Organic Electroluminescent Element Segmented Anode Light Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional organic electroluminescent elements face challenges in increasing their surface area while maintaining light extraction efficiency, particularly when using low refractive index anode materials like PEDOT, which complicates the integration of supplemental interconnects and insulating layers.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a light-transmissive second electrode with a supplemental interconnect unit that includes regions with different conductive materials, such as PEDOT and ITO, and strategically positions these units between the substrate and the first electrode to enhance conductivity and light extraction without sacrificing surface area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If low refractive index anode materials like PEDOT are used, then light extraction efficiency is improved, but integration of supplemental interconnects and insulating layers becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The anode is divided into multiple regions with different refractive indices: a first anode region with low refractive index (PEDOT) for light extraction enhancement, and a second anode region with high refractive index (ITO) for electrical conductivity and interconnect integration. This segmentation allows each region to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the anode are assigned different material properties: the first anode region uses PEDOT with low refractive index optimized for light extraction, while the second anode region uses ITO with high refractive index optimized for electrical conductivity and interconnect compatibility. Each local region has quality tailored to its specific function.
2Area of stationary object
If the surface area of the organic electroluminescent element is increased, then lighting coverage is improved, but maintaining light extraction efficiency becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The solution moves from considering only the planar surface area to incorporating the vertical dimension with multiple anode regions at different positions. By stacking the first and second anode regions vertically, the design achieves both large surface area coverage and maintained light extraction efficiency through the multi-layer structure.
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 allows for a greater surface area and improved light extraction efficiency, enabling the organic electroluminescent element to emit white light effectively while maintaining sufficient conductivity.
Implementation Method 1
Light is emitted from the organic light emitting layer by applying a voltage between these electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an organic electroluminescent element includes a substrate, a first electrode, a second electrode, an organic layer and a first conductive unit. The substrate is light-transmissive. The second electrode is provided between the substrate and the first electrode. The second electrode is light-transmissive. The second electrode includes a first region and a second region. A direction connecting the first region and the second region intersects a first direction connecting the substrate and the first electrode. The organic layer is provided between the second electrode and the first electrode. The first conductive unit is provided between the first region and a portion of the substrate. The first conductive unit is electrically connected with the second electrode. The first conductive unit includes a third region and a fourth region. A portion of the fourth region is disposed between the substrate and at least a portion of the third region.