Organic Light Emitting Device Furrow Electrode Light Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The organic light emitting device experiences light loss due to light being totally reflected or dissipated to the side, reducing its efficiency in displaying images.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates a substrate with an insulating layer featuring a furrow along the edges of the first electrode, where a portion of the second electrode is disposed, guiding light emitted from the organic light emitting member towards the substrate for improved light utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If light is emitted from the emission layer in all directions, then the organic light emitting device can maximize light generation, but light is totally reflected or dissipated to the side causing light efficiency to decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional zones: a light-emitting region above the emission layer and a light-guiding region within the furrow. This segmentation allows light to be directed into specific pathways (the furrow) that guide it toward the substrate, preventing lateral dissipation and improving light efficiency without requiring complete structural redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The furrow acts as an intermediary structure between the emission layer and the substrate. It serves as a light-guiding channel that captures light emitted in various directions and redirects it toward the substrate, mediating the light's path and preventing total internal reflection or lateral loss.
2Loss of energy
If the second electrode is extended into the furrow, then light guidance towards the substrate is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The second electrode is merged with the furrow structure, forming an integrated component where the electrode extends along the furrow's length. This merging allows the electrode to serve dual functions: electrical contact and light guidance, simplifying the overall structure while improving light efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The furrow structure serves multiple functions: it acts as a physical support structure, a light-guiding channel, and a pathway for the second electrode. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, easing manufacturing while improving light efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If light is allowed to dissipate laterally, then the emission layer can emit light in all directions, but the light is not used for image display reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The furrow introduces local quality variation by creating a specific geometric feature at the edges of the emission layer. This local structural modification changes the light propagation characteristics in that specific region, guiding light toward the substrate while allowing other regions to maintain their emission properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The furrow adds a vertical dimension to light guidance by creating a downward-sloping structure that directs light toward the substrate. This dimensional change transforms light that would otherwise travel laterally into light that travels vertically downward, improving efficiency without restricting the emission layer's overall emission capability.
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 enhances light efficiency by ensuring most light generated is emitted towards the substrate for image display, thereby increasing the overall light efficiency of the organic light emitting device.
Implementation Method 1
Electrons injected from one of the electrodes and holes injected from the other electrode are combined in the light emitting layer to form excitons, and the excitons release energy and cause light to be emitted
Implementation Method 2
Light emitted from the emission layer of the organic light emitting device passes through various layers having different refractive indexes. However, when the light is totally reflected or is dissipated to the side, the light is not used to display the images
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an organic light emitting device including a substrate, an insulating layer disposed on the substrate, a first electrode disposed on the insulating layer, an organic light emitting member disposed on the first electrode, and a second electrode disposed on the organic light emitting member. The insulating layer includes a furrow corresponding to at least one edge of the first electrode, and at least a portion of the second electrode is disposed in the furrow.