Optoelectronic Component with Electrically Tunable Scattering Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for altering the emission characteristic of organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) are either unsuitable for surface light sources, slow, or produce inhomogeneous results, as they rely on macroscopic optical components, microlenses, or temperature-dependent scattering structures.
Innovation Solution
An optoelectronic component with an optically active structure and a scattering structure in the beam path, utilizing a birefringent substance like liquid crystals integrated into microstructured cavities, allowing for electrical control of the directional characteristic of electromagnetic radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If macroscopic optical components (reflectors or lens systems) are used to alter emission characteristic, then emission direction can be changed, but surface impression is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical control function into microscopic scattering centers distributed across the surface rather than using a single macroscopic component. This segmentation allows emission characteristic alteration while preserving the overall surface appearance, as each scattering center is too small to be individually perceived but collectively provides optical control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local optical properties by creating scattering centers with specific refractive index differences at localized positions on the surface. These local structures (microlenses, scattering particles, or surface structures) modify light emission in their immediate vicinity while maintaining the global surface appearance, enabling directional control without sacrificing surface impression.
2Ease of operation
If microlenses are used to alter emission characteristic, then emission direction can be changed, but emission characteristic cannot be altered in a variable manner
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic control by making the scattering structure's optical properties changeable through temperature variation. The scattering centers' refractive index difference changes with temperature, allowing the emission characteristic to be dynamically adjusted between directional and diffuse patterns, thus achieving variable emission control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the scattering structure by varying temperature. The refractive index of the scattering centers or surrounding medium changes with temperature, which modifies the scattering strength and enables variable emission characteristic control without changing the physical structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If temperature-controlled scattering structure is used to alter emission characteristic, then emission characteristic can be changed, but the change is sluggish and produces inhomogeneous appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal control mechanism with an electric field-controlled liquid crystal system. Liquid crystals can be switched rapidly by applying voltage, eliminating the sluggish thermal response. The electric field reorients liquid crystal molecules to change the scattering property, achieving fast and uniform emission characteristic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses liquid crystals (a fluid phase material) whose optical properties can be controlled by electric fields. The liquid crystal molecules can be rapidly reoriented by applying voltage, providing fast response speed and uniform switching across the entire surface, avoiding the inhomogeneous appearance caused by thermal gradients.
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
Enables variable and precise alteration of the emission characteristic of OLEDs, maintaining a consistent surface impression while allowing for dynamic changes in emission patterns.
Implementation Method 1
Most liquid crystals are optically birefringent, which can be identified under a polarization microscope by characteristic textures. Under the influence of an external electric field, the orientation of some liquid crystals can be influenced in a targeted manner and, for example, the polarization of light can thus be altered.
Implementation Method 2
the scattering structure and/or the electro-optical structure may include at least one liquid crystalline substance, for example a liquid crystalline polymer
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments may relate to an optoelectronic component and a method for producing an optoelectronic component. In various embodiments, an optoelectronic component is provided, the optoelectronic component, including an optically active structure, which is designed for receiving and/or providing electromagnetic radiation, and at least one scattering structure, which is formed in the beam path of the electromagnetic radiation on or above the optically active structure. The scattering structure is designed such that the directional characteristic of the electromagnetic radiation can be electrically modified.