Solution-processed photonic crystals to enhance the light outcoupling efficiency of organic light-emitting diodes

We report an effective solution process to fabricate planarized photonic crystal substrates to enhance the outcoupling efficiency of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). The photonic crystal structure was fabricated using nanoimprint lithography using a UV-curable acrylate and was planarized by using a ZnO layer formed by the solgel process. The solgel process resulted in a smooth surface, and OLEDs have been successfully integrated on the planarized photonic crystal layer with a low leakage current. The resulting light outcoupling efficiency was enhanced by 38% compared with that of conventional OLEDs, which is well matched with a theoretical prediction.