Organic EL Panel Uniform Functional Layer Light Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing process of organic EL panels is complicated due to the need to adjust the film thickness of the first layer for generating holes for each of the R, G, and B colors, which affects light-extraction efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An organic EL panel design where the first and second functional layers have the same film thickness for all colors, with the organic light-emitting layers differing in thickness, allowing for simplified manufacturing and increased light-extraction efficiency through light interference phenomena.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the film thickness of the first layer for generating holes is adjusted for each of the R, G, and B colors to increase light-extraction efficiency, then light-extraction efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter being adjusted from the first functional layer (hole-generating layer) to the organic light-emitting layer. By adjusting the film thickness of the light-emitting layer instead of the functional layer, the patent achieves color-specific light-extraction optimization while using a single uniform functional layer structure for all colors, thus resolving the contradiction between efficiency improvement and manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The first functional layer is designed with universal thickness for all R, G, and B colors, serving as a common structure that simplifies manufacturing. The color-specific optimization is achieved through the light-emitting layer thickness variation, allowing the functional layer to be deposited once uniformly across the entire panel rather than requiring separate deposition processes for each color region
2Loss of energy
If the film thickness of the first layer for generating holes is adjusted for each of the R, G, and B colors to increase light-extraction efficiency, then light-extraction efficiency is improved, but the number of manufacturing steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent shifts the parameter adjustment from the functional layer to the light-emitting layer. This allows the functional layer to be deposited as a single uniform layer for all colors, reducing the number of deposition steps. The light-extraction efficiency for each color is still optimized by controlling the light-emitting layer thickness, which can be achieved in a single patterning and deposition process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functional layer deposition into a single uniform process for all colors, eliminating the need for separate deposition steps for each color. The color-specific thickness control is integrated into the light-emitting layer formation process, combining multiple functions into fewer manufacturing steps and improving overall productivity
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 design simplifies the manufacturing process and enhances light-extraction efficiency by eliminating the need for separate film thickness adjustments for each color, while optimizing light interference for improved performance.
Implementation Method 1
a first electrode of each of R (red), G (green), and B (blue) colors that reflects incident light
Implementation Method 2
an organic light-emitting layer of each of the R, G, and B colors that is disposed between the first electrode of a corresponding color and the second electrode, and emits light of a corresponding color due to voltage application between the first electrode of the corresponding color and the second electrode
Implementation Method 3
light-extraction efficiency increases due to light interference phenomenon when the optical distance between the first electrode and the second layer is (2 m−1)/4 times a light-emitting wavelength
Data Source
AI summary
To increase light-extraction efficiency and simplify manufacturing process. An organic EL panel includes: first electrode reflecting incident light; second electrode transmitting incident light therethrough; organic light-emitting layer emitting light of corresponding color among RGB colors; first functional layer including charge injection/transport layer and at least one other layer, and disposed between the first electrode and the light-emitting layer; and second functional layer disposed between the second electrode and the light-emitting layer. The first functional layers of the RGB colors are equal in film thickness, the organic light-emitting layers of the RGB colors are equal in optical distance from the first electrode, the second functional layers of the RGB colors are equal in film thickness, the organic light-emitting layers of the RGB colors are equal in optical distance from the second electrode, and the organic light-emitting layers of the RGB colors differ in film thickness.