Flexible OLED Light Extraction and Encapsulation Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible OLED displays face issues with low light extraction efficiency due to encapsulation film breaking or peeling upon bending, and significant photon loss at the organic material and cathode interface due to refractive index differences.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the formation of a flexible OLED display with a light extracting enhanced layer between polymerization portions, using inorganic materials for the encapsulation layers and an organic buffer layer, which enhances light extraction efficiency and prevents encapsulation layer damage during bending.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible OLED device uses a conventional encapsulating film structure, then the device can be bent or folded, but the encapsulating film breaks or peels upon bending
Solution Approach 1:
The encapsulation structure is segmented into multiple inorganic layers (first encapsulation layer, second encapsulation layer) separated by an organic buffer layer. This segmentation allows each layer to independently accommodate bending stresses, preventing the encapsulation film from breaking or peeling while maintaining flexibility of the OLED device
Solution Approach 2:
The encapsulation structure uses composite materials combining inorganic materials (for waterproofing and barrier properties) and organic materials (for flexibility and stress absorption). This composite structure achieves both flexibility and reliability, allowing the device to be bent while maintaining encapsulation integrity
2Device complexity
If a flexible OLED device uses a conventional encapsulation structure, then the device structure is simple, but the encapsulation film breaks or peels upon bending
Solution Approach 1:
The encapsulation structure is divided into multiple discrete inorganic layers with an organic buffer layer in between, creating a segmented architecture that enhances reliability during bending while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure
Solution Approach 2:
An organic buffer layer is introduced as an intermediary between the first and second inorganic encapsulation layers. This intermediary layer absorbs bending stresses and prevents stress concentration, thereby preventing encapsulation film failure while adding minimal structural complexity
3Ease of manufacture
If a flexible OLED device uses a conventional encapsulation structure, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the encapsulation film breaks or peels upon bending
Solution Approach 1:
The encapsulation structure is manufactured as segmented layers using conventional thin-film deposition techniques, allowing each layer to be deposited independently through existing manufacturing processes without requiring complex new equipment or methods
Solution Approach 2:
The organic buffer layer serves as a mediator that can be deposited using standard organic thin-film fabrication methods, integrating seamlessly into existing manufacturing workflows while providing the necessary mechanical compliance to prevent encapsulation failure
4Device complexity
If a flexible OLED device uses a conventional encapsulation structure, then the device structure is simple, but light photons are restricted in the substrate or dissipate at the organic material and cathode interface
Solution Approach 1:
The encapsulation structure incorporates localized light extraction features with varying refractive indices at different positions and depths. This local quality variation creates multiple light extraction pathways, reducing photon loss at the organic material and cathode interface while maintaining overall structural simplicity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method significantly improves light extraction efficiency and prevents encapsulation layer damage, enabling flexible OLED displays to maintain performance during bending and folding while enhancing light scattering properties.
Implementation Method 1
the light extracting enhanced portions are configured to enhance a light extracting efficiency of the organic light emitting diode
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible organic light emitting diode display and a method of fabricating the same are provided. The method has steps of: performing a patterning process on a photoresist layer to form a plurality of photoresist portions; etching a fluoropolymer layer to form a plurality of polymerization portions; depositing a material of a light extracting enhanced layer on the photoresist portions to form a plurality of light extracting enhanced portions; removing the fluoropolymer layer and the photoresist layer; fabricating a buffer layer on the light extracting enhanced portions; and fabricating a second waterproof layer on the buffer layer.