Abstract: Described are techniques for quality analysis using thermographic imaging. In one example, a system including a test chamber for receiving an unpowered component. The system further includes an external heat source for heating the unpowered component for a predetermined period of time. The system further includes a thermographic imaging system for collecting thermographic images of the unpowered component during the predetermined period of time. The system further includes a computer communicatively coupled to the thermographic imaging system and configured to classify a quality of the unpowered component based on the thermographic images of the unpowered component.

Abstract: The addition of a variety of additives to a soluble electroluminescent polymer in solution is used to improve the printability and performance of screen printed light-emitting polymer-based devices. Examples of such additives include transparent polymers, gel-retarders, high viscosity liquids, organic and inorganic salts, and oxide nanoparticles. The additives are used to control the viscosity of the electroluminescent polymer ink, to decrease the solvent evaporation rate, and to improve the ink consistency and working time. In addition, these additives can improve the charge injection and power efficiency of light emitting devices manufactured from the screen printable electroluminescent polymer ink.

Abstract: A cost effective manufacturing process encapsulates a light emitting polymer (LEP) device between two flexible sheet materials, where one sheet may act as the substrate for the LEP device and the other sheet may act as a cover for the LEP device, and at least one of the sheets is transparent. Both encapsulating sheets and, as required, an adhesive system binding the sheets together provide sufficient environmental barriers with low moisture vapor transmission rates (MVTR) and oxygen transmission rates (OTR). The encapsulating sheets may, for example, be laminated together, sandwiching the LEP device in a vacuum, or oxygen/moisture free, and inert gas environment. Prior to encapsulation the LEP device may be heated and placed in a vacuum to remove moisture, air and residual solvents.

Abstract: The addition of a variety of additives to a soluble electroluminescent polymer in solution is used to improve the printability and performance of screen printed light-emitting polymer-based devices. Examples of such additives include transparent polymers, gel-retarders, high viscosity liquids, organic and inorganic salts, and oxide nanoparticles. The additives are used to control the viscosity of the electroluminescent polymer ink, to decrease the solvent evaporation rate, and to improve the ink consistency and working time. In addition, these additives can improve the charge injection and power efficiency of light emitting devices manufactured from the screen printable electroluminescent polymer ink.

Abstract: A screen printed light emitting polymer device is fabricated by depositing an electroluminescent polymer layer between a transparent electrode and an air stable screen printed top electrode. This invention describes advantageous methods and materials for printed top electrodes for polymer light emitting devices including composite electrode inks containing conducting particles, ionic, semiconducting and non-conducting components. These improvements can simplify device processing and costs as well as improve device performance in terms of voltage, prevention of shorting, operating lifetime and other metrics.

Abstract: A cost effective manufacturing process encapsulates a light emitting polymer (LEP) device between two flexible sheet materials, where one sheet may act as the substrate for the LEP device and the other sheet may act as a cover for the LEP device, and at least one of the sheets is transparent. Both encapsulating sheets and, as required, an adhesive system binding the sheets together provide sufficient environmental barriers with low moisture vapor transmission rates (MVTR) and oxygen transmission rates (OTR). The encapsulating sheets may, for example, be laminated together, sandwiching the LEP device in a vacuum, or oxygen/moisture free, and inert gas environment. Prior to encapsulation the LEP device may be heated and placed in a vacuum to remove moisture, air and residual solvents.

Abstract: The addition of a variety of additives to a soluble electroluminescent polymer in solution is used to improve the printability and performance of screen printed light-emitting polymer-based devices. Examples of such additives include transparent polymers, gel-retarders, high viscosity liquids, organic and inorganic salts, and oxide nanoparticles. The additives are used to control the viscosity of the electroluminescent polymer ink, to decrease the solvent evaporation rate, and to improve the ink consistency and working time. In addition, these additives can improve the charge injection and power efficiency of light emitting devices manufactured from the screen printable electroluminescent polymer ink.

Abstract: A screen printed light emitting polymer device is fabricated by depositing an electroluminescent polymer layer between a transparent electrode and an air stable screen printed top electrode. Screen printing a conductive electrode on top of a light emitting polymer layer typically results in a short circuit because metal conductive particles poke through the polymer layer. We have found three ways to prevent this. One is to screen print an organic conductor on top of the light emitting polymer layer so that metal conductive particles cannot penetrate to the transparent electrode. Another way is to decrease the particle size in the conductive metal paste in addition to using a solvent that does not soften the light emitting polymer layer being printed on. A third way is to print a sol-gel conductive layer where the conductive metal particles precipitate after the layer is printed. In addition, additives to the screen printed top electrode can be used to improve device efficiency.

Abstract: It is known to replenish processing solutions in photographic processing apparatus in accordance with the throughput of material being processed. However, in low usage apparatus, there is no allowance for other losses which may occur, for example due to evaporation and/or oxidation. Described herein is a method of replenishing such processing solutions which allows for losses due to evaporation and/or oxidation. The method comprises determining a relationship between loss rates due to evaporation and/or oxidation, and water evaporation rate from the apparatus. It has been found that the relationship is substantially linear.