Graded mixed-layer organic light-emitting devices

We describe the performance of graded, mixed-layer organic light- emitting devices (OLEDs). The devices are step graded from a mostly hole transporting layer (HTL) to a mostly electron transporting layer (ETL) from anode side to cathode side, respectively. Luminous efficiencies of >4.5 lm/W and 10 cd/A are obtained at 1000 cd/m(2) for green, electrofluorescent, graded mixed OLEDs. These efficiencies are significantly higher than those of a uniformly mixed device, i.e., a device in which the HTL and ETL are uniformly mixed, but lower than those of a conventional heterostructure device employing the same dopant material. The operating lifetime of the graded mixed OLEDs, however, is much improved over the heterostructure device. The results of our work suggest that the graded mixed OLED device structure represents a path to achieving extended lifetimes with sufficient efficiency for flat panel display applications in which this parameter is critical to market acceptance. (C) 2002 American Institute of Physics.