Laser-assisted patterning of conjugated polymer light emitting diodes

We have developed a patterning procedure based on laser-ablation in combination with the use of water-soluble sacrificial-resists that we use to pixelate different light emitting polymers (LEPs) on a surface, creating a simple array of light emitting diodes (LEDs). We demonstrate that our patterning process is capable of high spatial resolution, with structures having a characteristic length-scale of 10 μm achieved. Importantly, we demonstrate that the patterning process has no detrimental effect on the electronic properties of the LEPs or of the underlying polymeric anode. Our process is compatible with a high-volume manufacturing environment and furthermore it could also be applied to pattern and integrate a wide range of functional polymeric materials for use in other applications.