Charge-transport structures

US6555840B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA · JP

Inventors

• Andrew James Hudson · Woodstock, GB
• Sally Anderson · North Hinksey, GB
• Michael S. Weaver · Princeton, US
• Craig Tombling · Stadhampton, GB

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 15, 2000
• Grant date: Apr 29, 2003
• Expiry date: Feb 15, 2020

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02P70/50

Abstract

A charge-transport structure, e g an opto-electronic structure such an electroluminescent device is manufactured by forming a uniform first charge-transport (eg electron-transport) polymer layer on a substrate. Low molar mass dyes in a solvent are ink-jet printed onto the exposed surface of the first layer to form a multicolor pattern, and the dyes are allowed to diffuse into the layer to form charge-recombination/emitter regions within the layer. Excess dyes are washed away from the surface and then a uniform second charge-transport (eg hole-transport) polymer layer is formed on the resultant smooth surface of the first layer over the tops of the regions. Finally, electrodes are deposited on the top of the second layer in registration with the regions. Photovoltaic structures and organic transistors are also disclosed.