Highly efficient and bright organic electroluminescent devices with an aluminum cathode

The electron injection process, which limits the electroluminescent performance of organic devices, has been enhanced tremendously by inserting a layer of LiF with appropriate thickness between the cathode and a quinacridone doped organic layer. Devices with an Al/LiF cathode demonstrated a luminance in excess of 20 000 cd/m2 and an external quantum efficiency of 3%, which is comparable to devices with a Mg/LiF cathode. These devices show maximum luminance of 45 000 cd/m2 prior to failure in continuous bias operation. For the same LiF thickness, the operating voltage for devices with Al/LiF was lower than the corresponding operating voltage for devices with Mg/LiF or Mg alone. Tunneling theory is used to explain this enhancement.