OLED Cathode NP Junction for Low Voltage Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional organic electroluminescent devices face challenges in achieving low driving voltage and high brightness due to limitations in cathode material selection and electron injection barriers, which affect light emitting efficiency and stability.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a p-type organic material layer between the cathode and the light emitting layer, and an n-type organic material layer between the p-type layer and the light emitting layer, allowing for various cathode materials and reducing the need for electron injection layers, thereby enhancing light emitting efficiency and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If conventional cathode materials and electron injection layers are used, then device structure is simple, but driving voltage is high and light emitting efficiency is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight emitting efficiencyVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electron transporting layer is segmented into two distinct layers: a first electron transporting layer adjacent to the cathode and a second electron transporting layer adjacent to the light emitting layer. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for specific functions - the first layer focuses on electron injection from the cathode while the second layer focuses on electron transport to the light emitting layer, thereby improving overall electron injection efficiency and light emitting efficiency without requiring additional complex structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first electron transporting layer acts as an intermediary between the cathode and the second electron transporting layer. It facilitates electron injection from the cathode into the organic material structure and transfers these electrons to the second layer, which then delivers them to the light emitting layer. This intermediary structure resolves the contradiction by improving electron injection efficiency without requiring complex additional components beyond the layered organic material structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If electron injection layers are added to improve electron injection, then light emitting efficiency improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectron injection efficiencyVSAvoidnumber of layers
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Both the first and second electron transporting layers serve multiple functions: the first layer provides electron injection from the cathode and interfaces with the second layer, while the second layer transports electrons to the light emitting layer and maintains proper energy level alignment. This multi-functionality within the two-layer structure achieves high electron injection efficiency without requiring separate dedicated electron injection layers, thus avoiding increased device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention optimizes the energy level parameters of the electron transporting layers, specifically ensuring that the LUMO level of the first electron transporting layer is lower than that of the second layer. This parameter change creates a favorable energy gradient for electron injection and transport, improving electron injection efficiency through proper energy level alignment rather than through additional structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-generated harmful factors

If cathode material selection is restricted to achieve low work function, then electron injection is improved, but material versatility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectron injection barrierVSAvoidcathode material selection
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the energy level parameters of the electron transporting layers, specifically setting the LUMO level of the first layer lower than that of the second layer. This parameter optimization creates a favorable energy gradient that reduces the electron injection barrier at the cathode interface, allowing for improved electron injection without restricting cathode material selection to only low work function materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The first electron transporting layer serves as an intermediary between the cathode and the rest of the organic material structure. It mediates the electron injection process by providing proper energy level alignment and facilitating electron transfer from various cathode materials into the organic layers, thereby reducing the electron injection barrier while maintaining versatility in cathode material selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 configuration results in an organic electroluminescent device with low driving voltage, high brightness, and improved light emitting efficiency, enabling the use of diverse cathode materials without increasing voltage or compromising stability.

Implementation Method 1

the first n-type organic material layer and the first p-type organic material layer form an NP junction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNP junction: Diode

Implementation Method 2

An organic electroluminescent device converts a current into visible light by injecting electrons and holes from two electrodes into an organic material layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Data Source

PatentEP2752904B1Organic light emitting diode
Publication Date: 2020.07.01 LG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP2752904B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2752904B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2752904B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present specification discloses an organic electroluminescent device including an anode, a cathode, a light emitting layer provided between the cathode and the anode, a first p-type organic material layer provided between the cathode and the light emitting layer, and a first n-type organic material layer provided between the first p-type organic material layer and the light emitting layer.