DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Election/Restrictions
Applicant’s election without traverse of Species A, Claims 1-23 in the reply filed on 11/19/2025 is acknowledged.
Foreign Priority
Acknowledgment is made of applicant’s claim for foreign priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 (a)-(d). The certified copy has been filed in parent Application No. JP2022-127384, filed on 08/09/2022.
Information Disclosure Statement
The information disclosure statement (IDS) submitted on 10/24/2023 is in compliance with the provisions of 37 CFR 1.97. Accordingly, the information disclosure statement is being considered by the examiner.
Drawings
The drawings are objected to under 37 CFR 1.83(a). The drawings must show every feature of the invention specified in the claims. Therefore, the "first layer, second must be shown or the features canceled from the claims. No new matter should be entered.
Corrected drawing sheets in compliance with 37 CFR 1.121(d) are required in reply to the Office action to avoid abandonment of the application. Any amended replacement drawing sheet should include all of the figures appearing on the immediate prior version of the sheet, even if only one figure is being amended. The figure or figure number of an amended drawing should not be labeled as “amended.” If a drawing figure is to be canceled, the appropriate figure must be removed from the replacement sheet, and where necessary, the remaining figures must be renumbered and appropriate changes made to the brief description of the several views of the drawings for consistency. Additional replacement sheets may be necessary to show the renumbering of the remaining figures. Each drawing sheet submitted after the filing date of an application must be labeled in the top margin as either “Replacement Sheet” or “New Sheet” pursuant to 37 CFR 1.121(d). If the changes are not accepted by the examiner, the applicant will be notified and informed of any required corrective action in the next Office action. The objection to the drawings will not be held in abeyance.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
Claims 1-3, 5, 6, 8, 14, 15, 17, 19, and 21 are rejected under U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Son et al.; US 2024/0315132 A1; 07/2021 in view of Schulze et al.; US 2024/0116848 A1; 12/2021
Claim 1: Son discloses a light-emitting device comprising: a first EL layer ( Fig. 4 light emitting unit #400 ), an intermediate layer ( Fig. 4 #600 ), and a second EL layer ( Fig. 4 #500 ) between a first electrode ( Fig. 4 #100 ) and a second electrode ( Fig. 4 #200 ), wherein the first EL layer ( Fig. 4 #400 ) is between the first electrode ( Fig. 4 #100 ) and the intermediate layer ( Fig. 4 #600 ), wherein the second EL layer ( Fig. 4 #600 ) is between the second electrode ( Fig. 4 #200 ) and the intermediate layer ( Fig. 4 #600 ) , wherein a side surface of the first EL layer ( Fig. 4 side surface of #400 ), a side surface of the intermediate layer ( Fig. 4 side surface of #600 ), and a side surface of the second EL layer ( Fig. 4 side surface of #600 ) are aligned or substantially aligned ( as shown in Fig. 4 ), wherein the first EL layer ( Fig. 4 #400 ) comprises a layer having an electron-transport property ( Fig. 4 ETL #430 ), wherein the intermediate layer ( Fig. 4 #600 ) is in contact with the layer having an electron-transport property ( as shown in Fig. 4 ), wherein the intermediate layer ( Fig. 4 #600 ) comprises a first organic compound ( Fig. 5 P-type charge generation layer #620; [0132] may be composed of a metal or a P-type doped organic material ) and one of an alkali metal and a compound of an alkali metal ( Fig. 5 N-type charge generation layer #610; [0140] examples of the material include alkali metals ), wherein the layer having an electron-transport property ( Fig. 4 #430 ) comprises a second organic compound ( [ 0039] the compound represented by Chemical Formula 1 according to the present disclosure is superb in terms of electron injection and transport potential. Thus, the compounds of the present disclosure can be used as a material for an organic layer, preferably for an electron transport layer in an organic EL device ).
Son does not appear to disclose a glass transition temperature of the second organic compound is higher than that of the first organic compound.
However, Schulze teaches and wherein a glass transition temperature ( page 32 Table 2 ) of the second organic compound ( Fig. 5 #150; The emission layer (EML) may be formed of a combination of a host and an emitter dopant. Example of the host are Alq3, 4,4′-N,N′-dicarbazole-biphenyl (CBP), poly(n-vinylcarbazole) (PVK), 9,10-di(naphthalene-2-yl)anthracene (ADN), 4,4′,4″-tris(carbazol-9-yl)-triphenylamine(TCTA), 1,3,5-tris(N-phenylbenzimidazole-2-yl)benzene (TPBI), 3-tert-butyl-9,10-di-2-naphthylanthracenee (TBADN), distyrylarylene (DSA) and bis(2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)benzo-thiazolate)zinc (Zn(BTZ)2). ) is higher ( glass transition temperature for Alq3 is ~173 ̊ C ) than that of the first organic compound ( Fig. 5 #135; highest temperature listed in Table 2 for formula (I) compounds is 118 ̊ C ).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to utilize the teachings of Schulze with Son to implement a glass transition temperature of the second organic compound is higher than that of the first organic compound because this prevents layer diffusion and mitigates joule heating.
Claim 2: Son discloses a light-emitting device comprising: a first EL layer ( Fig. 4 light emitting unit #400 ), an intermediate layer ( Fig. 4 #600 ), and a second EL layer ( Fig. 4 #500 ) between a first electrode ( Fig. 4 #100 ) and a second electrode ( Fig. 4 #200 ), wherein the first EL layer ( Fig. 4 #400 ) is between the first electrode ( Fig. 4 #100 ) and the intermediate layer ( Fig. 4 #600 ), wherein the second EL layer ( Fig. 4 #600 ) is between the second electrode ( Fig. 4 #200 ) and the intermediate layer ( Fig. 4 #600 ) , wherein a side surface of the first EL layer ( Fig. 4 side surface of #400 ), a side surface of the intermediate layer ( Fig. 4 side surface of #600 ), and a side surface of the second EL layer ( Fig. 4 side surface of #600 ) are aligned or substantially aligned ( as shown in Fig. 4 ), wherein the second EL layer ( Fig. 4 #500 ) comprises a first layer ( Fig. 4 hole injection layer #540 ) and a layer having an electron-transport property ( Fig. 4 #530 ), wherein the first layer ( Fig. 4 #540 ) is between the layer having an electron-transport property ( Fig. 4 #530 ) and the second electrode ( Fig. 4 #200 ) , wherein the first layer ( Fig. 4 #540 ) is in contact ( as shown in Fig. 4 ) with the layer having an electron-transport property ( Fig. 4 #530 ),
Son does not appear to disclose the first layer comprises a first organic compound and one of an alkali metal and a compound of an alkali metal, wherein the layer having an electron-transport property comprises a second organic compound, and wherein a glass transition temperature of the second organic compound is higher than that of the first organic compound.
However, Schulze teaches the first layer ( Fig. 5 #180 ) comprises a first organic compound and one of an alkali metal and a compound of an alkali metal ( [0264] Examples of materials for forming the EIL include lithium 8-hydroxyquinolinolate (LiQ), LiF, NaCl, CsF, Li2O, BaO, Ca, Ba, Yb, Mg which are known in the art; LiQ is organic and contains an alkali metal ), wherein the layer having an electron-transport property ( Fig. 5 #161 ) comprises a second organic compound ( [0260] the electron transport layer may further comprise an azine compound, preferably a triazine compound ), and wherein a glass transition temperature of the second organic compound ( Chen describes the glass transition temperature of NaAN-m-TRZ at 157 ̊ C ) is higher than that of the first organic compound ( The well-documented melting point for LiQ is Tm = 365-368 ̊ C. Using the standard empirical relationship Tg ≈ 2/3 Tm so that means it would be approximately 153 ̊ C ).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to utilize the teachings of Schulze with Son to implement the first layer comprises a first organic compound and one of an alkali metal and a compound of an alkali metal, wherein the layer having an electron-transport property comprises a second organic compound, and wherein a glass transition temperature of the second organic compound is higher than that of the first organic compound because this would optimize electron injection while ensuring thermal and morphological stability.
Claim 3: Son discloses a light-emitting device comprising: a first EL layer ( Fig. 4 light emitting unit #400 ), an intermediate layer ( Fig. 4 #600 ), and a second EL layer ( Fig. 4 #500 ) between a first electrode ( Fig. 4 #100 ) and a second electrode ( Fig. 4 #200 ), wherein the first EL layer ( Fig. 4 #400 ) is between the first electrode ( Fig. 4 #100 ) and the intermediate layer ( Fig. 4 #600 ), wherein the second EL layer ( Fig. 4 #600 ) is between the second electrode ( Fig. 4 #200 ) and the intermediate layer ( Fig. 4 #600 ) , wherein a side surface of the first EL layer ( Fig. 4 side surface of #400 ), a side surface of the intermediate layer ( Fig. 4 side surface of #600 ), and a side surface of the second EL layer ( Fig. 4 side surface of #600 ) are aligned or substantially aligned ( as shown in Fig. 4 ), wherein the first EL layer ( Fig. 4 #400 ) comprises a first layer having an electron-transport property ( Fig. 4 #430 ), wherein the intermediate layer ( Fig. 4 #600 ) is in contact with the first layer having an electron-transport property ( as shown in Fig. 4 ), wherein the intermediate layer comprises a first organic compound and one of an alkali metal and a compound of an alkali metal ( [0139] The N-type charge generation layer #610 may further include an N-type dopant. Examples of the material include: alkali metals, such as Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Fr, and so on. [0120] the N-type charge generation layer #610 contains the compound represented by Chemical Formula 1 which is disclosed as organic ), wherein the second EL layer ( Fig. 4 #500 ) comprises a second layer ( Fig. 4 second electron transport layer #540 ) and a third layer having an electron-transport property ( Fig. 4 #530; as defined in the specification [0035] One layer may have two or three functions of the carrier-injection layer, the carrier-transport layer, and the carrier-blocking layer in some cases ), wherein the second layer ( Fig. 4 second electron transport layer #540 ) is between the third layer having an electron-transport property ( Fig. 4 #530 ) and the second electrode ( Fig. 4 #200 ), wherein the second layer ( Fig. 4 #540 ) is in contact ( as shown in Fig. 4 ) with the third layer having an electron-transport property ( Fig. 4 second light-emitting layer #530 ), wherein the second layer ( Fig. 4 #540 ) comprises a third organic compound and one of an alkali metal and a compound of an alkali metal ( [0039] the compounds of the present disclosure can be used as a material for an organic layer, preferably for an electron transport layer in an organic EL device; Formula 1 is organic and includes an alkyl group).
Son does not appear to disclose the first layer having an electron-transport property comprises a second organic compound, wherein a glass transition temperature of the second organic compound is higher than that of the first organic compound, wherein the third layer having an electron-transport property comprises a fourth organic compound, and wherein a glass transition temperature of the fourth organic compound is higher than that of the third organic compound.
However, Schulze teaches the first layer having an electron-transport property ( Fig. 5 #160 ) comprises a second organic compound ( [0260] the electron transport layer may further comprise an azine compound, preferably a triazine compound ), wherein a glass transition temperature of the second organic compound ( Chen describes the glass transition temperature of NaAN-m-TRZ at 157 ̊ C ) is higher than that of the first organic compound ( [0399] Table 2 material C15 Tg is 118 ̊ C), wherein the third layer having an electron-transport property ( Fig. 5 #161 ) comprises a fourth organic compound ( [0261] the electron transport layer may further comprise a dopant selected from an alkali organic complex, preferably LiQ ), and wherein a glass transition temperature of the fourth organic compound ( [0375] Then, 50 wt. -% 4′-(4-(4-(4,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)phenyl)naphthalen-1-yl)[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-carbonitrile and 50 wt.-% LiQ were vacuum deposited on the first hole blocking layer to form a first electron transport layer having a thickness of 25 nm; The glass transition temperature of this mixture is approximately 158 ̊ C) is higher than that of the third organic compound ( Fig. 5 electron injection layer #180; [0264] Examples of materials for forming the EIL include lithium 8-hydroxyquinolinolate (LiQ); The well-documented melting point for LiQ is Tm = 365-368 ̊ C. Using the standard empirical relationship Tg ≈ 2/3 Tm so that means it would be approximately 153 ̊ C ).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to utilize the teachings of Schulze with Son to implement the first layer having an electron-transport property comprises a second organic compound, wherein a glass transition temperature of the second organic compound is higher than that of the first organic compound, wherein the third layer having an electron-transport property comprises a fourth organic compound, and wherein a glass transition temperature of the fourth organic compound is higher than that of the third organic compound because this would prevent interlayer diffusion and provide structural anchoring.
Claim 5: Son and Schulze disclose the light-emitting device according to claim 1 ( as discussed above).
Son does not appear to disclose the glass transition temperature of the second organic compound is higher than that of the first organic compound by 15 0C or more.
However, Schulze teaches the glass transition temperature of the second organic compound ( glass transition temperature for Alq3 is ~173 ̊ C ) is higher than that of the first organic compound ( highest temperature listed in Table 2 for formula (I) compounds is 118 ̊ C ) by 15 0C or more.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to utilize the teachings of Schulze with Son to implement the glass transition temperature of the second organic compound is higher than that of the first organic compound by 15 0C or more because this threshold would prevent rapid morphological degradation and inhibit crystallization.
Claim 6: Son and Schulze disclose the light-emitting device according to claim 3 ( as discussed above) wherein a refractive index of the fourth organic compound ( The refractive index of a 50 wt.%:50 wt.% mixture of the triazine-based compound and LiQ at 450 nm (BLUE) is approximately 1.85 – 1.95 ) is higher than that of the third organic compound ( The refractive index of LiQ at 450 nm is inherently known as a typical range of 1.85 to 1.9 ).
Claim 8: Son and Schulze disclose the light-emitting device according to claim 3 ( as discussed above)
Son does not appear to disclose the third organic compound comprises a first heteroaromatic ring, wherein the fourth organic compound comprises a first polycyclic heteroaromatic ring, and wherein the number of rings in the first polycyclic heteroaromatic ring is larger than or equal to that of rings in the first heteroaromatic ring.
However, Shulze teaches the third organic compound ( LiQ ) comprises a first heteroaromatic ring ( LiQ is a polycyclic heteroaromatic structure consisting of a benzene ring fused to a pyridine ring ), wherein the fourth organic compound ( [0375] 50 wt. -% 4′-(4-(4-(4,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)phenyl)naphthalen-1-yl)[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-carbonitrile and 50 wt.-% LiQ were vacuum deposited on the first hole blocking layer to form a first electron transport layer ) comprises a first polycyclic heteroaromatic ring ( LiQ is a polycyclic heteroaromatic structure consisting of a benzene ring fused to a pyridine ring and the triazine-based compound contains a heteroaromatic ring and a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon ), and wherein the number of rings in the first polycyclic heteroaromatic ring ( the fourth organic compound is composed of LiQ and a triazine-based compound ) is larger than or equal to that of rings in the first heteroaromatic ring ( the third organic compound is only LiQ ).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to utilize the teachings of Schulze with Son to implement the third organic compound comprises a first heteroaromatic ring, wherein the fourth organic compound comprises a first polycyclic heteroaromatic ring, and wherein the number of rings in the first polycyclic heteroaromatic ring is larger than or equal to that of rings in the first heteroaromatic ring because this would enhance charge transport efficiency and thermal stability.
Claim 14: Son and Schulze disclose the light-emitting device according to claim 3 ( as discussed above).
Son does not appear to disclose a LUMO level of the fourth organic compound is lower than that of the third organic compound by 0.2 eV or more.
However, Schulze teaches a LUMO level of the fourth organic compound ( the LUMO level is approximately -2.4 eV to -2.84 eV ) is lower than that of the third organic compound ( the LUMO level of LiQ is typically cited between -2.08 eV and -3.15 eV ) by 0.2 eV or more.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to utilize the teachings of Schulze with Son to implement a LUMO level of the fourth organic compound is lower than that of the third organic compound by 0.2 eV or more because this creates an energy cascade that optimizes electron flow and device stability.
Claim 15: Son and Schulze disclose the light-emitting device according to claim 1 ( as discussed above).
Son does not appear to disclose a LUMO level of the second organic compound is lower than that of the first organic compound by 0.2 eV or more.
However, Schulze teaches a LUMO level of the second organic compound ( the layer described in [0375] 50 wt. -% 4′-(4-(4-(4,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)phenyl)naphthalen-1-yl)[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-carbonitrile and 50 wt.-% LiQ were vacuum deposited on the first hole blocking layer to form a first electron transport layer having a thickness of 25 nm has a composite LUMO of -2.84 eV ) is lower than that of the first organic compound ( [0377] Then the first p-type CGL having a thickness of 10 nm is formed on the first n-type CGL by co-depositing N-([1,1′-biphenyl]-2-yl)-N-(9.9-dimethyl-9H-fluoren-2-yl)-9,9′spirobi [fluoren]-2-amine with a compound according to formula (I) or a comparative example according to table 4; the LUMO levels of formula (I) described in [0398] Table 1 range from -4.58 eV to -5.87 eV ) by 0.2 eV or more.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to utilize the teachings of Schulze with Son to implement a LUMO level of the second organic compound is lower than that of the first organic compound by 0.2 eV or more because this creates an energy cascade that facilitates efficient electron flow from the cathode toward the emission layer.
Claim 17: Son and Schulze disclose the light-emitting device according to claim 3 ( as discussed above ).
Son does not appear to disclose the glass transition temperature of the second organic compound is higher than that of the first organic compound by 15°C or more.
However, Schulze teaches the glass transition temperature of the second organic compound ( Then, 50 wt. -% 4′-(4-(4-(4,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)phenyl)naphthalen-1-yl)[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-carbonitrile and 50 wt.-% LiQ were vacuum deposited on the first hole blocking layer to form a first electron transport layer having a thickness of 25 nm; The Tg is approximately 150 ̊ C to 155 ̊ C ) is higher than that of the first organic compound ( [0376] Then the first n-type CGL having a thickness of 15 nm is formed on the ETL1 by co-depositing 99 vol.-% 2,2′-(1,3-Phenylene)bis[9-phenyl-1,10-phenanthroline] and 1 vol.-% Li; The Tg is approximately 150 ̊ C to 220 ̊ C ) by 15°C or more.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to utilize the teachings of Schulze with Son to implement the glass transition temperature of the second organic compound is higher than that of the first organic compound by 15°C or more because this provides a critical safety margin to ensure thermal and morphological stability.
Claim 19: Son and Schulze disclose the light-emitting device according to claim 1 ( as discussed above).
Son does not appear to disclose the first organic compound comprises a first heteroaromatic ring, wherein the second organic compound comprises a first polycyclic heteroaromatic ring, and wherein the number of rings in the first polycyclic heteroaromatic ring is larger than or equal to that of rings in the first heteroaromatic ring.
However, Schulze teaches the first organic compound comprises a first heteroaromatic ring ( [0376] Then the first n-type CGL having a thickness of 15 nm is formed on the ETL1 by co-depositing 99 vol.-% 2,2′-(1,3-Phenylene)bis[9-phenyl-1,10-phenanthroline] and 1 vol.-% Li ; comprises heteroaromatic rings), wherein the second organic compound comprises a first polycyclic heteroaromatic ring ( [0375] Then, 50 wt. -% 4′-(4-(4-(4,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)phenyl)naphthalen-1-yl)[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-carbonitrile and 50 wt.-% LiQ were vacuum deposited on the first hole blocking layer to form a first electron transport layer having a thickness of 25 nm ; comprises polycyclic heteroaromatic rings ), and wherein the number of rings in the first polycyclic heteroaromatic ring is larger than or equal to that of rings in the first heteroaromatic ring ( the layers described above satisfy this requirement ).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to utilize the teachings of Schulze with Son to implement the first organic compound comprises a first heteroaromatic ring, wherein the second organic compound comprises a first polycyclic heteroaromatic ring, and wherein the number of rings in the first polycyclic heteroaromatic ring is larger than or equal to that of rings in the first heteroaromatic ring because this improves thermal stability, enhances electron mobility, and prevents layer mixing.
Claim 21: Son and Schulze disclose the light-emitting device according to claim 19 ( as discussed above).
Son does not appear to disclose the first heteroaromatic ring comprises a phenanthroline skeleton.
However, Schulze teaches the first heteroaromatic ring comprises a phenanthroline skeleton ( [0376] Then the first n-type CGL having a thickness of 15 nm is formed on the ETL1 by co-depositing 99 vol.-% 2,2′-(1,3-Phenylene)bis[9-phenyl-1,10-phenanthroline] and 1 vol.-% Li; comprises a phenanthroline skeleton ).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to utilize the teachings of Schulze with Son to implement the first heteroaromatic ring comprises a phenanthroline skeleton because this optimizes the electron injection and hole blocking.
Claim 4 is rejected under U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Son et al.; US 2024/0315132 A1; 07/2021 in view of Schulze et al.; US 2024/0116848 A1; 12/2021 as it relates to claim 3 and further in view of Hatwar et al.; US 2006/0240277 A1; 04/2005
Claim 4: Son and Schulze disclose the light-emitting device according to claim 3 ( as discussed above).
Son does not appear to disclose the glass transition temperature of the fourth organic compound is higher than that of the third organic compound by 15 0C or more.
However, Hatwar teaches the glass transition temperature of the fourth organic compound ( [0130] ETL including tris(8-quinolinolato)aluminum(III) (Alq) as the electron-transporting material; The glass transition temperature of Alq is approximately 173 ̊ C to 177 ̊ C ) is higher than that of the third organic compound ( [0131] 20 nm thick EIL, including 20 nm 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline (also known as bathophen or Bphen) as the electron-transporting material doped and doped with 2% by volume Li metal; glass transition of BPhen undoped is approximately 62 ̊ C to 67 ̊ C, with the Li doping this is estimated to change it up to 100 ̊ C ) by 15 0C or more.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to utilize the teachings of Hatwar with Schulze and Son to implement the glass transition temperature of the fourth organic compound is higher than that of the third organic compound by 15 0C or more because this is a critical design rule for morphological stability and lifetime extension.
Claims 7 and 18 are rejected under U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Son et al.; US 2024/0315132 A1; 07/2021 in view of Schulze et al.; US 2024/0116848 A1; 12/2021 as it relates to claim 1 and further in view of Oh et al.; US 12,501,826 B2; 12/2021
Claim 7: Son and Schulze disclose the light-emitting device according to claim 1 ( as discussed above)
Neither Son nor Schulze appear to disclose a refractive index of the second organic compound is higher than that of the first organic compound.
However, Oh teaches a refractive index of the second organic compound ( Col 243 line 60 – Col 244 line 58 an electron transport layer with a thickness of about 20 nm was formed on the emission layer utilizing diphenyl [4-(triphenylsilyl)phenyl]phosphineoxide (TSPO1) which is an organic compound with a refractive index of 1.664 ) is higher than that of the first organic compound ( Col 27 The charge generating material may be, for example, a p-dopant. The p-dopant may include quinone derivatives such as tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) and/or 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-7,7′,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (F4-TCNQ), metal oxides such as tungsten oxide and/or molybdenum oxide, cyano group-containing compounds such as dipyrazino[2,3-f: 2′,3′-h]quinoxaline-2,3,6,7,10,11-hexacarbonitrile (HATCN) and/or 4-[2,3-bis [cyano-(4-cyano-2,3,5,6-tetrafluorophenyl)methylidene]cyclopropylidene]-cyanomethyl]-2,3,5,6-tetrafluorobenzonitrile; The refractive index of F4-TCNQ is 1.55 and the refractive index of TCNQ is 1.55 to 1.6 ).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to utilize the teachings of Oh with Schulze and Son to implement a refractive index of the second organic compound is higher than that of the first organic compound because this would optimize light extraction efficiency by reducing internal trapping.
Claim 18: Son and Schulze disclose the light-emitting device according to claim 2 ( as discussed above).
Neither Son nor Schulze appear to disclose a refractive index of the second organic compound is higher than that of the first organic compound.
However, Oh teaches a refractive index of the second organic compound ( Col 243 line 60 – Col 244 line 58 an electron transport layer with a thickness of about 20 nm was formed on the emission layer utilizing diphenyl [4-(triphenylsilyl)phenyl]phosphineoxide (TSPO1) which is an organic compound with a refractive index of 1.664 ) is higher than that of the first organic compound ( Col. 27 lines 4 – 17 The hole transport region HTR may include carbazole derivatives (such as N-phenyl carbazole and/or polyvinyl carbazole), fluorene-based derivatives, N,N′-bis(3-methylphenyl)-N,N′-diphenyl-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4,4′-diamine (TPD), triphenylamine-based derivatives (such as 4,4′,4″-tris(N-carbazolyl)triphenylamine (TCTA)), N,N′-di(1-naphthalene-1-yl)-N,N′-diphenyl-benzidine (NPB), 4,4′-cyclohexylidene bis[N,N-bis(4-methylphenyl)benzeneamine](TAPC), 4,4′-bis[N,N′-(3-tolyl)amino]-3,3′-dimethylbiphenyl (HMTPD), 9-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-3,6-bis(triphenylsilyl)-9H-carbazole (CzSi), 9-phenyl-9H-3,9′-bicarbazole (CCP), 1,3-bis(N-carbazolyl)benzene (mCP), 1,3-bis(1,8-dimethyl-9H-carbazol-9-yl)benzene (mDCP), etc; The refractive index of CzSi is 1.63 ).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to utilize the teachings of Oh with Schulze and Son to implement a refractive index of the second organic compound is higher than that of the first organic compound because this would optimize light extraction efficiency by minimizing internal light trapping.
Claims 9, 11, and 13 are rejected under U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Son et al.; US 2024/0315132 A1; 07/2021 in view of Schulze et al.; US 2024/0116848 A1; 12/2021 as it relates to claim 3 and further in view of Seok et al.; US 10,014,357 B2; 09/2017
Claim 9: Son and Schulze disclose the light-emitting device according to claim 3 ( as discussed above).
Neither Son nor Schulze appear to disclose the first organic compound comprises a second heteroaromatic ring, wherein the second organic compound comprises a second polycyclic heteroaromatic ring, and wherein the number of rings in the second polycyclic heteroaromatic ring is larger than or equal to that of rings in the second heteroaromatic ring.
However, Seok teaches the first organic compound ( Col. 6 lines 33 – 36 For example, the second organic material may be an oxadiazole derivative, an antracene derivative, or may be one of: Alq.sub.3, PBD, TAZ, Spiro-PBD, BAlq, SAlq, PF-6P, BMB-3T, CO, and TBPI.) comprises a second heteroaromatic ring ( all of the compounds listed above comprise at least one heteroaromatic ring ), wherein the second organic compound ( Col. 9 lines 59 – 61 Materials for the electron transport layers 514 and 519 may include PBD, TAZ, Alq.sub.3, BAlq, TPBI, and Bepp.sub.2 ) comprises a second polycyclic heteroaromatic ring ( Alq.sub.3, Balq, Bepp.sub.2 and TPBI comprise polycyclic heteroaromatic rings ), and wherein the number of rings in the second polycyclic heteroaromatic ring is larger than or equal to that of rings in the second heteroaromatic ring ( Alq.sub.3 has 6 rings and PBD or TAZ only have 3 rings so this condition is satisfied ).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to utilize the teachings of Seok with Schulze and Son to implement the first organic compound comprises a second heteroaromatic ring, wherein the second organic compound comprises a second polycyclic heteroaromatic ring, and wherein the number of rings in the second polycyclic heteroaromatic ring is larger than or equal to that of rings in the second heteroaromatic ring because this balances between charge transport efficiency and physical stability.
Claim 11: Son, Schulze, and Seok disclose the light-emitting device according to claim 9 ( as discussed above).
Neither Son nor Seok appear to disclose the second heteroaromatic ring comprises a phenanthroline skeleton.
However, Schulze teaches the second heteroaromatic ring ( Fig. 5 n-type CGL #185 ) comprises a phenanthroline skeleton ( The compound 2,2′-(1,3-Phenylene)bis[9-phenyl-1,10-phenanthroline] contains the 1,10-phenanthroline skeleton. This structure is a tricyclic heteroaromatic system consisting of two pyridine rings ( which contain nitrogen heteroatoms ) fused to a central benzene ring ).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to utilize the teachings of Schulze with Son to implement the second heteroaromatic ring comprises a phenanthroline skeleton because this creates high electron mobility, superior electron injection, and effective hole blocking.
Claim 13: Son, Schulze, and Seok disclose the light-emitting device according to claim 9 ( as discussed above).
Neither Son nor Schulze appear to disclose the second polycyclic heteroaromatic ring comprises two or more nitrogen atoms.
However, Seok teaches the second polycyclic heteroaromatic ring comprises two or more nitrogen atoms ( Alq.sub.3 comprises three nitrogen atoms per molecule ).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to utilize the teachings of Seok with Schulze and Son to implement the second polycyclic heteroaromatic ring comprises two or more nitrogen atoms because this optimizes the balance between electrical performance and structural stability.
Claim 10 is rejected under U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Son et al.; US 2024/0315132 A1; 07/2021 in view of Schulze et al.; US 2024/0116848 A1; 12/2021 as it relates to claim 8 and further in view of Chen et al.; US 6,713,781 B1; 12/2002
Claim 10: Son and Schulze disclose the light-emitting device according to claim 8 ( as discussed above).
Neither Son nor Schulze appear to disclose the first heteroaromatic ring comprises a phenanthroline skeleton.
However, Chen teaches the first heteroaromatic ring ( Fig. 1 electron transport layer #5 ) comprises a phenanthroline skeleton ( Col. 6 lines 31-41 a phenanthroline-fused phenazine based material acting as a host for a functional material may lead to increased performance of an OLED. … Each of these layers may itself comprise multiple layers of material having similar composition or function ).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to utilize the teachings of Chen with Schulze and Son to implement the first heteroaromatic ring comprises a phenanthroline skeleton because this allows for effective n-doping, high electron mobility, and deep LUMO level.
Claim 12 is rejected under U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Son et al.; US 2024/0315132 A1; 07/2021 in view of Schulze et al.; US 2024/0116848 A1; 12/2021 as it relates to claim 8 and further in view of Dyatkin et al.; US 12,161,047 B2; (CON files on 07/2018)
Claim 12: Son and Schulze disclose the light-emitting device according to claim 8 ( as discussed above).
Neither Son nor Schulze appear to disclose the first polycyclic heteroaromatic ring comprises two or more nitrogen atoms.
However, Dyatkin teaches the first polycyclic heteroaromatic ring comprises two or more nitrogen atoms ( Col. 5 lines 4-7 An example of an n-doped electron transport layer is BPhen doped with Li at a molar ratio of 1:1, as disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0230980, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety; BPhen contains a tricyclic heteroaromatic ring system; BPhen doped with Li comprise two nitrogen atoms per Bhen molecule )
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to utilize the teachings of Dyatkin with Schulze and Son to implement the first polycyclic heteroaromatic ring comprises two or more nitrogen atoms because this optimizes electron injection and transport efficiency.
Claim 16 is rejected under U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Son et al.; US 2024/0315132 A1; 07/2021 in view of Schulze et al.; US 2024/0116848 A1; 12/2021 as it relates to claim 2 and further in view of Sakuma; US 12,501,824 B2; 09/2019
Claim 16: Son and Schulze disclose the light-emitting device according to claim 2 (as discussed above ).
Neither Son nor Schulze appear to disclose the glass transition temperature of the second organic compound is higher than that of the first organic compound by 15°C or more.
However, Sakuma teaches the glass transition temperature of the second organic compound ( Col 120 line 65 – Col 121 line 14 If the electron transport region ETR includes an electron transport layer ETL, the electron transport region ETR may include, for example, tris(8-hydroxyquinolinato)aluminum (Alq3), 1,3,5-tri[(3-pyridyl)-phen-3-yl]benzene, 2,4,6-tris(3′-(pyridin-3-yl)biphenyl-3-yl)-1,3,5-triazine, 2-(4-(N-phenylbenzoimidazolyl-1-ylphenyl)-9,10-dinaphthylanthracene, 1,3,5-tri(1-phenyl-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)benzene (TPBi), 2,9-dimethyl-4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline (BCP), 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline (Bphen), 3-(4-biphenylyl)-4-phenyl-5-tert-butylphenyl-1,2,4-triazole (TAZ), 4-(naphthalen-1-yl)-3,5-diphenyl-4H-1,2,4-triazole (NTAZ), 2-(4-biphenylyl)-5-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole (tBu-PBD), bis(2-methyl-8-quinolinolato-N1,O8)-(1,1′-biphenyl-4-olato)aluminum (BAlq), berylliumbis(benzoquinolin-10-olate (Bebq2), 9,10-di(naphthalene-2-yl)anthracene (ADN), or a mixture thereof, without being limited thereto; Alq3 has a glass transition temperature of 172- 175 ̊ C ) is higher than that of the first organic compound ( Col 121. Lines 23 – 27 If the electron transport region ETR includes the electron injection layer EIL, the electron transport region ETR may include, for example, LiF, 8-hydroxyquinolinnolata-lithium (LiQ), Li.sub.2O, BaO, NaCl, CsF, a metal in lanthanoides (such as Yb), and/or a metal halide (such as RbCl, RbI and/or KI); The well-documented melting point for LiQ is Tm = 365-368 ̊ C. Using the standard empirical relationship Tg ≈ 2/3 Tm so that means it would be approximately 153 ̊ C ) by 15°C or more.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to utilize the teachings of Sakuma with Schulze and Son to implement the glass transition temperature of the second organic compound is higher than that of the first organic compound by 15°C or more because this would prevent interlayer diffusion and ensure morphological stability.
Claims 20 and 23 are rejected under U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Son et al.; US 2024/0315132 A1; 07/2021 in view of Schulze et al.; US 2024/0116848 A1; 12/2021 as it relates to claim 2 and further in view of Runge et al.; US 11539001 B2; 11/2019
Claim 20: Son and Schulze disclose the light-emitting device according to claim 2 ( as discussed above).
Neither Son nor Schulze appear to disclose the first organic compound comprises a first heteroaromatic ring, wherein the second organic compound comprises a first polycyclic heteroaromatic ring, and wherein the number of rings in the first polycyclic heteroaromatic ring is larger than or equal to that of rings in the first heteroaromatic ring.
However, Runge teaches the first organic compound comprises a first heteroaromatic ring ( Col. 19 lines 61-64 Examples of materials for forming the EIL include lithium 8 -hydroxyquinolinolate (LiQ), LiF, NaCl, CsF, Li2O, BaO, Ca, Ba, Yb, Mg which are known in the art; LiQ comprises a first heteroaromatic ring ), wherein the second organic compound comprises a first polycyclic heteroaromatic ring ( Col. 21 Lines 10 – 16 Suitable matrix materials for the electron generating layer may be the materials conventionally used as matrix materials for electron injection or electron transport layers. The matrix material can be for example one selected from a group consisting of triazine compounds, hydroxyquinoline derivatives like tris(8-hydroxyquinoline)aluminum, benzazole derivatives, and silole derivatives; all of the listed compounds can be synthesized to comprise a first polycyclic heteroaromatic ring ), and wherein the number of rings in the first polycyclic heteroaromatic ring is larger than or equal to that of rings in the first heteroaromatic ring ( the comparison holds for hydroxyquinoline derivatives and benzazole derivatives).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to utilize the teachings of Runge with Schulze and Son to implement the first organic compound comprises a first heteroaromatic ring, wherein the second organic compound comprises a first polycyclic heteroaromatic ring, and wherein the number of rings in the first polycyclic heteroaromatic ring is larger than or equal to that of rings in the first heteroaromatic ring because this is a strategy to optimize thermal stability and charge transport efficiency.
Claim 23: Son and Schulze disclose the light-emitting device according to claim 2 ( as discussed above).
Neither Son nor Schulze disclose a LUMO level of the second organic compound is lower than that of the first organic compound by 0.2 eV or more.
However, Runge teaches wherein a LUMO level of the second organic compound ( Col. 21 Lines 10 – 16 Suitable matrix materials for the electron generating layer may be the materials conventionally used as matrix materials for electron injection or electron transport layers. The matrix material can be for example one selected from a group consisting of triazine compounds, hydroxyquinoline derivatives like tris(8-hydroxyquinoline)aluminum, benzazole derivatives, and silole derivatives; Triazine compounds have LUMO levels between -2.7 eV and -3.1 eV, and Benzazole derivatives have LUMO levels ranging from -2.4 eV to -03.0 eV ) is lower than that of the first organic compound ( Col. 19 lines 61-64 Examples of materials for forming the EIL include lithium 8 -hydroxyquinolinolate (LiQ), LiF, NaCl, CsF, Li2O, BaO, Ca, Ba, Yb, Mg which are known in the art ; LiQ has a LUMO level of -3.15 eV ) by 0.2 eV or more.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to utilize the teachings of Runge with Schulze and Son to implement a LUMO level of the second organic compound is lower than that of the first organic compound by 0.2 eV or more because this facilitates efficient electron flow from the cathode to the emission layer through an energy cascade.
Claim 22 is rejected under U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Son et al.; US 2024/0315132 A1; 07/2021 in view of Schulze et al.; US 2024/0116848 A1; 12/2021 and Runge et al.; US 11539001 B2; 11/2019 as it relates to claim 20 and further in view of Modeeparampil et al.; US 8491820 B2; 03/2011
Claim 22: Son, Schulze, and Runge disclose the light-emitting device according to claim 20 ( as discussed above).
Neither Son nor Schulze nor Runge appear to disclose the first heteroaromatic ring comprises a phenanthroline skeleton.
However, Modeeparampil teaches the first heteroaromatic ring comprises a phenanthroline skeleton ( Col. 3 lines 60 – 64 Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide an electron injection layer composed of most commonly used electron transport material 4,7 di phenyl 1,10 phenanthroline (BPhen) doped with another organic semiconductor Tetracyano quino dimethane (TCNQ) ).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to utilize the teachings of Modeeparampil with Runge, Schulze, and Son to implement the first heteroaromatic ring comprises a phenanthroline skeleton because this optimizes both electrical efficiency and carrier confinement.
Conclusion
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/K.N.F./Examiner, Art Unit 2817
/MARLON T FLETCHER/Supervisory Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2817