Researchers from the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) in collaboration with the Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology (SAIT) have conducted new studies aimed at better understanding the degradation process of blue OLEDs. According to scientists, OLED degradation is the source of many issues related to their durability and efficiency.
Until now, the nature of OLED degradation has not been fully understood, whether it is due to physical, chemical, or other factors. This lack of knowledge affects the stability and lifespan of OLEDs in color displays and lighting.
NPL was the first to present a polymer-based organic light-emitting diode (PLED) in 1975. This technology involved placing a polymer layer, up to 2.2 micrometers thick, between two electrodes. Subsequently, there have been many developments in the field of red and green OLEDs, which are now comparable to traditional LED diodes.
To improve the efficiency and stability of OLEDs, it is important to understand the mechanisms of their degradation. However, due to the very thin layers of organic molecules, it is difficult to accurately determine the factors that influence this process.
To overcome this problem, the NPL/SAIT team utilized a nanoscale imaging mass spectrometry technique called OrbiSIMS, which was invented at NPL in 2017. With this technology, it is now possible to identify OLED degradation molecules with unprecedented precision and localize them with a resolution of up to seven nanometers in the multilayer structure of the diodes.
The research findings indicate that the chemical degradation of OLEDs is mainly associated with the loss of oxygen in molecules at the interface between the emissive layer and the electron transport layer. Furthermore, the use of slightly different host materials in the diodes has significantly extended their lifespan.
The method described in the study can impact the development of OLEDs with better quality, longer lifespan, and improved efficiency. It has already been applied in another study conducted by Samsung and the Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST).
The research conducted by NPL and SAIT has brought revolutionary changes in understanding the degradation process of OLEDs, opening new possibilities for the electronics industry. Thanks to these findings, researchers can work towards improving the quality, efficiency, and lifespan of OLEDs.
FAQ Section
Q: What are organic OLEDs?
A: OLED stands for Organic Light Emitting Diodes. They are electronic devices that utilize organic materials for generating light.
Q: What durability-related issues do OLEDs have?
A: OLED degradation is the source of issues related to their durability and efficiency. The degradation process has not been fully known, negatively affecting their stability and lifespan.
Q: What is the significance of the research conducted by NPL and SAIT?
A: These studies aimed to gain a better understanding of the degradation process of OLEDs, which can lead to improved quality, efficiency, and lifespan of OLEDs.
Q: What techniques were used in the study?
A: The NPL/SAIT team utilized a nanoscale imaging mass spectrometry technique called OrbiSIMS. It allows for the identification of OLED degradation molecules with high precision and localization within the diode structure.
Q: What were the results of the study?
A: The research showed that the chemical degradation of OLEDs is mainly associated with the loss of oxygen in molecules between the layers of the diodes. The use of different host materials has extended the lifespan of the diodes.
Q: What are the consequences of this research?
A: These studies open new possibilities for the electronics industry, allowing for improvements in the quality, efficiency, and lifespan of OLEDs.
Definitions:
1. OLED – Organic Light Emitting Diodes.
2. OrbiSIMS – Nanoscale imaging mass spectrometry technique used for identifying OLED degradation molecules.
Suggested Related Links:
– National Physical Laboratory (NPL)
– Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology (SAIT)
– Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST)
The source of the article is from the blog toumai.es