Elastomeric contact printing for sub-micron patterning of organic films

Abstract

In this thesis, a novel diffusion-based contact-printing technology is investigated, by which a wide variety of low molecular weight organic materials can be patterned without added temperature, pressure, or chemical processing, with just the use of relief-patterned polymeric (PDMS) stamps. It is determined that the diffusion of organic molecules into the polymer matrix is a solvent-assisted process in which mobile oligomers aid in the removal of organic material. It is further shown that using composite stamps, organic films can be patterned at a sub-100 nm length scale. Among other features, this patterning process has enabled patterning of Organic Light Emitting Diodes on a wavelength scale to reduce total internal reflection and thereby enhance the outcoupling of light from the device.