OLED Native Oxide Removal via High-Oxidation Metal Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
The formation of a native oxide layer on metal electrodes in organic light emitting devices (OLEDs) hinders electron and hole injecting efficiency and deteriorates the light emitting properties and lifetime characteristics, particularly in top emission type OLEDs, due to the low aperture ratio and increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where a layer formed using a metal with a higher oxidation rate than the first electrode is deposited before the organic material layer, reacting with the native oxide layer to replace it, thereby improving injecting properties and reducing current leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metal electrode is used in OLED, then good electrical conductivity is achieved, but a native oxide layer forms on the surface which deteriorates electron and hole injecting efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
An organic material layer is formed in advance on the metal electrode surface before the device is exposed to air. This preliminary layer acts as a protective barrier that prevents oxidation of the metal electrode during subsequent processing steps, thereby eliminating the harmful native oxide layer while maintaining good electrical conductivity
Solution Approach 2:
The organic material layer serves as an intermediary between the metal electrode and the external environment. This intermediate layer protects the metal electrode from direct contact with oxygen and moisture, preventing oxide formation while allowing the device to function properly
2Area of stationary object
If bottom emission type OLED is used, then substrate contact is achieved, but aperture ratio becomes less than 40% which increases power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The device structure is inverted from bottom emission to top emission configuration. By making the top electrode transparent instead of the bottom electrode, light can escape through the top surface, allowing for a larger aperture ratio while maintaining proper device function and reducing power consumption
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 effectively reduces or removes the native oxide layer, enhancing electron and hole injecting efficiency, improving light emitting properties, and extending the lifetime of OLEDs while maintaining a high aperture ratio and reducing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a layer formed using a metal with a higher oxidation rate than the first electrode is deposited before the organic material layer, reacting with the native oxide layer to replace it
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for producing an organic light emitting device, comprising a step of sequentially forming on a substrate a first electrode formed of a metal, one or more organic material layers including a light emitting layer, and a second electrode, which comprises a step of forming a layer on the first electrode using a metal having the higher oxidation rate than the first electrode before forming the organic material layer, and to an organic light emitting device produced by the same.