OLED Emitter Confinement via Fluorine Barrier and Segmented Intermediate Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing organic light emitting display (OLED) devices face challenges in forming a uniform organic emitting layer with high resolution and contrast, particularly as device size increases, due to limitations in patterning processes such as inkjet, spin, or nozzle printing.
Innovation Solution
The OLED device incorporates a novel structure with a fluorine-containing layer and multiple patterns in the intermediate layer, each with distinct electrical and chemical properties, to confine the emitting layer selectively within pixel regions, preventing lateral diffusion and improving resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional patterning processes (inkjet, spin, or nozzle printing) are used to form the organic emitting layer, then the device can be manufactured with existing technology, but the organic emitting layer cannot be formed uniformly with high resolution and contrast, especially as device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate layer is divided into multiple patterns with different electrical conductivities (first, second, and third patterns), allowing selective formation of the emitting layer in different regions. This segmentation enables precise control over where the emitting layer forms, achieving high resolution and uniformity that conventional single-layer patterning cannot provide
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the intermediate layer are assigned different electrical properties (conductive first pattern, insulating second pattern, and semi-conductive third pattern) to create specific local conditions that guide the emitting layer formation. This local differentiation of properties allows the emitting layer to be precisely confined to pixel regions while preventing lateral diffusion
2Manufacturing precision
If the intermediate layer is made uniformly conductive to facilitate charge transport, then charge injection is improved, but the emitting layer cannot be selectively confined within pixel regions, leading to lateral diffusion and reduced resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate layer is divided into regions with different electrical conductivities: the first pattern maintains high conductivity for charge injection, while the second pattern provides insulation to confine the emitting layer. This local differentiation allows simultaneous optimization of charge transport and emitting layer confinement
Solution Approach 2:
The third pattern with semi-conductive properties acts as an intermediary between the highly conductive first pattern and the insulating second pattern, providing a transition zone that facilitates controlled charge transport while maintaining boundary definition for emitting layer confinement
3Manufacturing precision
If the emitting layer is allowed to diffuse laterally for uniform coverage, then coverage is improved, but resolution and contrast are reduced due to blurring and smearing between pixel regions
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating second pattern is positioned to preemptively block lateral diffusion of the emitting layer before it can spread into non-pixel regions. This preliminary barrier prevents blurring and smearing, maintaining sharp boundaries between pixels while allowing sufficient emitting layer formation within designated areas
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 approach enables the formation of OLED devices with high resolution and contrast by selectively confining the emitting layer, preventing blurring and smearing, and enhancing luminescent characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
The fluorine-containing layer includes fluorine diffused from the pixel defining layer or the first intermediate layer
Data Source
AI summary
An organic light emitting display device includes a plurality of first electrodes, a pixel defining layer, a first intermediate layer, a fluorine-containing layer, an emitting layer and a second electrode. The first electrodes are spaced apart from each other on a substrate. The pixel defining layer is disposed on the substrate. The pixel defining layer partially exposes the first electrodes. The first intermediate layer is disposed on the substrate, the pixel defining layer and the exposed first electrodes. The fluorine-containing layer is formed on a portion of the first intermediate layer overlapping an upper surface of the pixel defining layer. The fluorine-containing layer includes fluorine diffused from the pixel defining layer or the first intermediate layer. The emitting layer is at least partially disposed on a portion of the first intermediate layer not including the fluorine-containing layer thereon. The second electrode is disposed on the emitting layer.