Patterning of organic light-emitting diodes containing a layer of perylene derivative using an He–Ne laser

We report on patterning organic light-emitting diode (OLED) structures by illumination with visible laser light. The structure consists of Bisbenzimidazo(2,1-a:1′,2′-b′) anthra(2,1,9-def:6,5,10d′e′f′) diisoquinoline-6,11-dione as patterned layer and tris-(8-hydroxyquinoline)aluminium (Alq3) as emissive layer. Upon illumination with laser light (He–Ne laser, 632.8 nm), electroluminescence originating from the Alq3 layer was discernible even 1 week after irradiation, whereas no electroluminescence was detectable from non-illuminated areas. This allows the fabrication of a patterned device, which is an interesting feature for display applications.