Cathode contact structures in organic electroluminescent devices

摘要

Passive matrix and active matrix organic electroluminescent (EL) devices are fabricated by using a single mask which defines a deposition zone for depositing an organic EL medium layer and a cathode by directing respective vapor streams towards a substrate in the deposition zone. Electrically insulative organic shadowing structures are formed over cathode connectors for providing electrical contact between a cathode and a cathode connector in a position where the organic EL medium layer is spaced from a base of a shadowing structure. The electrical contact is achieved by directing an organic EL materials vapor stream towards the substrate in a direction substantially perpendicular to the substrate, and by directing a cathode materials vapor stream towards the substrate under a subtended angle.