Hybrid OLED Light Source with Polymer and Small Molecule Layers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional polymer-based OLEDs face difficulties in adjusting color and light output, as they rely on solution processing techniques that limit the ability to fine-tune emission spectra.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid electroluminescent device structure is introduced, incorporating a polymer-based light emitting layer with an additional small molecule layer fabricated using thermal evaporation techniques, allowing for easier tuning of the color spectrum by adding a single deposition step, while maintaining solution processing advantages.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If solution processing techniques are used for polymer-based OLEDs, then manufacturing ease is improved, but color tuning capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolution processing easeVSAvoidcolor tuning capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into multiple functional layers: a polymer-based light emitting layer processed by solution methods and a small molecule emissive layer processed by thermal evaporation. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific processing method while working together to achieve color tuning capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite structure combining polymer materials (for solution processing) and small molecule materials (for thermal evaporation). This composite approach leverages the advantages of both material types: the ease of solution processing from polymers and the color tuning capability from small molecules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If a hybrid structure with small molecule layer is added, then color tuning capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor spectrum tuningVSAvoiddevice structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The emissive function is segmented between two specialized layers: the polymer layer handles light emission through solution processing while the small molecule layer provides color tuning through thermal evaporation. This functional segmentation achieves color spectrum tuning without requiring complete redesign of the entire device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hybrid emissive structure serves multiple functions: the polymer layer provides the foundational light emission and maintains solution processing advantages, while the small molecule layer adds color tuning capability. Together, they create a multi-functional emissive system that achieves both ease of manufacture and color versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This hybrid structure enables high efficiency and flexible color tuning, enhancing the ability to produce light of desired wavelengths and improving the overall performance of OLED devices.

Implementation Method 1

an additional small molecule layer fabricated by thermal evaporation techniques

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal evaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 2

hybrid electroluminescent device structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Data Source

PatentUS7679282B2Polymer and small molecule based hybrid light source

Publication Date: 2010.03.16 OSRAM OLED

AI summary

An organic electroluminescent device, includes: a substrate; a hole-injecting electrode (anode) coated over the substrate; a hole injection layer coated over the anode; a hole transporting layer coated over the hole injection layer; a polymer based light emitting layer, coated over the hole transporting layer; a small molecule based light emitting layer, thermally evaporated over the polymer based light emitting layer; and an electron-injecting electrode (cathode) deposited over the electroluminescent polymer layer.