Patent Application
20170317310
The present disclosure relates to an optoelectronic assembly and to a method for producing an optoelectronic assembly.
A conventional optoelectronic assembly 500 (illustrated in
The electrically conductive region 706 of the electrical busbar 704 is electrically insulated with respect to the organic functional layer structure 508 by a dielectric structure 504. Furthermore, a physical contact between the first electrode 506 and the second electrode 510 is prevented by a dielectric structure 504. Furthermore, in planar organic optoelectronic assemblies 500 it may be necessary for morphologies such as, for example, edges, steps or curvatures of different materials to be covered and encapsulated by molding, for example planarized, with further layers. By way of example, an electrical insulation is necessary in order to lead an electrically conductive layer over the edge of an insulating intermediate layer to a different plane within the device. This may be necessary in order, for example, to prevent electrical short-circuiting of the first electrode 506 with the second electrode 512 in the edge region of the planar organic optoelectronic assembly 500 and during operation.
The first electrode 506 and the second electrode 510 are exposed in the contact regions 518 of the optoelectronic assembly in order that these can be subjected to component-external electrical contacting. Usually, the second electrode 510 in the contact region 518 is formed partly in physical contact 512 with the dielectric structure 504. In the case of an optoelectronic assembly 500 in which the light is transmitted or absorbed by the second electrode 510, for example in the case of a so-called top emitter technology or in the case of a transparent optoelectronic assembly 700, the second electrode 510 is formed as transparent.
In a first method, a transparent second electrode 510 is formed from a relatively thick layer (100 nm or more) of a transparent electrically conductive material, for example a transparent conductive oxide (TCO). Alternatively, the second electrode is formed from a material that is non-transparent to visible light and has a thickness of a few 100 nm, and the light is emitted through the substrate.
In a second method, the second electrode 510 is formed from a thin layer of an electrically highly conductive material that is non-transparent per se, for example silver. In the second method, the second electrode 510 is formed for example with a thickness of less than 50 nm and is thus formed as transparent. It has been established that such a thin second electrode 510 in physical contact 512 with the dielectric structure 504 forms a dielectric region 514 with microstructures 602 or there is no contact between the second electrode 510 and the metal substrate 502 for current carrying or current distribution, illustrated in
As a result, the choice of materials for the electrically conductive layer and the electrically insulating layer is limited, for example in the region of the passivation layer or of the electrode materials of organic electronic devices. Specific material systems are conventionally used, for example polyimide as electrically insulating planarization material, which is very cost-intensive, however; or the use of electrode material having a relatively low reflectance, for example aluminum. Furthermore, an additional buffer material is used between the electrode material and the electrically insulating material.
The object of the present disclosure is to provide an optoelectronic assembly having improved optical and/or electrical properties.
The object is achieved in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure by means of an optoelectronic assembly including an optically active region and an optically inactive region. The optically active region is configured for emitting and/or absorbing light. The optically inactive region is configured for component-external contacting of the optically active region. The optically inactive region includes a dielectric structure, a first electrode, an organic functional layer structure and a second electrode. The dielectric structure and the first electrode are formed on or above a substrate. The organic functional layer structure is formed on the first electrode in physical contact with the first electrode and the dielectric structure. The second electrode is formed in physical contact with the organic functional layer structure and above the dielectric structure. The organic functional layer structure at least partly overlaps the dielectric structure in such a way that the part of the second electrode above the dielectric structure is free of a physical contact of the second electrode with the dielectric structure.
The organic functional layer structure formed in an overlapping fashion with respect to the dielectric structure makes it possible that a buffer layer between the second electrode and the dielectric structure or a material adaptation of the second electrode and the dielectric structure can be dispensed with. This is possible since the second electrode, in a manner governed by the application, is formed compatibly with regard to adhesion with respect to the organic functional layer structure. A buffer layer as adhesion promoter layer or reaction barrier is therefore optional between the second electrode and the dielectric structure. In other words: the second electrode can be formed as a thin, electrically conductive layer above the dielectric structure, wherein the second electrode, by means of the overlap of the organic functional layer structure, can be realized with a more homogeneous electrical conductivity and/or a higher transmittance than in similar conventional optoelectronic assemblies.
The optoelectronic assembly is for example a glass-based organic light emitting diode including a cost-effective, printable resist material (for the dielectric structure) and a highly reflective electrode, for example a silver electrode.
Alternatively, the optoelectronic assembly is a mechanically flexible organic light emitting diode including a cost-effective, printable planarization material.
The substrate is for example a metal film or a plastics film having a metallic conductor structure. The planarization material can be used for electrically insulating metal structures of the substrate. As a result, in the case where the light is emitted through the second electrode, that is to say in the case where a top emitter technology is used, the second electrode can be a thin metal electrode of a few nm, for example a silver-based electrode. The second electrode can be led onto the substrate for the purpose of current distribution and/or contacting and can wet said substrate.
Materials which are based for example on bisphenol-A and various derivatives thereof can be used cost-effectively as material for the dielectric structure.
Furthermore, the first electrode can be formed as an nm-thin, silver-based electrode on a glass-based substrate, for example in the case where the light is emitted and/or absorbed through the first electrode (bottom emitter technology). An internal coupling-out, that is to say a scattering structure within the encapsulation on or above the substrate, can additionally be provided.
The organic functional layer structure overlaps the dielectric structure in such a way that the dielectric structure, with respect to the second electrode, is free of exposed surface area on which the second electrode could or would be formed with regard to the function of the optoelectronic assembly. The organic functional layer structure molds around, overmolds, covers or surrounds the dielectric structure in order to overlap the latter. The overlapping of the dielectric structure by means of the organic functional layer structure can be effected horizontally and/or vertically with respect to the dielectric structure, for example laterally in the plane of the dielectric structure.
In accordance with one development, the optoelectronic assembly is formed as a component which emits light through the second electrode. This enables an optoelectronic component using so-called top emitter technology with a thin metallic second electrode. As a result, the second electrode has a high conductivity compared with an electrode composed of a transparent conductive oxide. In the case of a second electrode having a thickness of more than 100 nm, a dielectric region would not form in the electrode in the case of physical contact with the dielectric structure. However, a thicker electrode has a lower transmittance than a thin electrode. Additionally or alternatively, the thin second electrode therefore has a high transmittance compared with a thicker second electrode composed of the same material in physical contact with the dielectric structure.
In accordance with a further development, the optoelectronic assembly is formed as a transparent light emitting component. This enables a so-called multidirectionally light emitting, for example bi- or omnidirectionally light emitting, optoelectronic component including a thin second electrode.
In various embodiments, the term “translucent” or “translucent layer” can be understood to mean that a layer is transmissive to light, for example to the light generated by the light emitting component, for example in one or more wavelength ranges, for example to light in a wavelength range of visible light (for example at least in a partial range of the wavelength range of 380 nm to 780 nm). By way of example, in various embodiments, the term “translucent layer” should be understood to mean that substantially the entire quantity of light coupled into a structure (for example a layer) is also coupled out from the structure (for example layer), wherein part of the light can be scattered in this case.
In various embodiments, the term “transparent” or “transparent layer” can be understood to mean that a layer is transmissive to light (for example at least in a partial range of the wavelength range of 380 nm to 780 nm), wherein light coupled into a structure (for example a layer) is also coupled out from the structure (for example layer) substantially without scattering or light conversion Consequently, in various embodiments, “transparent” should be regarded as a special case of “translucent”.
In accordance with yet another development, the optoelectronic assembly is formed as a transparent light emitting component. This enables a so-called multidirectionally light emitting, for example bi- or omnidirectionally light emitting, optoelectronic component including a thin second electrode.
In accordance with yet another development, the dielectric structure is formed as a planarization layer and/or as a hermetically impermeable barrier layer with regard to a diffusion of a substance that is harmful to the organic functional layer structure. This enables, since a dielectric structure has an electrically insulating effect, in addition to the electrically insulating effect, a planarizing effect, for example in order to provide a planar substrate surface for the first electrode, the organic functional layer structure and/or the second electrode.
A hermetically impermeable layer can have for example a diffusion rate with respect to water and/or oxygen of less than approximately 10−1 g/(m2d), and a hermetically impermeable cover and/or a hermetically impermeable carrier can have for example a diffusion rate with respect to water and/or oxygen of less than approximately 10−4 g/(m2d), for example in a range of approximately 10−4 g/(m2d) to approximately 10−10 g/(m2d), for example in a range of approximately 10−4 g/(m2d) to approximately 10−6 g/(m2d).
In accordance with yet another development, the dielectric structure is formed from a crosslinked material, advantageously a crosslinked polymer. This makes it possible to form a mechanically stable, solid or fixed dielectric structure, for example with respect to the first electrode; with a relatively smooth surface. The dielectric structure thus substantially has a mechanical and electrical function in the optoelectronic assembly. The dielectric structure can be formed technically relatively simply by a crosslinking reaction on the substrate.
In accordance with yet another development, the organic functional layer structure is formed for emitting light from an electrical energy provided. Alternatively or additionally, the organic functional layer structure is formed for generating an electrical energy from an absorbed light.
In accordance with yet another development, the second electrode is formed as transparent with respect to the light emitted and/or absorbed by the organic functional layer structure. The second electrode formed as transparent is formed from a material that is transparent to visible light, for example a transparent conductive oxide, silver nanowires (Ag nanowires), carbon nanotubes; or a transparent conductive polymer or small molecules. Alternatively or additionally, the second electrode formed as transparent is formed with a relatively small thickness, in the case of which the decrease in intensity of the light being transmitted via the second electrode as a result of absorption losses in the second electrode is comparatively low. As a result, a second electrode composed of an inherently opaque material, for example, silver can be formed as transparent.
In accordance with yet another development, the second electrode has a thickness in a range of from approximately one monolayer to less than approximately 50 nm, for example less than approximately 30 nm, for example less than approximately 20 nm. As a result, a second electrode composed of an inherently opaque material, for example silver, can be formed as transparent.
In accordance with yet another development, the second electrode includes or is formed from a metal, for example silver or a silver alloy, for example a magnesium:silver alloy. As a result, a second electrode can be formed from a highly conductive material.
In accordance with yet another development, the optically inactive region is arranged laterally alongside the optically active region.
In accordance with yet another development, the optoelectronic assembly furthermore includes at least one contact pad which is electrically connected to the second electrode and is configured for component-external electrical contacting. A part of the organic functional layer structure is formed on the contact pad.
In accordance with a further development, a part of the dielectric structure is formed on the contact pad and is overlapped by the part of the organic functional layer structure on the contact pad.
The object is achieved in accordance with a further aspect of the present disclosure by a method for producing an optoelectronic assembly, wherein the method includes forming an optically active region configured for emitting and/or absorbing light; and forming an optically inactive region configured for component-external contacting of the optically active region. The optically inactive region is formed in such a way that: a dielectric structure and a first electrode are formed on or above a substrate; an organic functional layer structure is formed on the first electrode in physical contact with the first electrode and the dielectric structure; and a second electrode is formed in physical contact with the organic functional layer structure and above the dielectric structure; wherein the organic functional layer structure is formed such that it at least partly overlaps the dielectric structure, such that the part of the second electrode above the dielectric structure is free of a physical contact of the second electrode with the dielectric structure.
By virtue of the fact that the second electrode can be formed free of physical contact with the dielectric structure, the second electrode can be formed as a thin, electrically conductive layer above the dielectric structure, wherein the second electrode, by the overlap of the organic functional layer structure, can be realized with a more homogeneous electrical conductivity and/or a higher transmittance.
In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the disclosed embodiments. In the following description, various embodiments described with reference to the following drawings, in which:
In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form part of this description and show for illustration purposes specific embodiments in which the present disclosure can be implemented. In this regard, direction terminology such as, for instance, “at the top”, “at the bottom”, “at the front”, “at the back”, “front”, “rear”, etc. is used with respect to the orientation of the figure(s) described. Since component parts of embodiments can be positioned in a number of different orientations, the direction terminology serves for illustration and is not restrictive in any way whatsoever. It goes without saying that other embodiments can be used and structural or logical changes can be made, without departing from the scope of protection of the present disclosure. It goes without saying that the features of the various embodiments described herein can be combined with one another, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Therefore, the following detailed description should not be interpreted in a restrictive sense, and the scope of protection of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims.
In the context of this description, the terms “connected” and “coupled” are used to describe both a direct and an indirect connection and a direct or indirect coupling. In the figures, identical or similar elements are provided with identical reference signs, in so far as this is expedient.
An optoelectronic assembly may include one, two or more optoelectronic components. Optionally, an optoelectronic assembly may also include one, two or more electronic components. An electronic component may include for example an active component and/or a passive component. An active electronic component may include for example a computing, control and/or regulating unit and/or a transistor. A passive electronic component may include for example a capacitor, a resistor, a diode or a coil.
An optoelectronic component can be an electromagnetic radiation emitting component or an electromagnetic radiation absorbing component. An electromagnetic radiation absorbing component can be for example a solar cell or a photodetector. In various embodiments, an electromagnetic radiation emitting component can be an electromagnetic radiation emitting semiconductor component and/or can be formed as an electromagnetic radiation emitting diode, as an organic electromagnetic radiation emitting diode, as an electromagnetic radiation emitting transistor or as an organic electromagnetic radiation emitting transistor. The radiation can be for example light in the visible range, UV light and/or infrared light. In this context, the electromagnetic radiation emitting component can be formed for example as a light emitting diode (LED), as an organic light emitting diode (OLED), as a light emitting transistor or as an organic light emitting transistor. In various embodiments, the light emitting component can be part of an integrated circuit. Furthermore, a plurality of light emitting components can be provided, for example in a manner accommodated in a common housing.
The optoelectronic assembly 100 includes a substrate 102, a dielectric structure 104, a first electrode 106, an organic functional layer structure 108 and a second electrode 110.
The dielectric structure 104 is overmolded by the organic functional layer structure 108, such that the dielectric structure 104 is free of physical contact with the second electrode 110, for example in the use of the optoelectronic assembly.
The second electrode 110, with respect to the function of the optoelectronic assembly 100, for example the wetting of the organic functional layer structure 108 with the second electrode 110, is already formed compatiably with respect to the organic functional layer structure 108. In the case of a conventional optoelectronic assembly (illustrated in
The optically inactive region 114 is arranged laterally alongside the optically active region 116. The optically active region 116 is configured for emitting and/or absorbing light, as will be described in even greater detail below. The optically inactive region 114 is configured for electrical component-external contacting of the optically active region 116. By way of example, the optically inactive region 114 has exposed electrically conductive contact pads 308, 310 illustrated in
The organic functional layer structure 108 includes a physical contact with the first electrode 106 and a physical contact 112 with the dielectric structure 104. The second electrode 110 is formed on the organic functional layer structure 108 and above the dielectric structure 104. The organic functional layer structure 108 overlaps the dielectric structure 104 in such a way that the dielectric structure 104 is free of a physical contact with the second electrode 110. The second electrode 110 has a physical contact with the organic functional layer structure 108. The organic functional layer structure 108 overlaps the regions of the dielectric structure 104 which are not already in the physical contact with the first electrode 106, illustrated with the reference sign 112 in
The optoelectronic assembly 100 is formed in such a way that an electric current or an electrical energy is transported from the first electrode 106 through the organic functional layer structure 108 to the second electrode 110, or vice versa. By means of the electrical energy, light is emitted by the organic functional layer structure 108. Alternatively or additionally, light is absorbed in the organic functional layer structure and an electric current or an electrical energy is generated therefrom and transported to the electrodes 106, 110.
In other words:
In various embodiments, an optoelectronic assembly 100 includes an optically active region 116 and an optically inactive region 114. The optically active region 116 is configured for emitting and/or absorbing light. The optically inactive region 114 is configured for component-external contacting of the optically active region. The optically inactive region 114 includes a dielectric structure 104 and a first electrode 106 on or above a substrate 102. Furthermore, an organic functional layer structure 108 and a second electrode 110 are formed on or above the substrate 102. The organic functional layer structure 108 is formed on the first electrode 106 in physical contact with the first electrode 106 and the dielectric structure 104. The second electrode 110 is formed in physical contact with the organic functional layer structure 108 and above the dielectric structure 104. The organic functional layer structure 108 at least partly overlaps the dielectric structure 104 in such a way that the part of the second electrode 110 above the dielectric structure is free of a physical contact of the second electrode 110 with the dielectric structure 104.
The optoelectronic assembly 100 is formed as a component which emits light through the second electrode 110. Alternatively or additionally, the optoelectronic assembly 100 is formed as a transparent light emitting component. For this purpose, the substrate 102 should be formed as transparent with respect to the light absorbed and/or emitted by the optoelectronic assembly 100. The first electrode 106 is formed as reflective, for example for an optoelectronic assembly 100 of top emitter design. Alternatively, the first electrode 106 is formed as transparent with respect to the light emitted and/or absorbed by the organic functional layer structure 108, for example for a transparent optoelectronic assembly 100 or an optoelectronic assembly of bottom emitter design.
The substrate 102 is formed for example as a film or a sheet. Alternatively or additionally, the substrate 102 includes or is formed from a glass or a plastic. The substrate 102 can be formed such that it is electrically conductive, for example as a metal film or a glass or plastics carrier having a conductor structure. The first electrode 106 and/or the second electrode 110 are/is electrically conductively connected to the electrically conductive substrate 102. As a result, for example, the first electrode 106 and/or the second electrode 110 can be contacted through the substrate 102, which simplifies the contacting of the optoelectronic assembly 100.
The substrate 102 includes or is formed from glass, quartz and/or a semiconductor material. Alternatively or additionally, the substrate 102 includes or is formed from a plastics film or a laminate including one or more plastics films.
The dielectric structure 104 is formed from a crosslinked material, for example a crosslinked polymer. The dielectric structure 104 is formed for example as a planarization layer and/or as a hermetically impermeable barrier layer with regard to a diffusion of a substance that is harmful to the organic functional layer structure. The dielectric structure 104 is formed as an electrically insulating structure with respect to a current flow from the first electrode 106 to the second electrode 110 through the dielectric structure 104. Alternatively or additionally, the dielectric structure 104 is formed as an electrically insulating structure with respect to a current flow from the substrate 102 to the first electrode 106 and/or second electrode 110. The first electrode 106 can be separated from the second electrode 110 with respect to a physical contact by means of the dielectric structure 104. By virtue of the fact that the organic functional layer structure overlaps the dielectric structure 104, the first electrode 106 and the second electrode 110 are free of a physical contact with one another by means of the organic functional layer structure 108. Alternatively or additionally, the dielectric structure 104 is formed as an insulation island.
The second electrode 110 is arranged substantially parallel to the first electrode 106, for example apart from the region of the contact pads 308, 310 for component-external contacting.
The dielectric structure 104 may include or be formed from one or more of the following materials: a polyester, for example a polyhydroxyacetic acid, a polylactide, a polycaprolactone, a polyhydroxyalkanoate, a polyhydroxybutyric acid, a polyethylene terephthalate, a polybutylene terephthalate, a polytrimethyl terephthalate, a polyethylene naphthalate; a polysulfone, a polyether ketone, for example a polyether ether ketone, a polyether ketone ketone, a polycarbonate, an epoxy resin; a polyamide, a polyether sulfone, a polyarylate and a silicone, for example a polydimethylsilicone; a polyurethane, a polyacrylate, a polyimide.
The first electrode 106 includes an electrically conductive material, for example a metal. Alternatively or additionally, the first electrode 106 includes a transparent conductive oxide of one of the following materials: for example metal oxides: for example zinc oxide, tin oxide, cadmium oxide, titanium oxide, indium oxide, or indium tin oxide (ITO). The first electrode has a layer thickness in a range of from one monolayer to 500 nm, for example of from less than 25 nm to 250 nm, for example of from 50 nm to 100 nm.
The organic functional layer structure 108 is formed for emitting light from an electrical energy provided. Alternatively or additionally, the organic functional layer structure 108 is formed for generating an electrical energy from an absorbed light. The organic functional layer structure 108 may include a hole injection layer, a hole transport layer, an emitter layer, an electron transport layer and an electron injection layer. The layers of the organic functional layer structure 108 are arranged between the electrodes 106, 110 in such a way that during operation electrical charge carriers can flow from the first electrode 106 through the organic functional layer structure 108 into the second electrode 110, and vice versa. One or more of these layers overlaps the dielectric structure 104.
The layers of the organic functional layer structure 108 can be formed in accordance with conventional configurations in the case of an organic, electroluminescent structure.
The second electrode 110 is formed as transparent with respect to the light emitted and/or absorbed by the organic functional layer structure 108.
The second electrode 110 has a thickness in a range of from approximately one monolayer to less than approximately 50 nm, for example in a range of from approximately 1 nm to approximately 30 nm, for example in a range of from approximately 2 nm to approximately 20 nm, for example in a range of from approximately 5 nm to approximately 15 nm.
The second electrode 110 includes or is formed from a metal, for example silver or a silver alloy, for example a magnesium:silver alloy.
The first electrode 106 and the second electrode 110 can be formed identically or differently. The second electrode 110 is formed as an anode, that is to say as a hole-injecting electrode, or as a cathode, that is to say as an electron-injecting electrode.
The dielectric structure 104, by means of the overlap of the organic functional layer structure, can be free of a physical contact with first electrode 106 and/or second electrode 110. The first electrode 106 can be formed in accordance with one of the configurations of the second electrode 110, and vice versa.
The electrode which, in physical contact with the dielectric structure 104, would form a dielectric region 514 in the electrode, that is to say the first electrode 106 and/or the second electrode, has a thickness in a range of from approximately one monolayer to approximately 1000 nm, for example in a range of from approximately 5 nm to approximately 100 nm, for example in a range of from approximately 2 nm to approximately 20 nm, for example in a range of from approximately 5 nm to approximately 15 nm. The electrode includes or is formed from a material, for example in the form of an alloy; from one of the following materials: silver, magnesium, chromium, aluminum. The electrode is formed by one of the following methods: vapor deposition, cathode sputtering, ink jet printing, screen printing, intaglio printing, gravure printing, slot die coating method.
The dielectric structure 104 in the case of which the electrode, that is to say the first electrode 108 and/or the second electrode 110, would form a dielectric region 514 in the electrode has a thickness in a range of from approximately 50 nm to approximately 100 μm, for example in a range of from approximately 500 nm to approximately 50 μm, for example in a range of from approximately 1 μm to approximately 10 μm. The dielectric structure 104 includes or is formed from a material from one of the following materials: a polyhydroxyacetic acid, a polylactide, a polycaprolactone, a polyhydroxyalkanoate, a polyhydroxybutyric acid, a polyethylene terephthalate, a polybutylene terephthalate, a polytrimethyl terephthalate, a polyethylene naphthalate; a polysulfone, a polyether ketone, for example a polyether ether ketone, a polyether ketone ketone, a polycarbonate, an epoxy resin; a polyamide, a polyether sulfone, a polyarylate and a silicone, for example a polydimethylsilicone; a polyurethane, a polyacrylate, a polyimide, an epoxy resin. The dielectric structure 104 is formed by one of the following methods: a printing method, ink jet printing, screen printing, intaglio printing; spin coating, wherein the material of the dielectric structure 104 in this case is applied over the whole area and is then structured back.
Furthermore, the optoelectronic assembly includes an encapsulation structure on and above the substrate 102 (not illustrated). By means of the encapsulation structure, the first electrode, the organic functional layer structure and the second electrode are protected against indiffusion of a harmful substance. In other words: the encapsulation structure is formed as hermetically impermeable with respect to a diffusion of water and/or oxygen through the encapsulation structure into the organic functional layer structure 108. The encapsulation structure includes for example a barrier thin-film layer, a coupling-out layer, a connection layer, a getter and/or a cover. The encapsulation structure can be formed on two or more sides with respect to the electrodes 106, 110 and the organic functional layer structure.
The barrier thin-film layer includes or is formed from one of the following materials: aluminum oxide, zinc oxide, zirconium oxide, titanium oxide, hafnium oxide, tantalum oxide, lanthanum oxide, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, indium tin oxide, indium zinc oxide, aluminum-doped zinc oxide, poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide), nylon 66, and mixtures and alloys thereof.
The coupling-in/out layer includes a matrix and, distributed therein, scattering centers with respect to the electromagnetic radiation, wherein the average refractive index of the coupling-in/out layer is greater or less than the average refractive index of the layer from which the electromagnetic radiation is provided. Furthermore, one or a plurality of antireflection layers (for example combined with the second barrier thin-film layer) can additionally be provided in the organic optoelectronic component 300.
The connection layer is formed from an adhesive or a lacquer. In one development, a connection layer composed of a transparent material includes particles that scatter electromagnetic radiation, for example light-scattering particles. As a result, the connection layer acts as a scattering layer, which leads to an improvement in the color angle distortion and the coupling-out efficiency.
In one development, between the second electrode 110 and the connection layer an electrically insulating layer (not illustrated) is also formed, for example SiN, for example having a layer thickness in a range of from approximately 300 nm to approximately 1.5 μm, for example having a layer thickness in a range of from approximately 500 nm to approximately 1 μm, in order to protect electrically unstable materials, for example during a wet-chemical process.
The layer including getter includes or is formed from a material that absorbs and binds substances that are harmful to the electrically active region, for example water vapor and/or oxygen. A getter includes or is formed from a zeolite derivative, for example. The layer including getter has a layer thickness of greater than approximately 1 μm, for example a layer thickness of a plurality of μm.
The cover is formed or arranged on or above the connection layer. The cover is connected to the electrically active region by means of the connection layer and protects said region from harmful substances. The cover is for example a glass cover, a metal film cover or a sealed plastics film cover. The glass cover is connected for example by means of frit bonding (glass) by means of a conventional glass solder in the geometrical edge regions of the organic optoelectronic component.
In the region above the dielectric structure 104 free of first electrode 106 (designated as 102/104/108/110 in
By means of the region above the substrate 102 without a dielectric structure 104 (designated as 102/108/110 in
Furthermore, the substrate 102 and the region of the optoelectronic assembly 100 with substrate 102 and second electrode 110 (designated as 102/110 in
The optically active region 116 of the optoelectronic assembly 100 is the region in which the second electrode 110, the organic functional layer structure 108 and the first electrode 106 overlap. The optically inactive region 114 is the region of the optoelectronic assembly 100 without an overlap of these three structures and is configured for electrical contacting of the optically active region.
In various embodiments, the optoelectronic assembly 100, 300 includes electrical busbars 302 in the optically active region 116, said busbars being configured for distributing the electrical energy in the area of the optically active region 116, for example in the form of parallel lines.
The electrical busbars may include for example a structured, electrically conductive layer or layer structure on the first electrode, for example Cr/Al/Cr. For the case where the first electrode is formed from a transparent electrically conductive substance, with a relatively low transverse electrical conductivity, the electrical busbars increase the current distribution. For generating a homogeneous luminance distribution, the electrical busbars 302 are electrically insulated from the organic functional layer structure 108 by means of further dielectric structures 304.
In various embodiments, a solderable and/or electrically highly conductive layer 306 or layer sequence is formed on the first electrode 106, for example Cr/Al/Cr, Mo/Al/Mo, Mo/Ti, Al/Ti, Cu as described above in connection with the electrodes. The electrically highly conductive layer 306 may have for example a better solderability than the first electrode 106. The material of the electrically highly conductive layer may for example also be used for forming the electrically conductive structure of the electrical busbar 302, for example by virtue of the first electrode 106 and the electrically highly conductive layer 306 being formed in a structured fashion.
The further dielectric structure 304 insulates the electrically highly conductive layer 306 with respect to the organic functional layer structure 108 and the second electrode 110, since otherwise an electrical short circuit could arise.
The electrical busbars 304 are electrically conductively connected to the first electrode 106 and/or the second electrode 110. The second electrode is electrically connected to the electrical busbars by means of through contacts (vias), for example.
The contact region 114 includes a first contact pad 310, which is electrically conductively connected to the first electrode 106; and a second contact pad 310, which is electrically conductively connected to the second electrode 110. The first contact pad 308 and the second contact pad 310 or the first electrode 106 and the second electrode 110 are electrically insulated from one another by means of the dielectric structure 104, for example illustrated in
A first electrical potential can be applied to the first contact pad 308 connected to the first electrode 106. The first electrical potential is provided by a component-external energy source, for example a current source or a voltage source. Alternatively, the first electrical potential is applied to an electrically conductive substrate 102 and is fed electrically to the first electrode 106 indirectly through the substrate 102. The first electrical potential is for example the ground potential or some other predefined reference potential.
A second electrical potential can be applied to the second contact pad 310 connected to the second electrode 110. The second electrical potential is provided by the same energy source as, or a different energy source than, the first electrical potential. The second electrical potential is different than the first electrical potential. The second electrical potential has for example a value such that the difference with respect to the first electrical potential has a value in a range of from approximately 1.5 V to approximately 20 V, for example a value in a range of from approximately 2.5 V to approximately 15 V, for example a value in a range of from approximately 3 V to approximately 12 V.
In other words: the contact region 114 in the optically inactive region 114 includes at least one second contact pad 310 which is electrically connected to the second electrode 110 and is configured for component-external electrical contacting. A part of the organic functional layer structure 108 is formed on the second contact pad. Furthermore, a part of the dielectric structure 104 can be formed on the second contact pad 314 (for example illustrated in
The method 400 includes forming 402 a dielectric structure 104 and a first electrode 106 on a substrate 102.
Furthermore, the method 400 includes forming 404 an organic functional layer structure 108 in physical contact with the dielectric structure 104 and the first electrode 106. The organic functional layer structure is formed in such a way that it overlaps the dielectric structure 104.
Furthermore, the method 400 includes forming 406 a second electrode 110 on the organic functional layer structure 108 and above the dielectric structure 104. The second electrode 110 is formed above the dielectric structure 104 and thus above the organic functional layer structure 108 in such a way that the dielectric structure 104 is free of a physical contact with the second electrode 110.
In other words: the method 400 for producing an optoelectronic assembly includes forming an optically active region 116 configured for emitting and/or absorbing light; and forming an optically inactive region 114 configured for component-external contacting of the optically active region 116. The optically inactive region 114 is formed in such a way that a dielectric structure 104 and a first electrode 106 are formed 402 on or above a substrate 102; an organic functional layer structure 108 is formed 404 on the first electrode 106 in physical contact with the first electrode 106 and the dielectric structure 104; and a second electrode 110 is formed 406 in physical contact with the organic functional layer structure 108 and above the dielectric structure 104. The organic functional layer structure 108 is formed such that it at least partly overlaps the dielectric structure 104, such that the part of the second electrode 110 above the dielectric structure 104 is free of a physical contact of the second electrode 110 with the dielectric structure 104.
The organic functional layer structure 106 is formed after the dielectric structure 104 above the substrate 102, for example after the dielectric structure 104 has been crosslinked or cured. The organic functional structure can be formed in a deposition process, for example in a vapor deposition chamber, or as one layer. Alternatively, a plurality of, for example different, deposition processes and/or a plurality of layers are provided for the organic functional layer structure 108. The deposition processes can be carried out successively and the plurality of layers can be formed one on top of another and/or alongside one another.
The present disclosure is not restricted to the embodiments indicated. By way of example, the dielectric structure can be formed on the first electrode or the first electrode can be formed on the dielectric structure. Consequently, the dielectric structure can be formed partly between the first electrode and the second electrode. Alternatively or additionally, the first electrode and the second electrode are formed partly on or above the dielectric structure.
While the disclosed embodiments have been particularly shown and described with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed embodiments as defined by the appended claims. The scope of the disclosed embodiments is thus indicated by the appended claims and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 2014 218 667.6 | Sep 2014 | DE | national |
The present application is a national stage entry according to 35 U.S.C. §371 of PCT application No.: PCT/EP2015/071253 filed on Sep. 16, 2015, which claims priority from German application No.: 10 2014 218 667.6 filed on Sep. 17, 2014, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2015/071253 | 9/16/2015 | WO | 00 |
