Patterned polymer electroluminescent devices based on microlithographic processes

Abstract

A PPV based electroluminescent device and method for constructing the same. The electroluminescent device is constructed on a substrate by depositing a layer of material having a PPV precursor and photoacid generator on the substrate. The substrate typically includes the anode for the device. The PPV precursor is converted to PPV in the presence of an acid. The photoacid generator produces an acid when exposed to electromagnetic radiation. Those portions of the layer that are not to contain electroluminescent elements are masked. The unmasked portion is then illuminated with electromagnetic radiation; and any unreacted PPV precursor is removed to provide a plurality of isolated PPV regions on the substrate. An electron transport layer is then deposited over the PPV regions and the cathode is deposited on top of the electron transport layer. By properly choosing the thickness of the electron transport layer, the electron transport layer also provides electrical isolation between the anode and cathode in the regions of the device that do not include PPV elements.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.