Optical simulation and optimization of ITO-free top-emitting white organic light-emitting devices for lighting or display

We present a simulation of the optical properties of ITO-free top-emitting white organic light-emitting devices (TEWOLEDs). Metals (Al, Ag, Mo, Cu, Au, Sm) are used as anode or cathode depending on their work functions. Besides, devices with 1D metallic–dielectric photonic crystal anode are also demonstrated. The influence of the capping layer or the metallic–dielectric multilayer structure on the optical properties (such as efficiency, angular emission characteristics, color gamut and color rendering index) of the devices has been investigated. The results indicated that TEWOLEDs can be used as lighting with high color rendering index or as a display with wide color gamut by carefully designing the structure of the devices.

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► Optical properties of ITO-free top-emitting white organic light-emitting devices (TEWOLED) were simulated and optimized.
► Metal–metal microcavity TEWOLED could be used as lighting with high CRI.
► TEWOLED with 1D metallic–dielectric photonic crystal anode could realize a near-to-eye display with a wide color gamut.