Display device and method of fabricating the same

A display device comprising:

• a first electrode and a second electrode spaced from each other on a substrate;
• a light emitting element on the first electrode and the second electrode;
• an insulating pattern on the light emitting element;
• a first contact electrode adjacent to a first side of the insulating pattern and contacting a first end of the light emitting element;
• and
• a second contact electrode adjacent to a second side of the insulating pattern and contacting a second end of the light emitting element,
• wherein a stepped portion is formed in a portion of the first contact electrode that overlaps the insulating pattern in a thickness direction of the substrate, and
• wherein a thickness of the portion of the first contact electrode is less than an average thickness of the first contact electrode.

A method of fabricating a display device, comprising:

• preparing a panel comprising a first electrode and a second electrode spaced from each other on a substrate, and a light emitting element on the first electrode and the second electrode;
• forming a first insulating pattern on the light emitting element, the first insulating pattern exposing a first end of the light emitting element, and covering a second end of the light emitting element;
• forming a first contact electrode on the first end of the light emitting element and the first electrode;
• forming a second insulating pattern on the first insulating pattern and a portion of the first contact electrode;
• exposing the second end of the light emitting element by forming a third insulating layer that covers the second insulating pattern and the first contact electrode and by partially etching the first insulating pattern, the second insulating pattern, and the third insulating layer;
• and
• forming a second contact electrode on the second end of the light emitting element and the second electrode.