Patent ID: 12199199

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Features of the disclosure and a method of achieving them will become apparent with reference to the embodiments described in detail below together with the accompanying drawings. However, embodiments of the disclosure are not limited to exemplary embodiments disclosed below, and may be implemented in various different forms. Exemplary embodiments are provided so that the disclosure will be thorough and complete and those skilled in the art to which the disclosure pertains can fully understand the scope of the disclosure. Embodiments of the disclosure are only defined by the scope of the claims.

A case in which an element or a layer is referred to as “on” another element or layer includes a case in which another layer or another element is disposed directly on the other element or between the other layers. The same reference numerals may denote to the same components throughout the specification.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG.1is a plan view of a display device according to an embodiment.

In the present specification, “upper portion”, “top”, and “upper surface” indicate an upper direction, that is, a Z-axis direction with respect to a display device10, and “lower portion”, “bottom”, and “lower surface” indicate a lower direction, that is, a direction opposite to the Z-axis direction with respect to the display device10. In addition, “left”, “right”, “up”, and “down” indicate directions when viewed the display device10in a plan view.

Referring toFIG.1, according to an embodiment, the display device10may have one of various shapes. For example, the display device10may have a rectangular plate shape with two pairs of parallel sides. The display device10can display various visual information, for example, a text, a video, a photograph, a two-dimensional or three-dimensional image, etc., in an image display direction.

According to an embodiment, all or at least a portion of the display device10may be flexible. For example, the display device10may be flexible in the entire area, or may be partially flexible in an area where flexibility is required.

According to an embodiment, the display device10includes a display panel110and a driving circuit200that drives the display panel110. For convenience of description, the display panel and the driving circuit are shown as separate from each other inFIG.1, but embodiments are not limited thereto. That is, in other embodiments, all or portion of the driving circuit is integrally implemented on the display panel110.

According to an embodiment, the display panel110includes a display area AA and a non-display area NA.

According to an embodiment, the display area AA is an area for displaying an image and includes a plurality of display pixels PXL. In addition, the display area AA is used as a detection member for detecting the external environment. For example, the display area AA includes a fingerprint recognition area that recognizes a user's fingerprint. Therefore, the display area AA includes the plurality of display pixels PXL and a plurality of sensor pixels SPXL.

According to an embodiment, the sensor pixels SPXL are sensors that sense light. For example, when light emitted from a light source provided in the display device10is reflected by the user's finger, the sensor pixels SPXL sense the reflected light and output a corresponding electrical signal, such as a voltage signal. The electrical signal is transmitted to the driving circuit200, which will be described below, and used for fingerprint sensing. Hereinafter, embodiments of the disclosure will be described using an example in which the sensor pixels SPXL are used for fingerprint sensing, but the sensor pixels SPXL can perform various other functions such as touch sensing or scanning.

According to an embodiment, the sensor pixels SPXL may overlap the display pixels PXL or may be disposed around the display pixels PXL. For example, some or all of the sensor pixels SPXL overlap the display pixels PXL or are disposed between the display pixels PXL. When the sensor pixels SPXL are disposed adjacent to or overlapping the display pixels PXL, the sensor pixels SPXL use a light emitting element provided in the display pixel PXL as a light source. In this case, the sensor pixels SPXL together with the light emitting elements provided in the display pixels PXL configure a fingerprint sensor used in a light sensing method. As described above, when a fingerprint sensing display device uses the display pixels PXL as a light source without a separate external light source, a thickness of the fingerprint sensor and a module of the display device that includes the fingerprint sensor can be reduced, and manufacturing cost can be reduced.

According to an embodiment, the non-display area NA is a remaining area of the display panel110. For example, the non-display area NA includes a scan driver that transmits scan signals to scan lines, fan out lines that connect data lines and a display driver to each other, and pads connected to a circuit board. The non-display area NA is opaque. The non-display area NA may be a decor layer in which a pattern is displayed to the user.

According to an embodiment, the driving circuit200drives the display panel110. For example, the driving circuit200outputs data signals that correspond to image data to the display panel110, or outputs driving signals to the sensor pixel SPXL and receives electrical signals, such as a sensing signal, from the sensor pixels SPXL. The driving circuit200detects a user's fingerprint pattern using the electrical signals.

According to an embodiment, the driving circuit200includes a panel driver210and a fingerprint detector220. For convenience of description, inFIG.1, the panel driver210and the fingerprint detector220are shown separate from each other, but embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, in other embodiments at least a portion of the fingerprint detector220can be integrated together with the panel driver210or can operate in conjunction with the panel driver210.

According to an embodiment, the panel driver210sequentially transmits data signals that correspond to the image data to the display pixels PXL while sequentially scanning the display pixels PXL of the display area AA. Therefore, the display panel110displays an image that corresponds to the image data.

According to an embodiment, the panel driver210transmits a driving signal for fingerprint sensing to the display pixels PXL. Such a driving signal is provided to cause the display pixels PXL to emit light to operate as alight source for the sensor pixels SPXL. The fingerprint sensing driving signal is transmitted to the display pixels PXL in a specific area of the display panel110, such as display pixels PXL provided in a sensing area SA. In some embodiments, the fingerprint sensing driving signal is provided by the fingerprint detector220.

According to an embodiment, the fingerprint detector220transmits a driving signal, such as a driving voltage, for driving the sensor pixels SPXL to the sensor pixels SPXL, and detects a user's fingerprint based on the electrical signals received from the sensor pixels SPXL

FIG.2is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.2, according to an embodiment, the display device10includes the display panel110and an optical sensor PSL disposed on one surface of the display panel110.

According to an embodiment, the display panel100is a light emitting display panel that includes a light emitting element. For example, the display panel110may be an organic light emitting display panel that uses an organic light emitting diode that includes an organic light emitting layer, a micro light emitting diode (LED) display panel that uses a micro LED, a quantum dot light emitting display panel that uses a quantum dot light emitting diode that includes a quantum dot emitting layer, or an inorganic light emitting display panel that uses an inorganic light emitting element that includes an inorganic semiconductor. Hereinafter, a description will be given based on an embodiment in which the display panel110is an organic light emitting display panel.

According to an embodiment, the display panel110includes a display substrate SUB1, a circuit element layer BPL, a light emitting element layer LDL, a protective layer PTL1, an adhesive layer ADL1, and a cover window WIN.

According to an embodiment, the display substrate SUB1is formed of a flexible material that can be bent or folded. For example, a flexible material includes at least one of polystyrene, polyvinyl alcohol, polymethyl methacrylate, polyethersulfone, polyacrylate, polyetherimide, polyethylene naphthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyphenylene sulfide, polyarylate, polyimide, polycarbonate, triacetate cellulose, or cellulose acetate propionate. However, embodiments are not limited thereto, and the material of the display substrate SUB1can be variously changed, and can be formed of fiber glass plastic (FRP), etc.

According to an embodiment, the circuit element layer BPL is disposed on the display substrate SUB1. The circuit element layer BPL includes a plurality of circuit elements that configure a pixel circuit of the display pixels PXL, and wires that transmit various power and signals that drive the display pixels PXL. In this case, the circuit element layer BPL includes various circuit elements, such as at least one transistor and a capacitor, and a plurality of conductive layers that configure wires connected thereto. In addition, the circuit element layer BPL includes an insulating layer disposed between the plurality of conductive layers. In addition, the circuit element layer BPL includes a wire portion disposed in the non-display area NA of the display substrate SUB1to supply power and signals that correspond to the wires connected to the display pixels PXL.

According to an embodiment, the circuit element layer BPL includes an opening array layer LTHL. The opening array layer LTHL is a light control layer that controls a path of light incident on the optical sensor PSL. For example, the opening array layer LTHL limits an observation field of view of reflected light to a predetermined angle range.

According to an embodiment, the opening array layer LTHL includes a first opening array layer LTHL1and a second opening array layer LTHL2.

According to an embodiment, the first opening array layer LTHL1is disposed on the display substrate SUB1. The second opening array layer LTHL2is disposed on the first opening array layer LTHL1.

According to an embodiment, the first opening array layer LTHL1includes a first light blocking layer BHL1and a first opening portion LTH1that penetrates the first light blocking layer BHL1. The second opening array layer LTHL2includes a second light blocking layer BHL2and a second opening portion LTH2that penetrates the second light blocking layer BHL2. The first opening portion LTH1overlaps the second opening portion LTH2. The first opening portion LTH1and the second opening portion LTH2may have the same or different diameters.

According to an embodiment,FIG.2illustrates a case where the opening array layer LTHL has a structure in which the first opening array layer LTHL1and the second opening array layer LTHL2are stacked. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. That is, in other embodiments, the opening array layer LTHL may have a single opening array layer, or may have a multilayer structure of three or more layers.

According to an embodiment, the light emitting element layer LDL is disposed on the circuit element layer BPL. The light emitting element layer LDL includes light emitting elements LD, such as a pixel electrode, a light emitting layer, and a common electrode. The light emitting elements LD are electrically connected to a circuit element of the circuit element layer BPL.

According to an embodiment, the protective layer PTL1is disposed on the light emitting element layer LDL. The protective layer PTL1prevents oxygen or moisture from penetrating into the light emitting element layer LDL. To this end, the protective layer PTL1includes at least one inorganic film. The inorganic film may be a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxy nitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, or an aluminum oxide layer, but is not limited thereto.

In addition, according to an embodiment, the protective layer PTL1protects the light emitting element layer LDL from foreign substances such as dust. To this end, the protective layer PTL1includes at least one organic film. The organic film may be an acryl resin, an epoxy resin, a phenolic resin, a polyamide resin, or a polyimide resin, but is not limited thereto.

According to an embodiment, the adhesive layer ADL1is disposed on the protective layer PTL1. The adhesive layer ADL1is disposed between the protective layer PTL1and the cover window WIN to couple the protective layer PTL1and the cover window WIN to each other. The adhesive layer ADL1includes a transparent adhesive such as an optical clear adhesive (OCA).

According to an embodiment, the cover window WIN is formed of a flexible material so that all or a portion of the cover window WIN can be bent or folded, as a protection member disposed at the uppermost end of a module of the display device10. For example, the cover window WIN has a multilayer structure selected from a plastic film and a plastic substrate. The multilayer structure is formed through a continuous process or an adhesive process using an adhesive layer. An example of a plastic that can be applied to the cover window WIN includes polyimide, polyacrylate, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylenenaphthalate (PEN), polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF), polystyrene, ethylene vinylalcohol copolymer, polyethersulphone (PES), polyetherimide (PEI), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyallylate, tri-acetyl cellulose (TAC), or cellulose acetate propionate (CAP), but is not limited thereto.

According to an embodiment, the display device10further includes a polarizing plate or a sensing layer. In this case, the polarizing plate or the sensing layer are disposed between the protective layer PTL1and the cover window WIN.

According to an embodiment, the optical sensor PSL is disposed on one surface of the display panel110. For example, the optical sensor PSL is disposed on a rear surface of the display panel110that faces a display surface. That is, the optical sensor PSL is disposed on a lower surface of the display substrate SUB1, but embodiments are not limited thereto. An adhesive layer or a protective layer are further disposed between the optical sensor PSL and the display substrate SUB1. The optical sensor PSL is attached to the display substrate SUB1by the adhesive layer. The adhesive layer may include a transparent adhesive such as OCA, or may include a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA).

According to an embodiment, the optical sensor PSL includes a plurality of sensor pixels SPXL distributed at a predetermined resolution or interval.

According to an embodiment, the sensor pixels SPXL have a number, size, and arrangement that is appropriate to generate an identifiable fingerprint image from the electrical signals output from the sensor pixels SPXL. A distance between the sensor pixels SPXL is closely set so that reflected light from a sensing object, such as a fingerprint of a user's finger, etc., is incident on at least two adjacent sensor pixels SPXL.

According to an embodiment, the sensor pixels SPXL sense external light and output a corresponding electrical signal, such as a voltage signal. The reflected light received by each of the sensor pixels SPXL may have different light characteristics, such as frequency, wavelength, intensity, etc., according to whether the reflected light is generated by a valley or a ridge of the user's fingerprint. Therefore, each of the sensor pixels SPXL outputs a voltage signal that has different electrical characteristics that correspond to the light characteristics of the reflected light. The voltage signal output by the sensor pixels SPXL is converted into image data by the fingerprint detector220and used to identify the user's fingerprint.

A description has been given focusing on an embodiment in which the display device10uses the light emitting elements LD of the display pixels PXL as the light source of the fingerprint sensor, but embodiments of the disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, in other embodiments, the display device includes a separate light source for the fingerprint sensing.

FIG.3is a plan view of an optical sensor and a fingerprint detector according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.3, according to an embodiment, the optical sensor PSL includes an array of the sensor pixels SPXL. For example, the sensor pixels SPXL are arranged in a two-dimensional array, but embodiments are not limited thereto. Each sensor pixel SPXL includes a photoelectric element that converts incident light into a charge according to a frequency of the light. A detailed description of the photoelectric element will be described below with reference toFIG.4.

According to an embodiment, the fingerprint detector220includes a horizontal driver221, a vertical driver222, and a controller223.

According to an embodiment, the horizontal driver221is connected to the sensor pixels SPXL through driving lines H1to Hn. The horizontal driver221may be a shift register or an address decoder. The horizontal driver221transmits a driving signal to drive selected sensor pixels SPXL. For example, the horizontal driver221transmits a driving signal to units of sensor pixel rows.

According to an embodiment, the sensor pixels SPXL selected and driven by the horizontal driver221sense light using the photoelectric element in the sensor pixels SPXL, and output an electrical signal that corresponds to the sensed light, such as a voltage signal. The output electrical signal is, for example, an analog signal.

According to an embodiment, the vertical driver222is connected to the sensor pixels SPXL through signal lines V1to Vm. The vertical driver222processes the signals output from the sensor pixels SPXL.

According to an embodiment, the vertical driver222performs, for example, a correlated double sampling (CDS) process to remove noise from a received electrical signal. In addition, the vertical driver222converts an analog signal received from the sensor pixels SPXL into a digital signal. An analog-to-digital converter is provided for each column of the sensor pixels SPXL, and the analog signals received from the sensor pixel columns are processed in parallel.

According to an embodiment, the vertical driver222may be a shift register or an address decoder. For example, the vertical driver222sequentially selects a process circuit corresponding to a column of the sensor pixels SPXL, such as the analog-digital converter. An electrical signal, such as a digital signal, processed by the process circuit selected by the vertical driver222is output.

According to an embodiment, the controller223is a timing generator that generates various timing signals, and controls the horizontal driver221and the vertical driver222based on the timing signals generated by the timing generator.

According to an embodiment, the controller223generates image data from the electrical signals received from the vertical driver222, and processes the generated image data. In addition, the controller223detects a fingerprint from the processed image data, or authenticates the detected fingerprint or outputs the detected fingerprint.

However, embodiments of the disclosure are not limited thereto, and in other embodiments, the generation of the image data and the fingerprint detection are not performed by the controller223but are performed by an external host processor, etc. In this case, the controller223directly transmits the electrical signals received from the vertical driver222, such as digital signals, to the external host processor or the panel driver210.

FIG.4is a cross-sectional view of a sensor pixel ofFIG.3, according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.4, according to an embodiment, the sensor pixel SPXL may include a substrate711, a buffer layer712, a circuit element layer BPL, a photoelectric element layer PDL, and a planarization layer780.

According to an embodiment, the substrate711is a base substrate of the optical sensor PSL, and may be a rigid substrate that includes glass or tempered glass, or a flexible substrate of a plastic material. However, embodiments are not limited thereto, and in other embodiments, the substrate711may be configured of various other materials.

According to an embodiment, the buffer layer712is disposed on the substrate711. The buffer layer712may be configured as a single layer or as multiple layers of a silicon oxide film (SiOx) or a silicon nitride film (SiNx).

According to an embodiment, the circuit element layer BPL is disposed on the buffer layer712. The circuit element layer BPL includes a photoelectric element transistor TR and a plurality of insulating layers.

According to an embodiment, the transistor TR includes an active pattern721, a gate electrode723, a source electrode725a, and a drain electrode725b. For example, the transistor TR may be one of an oxide thin film transistor (oxide TFT) formed of an indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO)-based material, a low temperature polycrystalline silicon (LTPS) transistor, or an amorphous silicon thin film transistor (a-Si TFT).

According to an embodiment, the active pattern721is disposed on the buffer layer712. The active pattern721includes a channel region721athrough which an electron moves, a source region721bdisposed on one side of the channel region721a, and a drain region721cdisposed on another side of the channel region721a.

According to an embodiment, a gate insulating layer722is disposed on the active pattern721. The gate insulating layer722insulates the active pattern721from the gate electrode723, which will be described below. The gate insulating layer722includes one or more inorganic films or organic films. The gate insulating layer722may be formed of a single layer or of multiple layers of a silicon oxide film (SiOx) or a silicon nitride film (SiNx). However, embodiments of the disclosure are not limited thereto, and in other embodiments, the gate insulating layer722may include an inorganic insulating material or an organic insulating material such as SiOx, SiNx, SiON, SiOF, or AlOx.

According to an embodiment, the gate electrode723is disposed on the gate insulating layer722. The gate electrode723overlaps the channel region721aof the active pattern721. The gate electrode723may have a single layer or multiple layers configured of a conductive material. For example, the gate electrode723may include Ti, Cu, Mo, Al, Au, Cr, TiN, Ag, Pt, Pd, Ni, Sn, Co, Rh, Ir, Fe, Ru, Os, Mn, W, Nb, Ta, Bi, Sb, or Pb, etc. For example, the gate electrode723can be formed of an alloy of MoTi and AlNiLa. For example, the gate electrode723may have multiple layers, such as one of Ti/Cu, Ti/Au, Mo/Al/Mo, ITO/Ag/ITO, TiN/T/AI/Ti, or TiN/Ti/Cu/Ti, etc.

According to an embodiment, an interlayer insulating layer724is disposed on the gate electrode723. The interlayer insulating layer724includes one or more inorganic films or organic films. For example, the interlayer insulating layer724may be formed of a single layer or include multiple layers of a silicon oxide film (SiOx) or a silicon nitride film (SiNx).

According to an embodiment, the source electrode725aand the drain electrode725bare disposed on the interlayer insulating layer724. The source electrode725ais electrically connected to the source region721bthrough a contact hole that penetrates the interlayer insulating layer724. The drain electrode725bis electrically connected to the drain region721cthrough a contact hole that penetrates the interlayer insulating layer724.

According to an embodiment, a via layer730is disposed on the source electrode725aand the drain electrode725b. The via layer730may be formed of a single layer or of multiple layers of a silicon oxide film (SiOx) or a silicon nitride film (SiNx).

According to an embodiment, the photoelectric element layer PDL is disposed on the circuit element layer BPL. The photoelectric element layer PDL includes a photoelectric element PD, a barrier layer750, an insulating layer760, and a bias electrode770.

According to an embodiment, the photoelectric element PD is disposed on the via layer730. The photoelectric element PD includes a first electrode741, an intermediate layer PIN, and a second electrode745.

According to an embodiment, the first electrode741is directly disposed on the via layer730. In the disclosure, “directly disposed” refers to there being no other layers between the first electrode741and the via layer730.

According to an embodiment, the first electrode741is connected to the source electrode725aof the transistor TR through a contact hole that penetrates the via layer730. In another embodiment, the first electrode741is connected to the drain electrode725b.

According to an embodiment, the first electrode741may be formed of an opaque metal such as molybdenum (Mo) or a transparent oxide such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), or zinc oxide (ZnO), according to the properties of the photoelectric element PD.

According to an embodiment, the intermediate layer PIN is disposed on the first electrode741.

According to an embodiment, the intermediate layer PIN is formed from a material that can convert incident light into an electrical signal. For example, the intermediate layer PIN may include materials such as a-Se, HgI2, CdTe, PbO, PbI2, BiI3, GaAs, or Ge.

According to an embodiment, when the photoelectric element PD is formed of a PIN diode, the intermediate layer PIN is a structure in which an N-type (negative type) semiconductor layer742that includes an N-type impurity, an I-type semiconductor layer743that does not include an impurity, and a P-type (positive type) semiconductor layer744that includes a P-type impurity are sequentially stacked. Side surfaces of the N-type semiconductor layer742, the I-type semiconductor layer743, and the P-type semiconductor layer744are aligned. The I-type semiconductor layer743is relatively thicker than the N-type semiconductor layer742and the P-type semiconductor layer744.

According to an embodiment, the photoelectric element PD configured of a PIN diode senses external light, converts the external light into an electrical signal, and outputs the electrical signal. Specifically, when light of a specific frequency range, such as the visible wavelengths, is irradiated to the intermediate layer PIN, the I-type semiconductor layer743is depleted by the P-type semiconductor layer744and the N-type semiconductor layer742, and thus an electric field is generated inside. A hole and an electron generated by the light are moved by the electric field and are collected in the P-type semiconductor layer744and the N-type semiconductor layer742.

According to an embodiment, the second electrode745is disposed on the intermediate layer PIN. The second electrode745is formed of a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), or zinc oxide (ZnO), according to the properties of the photoelectric element PD.

According to an embodiment, the area of the second electrode745is less than the area of the intermediate layer PIN. A side surface of the second electrode745is located inside a side surface of the intermediate layer PIN. That is, the second electrode745has an inset structure in which an edge of the intermediate layer PIN is exposed. A leakage current of the photoelectric element PD is reduced by disposing the second electrode745on the intermediate layer PIN in an inset structure.

According to an embodiment, the barrier layer750is disposed on the photoelectric element PD. The barrier layer750prevents side surface damage of the intermediate layer PIN and minimizes the leakage current of the photoelectric element PD.

According to an embodiment, the barrier layer750is directly disposed on the second electrode745of the photoelectric element PD. The barrier layer750is in contact with the second electrode745and the intermediate layer PIN, but is not in contact with the first electrode741. The barrier layer750is spaced apart and separated from the first electrode741by the intermediate layer PIN.

According to an embodiment, the barrier layer750directly covers an upper surface and a side surface of the second electrode745, and an upper surface of the P-type semiconductor layer744exposed by the second electrode745. That is, the barrier layer750is in direct contact with the upper surface and the side surface of the second electrode745, and the upper surface of the P-type semiconductor layer744exposed by the second electrode745. A side surface of the barrier layer750is aligned with the side surface of the intermediate layer PIN.

According to an embodiment, the barrier layer750is formed of an inorganic film. The inorganic film includes at least one of SiNx, SiOx, or SiON, but is not limited thereto.

According to an embodiment, the insulating layer760is disposed on the barrier layer750. The insulating layer760is disposed on the entire surface of the substrate711.

According to an embodiment, the insulating layer760is directly disposed on the photoelectric element PD and the barrier layer750. The insulating layer760directly covers a side surface of the photoelectric element PD and an upper surface and a side surface of the barrier layer750. The insulating layer760is in contact with the first electrode741and the intermediate layer PIN, but is not in contact with the second electrode745. The insulating layer760is spaced apart and separated from the second electrode745by the barrier layer750.

According to an embodiment, a thickness of the insulating layer760is greater than a thickness of the barrier layer750. The insulating layer760is formed of an inorganic film. The inorganic film includes at least one of SiNx, SiOx, or SiON, but is not limited thereto.

According to an embodiment, the bias electrode770is disposed on the insulating layer760. The bias electrode770is electrically connected to the second electrode745of the photoelectric element PD through a contact hole that penetrates the insulating layer760and the barrier layer750.

According to an embodiment, the planarization layer780is disposed on the bias electrode770. The planarization layer780has a substantially flat upper surface, and improves surface flatness of the optical sensor PSL

According to an embodiment, the planarization layer780may include an organic material or an inorganic material. For example, the planarization layer780is an organic material, and the planarization layer780is formed of one of a photoresist, a polyacrylic resin, a polyimide resin, a polyamide resin, a siloxane acid resin, an acrylic resin, or an epoxy resin, etc.

FIG.5is a graph of leakage current according to a driving voltage of an optical sensor, according to an embodiment.FIG.6illustrates a double taper of a side surface of a PIN diode, according to an embodiment.

Specifically, according to an embodiment,FIG.5compares leakage currents I_leakage for each driving voltage V_Diode of the PIN diode as the photoelectric element PD, with respect to an optical sensor that does not include a barrier layer and an optical sensor in which the barrier layer750is disposed on the photoelectric element PD as in an above-described embodiment.

In general, according to an embodiment, a PIN diode may be driven from −7 to −3V. When no separate barrier layer is disposed on the PIN diode, a double taper is formed on a side surface of the intermediate layer when the intermediate layer of the PIN diode is formed. Specifically, referring toFIG.6, when no separate barrier layer is disposed, a double taper is formed as a region A in a process of etching the PIN diode. In this case, due to the double taper of the PIN diode, a crack, etc., can occur in the insulating layer760disposed in an upper portion, and a current can leak into an exposed area when the PIN diode is driven. That is, as shown in a first graph1, a considerable amount of leakage current I_leakage can occur. The leakage current I_leakage acts as noise with respect to a sensing current of the PIN diode, and as a result, sensing accuracy is reduced.

On the other hand, according to an embodiment, when the barrier layer750is formed on the photoelectric element PD as described above, damage of the side surface of the intermediate layer PIN is effectively prevented. Therefore, as shown in a second graph2, the leakage current I_leakage is minimized when the PIN diode is driven, and as a result, sensing accuracy is improved.

Hereinafter, another embodiment is described. In a following embodiment, the same elements as those already described will be referred to by the same reference numeral, and a repetitive description will be omitted or simplified.

FIG.7is a cross-sectional view of a sensor pixel according to another embodiment.

Referring toFIG.7, the sensor pixel SPXL_1according to a present embodiment differs from the sensor pixel SPXL ofFIGS.1to4in that a barrier layer750_1is disposed on the insulating layer760.

According to an embodiment, the insulating layer760directly covers the photoelectric element PD. The insulating layer760includes a first surface that covers an upper surface of the photoelectric element PD, a second surface that is in contact with the circuit element layer BPL, and a inner side surface760S1that covers the side surface of the photoelectric element PD. The inner side surface760S1of the insulating layer760directly covers the side surface of the photoelectric element PD.

According to an embodiment, the barrier layer750_1is directly disposed on an outer side surface760S2of the insulating layer760. The barrier layer750_1directly covers the outer side surface760S2of the insulating layer760. In this case, even though a double taper is formed on the side surfaces of the photoelectric element PD, the barrier layer750_1provides a discharge path of the leakage current. Therefore, as described above, noise in the sensing current is reduced, and as a result, accuracy of the fingerprint sensing is improved.

According to an embodiment, the barrier layer7501is a transparent conductive pattern. The transparent conductive pattern includes at least one of ITO, IZO, or ZnO as a transparent metal oxide, but is not limited thereto. The barrier layer750_1is an electrode in a floating state. That is, the barrier layer7501is an electrode formed in an island shape, to which no electric signal, such as a voltage, is separately applied.

According to an embodiment, the bias electrode770is disposed on the insulating layer760. The bias electrode770is disposed on an upper surface of the insulating layer760that is not covered by the barrier layer7501. The bias electrode770is in contact with the second electrode745of the photoelectric element PD through a contact hole that penetrates the insulating layer760.

According to an embodiment, the planarization layer780is disposed on the insulating layer760. The planarization layer780directly covers the insulating layer760, the barrier layer750_1, and the bias electrode770.

FIG.8is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to still another embodiment.

Referring toFIG.8, the display device101according to a present embodiment differs from the display device10ofFIGS.1to4in that the opening array layer is omitted and the display device10_1includes a collimator CML

Specifically, according to an embodiment, the collimator CML is disposed between the display panel110and the optical sensor PSL.

According to an embodiment, the collimator CML distinguishes light reflected from the ridge of a user's finger from light reflected from the valley and provides the light reflected from the ridge and the light reflected from the valley to separate sensor pixels SPXL. To this end, the collimator CML includes alight blocking pattern BA and a plurality of light transmitting patterns TA that penetrate the light blocking pattern BA.

According to an embodiment, the light blocking pattern BA includes at least one of an organic light blocking material or a metallic light blocking material. For example, a organic light blocking material includes at least one of carbon black (CB) or titanium black (TiBK), but is not limited thereto. In addition, a metallic light blocking material includes at least one of chromium, chromium oxide, or chromium nitride, but is not necessarily limited thereto.

According to an embodiment, the plurality of light transmitting patterns TA have an optical path of light emitted from the light emitting element LD, reflected from the finger of the user, and propagating to the optical sensor PSL.

According to an embodiment, the plurality of light transmitting patterns TA include an acrylic resin or a polyacrylate resin, an epoxy resin, a phenolic resin, a polyamide resin, a polyimide resin, an unsaturated polyester resin, a poly phenylenether resin, a polyphenylenesulfide resin, or benzocyclobutene (BCB), but is not limited thereto.

In accordance with the display device10_1according to a present embodiment, light reflected from the ridge of a user's finger can be distinguished from light reflected from the valley and is provided to separate sensor pixels SPXL by disposing the collimator CML between the display panel110and the optical sensor PSL. Thus, a signal-to-noise ratio SNR of the optical sensor PSL is improved.

Subsequently, a method of manufacturing an optical sensor according to embodiments described above will be described.

FIGS.9to12are cross-sectional views that illustrate a method of manufacturing an optical sensor according to an embodiment. In particular,FIGS.9to12show the process steps of manufacturing the sensor pixel SPXL ofFIG.4.

First, referring toFIG.9, according to an embodiment, the buffer layer712, the circuit element layer BPL, the first electrode741, the intermediate film PIN′, and the second electrode745are formed on the substrate711.

According to an embodiment, the active pattern721, the gate insulating layer722, the gate electrode723, the interlayer insulating layer724, the source electrode725a, the drain electrode725b, and the via layer730are sequentially formed on the buffer layer712, and thus the circuit element layer BPL is provided.

According to an embodiment, a method of forming each of the above-described layers uses generally known deposition, photoresist coating (PR coating), exposure, development, etching, or photolithography processes, including photoresist stripping (PR stripping). Detailed description of these processes is omitted. For example, in a case of deposition, a method such as sputtering is used for a metal and a method such as plasma enhanced vapor deposition (PECVD) is used for a semiconductor or an insulating film. In addition, in a case of etching, dry etching and wet etching may be selectively used according to a material.

According to an embodiment, the first electrode741of the photoelectric element PD that is connected to the source electrode725athrough the contact hole that penetrates the via layer730is disposed on the via layer730.

Next, according to an embodiment, the intermediate film PIN′ that includes an N-type semiconductor film742′, an I-type semiconductor film743′, and a P-type semiconductor film744′ is formed on the first electrode741. The N-type semiconductor film742′, the I-type semiconductor film743′, and the P-type semiconductor film744′ are formed on the entire surface of the substrate711.

Next, according to an embodiment, a second electrode film is deposited and patterned on the P-type semiconductor film744′ to form the second electrode745.

Next, referring toFIG.10, according to an embodiment, the barrier layer750is formed on the second electrode745. The barrier layer750has an area greater than that of the second electrode745and covers the second electrode745. A step of forming the barrier layer750may be performed by, for example, plasma chemical vapor deposition (PECVD).

According to an embodiment, the barrier layer750is formed of an inorganic film that can adjust selectivity with respect to the intermediate film PIN′. For example, the barrier layer750may be formed of a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxy nitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, or an aluminum oxide layer, but is not limited thereto.

Next, referring toFIG.11, according to an embodiment, a photoresist pattern PR is formed on the barrier layer750, and the intermediate film PIN′ is patterned to form the intermediate layer PIN. Etching of the intermediate film PIN′ is performed by dry etching such as an oxygen plasma process.

According to an embodiment, since the second electrode745is covered by the barrier layer750in a process of etching the intermediate film PIN′, a double taper, that is, side damage, is prevented on the side surface of the intermediate layer PIN by the second electrode745. Therefore, as described above, the leakage current that occurs in the side surface of the photoelectric element is minimized to reduce noise in the sensing current, and as a result, the accuracy of the fingerprint sensing is improved.

Next, referring toFIG.12, according to an embodiment, the insulating layer760, the bias electrode770, and the planarization layer780are formed on the barrier layer750to complete the sensor pixel SPXL ofFIG.4.

FIGS.13to17are cross-sectional views that illustrate a method of manufacturing the optical sensor according to another embodiment. In particular,FIGS.13to17show the process steps of manufacturing the sensor pixel SPXL_1ofFIG.7.

First, referring toFIG.13, according to an embodiment, the buffer layer712, the circuit element layer BPL, the first electrode741, the intermediate layer PIN′, and the second electrode745are formed on the substrate711. Since forming the buffer layer712, the circuit element layer BPL, the first electrode741, the intermediate film PIN′, and the second electrode745is substantially the same as or similar to the manufacturing steps described with reference toFIG.9, a repetitive description is omitted.

Next, referring toFIG.14, according to an embodiment, the photoresist pattern PR is formed on the second electrode745, and the intermediate film PIN′ is patterned to form the intermediate layer PIN. The second electrode745may be exposed in a process of etching the intermediate film PIN′. In this case, the intermediate film PIN′ is masked by the second electrode745rather than the photoresist pattern PR. Therefore, a double taper is formed on the side surface of the intermediate layer PIN.

Next, referring toFIG.15, according to an embodiment, the insulating layer760is formed on the photoelectric element PD. The insulating layer760may be formed of a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxy nitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, or an aluminum oxide layer, but is not limited thereto.

Next, referring toFIG.16, according to an embodiment, the barrier layer750_1is formed on the outer side surface760S2of the insulating layer760that covers the side surface of the photoelectric element PD. The barrier layer750_1is formed by forming and patterning a transparent conductive material layer. The transparent conductive material layer includes at least one of ITO, IZO, or ZnO as a transparent metal oxide, but is not limited thereto.

According to an embodiment, when the outer side surface760S2of the insulating layer760is covered by the barrier layer7501, even though a double taper is formed on the side surface of the photoelectric element PD in the process of etching the intermediate film PIN′, a discharge path of a leakage current is provided by the barrier layer750_1. Therefore, as described above, noise in the sensing current is reduced, and as a result, the accuracy of the fingerprint sensing is improved. Next, referring toFIG.17, the bias electrode770and the planarization layer780are formed on the barrier layer750_1and the insulating layer760to complete the sensor pixel SPXL_1ofFIG.7.

Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of the disclosure can be implemented in other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Therefore, it should be understood that exemplary embodiments are illustrative and not restrictive in all aspects. The scope of embodiments of the disclosure is defined by the following claims rather than the above detailed description, and it is intended that all changes and modifications drawn from the meaning and range of the claims and the equivalents thereof are included within the scope of embodiments of the disclosure.