UV–visible and infrared characterization of poly(p-xylylene) films for waveguide applications and OLED encapsulation

UV–visible and infrared transmission of three sorts of poly(p-xylylene) films obtained by vapor-deposition polymerization have been studied in order to appraise their opportunity in two optical applications: waveguide achievement by reactive ion beam etching (RIBE) and organic light emitting diode (OLED) encapsulation. Optical changes induced by etching or thermal annealing (needed for the former application) are reported. While the high visible or near infrared transmission (∼95%) of the films is suitable for OLED encapsulation, the crystalline nature of these materials revealed by annealing could be a handicap for waveguide application.