, a wiper, or the like. The absorber21may be provided on either side of the supporting plate22, or may have a shape in which the absorber21is wound around a circumference of the supporting plate22.

The absorber21may scan the transfer substrate120while pressing the transfer substrate120at an appropriate pressure. Scanning may include an operation of allowing the absorber21to contact the transfer substrate120and to pass through the plurality of grooves110. During scanning, the liquid L may be absorbed by the absorber21. Scanning may be performed using various methods including at least one of, for example, a sliding method, a rotating method, a translating method, a reciprocating method, a rolling method, a spinning method, or a rubbing method of the absorber21, and may include both a regular method and an irregular method. Alternatively, scanning may include at least one of rotating, translating, rolling, and spinning of the transfer substrate120. Alternatively, scanning may be performed in cooperation with the absorber21and the transfer substrate120.

Scanning the transfer substrate120with the absorber21may include absorbing the liquid L in the plurality of grooves110while the absorber21passes through the plurality of grooves110. When the absorber21scans the transfer substrate120, the at least one micro-semiconductor chip130may be attached to the absorber21. In addition, the absorber21may pass through the plurality of grooves110by contacting the transfer substrate120.

Referring toFIG.49, after scanning the transfer substrate120with the absorber21, a state of the transfer substrate120may be inspected by the inspection module40(S105).

Based on results of inspection by the inspection module40, an operation of supplying the liquid L onto the transfer substrate120or an operation of supplying the plurality of micro-semiconductor chips130may be performed again.

When it is determined that the plurality of micro-semiconductor chips130are aligned in the grooves110on the transfer substrate120by the inspection module40, the dummy micro-semiconductor chip130D on the transfer substrate120may be removed (S106).

After removing the dummy micro-semiconductor chip130D, a second inspection may be performed by the inspection module40(S107). Based on a result of the second inspection, the operation (S102) of supplying the liquid L onto the transfer substrate120, the operation (S103) of supplying the plurality of micro-semiconductor chips130to the transfer substrate120, and the operation (S106) of removing the dummy micro-semiconductor chip130D may be performed again.

In the example embodiment ofFIG.49, an example in which the inspection operation performed by the inspection module40includes the first inspection operation (S105) and the second inspection operation (S107) is described, but the example embodiment is not limited thereto, and the inspection operation may be reduced or increased as shown inFIG.50.

Referring back toFIG.48, the operation (S102) of supplying the liquid L onto the transfer substrate120, the operation (S103) of supplying the plurality of micro-semiconductor chips130to the transfer substrate120may be sequentially performed as separate operations or in a reverse order. In addition, as shown inFIG.51, the operation (S102) of supplying the liquid L onto the transfer substrate120, the operation (S103) of supplying the plurality of micro-semiconductor chips130to the transfer substrate120may also be performed simultaneously in one operation (S102A).

FIG.52illustrates an example of a state in which the micro-semiconductor chips130are aligned on a transfer substrate. Referring toFIG.52, according to a micro-semiconductor chip wet alignment method according to an example embodiment, the micro-semiconductor chips130may be irregularly and randomly aligned in the grooves110of the transfer substrate120. According to the stamping method of the related art, positions where micro-semiconductor chips are disposed in grooves of a transfer substrate are regular, but according to the micro-semiconductor chip wet alignment method according to an example embodiment, positions where the micro-semiconductor chips130are aligned in the grooves110of the transfer substrate120may be irregular.

Meanwhile, after the transfer of the micro-semiconductor chips130is completed and the dummy micro-semiconductor chip130D is removed, the transfer substrate120may be scanned at least once with the clean absorber21, and thus the irregularity of the micro-semiconductor chips130which are irregularly aligned may be reduced.

FIG.53schematically shows a display transfer structure2000according to an example embodiment.

The display transfer structure2000may include a transfer substrate2120including a plurality of grooves2110and at least one micro-semiconductor chip2130provided in the plurality of grooves2110.

The micro-semiconductor chip2130may include at least one electrode on a surface facing upper openings of the plurality of grooves2110. In addition, the micro-semiconductor chip2130does not include an electrode on a surface facing the bottom of the plurality of grooves2110. The at least one electrode may include, for example, a first electrode2131and a second electrode2132. The first electrode2131and the second electrode2132may be positioned toward the upper opening of the grooves2110. The first electrode2131may be, for example, a negative electrode, and the second electrode2132may be a positive electrode.

The micro-semiconductor chip2130may include, for example, an n-type semiconductor layer2133, an active layer2134, and a p-type semiconductor layer2135. The n-type semiconductor layer2133may be, for example, an n-type GaN layer, and the p-type semiconductor layer2135may be a p-type GaN layer. The active layer2134may have, for example, a quantum well structure or a multiple quantum well structure. However, the micro-semiconductor chip2130is not limited thereto.

A metal layer2140may be further provided on an upper surface of the transfer substrate2120. The metal layer2140may include at least one of Ag, Au, Pt, Ni, Cr, or Al. The metal layer2140may allow the micro-semiconductor chip to be easily separated from the transfer substrate2120when removing the micro-semiconductor chip remaining on the transfer substrate2120.

FIG.53illustrates an example in which the transfer substrate2120is formed as a single body, but various other configurations are possible. Various examples of the transfer substrate2120are the same as those described with reference toFIGS.2and3A, and thus detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

FIG.54illustrates an example in which the display transfer structure illustrated inFIG.53further includes another layer. Detailed descriptions of the same components as those of the display transfer structure2000shown inFIG.53will be omitted.

A display transfer structure2000A may further include an insulating layer2150on the transfer substrate2120. The insulating layer2150may include driving circuits2161and2162respectively connected to a first electrode2131and a second electrode2132.FIG.54illustrates an example in which the driving circuits2161and2162are provided on an upper portion of the transfer substrate2120, but the configuration of the driving circuits2161and2162are not limited thereto. The driving circuits2161and2162are provided in a lower portion of the transfer substrate2120. When the driving circuits2161and2162are provided in the lower portion of the transfer substrate2120, a structure connected to the first electrode2131and the second electrode2132of the micro-semiconductor chip2130may be changed.

In the display transfer structure2000A, three micro-semiconductor chips2130may emit different color light. For example, the three micro-semiconductor chips2130may emit red light (R), green light (G), and blue light (B), respectively. In this case, the display transfer structure2000A may be applied to an RGB self-luminous micro LED TV.

In the example embodiment, the display transfer structure2000A may be employed in a display apparatus as it is. In this case, a micro LED display apparatus including the display transfer structure2000A may be implemented. However, a micro-semiconductor chip may be transferred from the display transfer structure2000A to another driving circuit board, and the driving circuit board may be employed in a display apparatus.

FIG.55illustrates an example in which the display transfer structure ofFIG.54further includes a driving circuit board2100.

InFIG.55, components using the same reference numerals as those ofFIG.54have substantially the same functions and configurations as those described inFIG.54, and thus detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

In a display transfer structure2000B illustrated according to an example embodiment inFIG.55, the driving circuit board2100may be provided in a lower portion of the transfer substrate2120. The driving circuit board2100may include, for example, at least one transistor and at least one capacitor. The at least one transistor may include, for example, a driving transistor and a switch transistor. The driving circuit board2100may include driving circuits2171and2172respectively connected to a first electrode2131and a second electrode2132. For example, the driving circuit2171may be connected to the driving circuit board2100.

FIG.56shows an example in which the display transfer structure ofFIG.54further includes a color conversion layer2150. InFIG.56, components using the same reference numerals as those ofFIG.54have substantially the same functions and configurations as those described inFIG.54, and thus detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

A display transfer structure2000C may include partition walls2145provided on the insulating layer2150to be apart from each other, and a color conversion layer2150provided between the partition walls2145. The color conversion layer2150may convert a color of the light emitted from the micro-semiconductor chip2130. The micro-semiconductor chip2130may emit first color light, for example, blue light. However, it is only an example. The micro-semiconductor chip2130may emit light of other wavelength ranges that may excite the color conversion layer2150.

The color conversion layer2150may include a first color conversion layer2151configured to convert the light from the micro-semiconductor chip2130into first color light, a second color conversion layer2152configured to convert the light from the micro-semiconductor chip2130into second color light, and a third color conversion layer2153configured to convert the light from the micro-semiconductor chip2130into third color light. The second color light may be, for example, green light, and the third color light may be, for example, red light.

The first color conversion layer2151may include, for example, a resin that transmits light from the micro-semiconductor chip2130. The second color conversion layer2152may emit green light by blue light emitted from the micro-semiconductor chip2130. The second color conversion layer2152may include quantum dots (QDs) of a predetermined size that are excited by blue light to emit green light. The QDs may have a core-shell structure including a core and a shell, and may also include a particle structure without a shell. The core-shell structure may include a single-shell or multi-shell. The multi-shell may be, for example, a double-shell.

The QDs may include, for example, at least one of Groups II-VI-based semiconductors, Groups III-V-based semiconductors, Groups IV-VI-based semiconductors, Groups IV-based semiconductors, and graphene QDs. The QDs may include, for example, at least one of Cd, Se, Zn, S, and InP, but are not limited thereto. Each QD may have a diameter equal to or less than dozens of nm, for example, a diameter equal to or less than 10 nm.

The second color conversion layer2152may include a phosphor excited by the blue light emitted from the micro-semiconductor chip2130and emitting the green light.

The third color conversion layer2153may emit red light by changing the blue light emitted from the micro-semiconductor chip2130into the red light. The third color conversion layer2153may include QDs having a predetermined size, the QDs being excited by the blue light and emitting the red light. Alternatively, the third color conversion layer2153may include a phosphor excited by the blue light emitted from the micro-semiconductor chip2130and emitting the red light. For example, a micro LED display apparatus including the display transfer structure2000C according to the example embodiment may be implemented.

FIG.57illustrates a display transfer structure3000according to another example embodiment.

Referring toFIG.57, the display transfer structure3000may include a driving circuit board3010. The micro-semiconductor chip2130aligned on the transfer substrate2120illustrated inFIG.53may be transferred and bonded to the driving circuit board3010. The driving circuit board3010may include a first circuit3021and a second circuit3022. When the micro-semiconductor chip2130is transferred to the driving circuit board3010, the first electrode2131may be connected to the first circuit3021and the second electrode2132may be connected to the second circuit3022. The driving circuit board3010may include, for example, at least one transistor and at least one capacitor.

FIG.58illustrates a display transfer structure3100according to another example embodiment.

The display transfer structure3100may include a transfer substrate3120including a plurality of grooves3110and a micro-semiconductor chip3130positioned in the plurality of grooves3110. The micro-semiconductor chip3130may include at least one electrode3131on a surface facing upper openings of the plurality of grooves3110. In addition, the micro-semiconductor chip3130does not include an electrode on a surface facing the bottom of the plurality of grooves3110.

The at least one electrode3131may be, for example, a negative electrode. Alternatively, the at least one electrode3131may be, for example, a positive electrode. The at least one electrode3131may be positioned toward the upper opening of the groove3110.

The micro-semiconductor chip3130may include, for example, an n-type semiconductor layer3133, an active layer3134, and a p-type semiconductor layer3135. The n-type semiconductor layer3133may be, for example, an n-type GaN layer, and the p-type semiconductor layer3135may be a p-type GaN layer. The active layer3134may have, for example, a quantum well structure or a multiple quantum well structure. However, the micro-semiconductor chip3130is not limited thereto.

Referring toFIG.59, the micro-semiconductor chip3130aligned on the transfer substrate3120illustrated inFIG.58may be transferred to a driving circuit board3200. The driving circuit board3200may include a first circuit3210and a second circuit3220. When the micro-semiconductor chip3130is transferred to the driving circuit board3200, the first electrode3131may be connected to the first circuit3210.

Referring toFIG.60, an insulating layer3150may be provided on a structure shown inFIG.59. In addition, the insulating layer3150may be patterned to form a second electrode3132on the micro-semiconductor chip3130. In addition, the second electrode3132and the second circuit3220may be connected.

Meanwhile, in the display transfer structure according to an example embodiment, one groove may be provided in a region corresponding to one pixel on a transfer substrate, or a plurality of grooves may be provided in the region corresponding to one pixel.

FIG.61illustrates a display transfer structure4000according to another example embodiment.

The display transfer structure4000may include a transfer substrate4120including a plurality of grooves and micro-semiconductor chips4130respectively provided in the plurality of grooves. In the example embodiment, the transfer substrate4120may include a plurality of regions4125respectively corresponding to sub-pixels, and may respectively include a plurality of grooves in the plurality of regions4125. A pixel may represent a basic unit for displaying a color in a display apparatus. Reference numeral4140denotes a region corresponding to a pixel. For example, one pixel may include a first color light, a second color light, and a third color light. For example, the first color light may include red light, the second color light may include green light, and the third color light may include blue light. The pixel may include a plurality of sub-pixels emitting each color light. For example, the pixel may include a first sub-pixel that emits the first color light, a second sub-pixel that emits the second color light, and a third sub-pixel that emits the third color light. A region4125corresponding to each sub-pixel may include one or more micro-semiconductor chips4130.

For example, each of the plurality of regions4125may include a first groove4111and a second groove4112. The micro-semiconductor chip4130may be provided in each of the first groove4111and the second groove4112. However, the micro-semiconductor chip413may be missing from the region4125corresponding to each sub-pixel. For example, the micro-semiconductor chip4130may be provided in the first groove4111and the micro-semiconductor chip4130may be missing from the second groove4112. In this case, because the micro-semiconductor chip4130is provided in the first groove4111, there is no problem in a pixel operation.

As described above, when the plurality of grooves4111and4112are provided in the region4125corresponding to each sub-pixel, even if the micro-semiconductor chip4130is missing from any one of the plurality of grooves4111and4112, the micro-semiconductor chip4130may be provided in the remaining groove, and thus an error rate may be reduced, and a repair process may be omitted.

For example, the micro-semiconductor chip4130may have a size equal to or less than 200 μm. Here, the size may indicate the maximum diameter of a cross-section of the micro-semiconductor chip4130. The cross-section may indicate a cross-section perpendicular to a direction in which light from the micro-semiconductor chip4130is emitted. The micro-semiconductor chip4130may have various shapes such as a triangular cross-section, a square cross-section, a circular cross-section, etc. The grooves4111and4112may have, for example, a size by which the micro-semiconductor chip4130may be accommodated, and may have a size corresponding to the number of micro-semiconductor chips4130, if necessary. The grooves4111and4112may have various shapes such as a triangular cross-section, a square cross-section, a circular cross-section, etc.

FIG.62illustrates a display transfer structure5000according to another example embodiment.

The display transfer structure5000may include a transfer substrate5120including a plurality of grooves, and micro-semiconductor chips5130respectively provided in the plurality of grooves. In the example embodiment, the transfer substrate5120may include a plurality of regions5125corresponding to the sub-pixels, and may include a plurality of grooves5111and5112, respectively, in the plurality of regions5125.

The plurality of grooves5111and5112may have a size by which the plurality of micro-semiconductor chips5130may be accommodated. Here, the size may indicated a cross-sectional area of a groove.

For example, a first groove5111and a second groove5112may be included in each of the plurality of regions5125. The first groove5111and the second groove5112may have a size by which the two or more micro-semiconductor chips5130may be accommodated. For example, the two micro-semiconductor chips5130may be accommodated in the first groove5111and the two micro-semiconductor chips5130may be accommodated in the second groove5112. As described above, a possibility of defect with respect to each pixel due to missing of a micro-semiconductor chip may be reduced, and a repair process may be omitted. Reference numeral5140denotes a region corresponding to a pixel.

FIGS.63to65are enlarged views illustrating various examples in which micro-semiconductor chips are aligned in a region corresponding to one sub-pixel on a transfer substrate.

Referring toFIG.63, first and second grooves6111and6112may be provided in a region6125corresponding to a sub-pixel, and a micro-semiconductor chip6130may be provided in each of the first and second grooves6111and6112. The micro-semiconductor chip6130may have a circular cross-section, and at least one electrode6135may be positioned toward upper openings of the first and second grooves6111and6112.

In the example embodiment, the first and second grooves6111and6112may be disposed in the region6125in a diagonal direction. When the first and second grooves6111and6112are arranged in the diagonal direction, a probability of missing of the micro-semiconductor chip6130may be reduced when the micro-semiconductor chips6130are aligned, compared to a case where the first and second6111and6112are arranged in a line.

Referring toFIG.64, first and second grooves6211and6212may be provided in a region6225corresponding to a sub-pixel, and a plurality of micro-semiconductor chips6230may be provided in each of the first and second grooves6211and6212. The first and second grooves6211and6212may have a size by which the plurality of micro-semiconductor chips6230may be accommodated. At least one electrode6235may be positioned toward upper openings of the first and second grooves6211and6212. Here, the first and second grooves6211and6212may be disposed in a region6225in a diagonal direction. However, positions of the first and second grooves6211and6212are not limited thereto and may be variously modified.

Referring toFIG.65, eight grooves6311may be provided in a region6325corresponding to a sub-pixel. A micro-semiconductor chip6330may be provided in each of the eight grooves6311. At least one electrode6335may be positioned toward an upper opening of each groove6311. As described above, when the number of grooves6311included in the region6325corresponding to a sub-pixel is increased, even when a micro-semiconductor chip is missing from one or more grooves, a pixel operation may not be affected, and thus, a defect rate of the pixel may be reduced and a repair process may be reduced.

FIG.66is a block diagram of an electronic device8201including a display apparatus8260according to an example embodiment.

Referring toFIG.66, the electronic device8201may be provided in a network environment8200. In the network environment8200, the electronic device8201may communicate with another electronic device8202through a first network8298(a short-range wireless communication network, etc.) or communicate with another electronic device8204and/or a server8208through a second network8299(a remote wireless communication network, etc.). The electronic device8201may communicate with the electronic device8204through the server8208. The electronic device8201may include a processor8220, a memory8230, an input device8250, a sound output device8255, a display apparatus8260, an audio module8270, a sensor module8276, an interface8277, a haptic module8279, a camera module8280, a power management module8288, a battery8289, a communication module8290, a subscriber identification module8296, and/or an antenna module8297. The electronic device8201may omit one or more of the components or may further include other components. One or more of the components may be implemented as an integrated circuit. For example, the sensor module8276(a fingerprint sensor, an iris sensor, an illumination sensor, etc.) may be embedded in the display apparatus8269(a display, etc.).

The processor8220may be configured to execute software (a program8240, etc.) to control one or more components (hardware or software components) of the electronic device8201, the components being connected to the processor8220, and to perform various data processing or calculations. As part of the data processing or calculations, the processor8220may be configured to load a command and/or data received from other components (the sensor module8276, the communication module8290, etc.) into the volatile memory8232, process the command and/or the data stored in a volatile memory8232, and store resultant data in a nonvolatile memory8234. The processor8220may include a main processor8221(a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), etc.) and an auxiliary processor8223(a graphics processing unit (GPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, a communication processor, etc.) which may independently operate or operate with the main processor8221. The auxiliary processor8223may use less power than the main processor821and may perform specialized functions.

When the main processor8221is in an inactive state (a sleep state), the auxiliary processor8223may take charge of an operation of controlling functions and/or states related to one or more components (the display apparatus8260, the sensor module8276, the communication module8290, etc.) from among the components of the electronic device8201, or when the main processor8221is in an active state (an application execution state), the auxiliary processor8223may perform the same operation along with the main processor8221. The auxiliary processor8223(the image signal processor, the communication processor, etc.) may be realized as part of other functionally-related components (the camera module8280, the communication module8290, etc.).

The memory2230may store various data required by the components (the processor8220, the sensor module8276, etc.) of the electronic device8201. The data may include, for example, software (the program8240, etc.), input data and/or output data of a command related to the software. The memory8230may include the volatile memory8232and/or the nonvolatile memory8234.

The program8240may be stored in the memory8230as software, and may include an operating system8242, middleware8244, and/or an application8246.

The input device8250may receive a command and/or data to be used by the components (the processor8220, etc.) of the electronic device8201from the outside of the electronic device8201. The input device8250may include a remote controller, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, and/or a digital pen (a stylus pen, etc.).

The sound output device8255may output a sound signal to the outside of the electronic device8201. The sound output device8255may include a speaker and/or a receiver. The speaker may be used for a general purpose, such as multimedia playing or recording playing, and the receiver may be used to receive an incoming call. The receiver may be coupled to the speaker as part of the speaker or may be realized as a separate device.

The display apparatus8260may visually provide information to the outside of the electronic device8201. The display apparatus8260may include a display, a hologram device, or a controlling circuit for controlling a projector and a corresponding device. The display apparatus8260may be manufactured using the manufacturing method and the semiconductor chip wet alignment apparatus described with reference toFIGS.1to51, and the display apparatus8260may include the display transfer structures described with reference toFIGS.52to60. The display apparatus8260may include touch circuitry configured to sense a touch operation and/or sensor circuitry (a pressure sensor, etc.) configured to measure an intensity of a force generated by the touch operation.

The audio module8270may convert sound into an electrical signal or an electrical signal into sound. The audio module8270may obtain sound via the input device8250or may output sound via the sound output device8255and/or a speaker and/or a headphone of an electronic device (the electronic device8202, etc.) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device8201.

The sensor module8276may sense an operation state (power, temperature, etc.) of the electronic device8201or an external environmental state (a user state, etc.) and generate electrical signals and/or data values corresponding to the sensed state. The sensor module8276may include a gesture sensor, a gyro-sensor, an atmospheric sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and/or an illumination sensor.

The interface8277may support one or more designated protocols to be used for the electronic device8201to be directly or wirelessly connected to another electronic device (the electronic device8202, etc.). The interface8277may include a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) interface, a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, and/or an audio interface.

A connection terminal8278may include a connector, through which the electronic device8201may be physically connected to another electronic device (the electronic device8202, etc.). The connection terminal8278may include an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, and/or an audio connector (a headphone connector, etc.).

A haptic module8279may convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (vibration, motion, etc.) or an electrical stimulus which is recognizable to a user via haptic or motion sensation. The haptic module8279may include a motor, a piezoelectric device, and/or an electrical stimulus device.

The camera module8280may capture a still image and a video. The camera module8280may include a lens assembly including one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, and/or flashes. The lens assemblies included in the camera module8280may collect light emitted from an object, an image of which is to be captured.

The power management module8288may manage power supplied to the electronic device8201. The power management module8388may be realized as part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

The battery8289may supply power to the components of the electronic device8201. The battery8289may include a non-rechargeable primary battery, rechargeable secondary battery, and/or a fuel battery.

The communication module8290may support establishment of direct (wired) communication channels and/or wireless communication channels between the electronic device8201and other electronic devices (the electronic device8202, the electronic device8204, the server8208, etc.) and communication performance through the established communication channels. The communication module8290may include one or more communication processors separately operating from the processor8220(an application processor, etc.) and supporting direct communication and/or wireless communication. The communication module8290may include a wireless communication module8292(a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module, and/or a wired communication module8294(a local area network (LAN) communication module, a power line communication module, etc.). From these communication modules, a corresponding communication module may communicate with other electronic devices through a first network8298(a short-range wireless communication network, such as Bluetooth, Wifi direct, or infrared data association (IrDa)) or a second network8299(a remote communication network, such as a cellular network, the Internet, or a computer network (LAN, WAN, etc.)). Various types of communication modules described above may be integrated as a single component (a single chip, etc.) or realized as a plurality of components (a plurality of chips). The wireless communication module8292may identify and authenticate the electronic device8201within the first network8298and/or the second network8299by using subscriber information (international mobile subscriber identification (IMSI), etc.) stored in the subscriber identification module8296.

The antenna module8297may transmit a signal and/or power to the outside (other electronic devices, etc.) or receive the same from the outside. The antenna may include an emitter including a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (a printed circuit board (PCB), etc.). The antenna module8297may include an antenna or a plurality of antennas. When the antenna module8297includes a plurality of antennas, an appropriate antenna which is suitable for a communication method used in the communication networks, such as the first network8298and/or the second network8299, may be selected. Through the selected antenna, signals and/or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module8290and other electronic devices. In addition to the antenna, another component (a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC), etc.) may be included in the antenna module8297.

One or more of the components of the electronic device8201may be connected to one another and exchange signals (commands, data, etc.) with one another, through communication methods performed among peripheral devices (a bus, general purpose input and output (GPIO), a serial peripheral interface (SPI), a mobile industry processor interface (MIPI), etc.).

The command or the data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device8201and another external electronic device8204through the server8108connected to the second network8299. Other electronic devices8202and8204may be electronic devices that are homogeneous or heterogeneous types with respect to the electronic device8201. All or part of operations performed in the electronic device8201may be performed by one or more of the other electronic devices8202,8204, and8208. For example, when the electronic device8201has to perform a function or a service, instead of directly performing the function or the service, the one or more other electronic devices may be requested to perform part or all of the function or the service. The one or more other electronic devices receiving the request may perform an additional function or service related to the request and may transmit a result of the execution to the electronic device8201. To this end, cloud computing, distribution computing, and/or client-server computing techniques may be used.

FIG.67illustrates an example in which an electronic device according to an example embodiment is applied to a mobile device9100. The mobile device9100may include the display apparatus9110according to an example embodiment. The display apparatus9110may include the display transfer structures described with reference toFIGS.52to66. The display apparatus9110may have a foldable structure, and may be applied to, for example, a multi-folder display. Here, the display apparatus9110is illustrated as a folder type display, but may be applied to a general flat panel display.

FIG.68illustrates an example in which a display apparatus according to an example embodiment is applied to a vehicle. The display apparatus may correspond to a head up display apparatus9200for vehicle. The head-up display apparatus9200may include a display9210provided in a region of the vehicle and an optical path-change member9220configured to convert an optical path for a driver to watch an image generated by the display9210.

FIG.69illustrates an example in which a display apparatus according to an example embodiment is applied to augmented reality (AR) glasses9300or virtual reality (VR) glasses. The AR glasses9300may include a projection system9310configured to form an image and a component9320configured to guide an image from the projection system9310to the eye of a user. The projection system9310may include the display transfer structures described with reference toFIGS.52through66.

FIG.70is a diagram illustrating an example in which a display apparatus according to an example embodiment is applied to a large signage9400. The signage9400may be used for outdoor advertisement using a digital information display, and may control advertisement content and the like through a communication network. The signage9400may be implemented, for example, through the electronic device8200described with reference toFIG.66.

FIG.70is a diagram illustrating an example in which a display apparatus according to an example embodiment is applied to a wearable display9500. The wearable display9500may include the display transfer structures described with reference toFIGS.52to66, and may be implemented through the electronic device8200described with reference toFIG.66.

Also, the display apparatus according to an example embodiment may be applied to various devices, such as a rollable TV, a stretchable display, etc.

The example embodiments described above are only examples. One of ordinary skill in the art may understand that various modifications and equivalent example embodiments are possible based on the example embodiments. Thus, the true technical protection range according to the example embodiments shall be defined by the technical concept of the disclosure stated in the claims below.

The micro-semiconductor chip wet alignment apparatus according to an example embodiment may efficiently align the micro-semiconductor chips to a large area using a wet method. The micro-semiconductor chip wet alignment apparatus may quickly transfer the micro-semiconductor chips to the large area, and thus the micro-semiconductor chip wet alignment apparatus may be applied to a large display apparatus, and the cost of transferring the micro-semiconductor chips to the large area may be reduced, and thus the unit cost of the display apparatus may be reduced.

It should be understood that example embodiments described herein should be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Descriptions of features or aspects within each example embodiment should typically be considered as available for other similar features or aspects in other example embodiments. While one or more example embodiments have been described with reference to the figures, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope as defined by the following claims.