Micro electromechanical system controlled organic led and pixel arrays and method of using and of manufacturing same

• US 6,677,709 B1
• Filed: 07/18/2000
• Issued: 01/13/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 07/18/2000
• Status: Expired

• Current Assignee: BOE Technology Group Co., Ltd.
• Original Assignee: General Electric Company
• Inventors: Duggal, Anil Raj, Lee, Ji-Ung, Ma, Kelvin
• Primary Examiner(s): Patel, Nimeshkumar D.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Guharay, Karabi
• Application Number:
  US09/618,665
• Time in Patent Office: 1,274 Days
• Field of Search: 313/504, 313/505, 313/502, 313/506, 313/498, 313/500, 313/495, 313/496, 313/497, 313/509, 315/169.1, 315/169.3, 428/690, 200/512, 200/514, 200/314
• US Class Current: 313/504
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 3/2014 by modulation of the duration of a single pulse during which the logic level remains constant
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 3/3216 using a passive matrix
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 3/346 based on modulation of the reflection angle, e.g. micromirrors micromirrors devices per se G02B26/0833
• CPC Class Codes: H10K 50/125 specially adapted for multicolour light emission, e.g. for emitting white light
• CPC Class Codes: H10K 59/00 Integrated devices, or assemblies of multiple devices, comprising at least one organic light-emitting element covered by group H10K50/00

Abstract

Organic light emitting devices are disclosed that use a micro electromechanical system (MEMS) structure to enable a pixel and pixel array wherein each pixel contains a MEMS and an OLED element. A MEMS structure is used for switching the OLED element. These OLED/MEMS pixels can be fabricated on flex circuit, silicon, as well as other inorganic materials. They can be fabricated in a large array for developing a 2-dimensional display application and each pixel can be addressed through conventional matrix scanning addressing scheme. The ability of fabricating these OLED/MEMS pixels on flexible organic substrates as well as other rigid substrates enables wider selection of substrate materials for use with different applications.

Claims

1. A light emitting element comprising:

an organic light emitting device; and

a micro electromechanical system coupled to the organic light emitting device such that actuation of the micro electromechanical system activates the organic light emitting device to produce light, wherein the micro electromechanical system comprises an actuating member operative to move from a first position in which the organic light emitting device is not activated to a second position in which the organic light emitting device is activated, and wherein the micro electromechanical system further comprising a first conductive layer disposed on a first side of the actuating member, the first conductive layer operative to force the actuating member toward the organic light emitting device upon application of a voltage between the first conductive layer and an anode of the organic light emitting device.

2. A light emitting element comprising:

an organic light emitting device which comprises an anode, a cathode, and at least one organic light emitting layer; and

a micro electromechanical system coupled to the organic light emitting device such that actuation of the micro electromechanical system activates the organic light emitting device to produce light, wherein the micro electromechanical system comprises a flexible actuating member, the flexible actuating member comprising;

a first portion which is fixed with respect a contacting surface and spaced from the contacting surface; and

a second portion which can be forced to contact the contacting surface, wherein the contacting surface is a surface of the cathode or the anode of the organic light emitting device.

3. A light emitting element comprising:

an organic light emitting device which comprises an anode, a cathode, and at least one organic light emitting layer; and

a micro electromechanical system coupled to the organic light emitting device such that actuation of the micro electromechanical system activates the organic light emitting device to produce light, wherein the micro electromechanical system comprises a flexible actuating member, the flexible actuating member comprising;

a first portion which is fixed with respect a contacting surface and spaced from the contacting surface; and

a second portion which can be forced to contact the contacting surface, wherein the first portion and the second portion of the actuating member are partially separated by a space to allow the second portion to move toward the contacting surface with respect to the first portion, and the space comprises a plurality of slits which define a spring structure.

4. A light emitting element comprising:

an organic light emitting device which comprises an anode, a cathode, and at least one organic light emitting layer; and

a micro electromechanical system coupled to the organic light emitting device such that actuation of the micro electromechanical system activates the organic light emitting device to produce light, wherein the micro electromechanical system comprises;

a micro electromechanical system substrate;

a contacting member; and

an actuating member;

and wherein the organic light emitting device is deposited directly on the micro electromechanical system substrate;

and wherein the light emitting element further comprises a connecting member electrically connected between the contacting member of the micro electromechanical system and an electrode of the organic light emitting device.

5. A light emitting element comprising:

an organic light emitting device which comprises an anode, a cathode, and at least one organic light emitting layer; and

a micro electromechanical system coupled to the organic light emitting device such that actuation of the micro electromechanical system activates the organic light emitting device to produce light, wherein the micro electromechanical system comprises;

a micro electromechanical system substrate;

a contacting member;

a spacing member; and

an actuating member;

and wherein the organic light emitting device is adhered to the micro electromechanical system substrate;

and wherein the light emitting element further comprises a connecting member electrically connected between the contacting member of the micro electromechanical system and an electrode of the organic light emitting device.