The present invention is directed to novel structures for use in connection with
OLED devices that simulaneously act as a multiplayer mirror and as a barrier to
harmful species in the exterior environment. According to one embodiment of the
invention, an OLED structure includes (a) a substrate; (b) an OLED over the substrate
that includes (i) a first electrode, (ii) an emission region above the first electrode
and (iii) a second electrode above the emission region, wherein the OLED emits
light having a range of wavelengths upon being turned on; and (c) a multiplayer
mirror over the substrate, the multiplayer mirror including an alternating series
of (i) planarizing layers having a first refractive index and (ii) high-density
layers having a second refractive index that differs from the first refractive
index. The thicknesses of the planarizing layers and of the high-density layers
in this embodiment are selected such that the multiplayer mirror is tuned to transmit
light at a peak wavelength within the range of wavelengths emitted by the OLED.
Moreover, the planarizing layers and the high-density layers cooperate to restrict
transmission of water and oxygen.
