Effect of change in pulsed DC frequency on indium-tin oxide anode on J-V-L performance of built-up organic light emitting diode during facing-target sputtering

Investigations were carried out on the changes in the electrical and optical properties and surface roughness of the indium-tin oxide (ITO) anode as a function of DC pulse frequency during facing-target sputtering. The current density-voltage-luminescence (J-V-L) characteristics of organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) developed on the anodes were measured and analyzed in relation to the properties of ITO. When the pulsed DC frequency was less than 120 kHz, the resistivity of ITO was maintained well below 4.3 × 10⁻⁴ Ω cm and the optical energy band gap was greater than 4.1 eV, but these properties changed abruptly at 150 kHz with the morphological transition from columnar to equi-axed. Meanwhile, the surface roughness decreased continuously with increasing pulsed DC frequency up to 150 kHz. The J-V characteristics of the built-up OLED deteriorated slightly as the pulsed DC frequency increased to 120 kHz and then deteriorated rapidly at 150 kHz. The L-V curves, however, showed an improvement of luminescence as the frequency increased up to 120 kHz. These J-V-L characteristics imply that ITO which is more conductive and with a higher band gap can be obtained at the lower pulsed DC frequencies, which is desirable for higher current flow; however, better luminescence is closely related to smoother surfaces. Therefore, for the optimized J-V-L performance of OLEDs, a moderate pulse DC frequency, below the morphological transition of ITO, is desirable.