Dual Function OLED Transparent Electrode and Light Extraction Layer

Lead Performer: Solution Deposition Systems Inc. – Goleta, CA
DOE Total Funding: $150,000
Project Term: April 9, 2018 – December 10, 2018
Funding Type: SBIR

Solution Deposition Systems proposes the development of a dual-function transparent electrode and light-extraction enhancement layer for eventual use in the economic manufacture of OLEDs for SSL applications. The research and development proposed under this project will seek to leverage Solution Deposition Systems’ technology for aqueous solution deposition of transparent conductive ZnO-based materials. Subcontractor Princeton University, under the direction of Professor Barry Rand, who specializes in OLED outcoupling techniques, will fabricate and test OLED devices using the ZnO layers that are developed.

The proposed ZnO layer will be deposited on inexpensive soda-lime float glass and offers cost advantages in raw materials, reduced capital equipment expense, and manufacturing expenses compared to ITO, while still providing performance competitive to other transparent conductive layers. Importantly, the proposed technology also allows for control over the refractive index and scattering coefficient of the ZnO layer, which will enable an OLED light-extraction enhancement of 2.5 times or more compared to current ITO layers with no outcoupling enhancement layer.

DOE Technology Manager: James Brodrick, [email protected]
Lead Performer: Jacob Richardson, Solution Deposition Systems Inc.