OLED Multilayer Refractive Index Dispersion for Wavelength Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light sources like OLEDs and LEDs emit broad-spectrum radiation, making it challenging to achieve wavelength-specific detection due to the large angle spectrum, which limits their application in spectroscopic measurements and sensor systems.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer system with alternating layers of higher and lower optical refractive indices is integrated between the electrode and substrate of OLEDs or LEDs, dispersing light radiation into defined angles, allowing for spatially and wavelength-resolved detection using a detector array.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a classical point light source is combined with a monochromator, then wavelength-specific detection is achieved, but intensity losses occur and only one wavelength or a very limited wavelength spectrum can be used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the broad-spectrum light from OLEDs/LEDs into multiple wavelength components using a multilayer system, where each layer redirects specific wavelength ranges at defined angles, enabling simultaneous detection of multiple wavelengths without the intensity losses of sequential monochromator scanning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from temporal wavelength selection (sequential scanning) to spatial wavelength separation, where different wavelengths are emitted at different angles simultaneously, adding a spatial dimension to wavelength resolution and enabling parallel detection across the spectrum
2Adaptability or versatility
If OLEDs or LEDs are used as light sources, then broad-spectrum radiation is emitted, but wavelength-specific detection is challenging due to the large angle spectrum
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making different regions of the emitted radiation field (different angles) correspond to different wavelengths, so that specific angular regions can be detected for wavelength-specific measurements while maintaining overall broad-spectrum capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the angular parameter of light emission by using a multilayer system with varying refractive indices to redirect different wavelengths at specific angles, transforming the broad-spectrum isotropic emission into anisotropic emission with defined angular-wavelength correspondence
3Adaptability or versatility
If the large angle spectrum of emitted radiation is used, then broad spectral coverage is achieved, but the radiation cannot be effectively used for sensor determination due to undefined directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary angular sorting of wavelengths at the light source level using a multilayer system, so that when the radiation reaches the sensor, the wavelength-to-angle mapping is already established, simplifying the sensor design and operation for wavelength-specific detection
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 use of OLEDs or LEDs as metrological light sources, providing wavelength-specific light radiation at defined angles for improved sensor determination and spectroscopic measurements, reducing the need for complex optical systems and minimizing intensity losses.
Implementation Method 1
light radiation dispersed in a defined manner by means of the multilayer system being incident onto at least one detector array configured for the spatially resolved detection of light radiation after at least simple refraction at an optical element
Implementation Method 2
after at least simple refraction at an optical element or after reflection at a layer or at a layer system of a sensor
Implementation Method 3
a multilayer system is present between an electrode of an OLED or of an LED that is formed using layers formed alternately above one another from a material having a higher and a lower optical refractive index n
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an arrangement for a spatially resolved and wavelength-resolved detection of light radiation emitted from at least one OLED or LED. A multilayer system is arranged between an electrode, an OLED or an LED, and a substrate and is formed using layers formed alternately above one another from a material having higher and lower optical refractive indices n. In this respect, light radiation from the at least one OLED or LED and having a plurality of different wavelengths λ1, λ2, λ3, . . . λn thus exits the multilayer system. Light radiation that exits at different wavelengths λ1, λ2, λ3, . . . λn at different angles is incident onto at least one detector array after at least a simple refraction at an optical element or after reflection at a layer or at a layer system of a sensor such that light radiation at a wavelength λ1, λ2, λ3, . . . or λn is incident onto a respective detector element of the detector array. The detector elements of the detector array are arranged discretely from one another.