All-Organic Magnetic Field Sensor Using Magneto-Electroluminescence

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current magnetic field sensors are limited in their ability to be integrated into flexible and curved surfaces due to their rigid construction and non-printable materials, which restricts their application in diverse environments.

Innovation Solution

A novel all-organic magnetic field sensor is developed, comprising an organic light emitting diode (OLED) and an organic photodetector (OPD), which utilizes the magneto-electroluminescence (MEL) effect to detect magnetic fields. This sensor can be fabricated using solution-processed organic absorber layers or sequential sublimed/thermally evaporated thin films, allowing for flexibility and printability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional magnetic field sensors are used, then measurement precision is maintained, but flexibility and adaptability to curved surfaces are lost

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidmagnetic field detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameters from conventional rigid materials to organic semiconductor materials, enabling the sensor to be flexible while maintaining detection functionality through the magneto-electroluminescence effect

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor combines multiple organic material layers including hole injection layer, hole transport layer, emitter layer, electron transport layer, and electron injection layer to create a composite structure that achieves both flexibility and magnetic field detection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If rigid construction materials are used, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but ease of manufacture on diverse surfaces is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveprintabilityVSAvoidsensor fabrication accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical rigid construction with solution-processed organic thin films that can be deposited on flexible substrates, enabling printing and fabrication on diverse surfaces while maintaining sensor functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor employs thin organic film layers that can be flexed and conform to curved surfaces, replacing rigid mechanical structures with flexible material structures that maintain manufacturing precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Adaptability or versatility

If organic materials are used, then flexibility and printability are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidmulti-layer structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor is segmented into distinct functional layers (hole injection, hole transport, emitter, electron transport, electron injection) that can be independently optimized and processed, managing complexity through functional decomposition

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 sensor effectively measures magnetic field strength and direction, offering flexibility and printability, enabling its integration into various surfaces, including fabrics and curved surfaces, which expands its application potential.

Implementation Method 1

The sensor function is believed to be driven by the large magneto-electroluminescence (MEL) of an OLED

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagneto-electroluminescence (MEL):

Implementation Method 2

an organic photodetector (OPD)... When electricity is applied to the MFS, the OLED outputs light which is measured as current at the OPD

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12339330B2Thin film magnetic field magnitude sensor

Publication Date: 2025.06.24 THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

AI summary

A novel magnetic field sensor (MFS) may be created with an organic light emitting diode (OLED) made from an organic semiconductor material and an organic photodetector (OPD) built directly on top (or below) of the OLED, wherein one layer is made from a magnetically isotropic material, and which material has a magneto-resistive or magneto-electroluminescent signal that varies with the magnitude of a magnetic field to allow for measuring only the magnitude of the external magnetic field without regard to magnetic field direction.