Multilayer Inorganic Encapsulation for OLED Light Extraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing organic electroluminescence display devices face challenges in achieving high light efficiency and long service life due to limitations in light extraction and protection from external factors like water and oxygen.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves an organic electroluminescence display device with a multilayer encapsulating structure, where the inorganic layer adjacent to the display member has a multilayer structure with alternating high and low refractive index layers, and the remaining inorganic layers and organic layers have single-layer structures, enhancing light extraction efficiency and protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a single-layer inorganic encapsulating structure is used, then the device structure is simple and manufacturing is easier, but the light extraction efficiency is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveencapsulating structure fabricationVSAvoidlight extraction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The first inorganic layer is segmented into multiple sub-layers (first sub inorganic layer, second sub inorganic layer, third sub inorganic layer) with alternating high and low refractive indices. This segmentation enables the layer to extract different wavelength components of light (blue, green, red) more efficiently, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and light extraction performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different sub-layers within the first inorganic layer are assigned different refractive indices and thicknesses optimized for specific wavelength ranges. The first sub inorganic layer targets blue light (380-450 nm), the second sub inorganic layer targets green light (480-580 nm), and the third sub inorganic layer targets red light (590-700 nm). This local optimization of optical properties resolves the contradiction by enabling wavelength-specific light extraction without requiring a completely complex multi-layer structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the encapsulating member provides comprehensive protection against water and oxygen, then the service life is extended, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice lifeVSAvoidencapsulating member structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The encapsulating member is segmented into multiple functional layers: inorganic layers (310a, 310b, 310c) for barrier protection against water and oxygen, and organic layers (320a, 320b) for additional protection and stress management. This segmentation allows each layer to specialize in specific protective functions, achieving comprehensive protection while maintaining reasonable structural complexity through systematic layer assignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The encapsulating member uses a composite structure combining inorganic materials (silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride) and organic materials (polymer encapsulation layers). This composite approach leverages the advantages of both material types: inorganic layers provide excellent barrier properties against water and oxygen penetration, while organic layers provide flexibility, stress relief, and additional protection. The composite structure achieves superior reliability without excessive complexity by selecting materials that complement each other's strengths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 improves the light extraction efficiency of red, green, and blue light, leading to superior white light efficiency and extends the service life of the display device by preventing degradation from external factors.

Implementation Method 1

the first inorganic layer has a multilayer structure in which first layers having a first refractive index and second layers having a second refractive index different from the first refractive index are alternately disposed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical interference: Interference

Data Source

PatentUS10483484B2Organic electroluminescence display device
Publication Date: 2019.11.19 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • US10483484B2 patent drawing
  • US10483484B2 patent drawing
  • US10483484B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided is an organic electroluminescence display device including a base member, a display member disposed on the base member and including an organic electroluminescent element; and an encapsulating member disposed on the display member and encapsulating the display member. The encapsulating member includes a first inorganic layer disposed on the display member; a first organic layer disposed on the first inorganic layer; and a second inorganic layer disposed on the first organic layer. The first inorganic layer has a multilayer structure in which first layers having a first refractive index and second layers having a second refractive index different from the first refractive index are alternately disposed. Each of the first organic layer and the second inorganic layer has a single layer structure.