Amelia Perry
Research Mentor: Noel Giebink
Mentor Department: EECS, Engineering
Author(s): Amelia Perry, Chris Giebink
Session: Session 5 (2:00 PM – 2:50 PM)
Presentation Type: Poster 58
Abstract
Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) are used in electronic and lighting applications; however, the specific properties of OLED materials are still undergoing research. Most OLED research is carried out using a vacuum thermal evaporator to deposit the multilayer organic thin films; however, patterning these films in-situ within the vacuum environment of the evaporator system can be challenging. I am working to implement an in-situ shadow masking system that is capable of patterning evaporated materials on distinct halves of each substrate. While working with the equipment manufacturer to ensure vacuum compatibility, we have designed and manufactured a masking system complete with vacuum-compatible motors controlling three independent masking panels to cover or uncover half or all of a substrate when a new material is evaporated. Additionally, the entire system can be rotated in the chamber to help with the even distribution of evaporated organic films. These additions to the evaporator require us to design and source new components that comply with the system’s dimensions and constraints due to the vacuum. This system will allow researchers more flexibility in fabricating OLED prototypes since they can deposit different amounts of material on multiple substrates, or even the same substrate, thereby accelerating the progress of OLED research.
