Optoelectronic component and method for manufacturing an optoelectronic component

Abstract

Optoelectronic component (100), comprising: • a carrier (102); • a zinc oxide layer arranged on the support (102) with a first area (104t) and a second area (110), • wherein the first region (104t) is a first electrode structure (104) doped with aluminium, that the first region (104t) is transparent and electrically conductive, and • wherein the zinc oxide layer in the second region (110) has a lower doping level than the first electrode structure (104); • an organic optically functional layer structure (106) which is arranged at least partially over the first electrode structure (104); • a second electrode structure (108) which is arranged at least partially above the organic optical functional layer structure (106), wherein the first electrode structure (104) and the second electrode structure (108) electrically contact the organic optical functional layer structure (106); and • wherein the zinc oxide layer in the second region (110) is formed as a varistor layer structure (110) which is arranged between the first electrode structure (104) and the second electrode structure (108) and contacts the two electrode structures (104, 108), • wherein the varistor layer structure (110) borders the optically transparent first region (104t), • wherein the varistor layer structure (110) and the first electrode structure (104) have essentially the same layer thickness, • wherein the varistor layer structure (110) is arranged at least partially between the organic optical functional layer structure (106) and the support (102), • wherein the varistor layer structure (110) is arranged at least partially between the second electrode structure (108) and the support (102), and • wherein the first region (104t) of the first electrode structure (104) is laterally bounded by the varistor layer structure (110).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an optoelectronic component and a method for manufacturing an optoelectronic component.

[0002] The following publications concern optoelectronic components: DE 10 2012 223 159 A1, DE 10 2012 109 141 A1.

[0003] In general, optoelectronic components can be used for a wide range of applications where the generation of light is required. For example, optoelectronic components are used to display information (e.g., in displays, billboards, or mobile devices) and / or to illuminate objects or spaces, e.g., in the form of planar lighting modules. Such optoelectronic components can be based on the principle of electroluminescence, which enables the highly efficient conversion of electrical energy into light. For example, these optoelectronic components can have one or more optically functional layers, e.g., in the form of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) or inorganic light-emitting diodes (LEDs), which make it possible to generate and emit colored light in the form of patterns or with a specific color valence.

[0004] According to various embodiments, an optoelectronic component is provided which exhibits only a low susceptibility to electrostatic discharge (ESD) or voltage spikes. Voltage spikes can, for example, be coupled into the optoelectronic component from a driver circuit used to operate it, e.g., when switching the optoelectronic component or the driver circuit on and / or off. For example, optoelectronic components whose operating principle is based on an organic optical functional layer structure conventionally exhibit high sensitivity to electrostatic discharge or voltage spikes, which can lead to irreversible damage in the organic optical functional layer structure.For example, an organic optically functional layer structure may partially melt due to the large power input during an electrostatic discharge or voltage spike.

[0005] According to various embodiments, a protective device in the form of a varistor layer structure is integrated into an optoelectronic component without visibly altering its structural design; in other words, the optoelectronic component can have a plurality of layers, with the varistor layer structure integrated into one of these layers. For example, the optoelectronic component can have an encapsulation layer, a so-called thin-film encapsulation (also known as TFE), in which the varistor layer structure is integrated into or provided as an encapsulation layer. Furthermore, the optoelectronic component can have an electrode layer structure, for example, a so-called transparent conductive layer or a non-transparent metallization layer, in which the varistor layer structure is integrated into the electrode layer structure.In general, the existing layers of an optoelectronic component can be modified to provide an additional function alongside the conventionally provided one. This allows the overall structure of the optoelectronic component to be retained while improving performance and / or reliability or extending its lifespan.

[0006] According to various embodiments, overvoltage protection, heat dissipation, and / or a capacitor structure can be integrated into the encapsulation layer of an optoelectronic device or each be configured as an encapsulation layer. For example, the thin-film encapsulation of an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) can have multiple functions. According to various embodiments, an optoelectronic device can have at least the following: a functional layer structure that is electrically contacted by means of a first electrode structure and a second electrode structure; a thin-film encapsulation that at least partially encapsulates the first electrode structure, the second electrode structure, and / or the optically functional layer structure; wherein the thin-film encapsulation includes a varistor layer, a thermal conductivity layer, a sensor layer (e.g., a capacitor), a capacitor, ...configured as a temperature sensor or pressure sensor, or as part of a temperature sensor structure or pressure sensor structure), and / or capacitor layer structure.

[0007] An optoelectronic device comprises: a substrate; a first electrode structure (also referred to as the first electrode) arranged on the substrate; an optically functional layer structure arranged at least partially over the first electrode structure; a second electrode structure (also referred to as the second electrode) arranged at least partially over the optically functional layer structure, wherein the first electrode structure and the second electrode structure electrically contact the optically functional layer structure; and at least one varistor layer structure arranged between the first electrode structure and the second electrode structure, contacting the two electrode structures.

[0008] According to various embodiments, the optoelectronic component can emit electromagnetic radiation; for example, it can be configured as a light-emitting diode (LED) or a laser diode. Furthermore, the optoelectronic component can be configured as an optical sensor or a solar cell.

[0009] An optoelectronic device (e.g., organic) comprises the following: a support; a first electrode structure arranged on the support; an organic functional optical layer structure arranged at least partially over the first electrode structure; a second electrode structure arranged at least partially over the organic optical functional layer structure, wherein the first electrode structure and the second electrode structure electrically contact the organic optical functional layer structure; and at least one varistor layer structure arranged between the first electrode structure and the second electrode structure, contacting the two electrode structures.

[0010] According to various embodiments, the (e.g., organic) optoelectronic component can emit electromagnetic radiation; for example, the optoelectronic component can be configured as an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) or an organic laser diode (OLD). Furthermore, the optoelectronic component can be configured as an organic optical sensor or an organic solar cell.

[0011] According to various embodiments, the organic optical functional layer structure can be operated at an operating voltage that is, for example, less than approximately 10 V. Furthermore, the organic optical functional layer structure can degrade or even be destroyed by a voltage spike with a maximum voltage exceeding, for example, approximately 15 V. According to various embodiments, the varistor layer structure can be configured such that the electrical resistance of the varistor layer structure (which, by definition, is voltage-dependent) decreases exponentially at a voltage greater than approximately 10 V (e.g., greater than approximately 15 V or greater than approximately 20 V). In other words, the threshold voltage of the varistor layer structure (above which the differential resistance of the varistor layer structure drops abruptly) can be in a range from approximately 10 V to approximately 100 V (e.g.,The threshold voltage is provided in a range of approximately 10 V to approximately 30 V or in a range of approximately 15 V to approximately 30 V. The threshold voltage can be adjusted, for example, by changing the thickness of the varistor layer structure (or, more intuitively, by changing the cross-sectional area of ​​the varistor layer structure relative to the current path). For instance, the threshold voltage can be reduced as the layer thickness increases. Furthermore, the threshold voltage of the varistor layer structure can be adjusted by modifying the material and / or material composition of the varistor layer structure. Additionally, the average grain size of the polycrystalline material of the varistor layer structure can be adjusted; for example, the threshold voltage can be increased as the average grain size increases.

[0012] According to various embodiments, the varistor layer structure can be provided as a layer or with a layer thickness of more than 1 µm, 2 µm, 3 µm, 4 µm, 5 µm, 6 µm, 7 µm, 8 µm, 9 µm, or more than 10 µm, e.g. with a layer thickness in a range of approximately 1 µm to approximately 50 µm.

[0013] The threshold voltage of the varistor layer structure (also called the response voltage) should be set above the nominal voltage at which the optoelectronic device, i.e., the organic optical functional layer structure, is intended to operate normally, since a varistor inherently has no reverse bias. Below the threshold voltage, the varistor can exhibit the highest possible electrical resistance, for example, in the range of approximately 50 kΩ to approximately 50 MΩ, or allow a low current flow, for example, in the range of approximately 0.1 µA to approximately 10 µA. To protect the optoelectronic device, the varistor layer structure can short-circuit the two electrode structures above the threshold voltage, so that essentially no electrical current flows through the organic optical functional layer structure.The electrical resistance of the varistor layer structure should be very small above the protection voltage compared to the electrical resistance of the organic optical functional layer structure, for example in a range of approximately 0 Ω to approximately 20 Ω, for example 0.2 Ω.

[0014] According to various embodiments, the varistor layer structure can comprise a metal oxide or semimetal carbide with varistor properties (e.g., a corresponding current-voltage characteristic), such as zinc oxide, bismuth oxide, chromium oxide, manganese oxide, cobalt oxide, or silicon carbide. According to various embodiments, the metal oxide or semimetal carbide with varistor properties can be polycrystalline. According to various embodiments, the metal oxide or semimetal carbide with varistor properties, i.e., the varistor layer structure, can be deposited by chemical vapor deposition or physical vapor deposition. Alternatively, the metal oxide or semimetal carbide with varistor properties, i.e.,the varistor layer structure is applied in the form of a precursor layer, wherein the precursor layer has the metal oxide or semimetal carbide in the form of particles or has the metal or semimetal in the form of a polymer, which is subsequently sintered.

[0015] According to various embodiments, the varistor layer structure can be configured as an encapsulation layer (also referred to as TFE), which is arranged at least partially over the second electrode structure and / or the organic optical functional layer structure. According to various embodiments, the varistor layer structure can be configured as an encapsulation layer that at least partially encapsulates the organic optical functional layer structure.

[0016] According to various embodiments, the encapsulation layer can consist of a single layer or of a stack of layers comprising several layers, wherein the single layer or at least one of the several layers of the encapsulation layer consists of a material with varistor properties.

[0017] According to various embodiments, the varistor layer structure can comprise polycrystalline silicon carbide (SiC). In other embodiments, the varistor layer structure can consist of a single layer, i.e., the varistor layer structure can be a polycrystalline SiC layer. Furthermore, the varistor layer structure can consist of a multi-layer stack, wherein at least one layer of the multi-layer stack comprises polycrystalline silicon carbide (SiC). In other words, at least one layer of the multi-layer stack can be a polycrystalline SiC layer.

[0018] According to various embodiments, the optoelectronic component can further comprise a thermally conductive layer which is in direct contact with the varistor layer structure. According to various embodiments, the thermally conductive layer can be made of or consist of aluminum nitride.

[0019] For example, the encapsulation layer can consist of a multi-layer stack, wherein at least one layer of the multi-layer stack is a polycrystalline SiC layer and another layer of the multi-layer stack is an aluminum nitride layer.

[0020] The varistor layer structure is at least partially located between the second electrode structure and the support. The varistor layer structure is at least partially located between the organic, optically functional layer structure and the support. Visually, the varistor layer structure can be integrated into the layer plane of the first electrode structure.

[0021] The first electrode structure has an optically transparent region (also referred to as the first electrode). The varistor layer structure borders this optically transparent region. In other words, the optically transparent region of the first electrode structure and the varistor layer structure can be placed side by side on the substrate.

[0022] The varistor layer structure and the optically transparent region of the first electrode structure are made of the same material, i.e., they are based on the same material. However, the material of the varistor layer structure has a lower doping concentration than the material of the electrode structure. Thus, for example, the optically transparent region of the first electrode structure can be electrically conductive due to its doping concentration, while the varistor layer structure can exhibit varistor-like properties due to its lower doping concentration.

[0023] The material is polycrystalline zinc oxide. Furthermore, the doping is aluminum doping. For example, the varistor layer structure can consist of undoped zinc oxide, while the optically transparent region of the first electrode structure can contain aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO).

[0024] A method for manufacturing an optoelectronic device comprises the following: forming a first layer structure on a support, wherein the first layer structure has an optically transparent, electrically conductive first electrode region (figuratively speaking, a first electrode) and a varistor region, wherein the varistor region is (directly) adjacent to the optically transparent, electrically conductive electrode region; forming an organic, optically functional layer structure, which is at least partially arranged over the optically transparent, electrically conductive electrode region; forming an electrode structure (figuratively speaking, a second electrode), which is at least partially arranged over the organic, optically functional layer structure, wherein the first electrode region and the electrode structure electrically contact the organic, optically functional layer structure, and wherein the electrode structure further contacts the varistor region.

[0025] According to various embodiments, the first and second electrodes can have no direct physical contact with each other; that is, the two electrodes can be spatially separated. Visually, the organic optical functional layer structure and, in parallel, the varistor region can be connected between the two electrodes. The varistor region can then bridge the organic optical functional layer structure when a voltage greater than the threshold voltage of the varistor region is applied between the two electrodes. The varistor region is configured such that its threshold voltage is greater than the operating voltage for the organic optical functional layer structure and less than the maximum voltage at which the organic optical functional layer structure is damaged.

[0026] For example, the operating voltage for the organic optical functional layer structure can be in a range of approximately 3 V to approximately 10 V, and the maximum voltage of the organic optical functional layer structure can be approximately 20 V, so the threshold voltage of the varistor region can be provided or be provided between approximately 10 V and approximately 20 V. Alternatively, the operating voltage for the organic optical functional layer structure can be in a range of approximately 5 V to approximately 15 V, and the maximum voltage of the organic optical functional layer structure can be approximately 25 V, so the threshold voltage of the varistor region can be provided or be provided between approximately 15 V and approximately 25 V.For example, the operating voltage for operating the organic optical functional layer structure may be in a range of approximately 5 V to approximately 15 V, and the maximum voltage of the organic optical functional layer structure may be approximately 50 V, so that the threshold voltage of the varistor area may be provided or be provided between approximately 15 V and approximately 50 V.

[0027] For example, the operating voltage for operating the organic optical functional layer structure may be in a range of approximately 5 V to approximately 15 V, and the maximum voltage of the organic optical functional layer structure may be approximately 100 V, so that the threshold voltage of the varistor area may be provided or be provided between approximately 15 V and approximately 100 V.

[0028] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the figures and are explained in more detail below.

[0029] They show Fig. 1 an optoelectronic component in a schematic cross-sectional view, according to various examples; Fig. 2 an optoelectronic component in a schematic cross-sectional view, according to various examples; Fig. 3 an optoelectronic component in a schematic cross-sectional view, according to various embodiments; Fig. 4A to 4C each represent an optoelectronic component in a schematic cross-sectional view, according to various examples; Fig. 5A an optoelectronic component in a schematic top view, according to various embodiments; Fig. 5B and Fig. 5C each an optoelectronic component in a schematic cross-sectional view, according to different embodiments; Fig. 6A an optoelectronic component in a schematic top view, according to various embodiments; Fig. 6B and Fig. 6C each an optoelectronic component in a schematic cross-sectional view, according to different embodiments; Fig. 7 a method for manufacturing an optoelectronic component in a schematic flowchart, according to various embodiments; Fig. 8. A carrier for an optoelectronic component in various schematic cross-sectional views during manufacturing, according to different embodiments; and Fig. 9 a carrier for an optoelectronic component in various schematic cross-sectional views during manufacturing, according to different embodiments.

[0030] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings, which form part thereof and illustrate specific embodiments in which the invention can be implemented. In this context, directional terminology such as "top," "bottom," "front," "back," "anterior," "rear," etc., is used with reference to the orientation of the described figure(s). Since components of embodiments can be positioned in a number of different orientations, the directional terminology serves only for illustration and is in no way limiting. It is understood that other embodiments may be used and structural or logical modifications may be made without deviating from the scope of protection of the present invention.It is understood that the features of the various exemplary embodiments described herein can be combined with one another, unless specifically stated otherwise. The following detailed description is therefore not to be interpreted in a limiting sense, and the scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

[0031] Within the scope of this description, the terms "connected," "attached," and "coupled" are used to describe both direct and indirect connections, direct or indirect links, and direct or indirect couplings. In the figures, identical or similar elements are labeled with identical reference symbols where appropriate.

[0032] Within the scope of this description, a metal can contain at least one metallic element, e.g., copper (Cu), silver (Ag), platinum (Pt), gold (Au), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), barium (Ba), indium (In), calcium (Ca), samarium (Sm), or lithium (Li). Furthermore, a metal can contain a metallic compound (e.g., an intermetallic compound or an alloy), e.g., a compound of at least two metallic elements, such as bronze or brass, or e.g., a compound of at least one metallic element and at least one non-metallic element, such as steel.

[0033] For the purposes of this description, an optoelectronic component can be understood as an embodiment of an electronic component, wherein the optoelectronic component has an optically active area. The optically active area can absorb electromagnetic radiation and thereby generate a photocurrent, or emit electromagnetic radiation by means of an applied voltage to the optically active area.

[0034] According to various embodiments, an organic optically functional layer structure can have several organic and inorganic layers stacked on top of each other to form a so-called layer stack. For example, more than three, more than four, more than five, more than six, more than seven, more than eight, or more than nine layers can be stacked on top of each other, e.g., more than ten, e.g., more than twenty layers.

[0035] Furthermore, an optoelectronic device can comprise at least the organic optical functional layer structure and one additional layer, e.g., an electrode layer, a barrier layer, and / or an encapsulation layer. The optoelectronic device can alternatively or additionally comprise several other layers, as mentioned above, e.g., in combination with one another.

[0036] The formation of a layer (e.g., an organic layer, a layer of an optically functional layer structure, and / or a layer of an optoelectronic device) can be achieved, for example, by liquid-phase processing. Liquid-phase processing involves dissolving or dispersing a material for the layer (e.g., for an organic layer or an inorganic layer, such as a ceramic or metallic layer) in a suitable solvent, for example, in a polar solvent such as water, dichlorobenzene, tetrahydrofuran, and phenethylamine, or, for example, in a nonpolar solvent such as toluene or other organic solvents, such as a fluorine-based solvent, also called a perfluorinated solvent, to form a liquid phase of the layer.

[0037] Furthermore, the formation of the layer by means of liquid phase processing can involve forming the liquid phase of the layer by means of liquid phase deposition (also referred to as wet chemical process or wet chemical coating) on ​​or over a surface to be coated (e.g. on or over the substrate or on or over another layer of the organic optoelectronic device), e.g. by applying it.

[0038] Alternatively or additionally, a layer can be formed using vacuum processing (also known as gas-phase deposition or vapor-phase deposition). Vacuum processing can involve forming a layer (e.g., an organic layer and / or an inorganic layer) using one or more of the following methods: atomic layer deposition (ALD), sputtering, thermal evaporation, plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD), plasma-less atomic layer deposition (PLALD), or chemical vapor deposition (CVD), e.g., plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) or plasma-less chemical vapor deposition (PLCVD).

[0039] The formation of a layer can be achieved in various embodiments using a mask (also called a shadow mask or stencil). The mask can, for example, have a pattern that is printed onto or over the coated surface, so that the coated surface has the shape of the pattern. For example, the pattern can be formed by means of a through-hole in the mask, e.g., in a plate. The material (i.e., its gaseous or liquid phase) of the layer can pass through this through-hole onto or over the surface to be coated. For example, a recess can be formed or created in a layer using a mask.

[0040] Alternatively or additionally, the formation of at least some layers can be carried out using vacuum processing and other layers using liquid phase processing, i.e., using so-called hybrid processing, in which at least one layer (e.g., three or more layers) is processed from a solution (i.e., as a liquid phase) and the remaining layers are processed in a vacuum.

[0041] The formation of a layer can take place in a processing chamber, for example in a vacuum processing chamber or a liquid phase processing chamber.

[0042] One or more layers, e.g., organic layers of the organic optoelectronic device, can be cross-linked together, for example, after they have formed. In this process, a large number of individual molecules from the layers can be linked together to form a three-dimensional network. This can improve the resistance of the organic optoelectronic device, e.g., to solvents and / or environmental influences.

[0043] Fig. Figure 1 illustrates an optoelectronic component 100 in a schematic view, according to various examples. The optoelectronic component 100 can have a support 102. A first electrode structure 104 (also referred to as the first electrode) can be arranged on the support 102. Furthermore, an (e.g., organic) optically functional layer structure 106 can be arranged at least partially over the first electrode structure 104. A second electrode structure 108 can also be arranged at least partially over the (e.g., organic) optically functional layer structure 106. The first electrode structure 104 and the second electrode structure 108 can electrically contact the (e.g., organic) optically functional layer structure 160.

[0044] According to various embodiments and examples, at least one varistor layer structure 110 can be arranged between the first electrode structure 104 and the second electrode structure 108, wherein the varistor layer structure 110 contacts the two electrode structures 104, 108. Visually, the varistor layer structure 110 can be arranged in parallel to the optically functional layer structure 106 in the switching principle of the optoelectronic device 100, wherein the varistor layer structure 110 acts as an insulator for a low electrical voltage (e.g., less than 10 V, 15 V, or more than 50 V) applied between the two electrode structures 104, 108, so that essentially the entire electric current flows through the organic, optically functional layer structure 106. For a high electrical voltage (e.g., more than 15 V, 20 V, 55 V, 100 V, or even more than 500 V), the varistor layer structure 110 acts as an insulator, so that essentially the entire electric current flows through the organic, optically functional layer structure 106.In the case of an ESD or voltage spike, which is caused between the two electrode structures 104, 108, the varistor layer structure 110 can act as an electrical conductor, so that the electric current flows essentially through the varistor layer structure 110 and not through the organic optically functional layer structure 106. To illustrate, the two electrode structures 104, 108 are only bridged or short-circuited by the varistor layer structure 110 at high electrical voltages.

[0045] As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 1, the varistor layer structure 110 can extend at least partially laterally next to the optically functional layer structure 106, with the varistor layer structure 110 being in direct physical contact with the two electrode structures 104, 108.

[0046] In principle, the organic optical functional layer structure 106 can comprise at least one material which emits light (e.g., visible light, infrared light, and / or ultraviolet light) due to an operating voltage applied between the two electrode structures 104 and 108. An organic optical functional layer structure 106 can be configured to convert an electric current into electromagnetic radiation and / or to convert electromagnetic radiation into an electric current.

[0047] Fig. Figure 2 illustrates an optoelectronic device 100 in a schematic view, according to various examples. The optoelectronic device 100 can, as described above, have a support 102, two electrode structures 104, 108 and an optically functional layer structure 106 arranged between the two electrode structures 104, 108.

[0048] According to various examples, the varistor layer structure 110 of the optoelectronic device 100 can be configured as an encapsulation layer 210. The encapsulation layer 210 can, for example, be arranged at least partially (e.g., partially or completely) over the second electrode structure 108 and / or the organic optical functional layer structure 106. The encapsulation layer 210 can, for example, be designated as TFE (thin film encapsulation). Furthermore, the encapsulation layer 210 can be designated as an encapsulation structure 210, which can, for example, comprise the varistor layer structure 110.

[0049] To enable the varistor layer structure 110 to simultaneously function as an encapsulation layer 210, it can be a polycrystalline SiC layer. Optionally, further layers can be integrated into the encapsulation layer 210; that is, the encapsulation layer 210 can have a multi-layer stack. For example, a thermal interface material can be applied to the varistor layer structure 110. For instance, in a case where the electric current of a voltage spike must be dissipated via the varistor layer structure 110, the varistor layer structure 110 can be cooled by means of the thermal interface material (see Figure 1). Fig. 4B).

[0050] Fig. Figure 3 illustrates an optoelectronic component 100 in a schematic view, according to various embodiments. As described above, the optoelectronic component 100 can comprise a support 102, two electrode structures 104, 108, and an optically functional layer structure 106 arranged between the two electrode structures 104, 108.

[0051] According to various embodiments, the varistor layer structure 110 of the optoelectronic device 100 can be arranged, at least partially, between the second electrode structure 108 and the support 102, or between the organic optical functional layer structure 106 and the support 108. The varistor layer structure 110 and the first electrode structure 104 have essentially the same layer thickness. The optical functional layer structure 106 can then be formed only over the first electrode structure 104 or also partially over the varistor layer structure 110. Furthermore, the second electrode structure 108 can have direct physical contact with the varistor layer structure 110. For example, the second electrode structure 108 can partially enclose the optical functional layer structure 106.

[0052] Furthermore, an encapsulation layer (not shown) can be provided or applied over the second electrode structure 108 and / or over the optically functional layer structure 106 and / or over the varistor layer structure 110. In essence, the encapsulation layer encapsulates the corresponding components of the optoelectronic device 100, thus protecting them from external influences (e.g., moisture and / or oxygen).

[0053] The first electrode structure 104 can have an optically transparent region 104t, as for example in Fig. Figure 3 illustrates this. Furthermore, the support 102 can be partially or completely transparent. For example, light generated by the optically functional layer structure 106 can be emitted through the optically transparent region 104t of the first electrode structure 104 and the support 102. The varistor layer structure 110 can be adjacent to the optically transparent region 104t of the first electrode structure 104. According to various embodiments, the varistor layer structure 110 and the optically transparent region 104t of the first electrode structure 104 can be made of the same material.

[0054] Furthermore, the first electrode structure 104 can be designed as a transparent, electrically conductive layer, wherein the varistor layer structure 110 and the first electrode structure 104 have the same material, e.g., a metal oxide, e.g., ZnO. The material of the varistor layer structure can have a lower doping concentration than the material of the electrode structure.

[0055] To illustrate, a metal oxide layer 204 can be provided on the support 102, which is doped in an electrode region 104 such that the doped metal oxide layer in the electrode region 104 is transparent and electrically conductive, wherein the metal oxide layer is furthermore undoped or only very lightly doped (e.g. less than 0.1 atomic percent) in a varistor region 110, so that the undoped metal oxide layer in the varistor region 110 exhibits varistor properties (cf. for example Fig. 8 and Fig. 9).

[0056] Thus, for example, the varistor layer structure 110 and the first electrode structure 104 can be provided or made available by means of only one layer 204 (cf. Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B). According to various embodiments, the material of layer 204 (i.e., the material of the varistor layer structure 110 and the first electrode structure 104) can be polycrystalline zinc oxide, wherein the doping in the optically transparent region 104t of the first electrode structure 104 (or of the entire first electrode structure 104) is aluminum doping. According to various embodiments, the material of layer 204 (i.e., the material of the varistor layer structure 110 and the first electrode structure 104) can be polycrystalline tin oxide, wherein the doping in the optically transparent region 104t of the first electrode structure 104 (or of the entire first electrode structure 104) is indium doping, antimony doping, or fluorine doping.

[0057] As described herein according to various embodiments, the optoelectronic device 100 can have at least one organic optical functional layer structure 106. The organic optical functional layer structure 106 can have one, two, or more functional layer structure units and one, two, or more intermediate layer structure(s) between the layer structure units. The organic optical functional layer structure 106 can, for example, have a first organic optical functional layer structure unit, an intermediate layer structure, and a second organic optical functional layer structure unit.

[0058] The first electrode 104 (i.e., the first electrode structure 104) can be configured as an anode or as a cathode. The first electrode 104 can be made of or composed of one of the following electrically conductive materials: a metal; a conductive transparent oxide (e.g., indium tin oxide (ITO), fluorotin oxide (FTO), aluminum zinc oxide (AZO), and antimony tin oxide (ATO)); a network of metallic nanowires and particles; a network of carbon nanotubes; graphene particles and layers; a network of semiconducting nanowires; an electrically conductive polymer; a transition metal oxide or transition metal nitride; and / or their composites. The first electrode 104 or the first electrode structure 104, which consists of a metal or at least has a metal, may have one of the following materials or be formed from them: Ag, Pt, Au, Mg, Al, Ba, In, Ca, Sm or Li, as well as compounds, combinations or alloys of these materials.The first electrode 104 can have a layer or a stack of layers of several layers of the same material or of different materials.

[0059] The first electrode 104 can, for example, have a layer thickness in the range of 10 nm to 500 nm, for example from less than 25 nm to 250 nm, for example from 50 nm to 100 nm. The first electrode 106 can have a first electrical contact area (cf. for example Fig. 4A) or be electrically connected to it, to which a first electrical potential can be applied. The first electrical potential can be provided by an energy source, for example a current source or a voltage source.

[0060] Alternatively, a substrate 102 that is at least partially electrically conductive can be used to apply the first electrical potential to the first electrode 104 via the electrically conductive substrate 102. The first electrical potential can be, for example, the ground potential or another predefined reference potential.

[0061] In various embodiments, the organic optical functional layer structure 106 has one, two, or even more than two organic optical functional layer structures.

[0062] The first organic optical functional layer structure unit and the optionally further organic functional layer structures can be identical or different, for example, having the same or different emitter materials. The second organic optical functional layer structure unit, or the further organic functional layer structure units, can be configured like one of the embodiments of the first organic functional layer structure unit described below.

[0063] The first organic optical functional layer structure unit can include a hole injection layer, a hole transport layer, an emitter layer, an electron transport layer, and an electron injection layer.

[0064] In an organically functional layered structure, one or more of the aforementioned layers can be provided, whereby identical layers may have physical contact, be connected only electrically, or even be electrically isolated from one another, for example, by being arranged side by side. Individual layers of the aforementioned structures may be optional.

[0065] A hole injection layer can be formed on or above the first electrode 104. The hole injection layer can consist of or be formed from one or more of the following materials: HAT-CN, Cu(I)pFBz, MoO X , WHERE X VO X , ReO X, F4-TCNQ, NDP-2, NDP-9, Bi(III)pFBz, F16CuPc; NPB (N,N'-Bis(naphthalen-1-yl)-N,N'-bis(phenyl)-benzidine); beta-NPB N,N'-Bis(naphthalen-2-yl)-N,N'-bis(phenyl)-benzidine); TPD (N,N'-Bis(3-methylphenyl)-N,N'-bis(phenyl)-benzidine); Spiro TPD (N,N'-Bis(3-methylphenyl)-N,N'-bis(phenyl)-benzidine); Spiro-NPB (N,N'-Bis(naphthalen-1-yl)-N,N'-bis(phenyl)-spiro); DMFL-TPD N,N'-Bis(3-methylphenyl)-N,N'-bis(phenyl)-9,9-dimethyl-fluorene); DMFL-NPB (N,N'-Bis(naphthalen-1-yl)-N,N'-bis(phenyl)-9,9-dimethyl-fluorene); DPFL-TPD (N,N'-Bis(3-methylphenyl)-N,N'-bis(phenyl)-9,9-diphenyl-fluorene); DPFL-NPB (N,N'-Bis(naphthalen-1-yl)-N,N'-bis(phenyl)-9,9-diphenyl-fluorene); Spiro-TAD (2,2',7,7'-Tetrakis(n,n-diphenylamino)-9,9'-spirobifluorene); 9,9-Bis[4-(N,N-bis-biphenyl-4-yl-amino)phenyl]-9H-fluorene; 9,9-Bis[4-(N,N-bis-naphthalen-2-yl-amino)phenyl]-9H-fluorene; 9,9-Bis[4-(N,N'-bis-naphthalen-2-yl-N,N'-bis-phenyl-amino)-phenyl]-9H-fluorine; N,N'-bis(phenanthren-9-yl)-N,N'-bis(phenyl)-benzidine;2,7-Bis[N,N-bis(9,9-spiro-bifluorene-2-yl)-amino]-9,9-spirobifluorene; 2,2'-Bis[N,N-bis(biphenyl-4-yl)amino]9,9-spirobifluorene; 2,2'-Bis(N,N-diphenyl-amino)9,9-spiro-bifluorene; Di-[4-(N,N-ditolyl-amino)-phenyl]cyclohexane; 2,2',7,7'-tetra(N,N-ditolyl)amino-spiro-bifluorene; and / or N,N,N',N'-tetra-naphthalene-2-yl-benzidine.;

[0066] The hole injection layer can have a thickness in a range of approximately 10 nm to approximately 1000 nm, for example in a range of approximately 30 nm to approximately 300 nm, for example in a range of approximately 50 nm to approximately 200 nm.

[0067] A hole transport layer may be formed on or above the hole injection layer. The hole transport layer may consist of or be composed of one or more of the following materials: NPB (N,N'-bis(naphthalen-1-yl)-N,N'-bis(phenyl)-benzidine); beta-NPB N,N'-bis(naphthalen-2-yl)-N,N'-bis(phenyl)-benzidine); TPD (N,N'-bis(3-methylphenyl)-N,N'-bis(phenyl)-benzidine); Spiro TPD (N,N'-bis(3-methylphenyl)-N,N'-bis(phenyl)-benzidine); Spiro-NPB (N,N'-bis(naphthalen-1-yl)-N,N'-bis(phenyl)-spiro); DMFL-TPD N,N'-bis(3-methylphenyl)-N,N'-bis(phenyl)-9,9-dimethyl-fluorene). DMFL-NPB (N,N'-Bis(naphthalen-1-yl)-N,N'-bis(phenyl)-9,9-dimethyl-fluorene); DPFL-TPD (N,N'-Bis(3-methylphenyl)-N,N'-bis(phenyl)-9,9-diphenyl-fluorene); DPFL-NPB (N,N'-Bis(naphthalen-1-yl)-N,N'-bis(phenyl)-9,9-diphenyl-fluorene); Spiro-TAD (2,2',7,7'-Tetrakis(n,n-diphenylamino)-9,9'-spirobifluorene); 9,9-Bis[4-(N,N-bis-biphenyl-4-yl-amino)phenyl]-9H-fluorene; 9,9-Bis[4-(N,N-bis-naphthalen-2-yl-amino)phenyl]-9H-fluorene;9,9-Bis[4-(N,N'-bis-naphthalen-2-yl-N,N'-bis-phenyl-amino)-phenyl]-9H-fluoro; N,N'-bis(phenanthren-9-yl)-N,N'-bis(phenyl)-benzidine; 2,7-Bis[N,N-bis(9,9-spiro-bifluorene-2-yl)-amino]-9,9-spirobifluorene; 2,2'-Bis[N,N-bis(biphenyl-4-yl)amino]9,9-spirobifluorene; 2,2'-Bis(N,N-di-phenyl-amino)9,9-spiro-bifluorene; Di-[4-(N,N-ditolyl-amino)phenyl]cyclohexane; 2,2',7,7'-tetra(N,N-di-tolyl)amino-spiro-bifluorene; and N,N,N',N'-tetra-naphthalen-2-yl-benzidine, a tertiary amine, a carbazole derivative, a conducting polyaniline and / or polyethylenedioxythiophene.;

[0068] The hole transport layer can have a thickness in a range of approximately 5 nm to approximately 50 nm, for example in a range of approximately 10 nm to approximately 30 nm, for example approximately 20 nm.

[0069] An emitter layer can be formed on or above the hole transport layer. Each of the organically functional layer structure units can have one or more emitter layers, for example with fluorescent and / or phosphorescent emitters.

[0070] An emitter layer can consist of or be formed from organic polymers, organic oligomers, organic monomers, organic small non-polymeric molecules, or a combination of these materials.

[0071] The optoelectronic device 100 can have one or more of the following materials in an emitter layer or be formed from them: organic or organometallic compounds, such as derivatives of polyfluorene, polythiophene and polyphenylene (for example, 2- or 2,5-substituted poly-p-phenylenevinylene), as well as metal complexes, for example, iridium complexes such as blue phosphorescent FIrPic (Bis(3,5-difluoro-2-(2-pyridyl)phenyl-(2-carboxypyridyl)-iridium III), green phosphorescent Ir(ppy)3 (Tris(2-phenylpyridine)iridium III), red phosphorescent Ru (dtb-bpy)3*2(PF6) (Tris[4,4'-di-tert-butyl-(2,2')-bipyridine]ruthenium(III) complex), and blue fluorescent DPAVBi (4,4-Bis[4-(di-p-tolylamino)styryl]biphenyl), green fluorescent TTPA (9,10-Bis[N,N-di-(p-tolyl)-amino]anthracene) and red fluorescent DCM2 (4-Dicyanomethylene)-2-methyl-6-julolidyl-9-enyl-4H-pyran) as non-polymeric emitters.

[0072] The emitter materials can be appropriately embedded in a matrix material, for example a technical ceramic or a polymer, such as an epoxy; or a silicone.

[0073] In various embodiments, the emitter layer can have a thickness in a range of approximately 5 nm to approximately 50 nm, for example in a range of approximately 10 nm to approximately 30 nm, for example approximately 20 nm.

[0074] The emitter layer can consist of emitter materials emitting light of a single color or of different colors (for example, blue and yellow or blue, green, and red). Alternatively, the emitter layer can have several sublayers that emit light of different colors. Another alternative is to arrange a converter material in the beam path of the primary emission generated by these layers, which at least partially absorbs the primary radiation and emits secondary radiation of a different wavelength.

[0075] The organic optical functional layer structure unit 106 can have one or more emitter layers configured as hole transport layers. Furthermore, the organic optical functional layer structure unit 106 can have one or more emitter layers configured as electron transport layers.

[0076] An electron transport layer may be formed on or above the emitter layer, for example by being deposited.

[0077] The electron transport layer may contain or be composed of one or more of the following materials: NET-18; 2,2',2" -(1,3,5-Benzinetriyl)-tris(1-phenyl-1-H-benzimidazole); 2-(4-Biphenylyl)-5-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole,2,9-Dimethyl-4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline (BCP); 8-Hydroxyquinolinolato-lithium, 4-(Naphthalen-1-yl)-3,5-diphenyl-4H-1,2,4-triazole; 1,3-bis[2-(2,2'-bipyridine-6-yl)-1,3,4-oxadiazo-5-yl]benzene; 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline (BPhen); 3-(4-Biphenylyl)-4-phenyl-5-tert-butylphenyl-1,2,4-triazole; bis(2-methyl-8-quinolinolate)-4-(phenylphenolato)aluminum; 6,6'-Bis[5-(biphenyl-4-yl)-1,3,4-oxadiazo-2-yl]-2,2'-bipyridyl; 2-phenyl-9,10-di(naphthalen-2-yl)anthracene; 2,7-Bis[2-(2,2'-bipyridine-6-yl)-1,3,4-oxadiazo-5-yl]-9,9-dimethylfluorene; 1,3-Bis[2-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazo-5-yl]benzene; 2-(naphthalen-2-yl)-4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline; 2,9-Bis(naphthalen-2-yl)-4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline;Tris(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-(pyridin-3-yl)phenyl)borane; 1-methyl-2-(4-(naphthalen-2-yl)phenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline; phenyl-dipyrenylphosphine oxide; naphthalene tetracarboxylic dianhydride or its imides; perylene tetracarboxylic dianhydride or its imides; and substances based on silols with a silacyclopentadiene unit.

[0078] The electron transport layer can have a thickness in a range of approximately 5 nm to approximately 50 nm, for example in a range of approximately 10 nm to approximately 30 nm, for example approximately 20 nm.

[0079] An electron injection layer may be formed on or above the electron transport layer. The electron injection layer may consist of or be formed from one or more of the following materials: NDN-26, MgAg, Cs2CO3, Cs3PO4, Na, Ca, K, Mg, Cs, Li, LiF; 2,2',2" -(1,3,5-Benzinetriyl)-tris(1-phenyl-1-H-benzimidazole); 2-(4-Biphenylyl)-5-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole,2,9-Dimethyl-4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline (BCP); 8-Hydroxyquinolinolato-lithium, 4-(Naphthalen-1-yl)-3,5-diphenyl-4H-1,2,4-triazole; 1,3-bis[2-(2,2'-bipyridine-6-yl)-1,3,4-oxadiazo-5-yl]benzene; 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline (BPhen); 3-(4-Biphenylyl)-4-phenyl-5-tert-butylphenyl-1,2,4-triazole; bis(2-methyl-8-quinolinolate)-4-(phenylphenolato)aluminum; 6,6'-Bis[5-(biphenyl-4-yl)-1,3,4-oxadiazo-2-yl]-2,2'-bipyridyl; 2-phenyl-9,10-di(naphthalen-2-yl)anthracene; 2,7-Bis[2-(2,2'-bipyridine-6-yl)-1,3,4-oxadiazo-5-yl]-9,9-dimethylfluorene;1,3-Bis[2-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazo-5-yl]benzene; 2-(naphthalen-2-yl)-4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline; 2,9-Bis(naphthalen-2-yl)-4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline; Tris(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-(pyridin-3-yl)phenyl)borane; 1-methyl-2-(4-(naphthalen-2-yl)phenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline; Phenyl-dipyrenylphosphine oxide; Naphthalene tetracarboxylic dianhydride or its imides; Perylene tetracarboxylic dianhydride or its imides; and substances based on silols with a silacyclopentadiene unit.

[0080] The electron injection layer can have a thickness in a range of approximately 5 nm to approximately 200 nm, for example in a range of approximately 20 nm to approximately 50 nm, for example approximately 30 nm.

[0081] In an organic functional layer structure 106 with two or more organic functional layer structure units, the second organic optical functional layer structure unit can be formed above or next to the first functional layer structure unit. An intermediate layer structure can be formed electrically between the organic functional layer structure units.

[0082] In various embodiments, the intermediate layer structure can be configured as an intermediate electrode, for example, according to one of the embodiments of the first electrode. An intermediate electrode can be electrically connected to an external voltage source. The external voltage source can, for example, provide a third electrical potential at the intermediate electrode. However, the intermediate electrode can also have no external electrical connection, for example, by having a floating electrical potential.

[0083] In various embodiments, the interlayer structure can be configured as a charge generation layer (CGL). A charge generation layer can comprise one or more electron-conducting CGL layers and one or more hole-conducting CGL layers. The electron-conducting CGL layer(s) and the hole-conducting CGL layer(s) can each be formed from an undoped conductive material or a dopant within a matrix.The charge carrier pair generation layer structure should be designed with respect to the energy levels of the electron-conducting charge carrier pair generation layer(s) and the hole-conducting charge carrier pair generation layer(s) such that electron and hole separation can occur at the interface between an electron-conducting charge carrier pair generation layer and a hole-conducting charge carrier pair generation layer. The charge carrier pair generation layer structure may also include a permeation barrier between adjacent layers.

[0084] The second electrode 108 can be formed on or above the organic optical functional layer structure 106 or optionally on or above one or more further organic functional layer structures and / or organic functional layers.

[0085] The second electrode 108, or the second electrode structure 108, can be configured according to one of the embodiments of the first electrode 104, wherein the first electrode 104 and the second electrode 108 can be configured identically or differently. The second electrode 108 can be configured as an anode, i.e., as a hole-injecting electrode, or as a cathode, i.e., as an electron-injecting electrode.

[0086] The second electrode 108 may have a second electrical contact area or be connected to it (see, for example, Fig. 4A). A second electrical potential can be applied to the second electrical contact area. The second electrical potential can be provided by the same or a different energy source as the first electrical potential and / or the optional third electrical potential of an intermediate electrode. The second electrical potential can be different from the first electrical potential and / or the optional third electrical potential. For example, the second electrical potential can have a value such that the difference from the first electrical potential is in the range of approximately 1.5 V to approximately 20 V, for example, a value in the range of approximately 2.5 V to approximately 15 V, for example, a value in the range of approximately 3 V to approximately 12 V.

[0087] In various embodiments, the first electrode 104 is electrically isolated from the second electrode 108 by means of a resist (see, for example, Fig. 4A). The resist can, for example, be a polyimide or a resin, or may contain a polyimide or a resin.

[0088] In various embodiments, the encapsulation structure 210 (for example, on or above the varistor layer structure 110) comprises a housing, a cover, a molding compound and / or one or more barrier layers (see, for example, Fig. 4A to 4C). The molding compound can be, for example, a synthetic resin or an adhesive. The encapsulation structure 210 can allow a permeation of less than approximately 10 -6 g / (m 2 d) exhibit.

[0089] In various embodiments, the encapsulation structure 210 comprises a molding compound, for example a synthetic resin or an adhesive. In various embodiments, the molding compound forms a housing for the optoelectronic component 100.

[0090] The encapsulation structure 210 can further comprise a cover, wherein the cover is arranged over the barrier layer, for example by means of a bonding layer. The cover can be connected to the barrier layer by means of a bonding layer. Alternatively, a cavity is formed between the cover and the barrier layer. According to various embodiments, the varistor layer structure 110 can function as the barrier layer of the encapsulation structure 210.

[0091] In other words, in various embodiments, the encapsulation structure 210 can have a cover and a bonding layer. A cover can be formed or arranged on or above the bonding layer. The cover can be connected to the barrier layer, the substrate 102, and / or the electrically active area 106 by means of the bonding layer.

[0092] The cover can be, for example, a glass cover, a metal foil cover, or a sealed plastic film cover. The glass cover can be connected, for example, by means of a glass frit bond (glass soldering / seal glass bonding) using a conventional glass solder in the geometric edge regions of the electronic component 100 to the barrier layer or the electrically active area 106 and / or the substrate 102.

[0093] The cover and / or the bonding layer can have a refractive index (for example at a wavelength of 633 nm) of 1.55.

[0094] In various embodiments, a connecting layer is optional in an encapsulation structure 210 with a cover, for example if the cover is formed directly on the barrier layer (or, for example, according to various embodiments, directly on the varistor layer structure 110), for example a cover made of glass, which is formed by plasma spraying.

[0095] In various embodiments, a cover and / or a bonding layer, for example in the form of a resin layer, is optional. The barrier layer can, for example, serve as a replacement for and / or instead of the cover.

[0096] In other words, in various embodiments, a bonding layer, for example made of an adhesive or a coating, is provided on or above the barrier layer. A cover can be attached to the barrier layer by means of this bonding layer, for example by gluing it on.

[0097] A bonding layer made of a transparent material can, for example, contain particles that scatter electromagnetic radiation, such as light-scattering particles. This allows the bonding layer to act as a scattering layer and lead to an improvement in chromatic aberration and output coupling efficiency.

[0098] The bonding layer can have a thickness greater than 1 µm, for example, a thickness of several µm. In various embodiments, the bonding layer can contain or be a lamination adhesive.

[0099] The bonding layer can be configured to contain an adhesive with a refractive index lower than that of the covering. Furthermore, several different adhesives can be used to form a sequence of adhesive layers.

[0100] Furthermore, in various embodiments, one or more input / output coupling layers can additionally be formed in the electronic component 100, for example an external output coupling film on or above the substrate (see, for example, Fig. 4A) or an internal output coupling layer (not shown) in the cross-sectional area of ​​the optoelectronic device 100. The input / output coupling layer can have a matrix and scattering centers distributed therein, wherein the mean refractive index of the input / output coupling layer is greater or less than the mean refractive index of the layer from which the electromagnetic radiation is provided. Furthermore, in various embodiments, one or more anti-reflective layers (for example, combined with the barrier layer) can additionally be provided in the optoelectronic device 100.

[0101] A so-called getter layer or getter structure, for example a laterally structured getter layer, can also be arranged on or above the electrically active area 106 (also referred to as optically functional layer structure 106) and / or the substrate 102.

[0102] In various embodiments, during operation of the electronic component, electromagnetic radiation is generated from an electric current in the electrically active region 106, or vice versa. The electrically active region 106 is configured, for example, with transparent or translucent layers or structures, such that the electromagnetic radiation is transmittable through at least one side (optically active side). For example, the electrically active region can be configured to have two opposing optically active sides, for example, being transparent or translucent in one viewing direction. The optoelectronic component 100 can be configured such that the electromagnetic radiation is transmittable laterally and / or planarly through the substrate 102, the barrier layer (or, according to some embodiments, the varistor layer structure 110), the interconnect layer, and / or the cover.Alternatively, one of the aforementioned layers or structures can be designed to be reflective or specular, so that electromagnetic radiation incident on this layer or structure can be deflected by this layer or structure.

[0103] The electronic component 100 can be connected to an external electrical energy source, for example, by means of contact areas. The electronic component is designed such that an electric current can flow from the contact areas indirectly, for example, through a connecting layer; or directly, for example, by means of an electrode of the electrically active area extended into a contact area; and vice versa. The current path of the electric current leads through the electrically active area 106 from one contact area to the other. The electrically active area 106 is designed such that a predetermined electrical effect can be produced, for example, electromagnetic radiation and / or an electric field and / or a magnetic field can be generated.Alternatively or additionally, an electric current can be generated in the electrically active area 106 by such radiation or such a field. Alternatively or additionally, the electrically active area 106 can have one or more circuits, for example with one or more switches, for example electrically switchable switches, for example transistors; for example in the form of a logic circuit.

[0104] The following describes various modifications and configurations of the optoelectronic component 100 and details of the optically functional layer structure 106 and the varistor layer structure 110, whereby the fundamental features and operating principles described above can be applied analogously. Furthermore, the features and operating principles described below can be applied analogously to the component described in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 described optoelectronic component 100 can be transferred or with the one in the Fig. 1 and Fig. The 2 described optoelectronic components can be combined in 100 ways.

[0105] In general, optoelectronic components, such as OLEDs, can be very sensitive to disturbances such as voltage spikes, temperature fluctuations, etc. According to various embodiments, at least one of these disturbances is eliminated by means of functional material properties in the encapsulation 210 (e.g., without incurring additional costs) or an additional functionality (beyond the barrier function) of the encapsulation 210 is created.

[0106] Traditionally, an external protection diode is applied using interconnect technology to protect a component. This incurs additional costs. Alternatively, external protection diodes or varistors (e.g., avalanche diodes) can be used within the electronic circuit. An external suppressor diode can also be employed. Purely external electronic circuits, such as filters, chokes, etc., can also be used to protect the component. For example, gas-filled surge protection devices (e.g., for high power applications) and diode combinations with hard or soft surge discharge are used.

[0107] According to various embodiments, an optoelectronic component 100 is provided which is configured such that its encapsulation layers combine several functionalities, one functionality being the encapsulation itself (for example, the barrier function). As described above, another functionality can be the varistor function for protecting the optoelectronic component 100. Furthermore, another functionality can be heat dissipation.

[0108] According to various embodiments, silicon carbide (SiC) is used as a relatively thick thin-film encapsulation (TFE) layer for the optoelectronic component 100 (e.g., an OLED). The silicon carbide used in the encapsulation has the property that its electrical resistance can decrease by several orders of magnitude at high voltages (varistor property). Voltage spikes can thus be smoothed by diverting the current through the thin-film encapsulation 210 at high voltages. The SiC 110 acts as an insulator between the anode and cathode during normal operation (without voltage spikes) and as a varistor between the anode and cathode in the event of an overvoltage. In such a case, the SiC 110 short-circuits the anode and cathode, thereby protecting them.

[0109] At the same time, further layers can be incorporated into a functional structure, e.g. for a temperature sensor as a thermistor or thermistor, e.g. for a capacitor, a piezoelectric sensor (e.g. pressure sensor), for an integrated pressure display, or for self-resetting fuses.

[0110] Thus, for example, no additional costs arise for surge protection. Furthermore, surge protection can be provided without affecting or altering, for example, the first electrode structure 104 on the substrate, as is the case, for example, in Fig. 4A to 4C is illustrated. The integrated overvoltage protection can, for example, increase reliability during voltage spikes. Furthermore, the geometry of the varistor layer structure 110 can be configured such that the operating voltage of the varistor layer structure 110 is defined within certain limits (e.g., the thickness of the varistor layer structure 110 can define the operating voltage).

[0111] Fig. 4A, Fig. 4B and Fig. Figures 4C each illustrate an optoelectronic component 100 in a schematic cross-sectional view, according to various examples, wherein the optoelectronic component 100 can have at least the following: a support 102, two electrode structures 104, 108, an optically functional layer structure 106 between the two electrode structures 104, 108, and a varistor layer structure 110 in physical contact with the two electrode structures 104, 108, analogous to the one described above. In these embodiments, the varistor layer structure 110 is an encapsulation layer 210 (see Figure 4C). Fig. 4A) or as part of the encapsulation layer 210 (see Fig. 4B and Fig. 4C).

[0112] According to various embodiments and examples, the support 102 (also referred to as the substrate, as described above) can be made of or consist of glass. Furthermore, any other suitable support 102 can be used for the optoelectronic component 100. A protective glass 402 (also referred to as the cover, as described above) can be arranged on or above the varistor layer structure 110 or the encapsulation layer 210, which can be attached, for example, by means of an adhesive layer 412 (also referred to as the bonding layer, as described above).

[0113] According to various embodiments and examples, the first electrode structure 104 can be transparent or at least have a transparent region 104t. Furthermore, a functional output coupling layer 422 can be arranged (e.g., optionally) on the side of the support 102 that faces away from the optically functional layer structure 106.

[0114] According to various embodiments and examples, the first electrode structure 104 can have a first electrical contact lead 404z and a first contacting structure 404k, such that, for example, the transparent area 104t of the first electrode structure 104 is electrically contacted in a first electrical contact area, as described above. According to various embodiments, the second electrode structure 108 can have a second electrical contact lead 408z and a second contacting structure 408k, such that the second electrode structure 108 is electrically contacted, for example, in a second electrical contact area, as described above.

[0115] The contact leads 404z, 408z can be configured according to the functionality of the optoelectronic component 100, e.g., they can be transparent or opaque. For example, one or both of the contact leads 404z, 408z can be made of a metal or a metal alloy and can be configured as a single layer or as a stack of layers, e.g., comprising: Mo / Al(Mo, Cr / Al / Cr, Ag / Mg, Al). Furthermore, the contact structures 404k, 408k can be configured according to the functionality of the optoelectronic component 100, e.g., as a contact layer or contact film (e.g., ACF film, also referred to as an anisotropic conductive layer).

[0116] The first electrode structure 104 and the second electrode structure 108 can be configured in various ways, as illustrated here by way of example, with the varistor layer structure 110 contacting both electrode structures 104 and 108. For example, the varistor layer structure 110 can directly contact the second electrode 108 in the region above the optically functional layer structure 106. Furthermore, the varistor layer structure 110 can contact the first electrode 104 in the region of the first contact point 404z and / or the first contacting structure 404k. The varistor layer structure 110 can also contact the second electrode structure 108 in the region of the second contact point 408z and / or the second contacting structure 408k. Finally, the varistor layer structure 110 can directly contact the first electrode 104 in, for example, the transparent region 104t below the optically functional layer structure 106.

[0117] According to various embodiments and examples, the first electrode structure 104 and the second electrode structure 108 can be electrically and spatially separated from each other by means of an insulating layer 430 or by means of several insulating layers 430. A polyimide or any other suitable resist can be used for this purpose.

[0118] The optically functional layer structure 106 can have at least one layer of organic (optically and / or electrically functional) material, as described above.

[0119] As in Fig. As illustrated in a schematic cross-sectional view 4A, the optoelectronic component 100 can only have one encapsulation layer 110, 210, which simultaneously functions as a varistor layer structure 110, e.g. by using SiC as described above.

[0120] Similarly, the encapsulation layer 210 of the optoelectronic device 100 can have multiple layers, i.e., be arranged as an encapsulation layer stack, so that, for example, multiple functionalities can be ensured, as described above. As in Fig. As illustrated in a schematic cross-sectional view in Figure 4B, the encapsulation layer 210 can have a varistor layer structure 110, which, for example, contacts the second electrode structure 108 in the region above the optically functional layer structure 106. Furthermore, the encapsulation layer 210 can have a thermally conductive layer 410, for example, in direct contact with the varistor layer structure 110. The thermally conductive layer 410 can be or be arranged on the varistor layer structure 110. The thermally conductive layer 410 can, for example, have or consist of aluminum nitride, as well as any other suitable material with a correspondingly high thermal conductivity. The thermally conductive layer 410 can, for example, have a metal, such as copper or aluminum, or a metal alloy, such as Al / Cu.

[0121] According to various embodiments and examples, the varistor layer structure 110 and / or the thermal conductivity layer 410 can be laterally structured. Furthermore, layer systems can also be used, e.g., nanolaminates.

[0122] Similarly, the encapsulation layer 210 of the optoelectronic device 100 can have multiple layers, i.e., be arranged as an encapsulation layer stack, so that, for example, multiple functionalities can be ensured, as described above. As in Fig. As illustrated in a schematic cross-sectional view 4C, the encapsulation layer 210 can have a varistor layer structure 110, which, for example, contacts the second electrode structure 108 in the region above the optically functional layer structure 106. Furthermore, the encapsulation layer 210 can have one or more additional layers 440, 450, which, for example, are arranged at least on or above the varistor layer structure 110. For example, a first additional barrier layer 440 can be used, which may consist of, for example, silicon nitride (SiN) or silicon oxide (SiO₂). x ), silicon oxynitride (SiNO₃) x ), silicon oxycarbonitride (SiCNO₃) x ) can also be present, e.g., as a layer stack. For example, a second additional barrier layer 450 can be used, which may consist of, for example, aluminum oxide (AlO₂). x ), titanium oxide (TiO₂) x) and / or antimony-tin oxide (ATO), e.g. also as a layer stack.

[0123] Analogous to what has been described above, the varistor layer structure 110 can also contact the second electrode structure 104 only laterally of the optically functional layer structure 106.

[0124] The following describes various modifications and configurations of the optoelectronic component 100 and details of the optically functional layer structure 106 and the varistor layer structure 110, whereby the fundamental features and operating principles described above can be applied analogously. Furthermore, the features and operating principles described below can be applied analogously to the component described in Fig. 3 described optoelectronic component 100 can be transferred or with the one in Fig. The 3 described optoelectronic components can be combined in 100 ways.

[0125] According to various embodiments and examples, an optoelectronic device 100 is provided which features a hybrid integration of transparent, non-conductive ZnO layers. In other words, a layered structure is provided on a substrate 102 (also referred to as a support) which functions both as an electrode structure 104 and as a varistor layer structure 110. For example, ZnO can function as an insulator between the anode and cathode during normal operation (i.e., without voltage spikes) and as a varistor in the event of an overvoltage (e.g., when voltage spikes occur). The ZnO varistor layer structure 110 and a transparent electrical contact 104 can be provided in a single plane.

[0126] A varistor layer structure 110 can be arranged, at least partially, between the second electrode structure 108 and the support 102, or between the organic optically functional layer structure 106 and the support 102. A varistor layer structure 110 can also be provided adjacent to a transparent region 104t of a first electrode structure 104. According to various embodiments, for example, a transparent region 104t of a first electrode structure 104 and the varistor layer structure 110 can be provided in a common layer structure. In this case, AZO (ZnO:Al) can be used as the transparent electrical contact 104 and ZnO as the inorganic insulator / varistor.

[0127] According to various embodiments and examples, the ZnO can be arranged as a varistor between the anode and cathode, short-circuiting them when an overvoltage occurs. Thus, the ZnO protects the two electrodes of an optoelectronic device 100. Therefore, for example, no additional costs arise compared to substrates (or OLEDs) with AZO contacts when using pure ZnO. x .

[0128] Furthermore, at least one of the following materials can be used as a varistor material (also in combination): ZnO x , BiO x , CrO x , MnO x , SbO x , CoO x and / or SnO x e.g. with a main component of ZnO x .

[0129] According to various embodiments, an optoelectronic component 100 is provided which exhibits a reduced failure probability at the insulator / transparent contact / metal junction, for example, due to improved layer forming and / or by avoiding sharp edges that could otherwise cause a discontinuity in the layer. Furthermore, the integrated overvoltage protection increases reliability during voltage spikes.

[0130] Through hybrid integration, the ZnO functioning as a varistor is encapsulated in the optoelectronic component 100 and is thus protected against moisture.

[0131] According to various embodiments and examples, an optoelectronic component 100 can have a support 102, as well as ZnOx structures or mixed structures arranged laterally adjacent to each other on the support, wherein these are provided (e.g., are undoped, e.g., are essentially free of aluminum) in such a way that they can act as varistors (i.e., structures with voltage-dependent electrical resistance). At the same time, the ZnO x (e.g. section by section) doped with aluminium so that a conductive transparent contact can be provided.

[0132] According to various embodiments and examples, an optoelectronic component 100 can have a support 102, as well as a ZnO arranged on the support. x -layer, wherein the ZnO x -Layer in a first region 104t is doped with aluminium such that the first region 104t is transparent and electrically conductive, and wherein the ZnOx -layer in a second area 110 is provided in such a way (e.g. undoped or essentially free of aluminium) that the second area 110 can function as a varistor.

[0133] Fig. Figure 5A illustrates an optoelectronic component 100 in a schematic top view and Fig. 5B and Fig. Sections 500b and 500c illustrate cross-sections of the material shown in Figure 5C. Fig. Figure 5A shows an optoelectronic component 100, according to various embodiments, wherein the optoelectronic component 100 can comprise at least the following: a support 102, two electrode structures 104, 108, an optically functional layer structure 106 between the two electrode structures 104, 108, and a varistor layer structure 110 in physical contact with the two electrode structures 104, 108, analogous to the one described above. In these embodiments, the varistor layer structure 110 is arranged at least partially between the second electrode structure 108 and the support 102 or between the organic optically functional layer structure 106 and the support 102.

[0134] According to various embodiments, the optoelectronic component 100 can be encapsulated by means of an encapsulation layer 210, which is free of varistor material. In this case, the varistor layer structure 110 can be or become integrated into the first electrode structure 104.

[0135] According to various embodiments, the support 102 (also referred to as the substrate, as described above) can be made of glass or consist of glass. Furthermore, any other suitable support 102 can be used for the optoelectronic component 100. A protective glass 402 (also referred to as the cover, as described above) can be arranged on or above the encapsulation layer 210, which can be attached, for example, by means of an adhesive layer 412 (also referred to as the bonding layer, as described above).

[0136] According to various embodiments, the first electrode structure 104 can be transparent or at least have a transparent region 104t. Furthermore, a functional output coupling layer 422 can be arranged (e.g., optionally) on the side of the support 102 facing away from the optically functional layer structure 106, as described above.

[0137] According to various embodiments, the first electrode structure 104 can have a first electrical contact feed 404z (as well as a first contacting structure 404k, which is not shown, cf. Fig. 4A), so that, for example, the transparent area 104t of the first electrode structure 104 is electrically contacted in a first electrical contact area, as described above. According to various embodiments, the second electrode structure 108 can have a second electrical contact feed 408z (as well as a second contacting structure 408k, which is not shown, cf. Fig. 4A), so that the second electrode structure 108 is electrically contacted in a second electrical contact area, as described above.

[0138] The contact leads 404z, 408z can be configured according to the functionality of the optoelectronic component 100, e.g., be transparent or opaque. For example, one or both of the contact leads 404z, 408z can comprise a metal or a metal alloy and be configured as a single layer or as a layer stack, e.g., comprising: Mo / Al(Mo, Cr / Al / Cr, Ag / Mg, Al).

[0139] According to various embodiments, the varistor layer structure 110 (also referred to as varistor area 110) can be integrated into the first electrode structure 104, for example, between a transparent area 104t and the first contact leads 404z of the first electrode structure 104. To illustrate, the two electrode structures 104, 108 of the optoelectronic device 100 can be at least partially isolated from each other by means of the varistor layer structure 110 during normal operation. The remaining isolation can be achieved by means of an insulating layer 430 (e.g., a polyimide or a resist), as described herein.

[0140] The first electrode structure 104 and the second electrode structure 108 can be configured in various ways, as illustrated here by way of example, with the varistor layer structure 110 contacting both electrode structures 104 and 108. For example, the varistor layer structure 110 can directly contact the second electrode 108 from below. Furthermore, the varistor layer structure 110 can laterally contact the first electrode 104 (or the transparent region 104t of the first electrode structure 104).

[0141] The optically functional layer structure 106 can have at least one layer of organic (optically and / or electrically functional) material, as described above.

[0142] As described above, the encapsulation layer 210 of the optoelectronic device 100 can, for example, have multiple layers, i.e., be arranged as an encapsulation layer stack, so that, for example, several functionalities can be ensured, as described above. For example, the encapsulation layer 210 can have a barrier layer as well as a thermal conductivity layer, analogous to what has been described above. For example, the encapsulation layer 210 can have a barrier layer which, for example, consists of silicon nitride (SiN) or silicon dioxide (SiO₂). x ), silicon oxynitride (SiNO₃) x ), silicon oxycarbonitride (SiCNO₃) x ) exhibits, e.g., also as a layer stack. For example, the encapsulation layer 210 can have a barrier layer, which may consist of, for example, aluminum oxide (AlO₂). x ), titanium oxide (TiO₂) x ) and / or antimony-tin oxide (ATO), e.g. also as a layer stack.

[0143] Analogous to the one in the Fig. The optoelectronic component 100 shown in sections 5A to 5C is in the Fig. Figures 6A to 6C show an optoelectronic component 100 in which the two electrode structures 104, 108 are electrically isolated from each other during normal operation solely by means of the varistor material (or by means of the varistor layer structure 110). The structure of the optoelectronic component 100 can thus be illustrated without polyimide 430 or resist 430.

[0144] Fig. Figure 6A illustrates an optoelectronic component 100 in a schematic top view, according to various embodiments, wherein the optically transparent region 104t of the first electrode structure 104, or the first electrode structure 104 itself, is separated from the second electrode structure 108 only by means of the varistor layer structure 110. As in Fig. As shown in a schematic cross-sectional view in Figure 6B, the transparent area 104t of the first electrode structure 104 (or the first electrode structure 104 itself) is laterally bounded by the varistor layer structure 110. In the event of a voltage spike, for example, the two contact leads 404z, 408z and the two electrodes 104t, 108 are electrically connected to each other.

[0145] As in Fig. As shown in a schematic cross-sectional view of Figure 6C, the transparent area 104t of the first electrode structure 104 (or the first electrode structure 104 itself) can be separated from the second electrode structure 104 by means of the varistor layer structure 110. In the event of a voltage spike, for example, the second contact lead 408z and the transparent area 104t of the first electrode structure 104 are electrically connected to each other, as are the second electrode structure 108 and the transparent area 104t of the first electrode structure 104. In contrast to the one shown in Fig. In the optoelectronic component 100 shown in Figure 6B, the second electrode structure 104 is not directly physically connected to the first contact lead 404z of the first electrode structure 104.

[0146] In normal operation, the electric current is thus conducted through the organic material 106 of the OLED 100, since the varistor 110 exhibits a very high electrical resistance, allowing the OLED 100 to illuminate. In the event of overvoltage (e.g., during voltage spikes or an ESD event), the electric current is diverted via the electrodes 104 and 108, since the varistor 110 exhibits a very low electrical resistance, thus preventing the OLED 100 from illuminating. The switching point of the varistor can be adjusted via the thickness and area of ​​the zinc oxide layer.

[0147] Fig. Figure 7 illustrates a schematic flowchart for a method 700 for fabricating an optoelectronic device 100, wherein the method 700 may comprise: in 710, forming a first layer structure 204 on a support, wherein the first layer structure 204 has an optically transparent, electrically conductive first electrode region 104t and a varistor region 110, wherein the varistor region 110 is (e.g., directly) adjacent to the optically transparent, electrically conductive electrode region 104t; in 720, forming an organic, optically functional layer structure 106, which is arranged at least partially over the optically transparent, electrically conductive electrode region 104t; and, in 730, forming an electrode structure 108 (e.g.,a second electrode), which is arranged at least partially above the organic optically functional layer structure 106, wherein the first electrode region 104t and the electrode structure 108 electrically contact the organic optically functional layer structure 106, and wherein the electrode structure 108 further contacts the varistor region 110. According to various embodiments, the optically transparent, electrically conductive first electrode region 104t can be part of the first electrode structure 104, as described above.

[0148] Fig. Figure 8A illustrates a support 102 (e.g., a substrate 102 of the optoelectronic component 100 as described herein) during its manufacture, e.g., during the process 700 for manufacturing an optoelectronic component 100 according to various embodiments. In a first process step 800a, the support 102 is coated with a zinc oxide layer 804. This can be done, for example, by sputtering (a so-called sputter deposition) or by sintering, etc. In a second process step 800b, the zinc oxide layer 804 is sectionally doped with aluminum. For example, the zinc oxide layer 804 can be sectionally covered by a mask structure (e.g., a paint mask, etc.), while the aluminum can diffuse into or be implanted into the uncovered areas of the zinc oxide layer 804, so that aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) is formed there.Doping can be achieved, for example, by thermal diffusion or by ion implantation.

[0149] Alternatively, as in Fig. As schematically illustrated in Figure 9, the varistor layer structure 110 can first be formed in a structured manner on the support 102 in a first process step 900a, and then at least a part (e.g. the optically transparent electrically conductive first electrode area 104t) of the first electrode structure 104 is formed in a second process step 900b.

[0150] Alternatively, an aluminum-doped zinc oxide layer can first be formed on the substrate 102, which is then partially removed (e.g. by means of a laser or by etching), so that varistor material can be filled into the varistor areas thus provided between the remaining aluminum-doped zinc oxide.

[0151] According to various embodiments, in the Fig. 8 and Fig. Figure 9 illustrates a method for substrate fabrication at different process times, according to various embodiments. The substrate 102 thus produced can, for example, be the carrier 102 in the optoelectronic component 100, wherein the first electrode structure 104 and the varistor layer structure 110 are already present on the carrier 102.

Claims

[1] Optoelectronic component (100) comprising: • a carrier (102); • a zinc oxide layer arranged on the support (102) with a first area (104t) and a second area (110), • wherein the first region (104t) is a first electrode structure (104) doped with aluminium, that the first region (104t) is transparent and electrically conductive, and • wherein the zinc oxide layer in the second region (110) has a lower doping level than the first electrode structure (104); • an organic optically functional layer structure (106) which is arranged at least partially over the first electrode structure (104); • a second electrode structure (108) which is arranged at least partially above the organic optical functional layer structure (106), wherein the first electrode structure (104) and the second electrode structure (108) electrically contact the organic optical functional layer structure (106); and • wherein the zinc oxide layer in the second region (110) is formed as a varistor layer structure (110) which is arranged between the first electrode structure (104) and the second electrode structure (108) and contacts the two electrode structures (104, 108), • wherein the varistor layer structure (110) borders the optically transparent first region (104t), • wherein the varistor layer structure (110) and the first electrode structure (104) have essentially the same layer thickness, • wherein the varistor layer structure (110) is arranged at least partially between the organic optical functional layer structure (106) and the support (102), • wherein the varistor layer structure (110) is arranged at least partially between the second electrode structure (108) and the support (102), and • wherein the first region (104t) of the first electrode structure (104) is laterally bounded by the varistor layer structure (110). [2] Optoelectronic device according to claim 1, wherein the varistor layer structure (110) is arranged as an encapsulation layer (210) which is arranged at least partially over the second electrode structure (108) and / or the organic optical functional layer structure (106). [3] Optoelectronic component according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a thermal conducting layer (410) which is in direct contact with the varistor layer structure (110). [4] Optoelectronic device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the varistor layer structure (110) is substantially free of aluminium doping. [5] Optoelectronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the zinc oxide is polycrystalline. [6] Method for manufacturing an optoelectronic device (100) comprising the method: • Forming a zinc oxide layer with a first region (104t) and a second region (110) on a support, wherein the first region (104t) is formed as a first electrode region (104t) by doping the zinc oxide layer in the first region (104t) with aluminium such that the first region (104t) is transparent and electrically conductive, and wherein the zinc oxide layer in the second region (110) is formed with a lower doping concentration than the first electrode structure (104); • Forming an optically functional layer structure (106) which is arranged at least partially over the optically transparent electrically conductive electrode region (104t); and • Forming an electrode structure (108) which is at least partially arranged over the optically functional layer structure (106), wherein the first electrode region (104t) and the electrode structure (108) electrically contact the optically functional layer structure (106), • wherein the electrode structure (108) further contacts the varistor layer structure (110); • wherein the varistor layer structure (110) borders the optically transparent first region (104t), • wherein the varistor layer structure (110) and the first electrode structure (104) have essentially the same layer thickness, • wherein the varistor layer structure (110) is formed at least partially between the organic optical functional layer structure (106) and the support (102), • wherein the varistor layer structure (110) is formed at least partially between the second electrode structure (108) and the support (102), and • wherein the first region (104t) of the first electrode structure (104) is laterally bounded by the varistor layer structure (110). [7] Method according to claim 6, wherein the varistor layer structure (110) is arranged as an encapsulation layer (210) which is arranged at least partially over the second electrode structure (108) and / or the organic optical functional layer structure (106). [8] Method according to claim 6 or 7, further comprising: Formation of a thermal conductivity layer (410) which is formed in direct contact with the varistor layer structure (110).

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