Patent ID: 6348359
Filing Date: 2002-02-19
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
A method of making a pixelated organic electroluminescent (EL) device, comprising the steps of:a) providing a light-transmissive substrate having a plurality of spaced light-transmissive anodes formed thereover and at least one cathode connector extending inwardly from an edge of the substrate for providing an electrical connection so that a drive voltage can be applied between a selected anode and at least one cathode to cause light emission from a pixel of the device formed by the selected anode and the at least one cathode; b) forming an electrically insulative organic cathode connector shadowing structure over the at least one cathode connector; c) providing a mask defining a deposition zone over the substrate for depositing an electrically insulative organic EL medium layer and a conductive cathode over the organic EL medium layer; d) first depositing the organic EL medium layer by a vapor deposition of organic EL materials directed towards the substrate into the deposition zone and using a direction of vapor deposition with respect to the cathode connector shadowing structure to cause formation of the organic EL medium layer to terminate at a position spaced from a base of the at least one cathode connector shadowing structure; and e) second depositing the conductive cathode by a vapor deposition of conductive materials directed towards the organic EL medium layer into the deposition zone and using a direction of vapor deposition with respect to the cathode connector shadowing structure to cause formation of the conductive cathode over the organic EL medium layer, the conductive cathode terminating in electrical contact with the at least one cathode connector in a position where the organic EL medium layer is spaced from the base of the at least one cathode connector shadowing structure.