Display substrate and display panel having the same

This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 2010-11774, filed on Feb. 9, 2010, and all the benefits accruing therefrom under 35 U.S.C. §119, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a display substrate and a display panel having the display substrate. More particularly, the invention relates to a display substrate capable of enhancing display quality and a display panel having the display substrate.

2. Description of the Related Art

A liquid crystal display (“LCD”) panel includes a first display substrate, a second display substrate and a liquid crystal layer. The first display substrate includes a plurality of thin-film transistors (“TFTs”) for driving each pixel electrode. The second display substrate includes a common electrode facing the pixel electrode. The liquid crystal layer is interposed between the first display substrate and the second display substrate. The LCD panel displays images by controlling light transmittance when a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer.

The LCD panel may be classified into a vertical alignment (“VA”) mode LCD panel, a patterned vertical alignment (“PVA”) mode LCD panel, etc., in accordance with an operation mode. In the VA mode LCD panel, liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer are aligned in a vertical direction to display black images, when a voltage is not applied between the first display substrate and the second display substrate. In the PVA mode LCD panel, in order to improve a viewing angle of the VA mode, opening patterns are formed through the pixel electrode and the common electrode, thereby dividing each pixel into multi-domains.

Thus, liquid crystal molecules are aligned from a peripheral area of the opening pattern toward an outer direction thereof in a radial shape, so that lights are transmitted through the liquid crystal molecules to display the images. However, an arrangement of liquid crystal molecules is not controlled in a boundary area between domains, that is, an area where the opening pattern is formed, so that liquid crystal molecules having the different directions may be bumped with each other, so that a singular point on which a black point is displayed at an area where the liquid crystal molecules are bumped may be generated. Since the singular point may influence the arrangement of liquid crystal molecules disposed within the domain, the liquid crystal texture may be broken in an area adjacent to the singular point so that display quality may be decreased. When the singular point is generated, the liquid crystal molecules are not uniformly controlled so that display defects such as a residual image, a response speed, etc., may be generated.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a display substrate for simply controlling liquid crystal molecules.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention also provide a display panel having the above-mentioned display substrate.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a display substrate includes a gate line, a data line and a pixel electrode. The gate line is extended in a first direction on a base substrate. The data line is extended in a second direction crossing the first direction. The pixel electrode is disposed on a pixel area of the base substrate. The pixel electrode includes a first sub-electrode and a second sub-electrode spaced apart by an opening portion to receive a voltage having the same polarity. The opening portion has a straight line portion extended in the first direction, a diagonal line portion extended in a third direction crossing the first and second directions, and a protrusion portion disposed in a length direction of the straight line portion at a portion where the straight line portion and the diagonal line portion are met.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, a display panel includes a first display substrate, a second substrate and a liquid crystal layer. The first display substrate includes a gate line, a data line and a pixel electrode. The gate line is extended in a first direction on a base substrate. The data line is extended in a second direction crossing the first direction. The pixel electrode is disposed on a pixel area of the base substrate. The pixel electrode includes a first sub-electrode and a second sub-electrode spaced apart by an opening portion to receive a voltage having the same polarity. The opening portion has a straight line portion extended in the first direction, a diagonal line portion extended in a third direction crossing the first and second directions, and a protrusion portion disposed in a length direction of the straight line portion at a portion where the straight line portion and the diagonal line portion are met. The second display substrate includes a common electrode in which a second opening portion is disposed at an area out of an area where the first opening portion is disposed. The liquid crystal layer is disposed between the first and second display substrates.

According to a display substrate and a display panel having the display substrate, in a patterned vertical alignment (“PVA”) mode, a singular point of liquid crystal arrangement is uniformly formed on an area in which an opening portion is disposed, so that liquid crystal texture may be stabilized.

The above and other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent by describing in detailed exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a display panel, according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I′ of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3A is a plan view illustrating a pixel electrode of FIG. 1 , and FIG. 3B is an enlarged view of a portion in FIG. 3A , to explain a formation of a singular point;

FIGS. 4A to 4E are cross-sectional views showing an exemplary embodiment of a method of manufacturing a first display substrate of FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating another exemplary embodiment of a first display substrate, according to the invention;

FIG. 6A is a plan view illustrating a pixel electrode of FIG. 5 , and FIG. 6B is an enlarged view of a portion in FIG. 6A , to explain a formation of a singular point;

FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating another exemplary embodiment of a first display substrate, according to the invention;

FIG. 8A is a plan view illustrating a pixel electrode of FIG. 7 , and FIG. 8B is an enlarged view of a portion in FIG. 8A , to explain a formation of a singular point;

FIG. 9 is a plan view illustrating another exemplary embodiment of a first display substrate, according to the invention;

FIG. 10A is a plan view illustrating a pixel electrode of FIG. 9 , and FIG. 10B is an enlarged view of a portion in FIG. 10A to explain a formation of a singular point;

FIG. 11 is a plan view illustrating another exemplary embodiment of a second display substrate, according to the invention;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged view illustrating a common electrode of FIG. 11 , to explain a formation of a singular point;

FIGS. 13A to 13C are cross-sectional views showing an exemplary embodiment of a manufacturing process of the second display substrate of FIG. 11 ;

FIG. 14 is a plan view illustrating another exemplary embodiment of a second display substrate, according to the invention; and

FIG. 15 is an enlarged view illustrating a common electrode of FIG. 14 , to explain a formation of a singular point.

The invention is described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, the sizes and relative sizes of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity.

It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “connected to” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected or coupled to the other element or layer or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. Like numerals refer to like elements throughout. As used herein, connected may refer to elements being physically and/or electrically connected to each other. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the invention.

Spatially relative terms, such as “lower,” “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “lower” other elements or features would then be oriented “upper” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “lower” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference to cross-sectional illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized exemplary embodiments (and intermediate structures) of the invention. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, exemplary embodiments of the invention should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. For example, an implanted region illustrated as a rectangle will, typically, have rounded or curved features and/or a gradient of implant concentration at its edges rather than a binary change from implanted to non-implanted region. Likewise, a buried region formed by implantation may result in some implantation in the region between the buried region and the surface through which the implantation takes place. Thus, the regions illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the actual shape of a region of a device and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

All methods described herein can be performed in a suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”), is intended merely to better illustrate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention as used herein. Hereinafter, the invention will be explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a display panel, according to the invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I′ of FIG. 1 .

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 , the display panel includes a first display substrate 100 , a second display substrate 200 and a liquid crystal layer 300 .

The first display substrate 100 includes a first base substrate 101 , a plurality of gate lines GLn and GLn+1, a plurality of storage lines STLn and STLn+1, a plurality of data lines DLm and DLm+1 and a plurality of a pixel electrode PEa. The first display substrate 100 further includes a gate insulation layer 120 and a protection insulation layer 150 . As used herein, ‘n’ and ‘m’ are natural numbers.

The first base substrate 101 may be a glass substrate as an optical transparent insulation substrate. The gate lines GLn and GLn+1 are longitudinally extended in a first direction D 1 , and are arranged in a second direction D 2 crossing the first direction D 1 . The data lines DLm and DLm+1 are longitudinally extended in the second direction D 2 , and are arranged in the first direction D 1 . The storage lines STLn and STLn+1 are longitudinally extended in the first direction D 1 , and are arranged in the second direction D 2 .

A pixel electrode PEa is disposed on a pixel area PA of the first base substrate 101 . The pixel electrode PEa includes a first sub-electrode SE 1 and a second sub-electrode SE 2 that are spaced apart from each other by a first opening portion OP 1 in the plan view of the display panel, for example, as indicated by “˜” in FIG. 1 . The first sub-electrode SE 1 and the second sub-electrode SE 2 are physically and/or electrically connected to the m-th data line DLm, to receive a pixel voltage having a same polarity.

The first opening portion OP 1 divides the pixel area PA into a first sub-area SA 1 , and a second sub-area SA 2 which surrounds the first sub-area SA 1 . The first sub-area SA 1 and the second sub-area SA 2 are outlined with a dotted line in FIG. 1 , and the dotted line for the first sub-area SA 1 is indicated within the first opening portion OP 1 . The first sub-electrode SE 1 is disposed on and disposed within boundaries of the first sub-area SA 1 , and the second electrode SE 2 is disposed on and disposed within boundaries of the second sub-area SA 2 . The first sub-electrode SE 1 and the second sub-electrode SE 2

The pixel electrode PEa includes a plurality of a first notch portion N 11 , and a plurality of protrusion potions NP 1 , NP 2 , NP 3 and NP 4 that are disposed at a boundary portion of the first opening portion OP 1 . Each of the first notch portions N 11 includes raised angle notches 161 facing each other, in which an edge of the first sub-electrode SE 1 and the second sub-electrode SE 2 at the first opening portion OP 1 are cut in a V-shape on a plan view. As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the first sub-electrode SE 1 is opposite to the second sub-electrode SE 2 by interposing the first opening portion OP 1 therebetween.

Each of the protrusion portions NP 1 , NP 2 , NP 3 and NP 4 is a raised angle notch, in which the pixel electrode PEa is cut in a length direction of a straight line portion where the straight line portion and a diagonal line portion are met. Hereinafter, a protrusion portion is denoted as a raised angle notch when the pixel electrode PEa is cut in a V-shape on a plan view to be greater than a width of an opening portion, and a protrusion portion is denoted as a depressed angle notch when the pixel electrode PEa is protruded in a V-shape on a plan view to be smaller than the width of the opening portion. The first opening portion OP 1 is considered an enclosed opening penetrating a thickness of the pixel electrode PEa, the pixel electrode solely defining the first opening portion OP 1 .

The pixel electrode PEa, including the first sub-electrode SE 1 and the second sub-electrode SE 2 , is electrically connected to a first transistor TR 1 , a second transistor TR 2 , a third transistor TR 3 and a sharing capacitor CS to be driven. The first transistor TR 1 includes a first gate electrode GE connected to the n-th gate line GLn, a first source electrode SE connected to the m-th data line DLm, and a first drain electrode DE connected to the second sub-electrode SE 2 through a second contact portion CT 2 . The second transistor TR 2 includes the first gate electrode GE connected to the n-th gate line GLn, the first source electrode SE connected to the m-th data line DLm, and a second drain electrode DE connected to the first sub-electrode SE 1 through a first contact portion CT 1 . The third transistor TR 3 includes a second gate electrode GE connected to the (n+1)-th gate line GLn+1, a second source electrode SE connected to the second sub-electrode SE 2 , and a third drain electrode DE connected to a first electrode of the sharing capacitor CS. The sharing capacitor CS includes the first electrode E 1 connected to the third drain electrode DE of the third transistor TR 3 and a second electrode E 2 connected to the n-th gate line GLn.

When an n-th gate signal of a high level is applied to the n-th gate line GLn, the first and second transistors TR 1 and TR 2 are turned on so that a first pixel voltage of a high level applied to the m-th data line DLm is respectively applied to the first and second sub-electrodes SE 1 and SE 2 . Thus, the first pixel voltage of a high level is charged to a first liquid crystal capacitor CLC 1 defined by the first sub-electrode SE 1 and a common electrode CE of the second display substrate 200 . Moreover, the first pixel voltage of a high level is charged to a second liquid crystal capacitor CLC 2 defined by the second sub-electrode SE 2 and the common electrode CE.

Then, when an n-th gate signal of a low level is applied to the n-th gate line GLn and a (n+1)-th gate signal of a high level is applied to the (n+1)-th gate line, the first and second transistors TR 1 and TR 2 are turned off and the third transistor TR 3 is turned on. When the third transistor TR 3 is turned on, the first pixel voltage of a high level charged to the second liquid crystal capacitor CLC 2 is divided to be charged to the sharing capacitor CS. The second liquid crystal capacitor CLC 2 is charged with a second pixel voltage that is lower than the first pixel voltage. As a result, the first pixel voltage is applied to the first sub-electrode SE 1 and the second pixel voltage that is lower than the first pixel voltage is applied to the second sub-electrode SE 2 , so that the pixel electrode PEa divides a domain.

Referring to FIG. 2 , the second display substrate 200 includes a second base substrate 201 , a light-blocking member 211 , a color filter 221 and the common electrode CE.

The second base substrate 201 may be a glass substrate such as an optically transparent insulation substrate. The light-blocking member 211 is disposed on the second base substrate 201 to divide the second base substrate 201 into a light-blocking area and a light-transmitting area. The light-blocking area may be defined where the light-blocking member 211 is disposed, while the light-transmitting area may be defined where the light-blocking member is not disposed. The light-blocking member 211 is positioned at an area corresponding to and overlapping the data lines DLm and DLm+1 and the gate lines GLn and GLn+1. The color filter 221 is disposed at the light-transmitting area of the second base substrate 201 to emit color lights. The common electrode PEa is disposed on and overlapping the color filter 221 in the plan view, to face the pixel electrode PEa.

A second opening portion OP 2 is disposed extending through the common electrode CE, for example, as indicated by “˜” in FIG. 1 . The second opening portion OP 2 is disposed at an area not overlapping an area where the first opening portion OP 1 of the pixel electrode PEa is disposed, in the plan view. The second opening portion OP 2 is considered an enclosed opening penetrating a thickness of the common electrode CE, the common electrode solely defining the second opening portion OP 2 .

Referring to FIG. 1 , the second opening portion OP 2 may include a straight line portion, a first diagonal line portion and a second diagonal line portion similar to the first opening portion OP 1 . The common electrode CE may include a third notch portion N 21 including raised angle notches that are facing each other, and a fourth notch portion N 22 including depressed angle notches that are facing each other.

The liquid crystal layer 300 is disposed between the first and second display substrates 100 and 200 to be driven in a vertical alignment mode. The liquid crystal layer 300 may be driven in multi-domains by the first and second sub-electrodes SE 1 and SE 2 which receive first and second pixel voltages of the different levels, and by the first and second opening portions OP 1 and OP 2 .

FIG. 3A is a plan view illustrating a pixel electrode of FIG. 1 , and FIG. 3B is an enlarged view of a portion in FIG. 3A , to explain a formation of a singular point. Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B , the first sub-electrode SE 1 is disposed at a first sub-area SA 1 positioned at substantially a center portion of the pixel area PA with respect to the first opening portion OP 1 , and the second sub-electrode SE 2 is disposed at a second sub-area SA 2 surrounding the first sub-area SA 1 . The first opening portion OP 1 includes a straight line portion LP 1 longitudinally extending in the second direction D 2 , a first diagonal line portion LP 2 connected to the straight line portion LP 1 and longitudinally extended in a third direction D 3 crossing the first and second directions D 1 and D 2 , and a second diagonal line portion LP 3 longitudinally extending in a fourth direction D 4 substantially perpendicular to the third direction D 3 . Edges of the first opening portion OP 1 at the straight line portion LP 1 , that is, edges of the first and second sub-electrodes SE 1 and SE 2 facing each other relative to the first opening portion OP 1 at the straight line portion LP 1 , are parallel to each other.

The straight line portion LP 1 , the first diagonal line portion LP 2 and the second diagonal line portion LP 3 are disposed continuously with each other, such that the first opening portion OP 1 is a single unitary indivisible member, as illustrated in FIG. 3 .

The pixel electrode PEa includes a plurality of a first notch portions N 11 and a plurality of protrusion potions NP 1 , NP 2 , NP 3 and NP 4 that are disposed at least at a boundary portion of the first opening portion OP 1 .

Each of the first notch portions N 11 includes raised angle notches 161 in which edges of the first sub-electrode SE 1 and the second sub-electrode SE 2 are cut in a V-shape on a plan view. The first notch portions N 11 are repeatedly disposed along facing edges of the first and second sub-electrodes SE 1 and SE 2 that are spaced apart by the first and second diagonal line portions LP 2 and LP 3 , respectively.

The protrusions NP 1 , NP 2 , NP 3 and NP 4 are disposed longitudinally extended in a length direction of the straight line portion LP 1 , at a portion where the straight line portion LP 1 and the first diagonal line portion LP 2 are met, and a portion where the straight line portion LP 1 and the second diagonal line portion LP 3 are met. That is, the protrusion portions NP 1 , NP 2 , NP 3 and NP 4 are raised angle notches in which the second sub-electrode SE 2 where the straight line portion LP 1 and the first diagonal line portion LP 2 are met, and the second sub-electrode SE 2 where the straight line portion LP 1 and the second diagonal line portion LP 3 are met, are cut in a V-shape on a plan view.

In a PVA mode in which the pixel electrode PEa is patterned, in order to prevent a singular point where liquid crystal molecules are not controlled in a requiring direction from being sporadically generated at an area corresponding to the first opening portion OP 1 , a notch portion is disposed at a fixed position of the pixel electrode PEa corresponding to the first opening portion OP 1 , so that a position where the singular point is generated may be controlled.

Referring to FIG. 3B , a first singular point SP 1 , in which the liquid crystal molecules are arranged to have first direction characteristics, is defined at an area where the first notch portion N 11 is disposed. Moreover, a second singular point SP 2 , in which the liquid crystal molecules are arranged to have second direction characteristics that are opposite to the first direction characteristics, is conversely defined at a peripheral area of the first notch portion N 11 , e.g., where the first notch portion N 11 is not disposed.

In the illustrated, for example, a protrusion portion NP 3 is positioned at an area where the straight line portion LP 1 and the second diagonal line portion LP 3 (as indicated by the extended virtual line in FIG. 3B ) are met. The protrusion portion NP 3 is a raised angle notch. The protrusion portion NP 3 arranges liquid crystal molecules to have the second direction characteristics in an area between the protrusion portion NP 3 and the first notch portion N 11 , to form the second singular point SP 2 . The second singular point SP 2 may be uniformly disposed in a peripheral area of the first notch portion N 11 , such as directly adjacent to the protrusion portions NP 1 , NP 2 , NP 3 and NP 4 .

Thus, the first notch portions N 11 and the protrusion portions NP 1 , NP 2 , NP 3 and NP 4 may uniformly and alternately form the first and second singular points SP 1 and SP 2 of liquid crystal arrangement, so that liquid crystal texture may be stabilized. Since an arrangement of liquid crystal molecules is controlled in a boundary area between domains of the pixel electrode, that is, an area where the opening pattern is disposed, liquid crystal molecules having the different directions are not bumped with each other and a black point is not displayed.

FIGS. 4A to 4E are cross-sectional views showing an exemplary embodiment of a method of manufacturing the first display substrate of FIG. 2 .

Referring to FIGS. 1 , 2 and 4 A, a first metal layer 110 is formed on the first base substrate 101 , and then the first metal layer 110 is patterned such as by using a first photoresist pattern PR 1 , to form a first metal pattern. The first metal pattern includes the n-th and (n+1)-th gate lines GLn and GLn+1, the gate electrode GE and the n-th storage line STLn.

Referring to FIGS. 1 , 2 and 4 B, a gate insulation layer 120 is formed on the first base substrate 101 on which the first metal pattern is formed, to cover the first metal pattern. The gate insulation layer 120 may include an inorganic insulation material, for example, a silicon nitride (SiNx) or a silicon oxide (SiOx), a silicon oxynitride (SiOxNy). However, other suitable insulation layers would also be within the scope of these embodiments. A semiconductor layer 131 , an ohmic contact layer 132 and a second metal layer 140 are sequentially formed on the first base substrate 101 .

A second photoresist pattern PR 2 is formed on the first base substrate 101 on which the second metal layer 140 is formed. The second photoresist pattern PR 2 includes a first photo pattern PR 21 , and a second photo pattern PR 22 having a thickness thinner than that of the first photo pattern PR 21 . The thickness is taken perpendicular to the first base substrate 101 .

The first photo pattern PR 21 is disposed on an area where the source electrode SE, the drain electrode DE, a first contact electrode CTE 1 , a second contact electrode CTE 2 and the m-th and (m+1)-th data lines DLm and DLm+1 are formed. The second photo pattern PR 22 is disposed on an area where channels of the first, second and third transistors TR 1 , TR 2 and TR 3 are formed.

The semiconductor layer 131 , the ohmic contact layer 132 and the second metal layer 140 are simultaneously patterned by using the second photoresist pattern PR 2 to form a second metal pattern. The second metal pattern includes an electrode pattern EP and the m-th and (m+1)-th data lines DLm and DLm+1. The second metal pattern may further include the semiconductor layer 131 and the ohmic contact layer 132 that are patterned below the electrode pattern EP and the m-th and (m+1)-th data lines DLm and DLm+1.

Then, the first and second photo patterns PR 21 and PR 22 are removed by a predetermined thickness, to leave a portion of the first and second photo pattern PR 21 and PR 22 material disposed on the structure.

Referring to FIGS. 1 , 2 and 4 C, a third photo pattern PR 23 is formed on the second metal pattern. The third photo pattern PR 23 is disposed on the source electrode SE, the drain electrode DE and the m-th and (m+1)-th data lines DLm and DLm+1 to expose the second metal pattern formed on an area corresponding to channels of the first, second and third transistors TR 1 , TR 2 and TR 3 . The second metal pattern is removed by using the third photo pattern PR 23 to form channels CH 1 and CH 2 of the first and second transistors TR 1 and TR 2 .

Referring to FIGS. 1 , 2 and 4 D, a protection insulation layer 150 is formed on the first base substrate 101 on which the channels CH 1 and CH 2 of the first and second transistors TR 1 and TR 2 are formed. A third photoresist layer PR 3 is formed on the protection insulation layer 150 , and then holes H are formed to expose the first contact electrode CTE 1 and the second contact electrode CTE 2 by using the third photoresist pattern PR 3 .

Referring to FIGS. 1 , 2 and 4 E, an optically transparent conductive layer 160 is formed on the first base substrate 101 through which the hole H is formed. A fourth photoresist pattern PR 4 is formed on the optically transparent conductive layer 160 , and then the first sub-electrode SE 1 and the second sub-electrode SE 2 spaced apart by a first opening portion OP 1 are formed by using the fourth photoresist pattern PR 4 .

Hereinafter, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts as those described in the previous embodiment, and any further explanation concerning the above elements will be omitted.

FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating another exemplary embodiment of a first display substrate, according to the invention.

Referring to FIG. 5 , the first display substrate includes a plurality of gate lines GLn and GLn+1, a plurality of storage lines STLn and STLn+1, a plurality of data lines DLm and DLm+1, and a plurality of a pixel electrode PEb. Comparing with the first display substrate according to the previous embodiment in FIGS. 1-3B , the pixel electrode PEb of the first display substrate according to the illustrated embodiment may further include a plurality of inclined portions TP 1 , TP 2 , TP 3 and TP 4 .

The pixel electrode PEb includes a plurality of first notch portion N 11 , a plurality of protrusion portions NP 1 , NP 2 , NP 3 and NP 4 , and a plurality of inclined portions TP 1 , TP 2 , TP 3 and TP 4 that are disposed at a boundary portion of the first opening portion OP 1 . Each of the first notch portions N 11 includes raised angle notches facing each other in which an edge of the first sub-electrode SE 1 and the second sub-electrode SE 2 at the first opening portion OP 1 are cut in a V-shape on a plan view. In the illustrated embodiment, the first sub-electrode SE 1 is opposite to the second sub-electrode SE 2 by interposing the first opening portion OP 1 therebetween.

Each of the protrusion portions NP 1 , NP 2 , NP 3 and NP 4 is a raised angle notch in which the pixel electrode PEb is cut in a length direction of a straight line portion, where the straight line portion and a diagonal line portion are met. The inclined portions TP 1 , TP 2 , TP 3 and TP 4 are inclined toward the pixel electrode PEb at a portion where a straight line portion of the second sub-area SA 2 and a diagonal line portion are met. The inclined portions TP 1 , TP 2 , TP 3 and TP 4 may be disposed at a second portion of the pixel electrode PEb facing a first portion of the pixel electrode PEb in which the protrusion portions NP 1 , NP 2 , NP 3 and NP 4 are disposed, in a diagonal direction.

FIG. 6A is a plan view illustrating a pixel electrode of FIG. 5 , and FIG. 6B is an enlarged view of a portion in FIG. 6A to explain a formation of a singular point.

Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B , the first sub-electrode SE 1 is disposed at a first sub-area SA 1 positioned at substantially a center portion of the pixel area PA with respect to the first opening portion OP 1 , and the second sub-electrode SE 2 is disposed at a second sub-area SA 2 surrounding the first sub-area SA 1 . The first opening portion OP 1 includes a straight line portion LP 1 longitudinally extending in the second direction D 2 , a first diagonal line portion LP 2 connected to the straight line portion LP 1 and longitudinally extended in a third direction D 3 crossing the first and second directions D 1 and D 2 , and a second diagonal line portion LP 3 longitudinally extending in a fourth direction D 4 substantially perpendicular to the third direction D 3 .

Edges of the first opening portion OP 1 at a central straight line portion LP 1 , that is, edges of the first and second sub-electrodes SE 1 and SE 2 facing each other relative to the first opening portion OP 1 at the central straight line portion LP 1 , are not completely parallel to each other. The edge of the second sub-electrode SE 2 at the central straight line portion LP 1 is completely linear, while the edge of the first sub-electrode SE 1 at the central straight line portion LP 1 includes a central linear portion and the inclined (e.g., non-linear) portions TP 2 and TP 3 .

The pixel electrode PEb includes a plurality of first notch portion N 11 disposed at least at a boundary portion of the first opening portion OP 1 , a plurality of protrusion potions NP 1 , NP 2 , NP 3 and NP 4 and a plurality of inclined portions TP 1 , TP 2 , TP 3 and TP 4 .

Each of the first notch portions N 11 includes raised angle notches in which edges of the first sub-electrode SE 1 and the second sub-electrode SE 2 at the first opening portion OP 1 are cut in a V-shape on a plan view. The first notch portions N 11 are repeatedly disposed along facing edges of the first and second sub-electrodes SE 1 and SE 2 that are spaced apart by the first and second diagonal line portions LP 2 and LP 3 . The protrusions NP 1 , NP 2 , NP 3 and NP 4 are disposed longitudinally extended in a length direction of the straight line portion LP 1 , at a portion where the straight line portion LP 1 and the first diagonal line portion LP 2 are met, and a portion where the straight line portion LP 1 and the second diagonal line portion LP 3 are met. That is, the protrusion portions NP 1 , NP 2 , NP 3 and NP 4 are raised angle notches in which the second sub-electrode SE 2 where the straight line portion LP 1 and the first diagonal line portion LP 2 are met, and the second sub-electrode SE 2 where the straight line portion LP 1 and the second diagonal line portion LP 3 are met, are cut in a V-shape on a plan view.

The inclined portions TP 1 , TP 2 , TP 3 and TP 4 are inclined at a portion where the straight line portion LP 1 and the diagonal line portion LP 2 are met, and a portion where the straight line portion LP 1 and the second diagonal line portion LP 3 are met. Each of the inclined portions TP 1 , TP 2 , TP 3 and TP 4 has a shape which is cut toward the first sub-electrode SE 1 at the straight line portion LP 1 . As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B , the inclined portions TP 1 , TP 2 , TP 3 and TP 4 may be disposed at the first sub-electrode SE 1 opposite to the second sub-electrode SE 2 in which the protrusion portions NP 1 , NP 2 , NP 3 and NP 4 are disposed, in a diagonal direction.

In a PVA mode in which the pixel electrode PEb is patterned, in order to prevent a singular point where liquid crystal molecules are not controlled in a requiring direction from being sporadically generated at an area corresponding to the first opening portion OP 1 , a notch portion is disposed at a fixed position of the pixel electrode PEb corresponding to the first opening portion OP 1 , so that a position where the singular point is generated may be controlled.

Referring to FIG. 6B , a first singular point SP 1 in which the liquid crystal molecules are arranged to have first direction characteristics, is defined at an area where the first notch portion N 11 is disposed. Moreover, a second singular point SP 2 , in which the liquid crystal molecules are arranged to have second direction characteristics that are opposite to the first direction characteristics, is conversely defined at a peripheral area of the first notch portion N 11 e.g., where the first notch portion N 11 is not disposed.

In the illustrated embodiment, for example, a protrusion portion NP 3 is positioned at an area where the straight line portion LP 1 and the second diagonal line portion LP 3 (as indicated by the extended virtual line in FIG. 6B ) are met. The protrusion portion NP 3 is a raised angle notch. The protrusion portion NP 3 arranges liquid crystal molecules to have the second direction characteristics in an area between the protrusion portion NP 3 and the first notch portion N 11 to form the second singular point SP 2 . The second singular point SP 2 may be uniformly disposed in a peripheral area of the first notch portion N 11 , such as directly adjacent to the protrusion portions NP 1 , NP 2 , NP 3 and NP 4 .

Moreover, due to the inclined portions TP 1 , TP 2 , TP 3 and TP 4 , a formation of the second singular point SP 2 may be easily realized at a portion where the straight line portion LP 1 and the first diagonal line portion LP 2 are met, and a portion where the straight line portion LP 1 and the second diagonal line portion LP 3 are met.

Thus, the first notch portions N 11 , the protrusion portions NP 1 , NP 2 , NP 3 and NP 4 and the inclined portions TP 1 , TP 2 , TP 3 and TP 4 may uniformly form the first and second singular points SP 1 and SP 2 , so that liquid crystal texture may be stabilized. Since an arrangement of liquid crystal molecules is controlled in a boundary area between domains of the pixel electrode, that is, an area where the opening pattern is disposed, liquid crystal molecules having the different directions are not bumped with each other and a black point is not displayed.

FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating another exemplary embodiment of a first display substrate, according to the invention.

Referring to FIG. 7 , the first display substrate includes a plurality of gate lines GLn and GLn+1, a plurality of storage lines STLn and STLn+1, a plurality of data lines DLm and DLm+1 and a plurality of a pixel electrode PEc. The pixel electrode PEc of the first display substrate according to the illustrated embodiment further includes a plurality of a second notch portion N 12 in comparison with the first display substrate according to the previous embodiment as shown in FIG. 1 .

The pixel electrode PEc includes a plurality of a first notch portion N 11 , a plurality of the second notch portion N 12 and a plurality of protrusion portions NP 1 , NP 2 , NP 3 and NP 4 that are disposed at least at a boundary portion of the first opening portion OP 1 . Each of the first notch portions N 11 includes raised angle notches facing each other in which an edge of the first sub-electrode SE 1 and the second sub-electrode SE 2 at the first opening portion OP 1 are cut in a V-shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the first sub-electrode SE 1 is opposite to the second sub-electrode SE 2 by interposing the first opening portion OP 1 therebetween.

Each of the second notch portions N 12 includes \depressed angle notches in which the first sub-electrode SE 1 and the second sub-electrode SE 2 are disposed in a V-shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the first sub-electrode SE 1 is opposite to the second sub-electrode SE 2 by interposing the first opening portion OP 1 therebetween.

Each of the protrusion portions NP 1 , NP 2 , NP 3 and NP 4 is a raised angle notch in which the pixel electrode PEc is cut in a length direction of the straight line portion at a portion where the straight line portion and the diagonal line portion of the second sub-area SA 2 are met.

FIG. 8A is a plan view illustrating a pixel electrode of FIG. 7 , and FIG. 8B is an enlarged view of a portion in FIG. 8A to explain a formation of a singular point.

Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B , the first sub-electrode SE 1 is disposed at a first sub-area SA 1 positioned at substantially a center portion of the pixel area PA with respect to the first opening portion OP 1 , and the second sub-electrode SE 2 is disposed at a second sub-area SA 2 surrounding the first sub-area SA 1 . The first opening portion OP 1 includes a straight line portion LP 1 longitudinally extending in the second direction D 2 , a first diagonal line portion LP 2 connected to the straight line portion LP 1 and longitudinally extended in a third direction D 3 crossing the first and second directions D 1 and D 2 , and a second diagonal line portion LP 3 longitudinally extending in a fourth direction D 4 substantially perpendicular to the third direction D 3 .

The pixel electrode PEc includes a plurality of first notch portions N 11 , a plurality of second notch portions N 12 and a plurality of protrusion potions NP 1 , NP 2 , NP 3 and NP 4 that are disposed at least at a boundary portion of the first opening portion OP 1 .

Each of the first notch portions N 11 includes raised angle notches 161 in which edges of the first sub-electrode SE 1 and the second sub-electrode SE 2 at the first opening portion OP 1 are cut in a V-shape on a plan view. The first notch portions N 11 are repeatedly disposed along facing edges of the first and second sub-electrodes SE 1 and SE 2 that are spaced apart by the first and second diagonal line portions LP 2 and LP 3 . Referring to FIG. 8B , the raised angle notches 161 have a groove shape in which a boundary line BL of the first opening portion OP 1 , that is, an end portion of the first sub-electrode SE 1 or an end portion of the second sub-electrode SE 2 is cut in a V-shape.

In FIG. 8B , with reference to the boundary line BL, as virtually extended by the dotted line through the second notch portion N 12 , the first notch portion N 11 is a raised angle notch, e.g., the notch protruding towards the second sub-electrode SE 2 from the boundary line BL, while the second notch portion N 12 is a depressed angle notch, e.g., the notch protruding away from the second sub-electrode SE 2 and towards the first opening portion OP 1 from the boundary line BL.

The second notch portion N 12 includes depressed angle notches 163 a opposing each other relative to the first opening portion OP 1 , in which edges of the first and second sub-electrodes SE 1 and SE 2 at the first opening portion OP 1 are disposed in a V-shape. The second notch portions N 12 are repeatedly disposed along facing edges (e.g., boundary lines BL) of the first and second sub-electrodes SE 1 and SE 2 that are spaced apart by the first and second diagonal line portions LP 2 and LP 3 . The second notch portions N 12 and the first notch portions N 11 are disposed in an alternating manner.

The second notch portion N 12 includes the depressed angle notches 163 a , and a connection portion 163 b . The depressed angle notch 163 a is extended from a reference line RL set in an interior portion of the first sub-electrode SE 1 relative to the boundary line BL, or the second sub-electrode SE 2 toward the first opening portion OP 1 , to have a V-shape. The connection portion 163 b extends from two end portions of the depressed angle notch 163 a and contacts the reference line RL and the boundary line BL that is an end portion of the second sub-electrode SE 2 . The connection portion 163 b has a slope corresponding to a distance between the boundary line BL and the reference line RL. A width of the first opening portion OP 1 is gradually increased, when it becomes close to the depressed angle notch 163 a , from a peripheral area of the depressed angle notch 163 a such as at the connection portion 163 b.

The depressed angle notch 163 a starts protruding from the reference line RL that is further interior than the boundary line BL, so that the depressed notch 163 a may be disposed without decreasing a height of the depressed angle notch 163 a , even though a width of the first opening portion OP 1 is narrow at the second notch portion N 12 . In order to enhance light transmission, the depressed notch 163 a may be disposed in an original height thereof without decreasing a height of the depressed angle notch 163 a , even though in a structure that a width of the first opening portion OP 1 is decreased from about 10 micrometers (μm), to about 7 micrometers (μm) through 8 micrometers (μm). Thus, the second notch portion N 12 may be disposed at a fixed position.

The protrusions NP 1 , NP 2 , NP 3 and NP 4 are disposed longitudinally extended in a length direction of the straight line portion LP 1 , at a portion where the straight line portion LP 1 and the first diagonal line portion LP 2 are met, and a portion where the straight line portion LP 1 and the second diagonal line portion LP 3 are met. That is, the protrusion portions NP 1 , NP 2 , NP 3 and NP 4 are raised angle notches in which the second sub-electrode SE 2 where the straight line portion LP 1 and the first diagonal line portion LP 2 are met, and the second sub-electrode SE 2 where the straight line portion LP 1 and the second diagonal line portion LP 3 are met are cut in a V-shape on a plan view.

Referring to FIG. 8B , a first singular point SP 1 in which the liquid crystal molecules are arranged to have first direction characteristics, is defined at an area where the first notch portion N 11 is disposed. Moreover, a second singular point SP 2 , in which the liquid crystal molecules are arranged to have second direction characteristics that are opposite to the first direction characteristics, is defined at an area where the second notch portion N 12 adjacent to the first notch portion N 11 is disposed. The protrusion portion NP 3 is a raised angle notch. The second singular point SP 2 may also be uniformly disposed in a peripheral area of the first notch portion N 11 adjacent to the protrusion portion NP 3 , as shown in FIG. 6B .

Thus, the first notch portions N 11 , the second notch portions N 12 and the protrusion portions NP 1 , NP 2 , NP 3 and NP 4 may uniformly form the first singular point SP 1 and the second singular point SP 2 , so that liquid crystal texture may be stabilized. Since an arrangement of liquid crystal molecules is controlled in a boundary area between domains of the pixel electrode, that is, an area where the opening pattern is disposed, liquid crystal molecules having the different directions are not bumped with each other and a black point is not displayed.

FIG. 9 is a plan view illustrating another exemplary embodiment of a first display substrate, according to the invention.

Referring to FIG. 9 , the first display substrate includes a plurality of gate lines GLn and GLn+1, a plurality of storage lines STLn and STLn+1, a plurality of data lines DLm and DLm+1, and a plurality of pixel electrodes PEd. The pixel electrode PEd of the illustrated embodiment is substantially the same as the pixel electrode of FIGS. 7 , 8 A and 8 B except for at least a structure of a second notch portion N 12 .

FIG. 10A is a plan view illustrating a pixel electrode of FIG. 9 , and FIG. 10B is an enlarged view of a portion in FIG. 10A to explain a formation of a singular point.

Referring to FIGS. 9 , 10 A and 10 B, the first sub-electrode SE 1 is disposed at an interior portion of the pixel electrode PEd with respect to the first opening portion OP 1 , and the second sub-electrode SE 2 is positioned at an exterior portion of the pixel electrode PEd with respect to the first opening portion OP 1 . The first opening portion OP 1 includes a straight line portion LP 1 longitudinally extending in the second direction D 2 , a first diagonal line portion LP 2 connected to the straight line portion LP 1 and longitudinally extended in a third direction D 3 crossing the first and second directions D 1 and D 2 , and a second diagonal line portion LP 3 longitudinally extending in a fourth direction D 4 substantially perpendicular to the third direction D 3 .

The pixel electrode PEd includes a plurality of a first notch portion N 11 , a plurality of a second notch portion N 12 and a plurality of protrusion portions NP 1 , NP 2 , NP 3 and NP 4 that are disposed at least at a boundary area of the first opening portion OP 1 .

Each of the first notch portions N 11 includes raised angle notches 161 in which edges of the first sub-electrode SE 1 and the second sub-electrode SE 2 at the first opening portion OP 1 are cut in a V-shape on a plan view. The first notch portions N 11 are repeatedly disposed along facing edges of the first and second sub-electrodes SE 1 and SE 2 that are spaced apart by the first and second diagonal line portions LP 2 and LP 3 . Referring to FIG. 10B , the raised angle notches 161 have a groove shape in which a boundary line BL of the first opening portion OP 1 , that is, an end portion of the first sub-electrode SE 1 or an end portion of the second sub-electrode SE 2 is cut in a V-shape.

The second notch portion N 12 includes depressed angle notches 164 a opposing each other relative to the first opening portion OP 1 , in which edges of the first and second sub-electrodes SE 1 and SE 2 at the first opening portion OP 1 are disposed in a V-shape. The second notch portions N 12 are repeatedly disposed along facing edges of the first and second sub-electrodes SE 1 and SE 2 that are spaced apart by the first and second diagonal line portions LP 2 and LP 3 . The second notch portions N 12 and the first notch portions N 11 are disposed in an alternating manner.

The second notch portion N 12 includes the depressed angle notches 164 a , a first connection portion 164 a and a second connection portion 164 c . The depressed angle notch 164 a is extended from a reference line RL set in an interior portion of the first sub-electrode SE 1 or the second sub-electrode SE 2 relative to the boundary line BL, toward the first opening portion OP 1 to have a V-shape. The first connection portion 164 b is extended from two end portions of the depressed angle notch 164 a contacting the reference line RL to be on an extending line of the reference line RL. The second connection portion 164 c inclinedly connects the first connection portion 164 b and the boundary line BL. The second connection portion 164 c has a slope corresponding to a distance between the boundary line BL and the reference line RL. A width of the first opening portion OP 1 is gradually increased, when it becomes close to the depressed angle notch 164 a from a peripheral area of the depressed angle notch 164 a.

The depressed angle notch 164 a starts protruding from the reference line RL that is further interior than the boundary line BL, so that the depressed notch 164 a may be disposed without decreasing a height of the depressed angle notch 164 a , even though a width of the first opening portion OP 1 is narrow at the second notch portion N 12 . In order to enhance light transmission, the depressed notch 164 a may be disposed in an original height thereof without decreasing a height of the depressed angle notch 164 a , even though in a structure that a width of the first opening portion OP 1 is decreased from about 10 μm, to about 7 μm through about 8 μm. Thus, the second notch portion N 12 may be disposed at a fixed position.

The protrusions NP 1 , NP 2 , NP 3 and NP 4 are disposed longitudinally in a length direction of the straight line portion LP 1 , at a portion where the straight line portion LP 1 and the first diagonal line portion LP 2 are met, and a portion where the straight line portion LP 1 and the second diagonal line portion LP 3 are met. That is, the protrusion portions NP 1 , NP 2 , NP 3 and NP 4 are raised angle notches in which the second sub-electrode SE 2 where the straight line portion LP 1 and the first diagonal line portion LP 2 are met and the second sub-electrode SE 2 where the straight line portion LP 1 and the second diagonal line portion LP 3 are met are cut in a V-shape on a plan view.

Referring to FIG. 10B , a first singular point SP 1 in which the liquid crystal molecules are arranged to have first direction characteristics, is defined at an area where the first notch portion N 11 is disposed. Moreover, a second singular point SP 2 , in which the liquid crystal molecules are arranged to have second direction characteristics that are opposite to the first direction characteristics, is defined at an area where the second notch portion N 12 adjacent to the first notch portion N 11 is disposed. The protrusion portion NP 3 is a raised angle notch. The second singular point SP 2 may also be uniformly disposed in a peripheral area of the first notch portion N 11 adjacent to the protrusion portion NP 3 .

Thus, the first notch portions N 11 , the second notch portions N 12 and the protrusion portions NP 1 , NP 2 , NP 3 and NP 4 may uniformly form the first singular point SP 1 and the second singular point SP 2 , so that liquid crystal texture may be stabilized. Since an arrangement of liquid crystal molecules is controlled in a boundary area between domains of the pixel electrode, that is, an area where the opening pattern is disposed, liquid crystal molecules having the different directions are not bumped with each other and a black point is not displayed.

FIG. 11 is a plan view illustrating another exemplary embodiment of a second display substrate, according to the invention.

Referring to FIGS. 11 , the second display substrate includes a light-blocking member 211 , a color filter 221 and a common electrode CEa. The common electrode CEa of the illustrated embodiment is substantially the same as the common electrode of FIGS. 1 and 2 , except for at least a structure of a fourth notch portion N 22 .

A second opening portion OP 2 is extended through the common electrode CEa. The second opening portion OP 2 includes a third diagonal line portion LP 4 longitudinally extending in a third direction D 3 , and a fourth diagonal line portion LP 5 extending in a fourth direction D 4 . The second opening portion OP 2 includes a third notch portion N 21 and a fourth notch portion N 22 that are disposed at the third and fourth diagonal line portions LP 4 and LP 5 , respectively.

The third notch portion N 21 includes raised angle notches which are extended from a boundary line of the second opening portion OP 2 , toward the common electrode CEa. The fourth notch portion N 22 includes depressed angle notches which are extended from an inner portion of the common electrode CEa toward the second opening portion OP 2 .

FIG. 12 is an enlarged view illustrating a common electrode of FIG. 11 to explain a formation of a singular point.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12 , the common electrode CEa is divided into a plurality of domains by the second opening portion OP 2 . The second opening portion OP 2 includes a third diagonal line portion LP 4 extending in the third direction D 3 and a fourth diagonal line portion LP 5 extending in a fourth direction D 4 , substantially perpendicular to the third direction D 3 .

The common electrode CEa includes a plurality of third notch portions N 21 and a plurality of fourth notch portions N 22 , that are disposed at a boundary portion of the second opening portion OP 2 .

Each of the third notch portions N 21 includes raised angle notches 231 in which edges of the common electrode CEa at the second opening portion OP 2 are cut in a V-shape on a plan view. The third notch portions N 21 are repeatedly disposed along facing edges of the common electrode CEa that are spaced apart by the first and second diagonal line portions LP 4 and LP 5 . In the illustrated embodiment, the raised angle notch 231 is a groove of a V-shape in which the common electrode CEa is recessed thereof relative to the boundary line BL of the second opening portion OP 2 .

Each of the fourth notch portions N 22 includes depressed angle notches 233 a opposing each other in which edges of the common electrode CEa at the second opening portion OP 2 are disposed in a V-shape. The fourth notch portions N 22 are repeatedly disposed along facing edges of the common electrode CEa that are spaced apart by the first and second diagonal line portions LP 2 and LP 3 . The fourth notch portions N 22 and the third notch portions N 21 are disposed in an alternating manner.

The fourth notch portion N 22 includes the depressed angle notches 233 a and a connection portion 233 b . The depressed angle notch 233 a is extended from a reference line RL set in an interior portion of the common electrode CEa relative to the boundary line BL toward the second opening portion OP 2 to have a V-shape. The connection portion 233 b extends from two end portions of the depressed angle notch 233 a and contacts the reference line RL and the boundary line BL that is an end portion of the common electrode CEa. The connection portion 233 b has a slope corresponding to a distance between the boundary line BL and the reference line RL. A width of the second opening portion OP 2 is gradually increased, when it becomes close to the depressed angle notch 233 a from a peripheral area of the depressed angle notch 233 a.

The depressed angle notch 233 a starts protruding from the reference line RL that is further interior than the boundary line BL, so that the depressed notch 233 a may be disposed without decreasing a height of the depressed angle notch 233 a , even though a width of the second opening portion OP 2 is narrow at the fourth notch portion N 22 . Thus, the fourth notch portion N 22 may be disposed at a fixed position.

Referring to FIG. 12 , a first singular point SP 1 in which the liquid crystal molecules are arranged to have first direction characteristics, is defined at an area where the third notch portion N 21 is disposed. Moreover, a second singular point SP 2 , in which the liquid crystal molecules are arranged to have second direction characteristics that are opposite to the first direction characteristics, is defined at an area where the fourth notch portion N 22 adjacent to the third notch portion N 21 is disposed.

Thus, the third and fourth notch portions N 21 and N 22 respectively disposed at the third and fourth diagonal line portions LP 4 and LP 5 may uniformly form the first singular point SP 1 and the second singular point SP 2 , so that liquid crystal texture may be stabilized. Since an arrangement of liquid crystal molecules is controlled in a boundary area between domains of the common electrode, that is, an area where the opening pattern is disposed, liquid crystal molecules having the different directions are not bumped with each other and a black point is not displayed.

FIGS. 13A to 13C are cross-sectional views showing an exemplary embodiment of a manufacturing process of the second display substrate of FIG. 11 .

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 13A , a light-blocking layer 210 is disposed on a second base substrate 201 . The light-blocking layer 210 is patterned, such as by using a mask 500 including a light-transmitting portion 510 and a light-blocking portion 520 , to form a light-blocking pattern 211 . The light-blocking pattern 211 is formed in a matrix shape.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 13B , a color filter layer 220 is formed on the second base substrate 201 in which the light-blocking pattern 211 is formed. The color filter layer 220 is patterned, such as by using a mask 600 including a light-transmitting portion 610 and a light-blocking portion 620 , to form a color filter 221 . The color filter 221 is formed on a light-transmitting area of the second base substrate 201 , which is defined by the light-blocking pattern 211 .

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 13C , a transparent conductive layer is formed on the second base substrate 201 in which the color filter 221 is formed, and then the transparent conductive layer is patterned by using a fifth photoresist pattern PR 5 to form the common electrode CEa in which the second opening portion OP 2 is formed.

FIG. 14 is a plan view illustrating another exemplary embodiment of a second display substrate, according to the invention.

Referring to FIG. 14 , the second display substrate includes a light-blocking member 211 , a color filter 221 and a common electrode CEb. A second opening portion OP 2 is extended through the common electrode CEb. The second opening portion OP 2 includes a third diagonal line portion LP 4 longitudinally extending in a third direction D 3 and a fourth diagonal line portion LP 5 longitudinally extending in a fourth direction D 4 . The second opening portion OP 2 includes a third notch portion N 21 and a fourth notch portion N 22 that are disposed at the third and fourth diagonal line portions LP 4 and LP 5 . The common electrode CEb of the illustrated embodiment is substantially the same as the common electrode of FIGS. 11 and 12 , except for at least a structure of a fourth notch portion N 22 .

FIG. 15 is an enlarged view illustrating a common electrode of FIG. 14 to explain a formation of a singular point.

Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15 , the common electrode CEb is divided into a plurality of domains by the second opening portion OP 2 . The second opening portion OP 2 includes a third diagonal line portion LP 4 extending in the third direction D 3 and a fourth diagonal line portion LP 5 extending in a fourth direction D 4 substantially perpendicular to the third direction D 3 .

The common electrode CEb includes a plurality of third notch portions N 21 and a plurality of fourth notch portions N 22 that are disposed at a boundary portion of the second opening portion OP 2 .

Each of the third notch portions N 21 includes raised angle notches 231 in which edges of the common electrode CEb at the second opening portion OP 2 are cut in a V-shape on a plan view. The first notch portions N 11 are repeatedly disposed along facing edges of the common electrode CEb that are spaced apart by the first and second diagonal line portions LP 4 and LP 5 . In the illustrated embodiment, the raised angle notch 231 is a groove of a V-shape in which the common electrode CEb is recessed thereof relative to a boundary line BL of the second opening portion OP 2 .

Each of the fourth notch portions N 22 includes depressed angle notches 233 a opposing each other in which edges of the common electrode CEb at the second opening portion OP 2 are disposed in a V-shape. The fourth notch portions N 22 are repeatedly disposed along facing edges of the common electrode CEb that are spaced apart by the first and second diagonal line portions LP 2 and LP 3 . The fourth notch portions N 22 and the third notch portions N 21 are disposed in an alternating manner.

The fourth notch portion N 22 includes the depressed angle notch 234 a , a first connection portion 234 b and a second connection portion 234 c . The depressed angle notch 234 a is extended from a reference line RL set in an interior portion of the common electrode CEb relative to the boundary line BL toward the second opening portion OP 2 to have a V-shape. The first connection portion 234 b is extended from two end portions of the depressed angle notch 234 a contacting the reference line RL to be on an extending line of the reference line RL. The second connection portion 234 c inclinedly connects the first connection portion 234 b and the boundary line BL of the second connection portion OP 2 . The second connection portion 234 c has a slope corresponding to a distance between the boundary line BL and the reference line RL. A width of the second opening portion OP 2 is gradually increased, when it becomes close to the depressed angle notch 234 a from a peripheral area of the depressed angle notch 234 a.

The depressed angle notch 234 a starts protruding from the reference line RL that is further interior than the boundary line BL, so that the depressed notch 234 a may be disposed without decreasing a height of the depressed angle notch 234 a , even though a width of the second opening portion OP 2 is narrow at the fourth notch portion N 22 . Thus, the fourth notch portion N 22 may be disposed at a fixed position.

Referring to FIG. 15 , a first singular point SP 1 , in which the liquid crystal molecules are arranged to have first direction characteristics, is defined at an area where the third notch portion N 21 is disposed. Moreover, a second singular point SP 2 , in which the liquid crystal molecules are arranged to have second direction characteristics that are opposite to the first direction characteristics, is defined at an area where the fourth notch portion N 22 adjacent to the third notch portion N 21 is disposed.

Thus, the third and fourth notch portions N 21 and N 22 respectively disposed at the third and fourth diagonal line portions LP 4 and LP 5 may uniformly form the first singular point SP 1 and the second singular point SP 2 , so that liquid crystal texture may be stabilized. Since an arrangement of liquid crystal molecules is controlled in a boundary area between domains of the common electrode, that is, an area where the opening pattern is disposed, liquid crystal molecules having the different directions are not bumped with each other and a black point is not displayed.

As described above, according to the illustrated embodiments, a protrusion portion of a V-shape is disposed at a second sub-electrode where a diagonal line portion and a straight line portion, which correspond to an opening portion, are met, so that a first singular point of liquid crystal arrangement may be uniformly formed at a fixed position. Moreover, a second notch portion, which is extended from a reference line that is further interior than a boundary line of an opening portion in a V-shape, is disposed between a first notch portions including a raised angle notch, so that a second singular point of liquid crystal arrangement may be uniformly disposed at a fixed position. Thus, in a PVA mode, a singular point of liquid crystal arrangement is uniformly formed on an area in which an opening portion is disposed, so that liquid crystal texture may be stabilized. Since an arrangement of liquid crystal molecules is controlled in a boundary area between domains of an electrode, that is, an area where the opening pattern is disposed, liquid crystal molecules having the different directions are not bumped with each other and a black point is not displayed.

The foregoing is illustrative of the invention and is not to be construed as limiting thereof. Although a few exemplary embodiments of the invention have been described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Therefore, it is to be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of the invention and is not to be construed as limited to the specific exemplary embodiments disclosed, and that modifications to the disclosed exemplary embodiments, as well as other exemplary embodiments, are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. The invention is defined by the following claims, with equivalents of the claims to be included therein.