Inverse design optimization of MIS nanorod arrays to enhance wavelength-selective light extraction of OLEDs through guided SPCE

One of the primary causes of low light extraction efficiency (LEE) in conventional OLEDs is the trapping of light within the substrate layer. To overcome this limitation, various nanostructures have recently been investigated for integration into different OLED layers, aiming to convert the trapped loss modes into out-coupled light and thereby improve LEE. In this work, we propose a simple yet innovative nanorod array design composed of metal, insulator, and semiconductor-oxide layers, integrated on the bottom surface of the OLED structure. This configuration enhances light extraction through guided surface plasmon-coupled emission (SPCE). Using an inverse design-based optimization approach, the structural parameters of the nanorods were optimized to achieve wavelength-selective LEE enhancement. The periodic MIS nanorod array was optimized <i>via</i> the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm for different emission wavelengths, yielding improvements of 29%, 30%, and 51% at 440 nm, 550 nm, and 640 nm, respectively, compared with conventional OLEDs. In addition, the optimized arrays demonstrate high spectral luminous efficiency (SLE), reduced UV transmittance, and uniform emission directionality. These enhancements have significant potential to advance OLED-based display technologies.