Organic electroluminescent device

Abstract

An organic electroluminescent device comprises a substrate that supports a first electrode, a second electrode, and a light emitting structure that is disposed between the first and second electrodes. A protective structure comprising a layer of boron oxide and an inorganic barrier layer cooperates with the substrate to encapsulate the first electrode, the second electrode, and the light-emitting structure.

1 . A method of protecting an organic electroluminescent device against the absorption of moisture comprising: 
 a) providing an organic electroluminescent assembly comprising a low moisture permeable substrate that supports a first electrode, a second electrode, and a light emitting structure disposed between the first and second electrodes; and    b) applying a protective structure that cooperates with the substrate to encapsulate the first electrode, the second electrode, and the light emitting structure, wherein the protective structure comprises a layer of boron oxide and an inorganic barrier layer, wherein the inorganic barrier layer comprises a material different from the layer of boron oxide,    wherein the boron oxide layer functions to absorb moisture in order to reduce absorption of the moisture by the light emitting structure.    
     
     
         2 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the layer of boron oxide is applied by thermal evaporation.  
     
     
         3 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the inorganic barrier layer is applied by vapor deposition.  
     
     
         4 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the device additionally comprises a buffer layer between the organic electroluminescent assembly and the protective structure, and the buffer layer is applied by thermal evaporation.  
     
     
         5 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the inorganic barrier layer is laminated to the layer of boron oxide.