OLED Emission Layer Dopant Optimization for Exciton Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs) face challenges in achieving a long lifespan due to issues with exciton density and decomposition caused by high emission energy of phosphorescent dopants, leading to reduced luminescence efficiency and increased current requirements.

Innovation Solution

The use of an organic light-emitting device with a phosphorescent emission layer containing an organometallic dopant with a photoluminescence quantum yield of 0.8 to 1.0 and a decay time of 0.1 to 2.9 microseconds, where the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy level difference between the dopant and host is optimized, reducing exciton concentration and decomposition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If phosphorescent dopants with high emission energy are used to improve luminescence efficiency, then luminescence efficiency is improved, but exciton density increases causing decomposition and reduced lifespan

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveluminescence efficiencyVSAvoiddevice lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by carefully selecting and optimizing the HOMO energy level difference between dopant and host (0.1-0.4 eV), dopant concentration (0.1-10 wt%), and decay time (0.1-2.9 μs) to achieve high luminescence efficiency while controlling exciton density to prevent decomposition

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The host material acts as an intermediary between the dopant and excitons, with its HOMO energy level strategically positioned to mediate exciton management. The host accepts excitons from the dopant while its energy level prevents excessive exciton accumulation that would lead to decomposition

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Illumination intensity

If phosphorescent dopants are used to achieve full-color images, then color emission is achieved, but high emission energy causes exciton decomposition

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor emissionVSAvoidexciton decomposition
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses parameter changes by optimizing the dopant's HOMO energy level relative to the host (0.1-0.4 eV difference) and controlling the decay time (0.1-2.9 μs) to enable efficient color emission while preventing exciton decomposition through controlled energy transfer

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potentially harmful high emission energy into a beneficial effect by using it to drive efficient phosphorescent emission while the controlled energy transfer to the host prevents decomposition, turning what could be damaging energy into useful light output

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Illumination intensity

If exciton density is increased to improve emission intensity, then emission intensity is improved, but decomposition increases reducing device stability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveemission intensityVSAvoiddevice stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing dopant concentration (0.1-10 wt%), HOMO energy level difference (0.1-0.4 eV), and decay time (0.1-2.9 μs) to achieve the desired emission intensity while maintaining exciton density within safe limits that prevent decomposition

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses partial action by employing moderate dopant concentrations (0.1-10 wt%) rather than high concentrations, which provides sufficient emission intensity through optimized energy transfer while avoiding excessive exciton accumulation that would cause decomposition

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 improved luminescence efficiency, reduced current requirements, and extended lifespan by minimizing exciton density and decomposition, leading to a more stable and efficient OLED performance.

Implementation Method 1

the emission layer may emits a phosphorescent light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhosphorescence: Phosphorescence

Implementation Method 2

a photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of the dopant is 0.8 or greater and 1.0 or less

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoluminescence: Photoluminescence

Implementation Method 3

The holes and the electrons recombine in the emission layer to produce excitons. These excitons transit from an excited state to a ground state to thereby generate light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Implementation Method 4

Film 1 is a film having a thickness of 40 nanometers (nm) obtained by vacuum-deposition of the host and the dopant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical vapor deposition: Physical Vapour Deposition

Data Source

PatentEP3451403B1Organic light-emitting device
Publication Date: 2020.02.12 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3451403B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3451403B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3451403B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An organic light-emitting device satisfying certain parameters is provided.