Light extraction efficiency enhancement in organic light emitting diodes based on optimized multilayer structures

The main focus of this study is to improve the light extraction efficiency, as well as directionality of organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) using multi-layer structures between Indium tin Oxide (ITO) and glass layers in a typical OLED. In conventional OLEDs, only about half of the light generated in the emission zone can reach to the glass substrate due to refractive index mismatch in ITO (n=1.8⿿i0.01)/glass (n=1.51) interface. The main attempt is to reduce the share of total internal reflection (TIR) and hence, the effect of different structures such as Thue-Morse and Fibonacci have been investigated and optimized with suitable layer thickness and materials based on Transfer Matrix Method (TMM). The most effective Multi-layer structures have been added to conventional OLED and have been analyzed the extraction efficiency using Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) method. Results show large enhancement of extraction efficiency (about 40%) in ITO/glass interface. Using this idea and applying micro-lenses array to glass substrate at the same time, one can get even higher extraction efficiency in OLED. The interesting aspect of this project is its easy fabrication process in order to commercialize the product with highest extraction efficiency and low fabrication cost.