OLED Outcoupling Layer Non-Lambertian Radiation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) typically exhibit Lambertian radiation characteristics, which lack directional intensity, making it difficult to achieve focused forward radiation for applications like light planarization and glare suppression.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an outcoupling layer with optical structures that vary along a lateral direction, such as scatter particles or microlenses, to create a non-Lambertian radiation distribution curve, allowing for flexible adjustment of light distribution and potentially eliminating the need for reflectors or glare suppression lamellae.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an outcoupling layer with optical structures is added to modify radiation distribution, then directional light distribution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
An outcoupling layer is introduced as an intermediary component between the OLED and the external environment. This layer contains optical structures (scatter particles, microlenses, or surface elevations) that mediate the radiation distribution, transforming the Lambertian pattern into a non-Lambertian pattern without modifying the OLED structure itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The outcoupling layer can be segmented into different regions with different optical structures, allowing independent optimization of different areas. For example, different regions can have different concentrations of scatter particles or different microlens configurations to achieve spatially varying light distribution characteristics.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an outcoupling layer is added to achieve non-Lambertian radiation, then radiation directionality is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outcoupling layer serves as a separate intermediary component that can be manufactured independently using suitable techniques (such as applying scatter particles, forming microlenses, or creating surface structures) and then integrated with the OLED, simplifying the overall manufacturing process compared to modifying the OLED structure itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical properties of the outcoupling layer can be adjusted by changing parameters such as the concentration, size, and distribution of scatter particles, or the geometry of microlenses and surface elevations. This allows flexible optimization of radiation directionality without requiring complex manufacturing processes.
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
The solution enables OLEDs to emit electromagnetic radiation with a focused forward direction, achieving a non-Lambertian radiation distribution that can be tailored for specific applications, enhancing flexibility and reducing device thickness.
Implementation Method 1
The outcoupling layer influences the radiation passing through it in a varying manner optically by means of the optical structures along a lateral direction. In particular, the radiation passing through the outcoupling layer is scattered or deflected by the optical structures.
Data Source
AI summary
An light-emitting apparatus and a method for producing a light-emitting apparatus are disclosed. In an embodiment, the apparatus includes at least one organic device and an outcoupling layer, wherein the at least one organic device emits electromagnetic radiation during operation, wherein the outcoupling layer contains optical structures, and wherein the apparatus has a non-Lambertian radiation distribution curve during operation. The outcoupling layer influences the radiation passing through it in an optically varying manner by the optical structures along a lateral direction in order to produce the non-Lambertian radiation distribution curve.