Methods and systems for forming oleds and thin film devices

Abstract

Systems and methods are disclosed for providing working substrates for the deposition of various photonic and electronic devices, in particular for organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) used for lighting and displays, where these substrates incorporate structural elements that improve the performance of these devices. These elements include nanoscale and microscale relief (3D) patterns on one or both sides of the substrate that are beneficial in controlling light and electrical properties of these devices by, for example, improving light output efficiency and uniformity. The present disclosure describes batch and roll-to-roll (R2R) techniques that allow these performance enhancing substrates to be efficiently formed, and at a much lower cost than can be achieved using prior art. Although one particular application relates to OLED lighting, such substrates can be used to enhance the performance of other devices, including flexible displays, touch screens, energy harvesting cells, sensors, and the like.