Evaporation crucible and evaporation apparatus

This application is a national stage application under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of International Application No. PCT/CN2017/093320, filed Jul. 18, 2017, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in the entirety.

The present invention relates to an evaporation crucible and an evaporation apparatus.

In a process of making an organic light emitting diode (OLED), the organic light emitting material is evaporated onto a substrate using an evaporation crucible. Specifically, the organic light emitting material is placed inside the evaporation crucible having a heating source. When power is applied to the heating source, the organic light emitting material evaporates or sublimes into a vapor. The evaporated or sublimed vapor condenses when it reaches the substrate on top of the evaporation crucible. The organic light emitting material is deposited on the substrate.

In one aspect, the present invention provides an evaporation crucible comprising a crucible body; and a plurality of nozzles connected to the crucible body, each of which has an opening on a side distal to the crucible body; wherein the plurality of nozzles comprises a first nozzle on a first edge of the plurality of nozzles; and the first nozzle has a first height relative to a surface of the crucible body on a side proximal to the first edge greater than a second height relative to the surface of the crucible body on a side distal to the first edge.

Optionally, the first nozzle has a first opening; and a plane of the first opening is inclined with respect to the cross-section of the first nozzle normal to the central axis of the first nozzle at a first angle in a range of approximately 5 degrees to approximately 85 degrees.

Optionally, the plurality of nozzles comprises a second nozzle on a second edge of the plurality of nozzles, the second edge being opposite to the first edge; and the second nozzle has a third height relative to the surface of the crucible body on a side proximal to the second edge greater than a fourth height relative to the surface of the crucible body on a side distal to the second edge.

Optionally, the second nozzle has a second opening; and a plane of the second opening is inclined with respect to the cross-section of the second nozzle normal to the central axis of the second nozzle at, a second angle in a range of approximately 5 degrees to approximately 85 degrees.

Optionally, the third height is substantially the same as the first height; and the fourth height is substantially the same as the second height.

Optionally, the plane of the first opening and the plane of the second opening are inclined toward each other so that the plane of the first opening and the plane of the second opening intersect on a side of the first opening and the second opening proximal to the crucible body; a plane normal to the plane of the first opening and a plane normal to the plane of the second opening are substantially parallel to each other; the plane of the first opening is inclined with respect to the cross-section of the first nozzle normal to the central axis of the first nozzle at a first angle in a range of approximately 5 degrees to approximately 85 degrees; the plane of the second opening is inclined with respect to the cross-section of the second nozzle normal to the central axis of the second nozzle at a second angle in a range of approximately 5 degrees to approximately 85 degrees; and the first angle and the second angle are substantially the same.

Optionally, the plurality of nozzles includes at least a third nozzle between the first nozzle and the second nozzle; the third nozzle has a substantially the same a fifth height relative to the surface of the crucible body on a side proximal to the first edge and on a side proximal to the second edge; the second height, the fourth height and the fifth height are substantially the same; and the third height is substantially the same as the first height.

Optionally, the third nozzle has a third opening; and the third nozzle has a substantially uniform height along an edge of the third opening.

Optionally, the third nozzle has a third opening; and a plane of the third opening is substantially normal to a central axis of the third nozzle.

Optionally, any nozzle between the first nozzle and the second nozzle has a substantially the same a sixth height relative to the surface of the crucible body on a side proximal to the first edge and on a side proximal to the second edge; the second height, the fourth height and the sixth height are substantially the same; and the third height is substantially the same as the first height.

Optionally, a plane of an opening of any nozzle between the first nozzle and the second nozzle is substantially normal to its central axis; and a plane normal to the plane of the first opening and a plane normal to the plane of the second opening are substantially parallel to each other, and substantially parallel to the central axes of nozzles between the first nozzle and the second nozzle.

Optionally, the first height is a maximal height along an edge of the first opening; and the second height is a minimal height along the edge of the first opening.

Optionally, the third height is a maximal height along an edge of the second opening; and the fourth height is a minimal height along the edge of the second opening.

Optionally, central axes of the plurality of nozzles are substantially parallel to each other.

Optionally, each of the plurality of nozzles has a cross-section normal to its central axis; and the cross-section of each of the plurality of nozzles has a substantially the same area.

Optionally, each of the plurality of nozzles comprises a single opening.

Optionally, a projection of each of the plurality of nozzles on the crucible body has a substantially the same shape and a substantially the same area.

Optionally, the projection of each of the plurality of nozzles on the crucible body has a circular shape.

In another aspect, the present invention provides an evaporation apparatus comprising an evaporation crucible described herein.

Optionally, the evaporation apparatus further comprises a housing; and a transporting apparatus in the housing; wherein the transporting apparatus is above the evaporation crucible and configured to support a substrate for receiving a vapor evaporated from the plurality of nozzles of the evaporation crucible; the plurality of nozzles are substantially arranged along a first direction; and the transporting apparatus is configured to move the substrate in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

The following drawings are merely examples for illustrative purposes according to various disclosed embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a distribution pattern of gaseous organic material exited from an outlet of a nozzle.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a conventional evaporation crucible.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of an evaporation crucible in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a first nozzle and a second nozzle in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a first nozzle and a second nozzle in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a first nozzle and a second nozzle in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a third nozzle in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a first nozzle, a second nozzle, and a plurality of third nozzles in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of an evaporation crucible in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of an evaporation apparatus in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.

The disclosure will now be described more specifically with reference to the following embodiments. It is to be noted that the following descriptions of some embodiments are presented herein for purpose of illustration and description only. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to be limited to the precise form disclosed.

The distribution of gaseous organic material from the nozzle follows a Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution function. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a distribution pattern of gaseous organic material exited from an outlet of a nozzle. Referring to FIG. 1 the amount of organic material at the opening of a nozzle is denoted as I 0 . An amount I of organic material distributed at an angle θ with respect to the surface of the crucible body can be calculated according to an equation I=I 0 cos n θ. Thus, it is possible to estimate the thickness of the deposition film and the efficiency of the evaporation by calculating an n value. The n value also partially depends on the size of the opening of the nozzle and a height of the nozzle. When the height of the nozzle is kept the same, the greater the size of the opening, the smaller the n value. When the size of the opening is kept the same, the greater the height of the nozzle, the greater the n value. The smaller the n value, the broader the range of distribution. The greater the n value, the narrower the range of the distribution.

In one example, the correlation between the n value and the size of the opening is illustrated in Table 1. The height of the nozzle is kept at 15 mm.

In another example, the correlation between the n value and the height of the nozzle is illustrated in Table 2. The diameter of the opening is kept at 10 mm.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a conventional evaporation crucible. Referring to FIG. 2 , the conventional evaporation crucible includes a crucible body 1 and a plurality of nozzles 2 connected to the crucible body 1 . The plurality of nozzle 2 in the conventional evaporation crucible have a substantially the same shape, dimension, and orientation. The inlet of each of the plurality of nozzles 2 is connected to the interior of the crucible body 1 . The outlet of each of the plurality of nozzles 2 passes through an opening on top of the crucible body. The crucible body in some embodiments includes a material chamber 1 A and a heater 1 B. By heating the material chamber 1 A, an organic material (e.g., an organic light emitting material) evaporates into a gaseous organic material. The gaseous organic material enters the inlet of each of the plurality of nozzles 2 , and exits the outlet of each of the plurality of nozzles 2 . The gaseous organic material exited from the outlet of each of the plurality of nozzles 2 deposits onto a surface of a substrate 3 placed on top of the evaporation crucible.

As shown in FIG. 2 , in an area between A and B on the substrate 3 , the material deposited on the substrate 3 comes from two adjacent nozzles 2 . Outside the area between A and B (e.g., on the left side of A or on the right side of B), the material deposited on the substrate 3 comes from a single nozzle 2 . Thus, the deposition film formed in the area between A and B is thicker than that outside of the area between A and B. This edge effect results in a deposition film having non-uniform thickness, i.e., the thickness of the film is smaller along the edges and greater in the center. A non-uniform deposition film (e.g., an organic light emitting layer) adversely affects the display quality.

Accordingly, the present disclosure provides, inter alia, an evaporation crucible and an evaporation apparatus that substantially obviate one or more of the problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art. In one aspect, the present disclosure provides an evaporation crucible. In some embodiments, the evaporation crucible includes a crucible body and a plurality of nozzles connected to the crucible body. Each of the plurality of nozzles has an opening on a side distal to the crucible body. The plurality of nozzles includes a first nozzle on a first edge of the plurality of nozzles. The first nozzle has a first height relative to a surface of the crucible body on a side proximal to the first edge greater than a second height relative to the surface of the crucible body on a side distal to the first edge. Using the present evaporation crucible, a highly uniform distribution of organic material and a film deposited on a substrate having highly uniform thickness throughout the film can be achieved.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of an evaporation crucible in some embodiments according to the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 3 , the evaporation crucible in some embodiments includes a crucible body 1 and a plurality of nozzles 2 connected to the crucible body 1 . The plurality of nozzle 2 includes a first nozzle 2 A, a second nozzle 2 B, and at least a third nozzle 2 C between the first nozzle 2 A and the second nozzle 2 B. The first nozzle 2 A is on a first edge (e.g., a left edge) of the plurality of nozzles 2 . The second nozzle 2 B is on a second edge (e.g., a right edge) opposite to the first edge of the plurality of nozzles 2 . The inlet of each of the plurality of nozzles 2 is connected to the interior of the crucible body 1 . The outlet of each of the plurality of nozzles 2 passes through an opening on top of the crucible body. The crucible body in some embodiments includes a material chamber 1 A and a heater 1 B. The heater 1 B may be disposed inside the material chamber 1 A. Optionally, the heater 1 B is disposed external to the material chamber 1 A. By heating the material chamber 1 A, an organic material (e.g., an organic light emitting material) evaporates into a gaseous organic material. The gaseous organic material enters the inlet of each of the plurality of nozzles 2 , and exits the outlet of each of the plurality of nozzles 2 . The gaseous organic material exited from the outlet of each of the plurality of nozzles 2 deposits onto a surface of a substrate 3 placed on top of the evaporation crucible. In some embodiments, the plurality of nozzles 2 are arranged as a row of a plurality of nozzles 2 (as shown in FIG. 3 ). During the deposition process, the row of the plurality of nozzles 2 and the substrate move relative to each other. The row of the plurality of nozzles 2 scans the surface of the substrate 3 , depositing a layer of organic material having substantially uniform thickness on the surface of the substrate 3 . In some embodiments, a mask plate 4 is placed between the substrate 3 and the row of the plurality of nozzles 2 .

The first nozzle 2 A is on a first edge E 1 of the plurality of nozzles 2 , e.g., the first nozzle 2 A is the first one of the plurality of nozzles 2 on the left side. The second nozzle 2 B is on a second edge E 2 of the plurality of nozzles 2 , e.g., the second nozzle 2 B is the last one of the plurality of nozzles 2 on the right side. The second edge E 2 is opposite to the first edge E 1 . Thus, in a row of the plurality of nozzles 2 , the first nozzle 2 A is the first one in the row and the second nozzle 2 B is the last in the row.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a first nozzle and a second nozzle in some embodiments according to the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 4 , the first nozzle 2 A in some embodiments has an inlet IL connected to the interior of the crucible body 1 , and an outlet OL passing through an opening on top of the crucible body 1 and allowing the gaseous organic material exiting the crucible body 1 . Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 , the first nozzle 2 A is on a first edge E 1 of the plurality of nozzles 2 , e.g., the first nozzle 2 A is the first one of the plurality of nozzles 2 on the left side. The first nozzle 2 A has a first height H 1 relative to a surface S of the crucible body 1 on a first side S 1 proximal to the first edge E 1 , and a second height H 2 relative to a surface 5 of the crucible body 1 on a second side S 2 distal to the first edge E 1 (and proximal to the second edge E 2 ). The first height H 1 is greater than the second height H 2 . As denoted in FIG. 4 , the first height H 1 in some embodiments is h+h′, and the second height H 2 in some embodiments is h. Thus, the first height H 1 is greater than the second height H 2 by h′. Optionally, the first height H 1 is greater than the second height H 2 by at least 10%, e.g., by at least 20%, by at least 50%, at least 100%, and so on. Optionally, the first height H 1 is a maximal height along the entire edge of the first opening O 1 . Optionally, the second height H 2 is a minimal height along the entire edge of the first opening O 1 .

By having a first nozzle 2 A having a first height H 1 relative to a surface S of the crucible body 1 on a first side S 1 proximal to the first edge E 1 greater than a second height H 2 relative to the surface S of the crucible body 1 on a second side S 2 distal to the first edge E 1 , the edge effect of the conventional evaporation crucible is obviated. By having a greater first height H 1 on the first side, the n value on the left side of the first nozzle 2 A is increased, resulting in a narrower material distribution on the left side of the first nozzle 2 A. The narrower distribution on the left side leads to an increased deposition on the left side of the first nozzle 2 A, which in turn increases a thickness of the deposition film in this region. By having the second height H 2 smaller, e.g., substantially the same as the heights of other nozzles in the middle of the plurality of nozzles 2 , the n value of the right side of the first nozzle 2 A is maintained substantially the same as the n value for the other nozzles in the middle of the plurality of nozzles 2 . Thus, the deposition on the right side of the first nozzle 2 A is substantially unchanged. As a result, a substantially uniform thickness on the left side and on the right side of the first nozzle 2 A can be achieved.

Referring to FIG. 4 , the second nozzle 2 B in some embodiments has an inlet IL connected to the interior of the crucible body 1 , and an outlet OL passing through an opening on top of the crucible body 1 and allowing the gaseous organic material exiting the crucible body 1 . Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 , the second nozzle 2 B is on a second edge E 2 of the plurality of nozzles 2 . e.g., the second nozzle 2 B is the last one of the plurality of nozzles 2 on the right side. The second nozzle 2 B has a third height H 3 relative to a surface S of the crucible body 1 on a third side S 3 proximal to the second edge E 2 , and a fourth height H 4 relative to a surface S of the crucible body 1 on a fourth side S 4 distal to the second edge E 2 (and proximal to the first edge E 1 ) The third height H 3 is greater than the fourth height H 4 . As denoted in FIG. 4 , the third height H 3 in some embodiments is h+h′, and the fourth height H 4 in some embodiments is h. Thus, the third height H 3 is greater than the fourth height H 4 by h′. Optionally, the third height H 3 is greater than the fourth height H 4 by at least 10%, e.g., by at least 20%, by at least 50%, at least 100%, and so on. Optionally, the third height H 3 is a maximal height along the entire edge of the second opening O 2 . Optionally, the fourth height H 4 is a minimal height along the entire edge of the second opening O 2 .

By having a second nozzle 2 B having a third height H 3 relative to a surface S of the crucible body 1 on a third side S 3 proximal to the second edge E 2 greater than a fourth height H 4 relative to the surface S of the crucible body 1 on a fourth side S 4 distal to the second edge E 2 , the edge effect of the conventional evaporation crucible is obviated. By having a greater third height H 3 on the third side, the n value on the right side of the second nozzle 2 B is increased, resulting in a narrower material distribution on the right side of the second nozzle 2 B, The narrower distribution on the right side leads to an increased deposition on the right side of the second nozzle 2 B, which in turn increases a thickness of the deposition film in this region. By having the fourth height H 4 smaller than the third height H 3 , e.g., the fourth height H 4 being substantially the same as the heights of other nozzles in the middle of the plurality of nozzles 2 , the n value of the left side of the second nozzle 2 B is maintained substantially the same as the n value for the other nozzles in the middle of the plurality of nozzles 2 . Thus, the deposition on the left side of the second nozzle 2 B is substantially unchanged. As a result, a substantially uniform thickness on the left side and on the right side of the second nozzle 2 B can be achieved.

Optionally, the first height H 1 and the third height H 3 are substantially the same, and the second height H 2 and the fourth height H 4 are substantially the same.

Referring to FIG. 4 , the first nozzle 2 A in some embodiments has a first opening O 1 . The plane P 1 of the first opening O 1 is inclined with respect to a cross-section C 1 of the first nozzle 2 A normal to a central axis A 1 of the first nozzle 2 A. As shown in FIG. 4 , the plane P 1 of the first opening O 1 is inclined with respect to the cross-section C 1 of the first nozzle 2 A normal to the central axis A 1 of the first nozzle 2 A at a first angle α 1 . Optionally, the first angle α 1 is in a range of approximately 5 degrees to approximately 85 degrees, e.g., approximately 10 degrees to approximately 80 degrees, approximately 20 degrees to approximately 70 degrees, approximately 30 degrees to approximately 60 degrees, and approximately 40 degrees to approximately 50 degrees.

As used herein, the term “inclined” refers to a situation in which a first plane forms an angle with a second plane, the angle is being not zero and not 90 degrees. Optionally, the first plane is not parallel to the second plane, and is not normal to the second plane.

Referring to FIG. 4 , the second nozzle 2 B in some embodiments has a second opening O 2 . The plane P 2 of the second opening O 2 is inclined with respect to a cross-section C 2 of the second nozzle 2 B normal to a central axis A 2 of the second nozzle 2 B. As shown in FIG. 4 , the plane P 2 of the second opening O 2 is inclined with respect to the cross-section C 2 of the second nozzle 2 B normal to the central axis A 2 of the second nozzle 2 B at a second angle α 2 . Optionally, the second angle α 2 is in a range of approximately 5 degrees to approximately 85 degrees, e.g., approximately 10 degrees to approximately 80 degrees, approximately 20 degrees to approximately 70 degrees, approximately 30 degrees to approximately 60 degrees, and approximately 40 degrees to approximately 50 degrees.

Optionally, the first angle α 1 is substantially the same as the second angle α 2 .

Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 , in some embodiments, the plane P 1 of the first opening O 1 and the plane P 2 of the second opening O 2 are inclined toward each other. The plane P 1 of the first opening O 1 and the plane P 2 of the second opening O 2 are on a side of the first opening O 1 and the second opening O 2 proximal to the crucible body 1 . The plane P 1 ′ normal to the plane P 1 of the first opening O 1 and the plane P 2 ′ normal to the plane P 2 of the second opening O 2 are substantially parallel to each other. The plane P 1 of the first opening O 1 is inclined with respect to the cross-section C 1 of the first nozzle 2 A normal to the central axis A 1 of the first nozzle 2 A at a first angle α 1 . The plane P 2 of the second opening O 2 is inclined with respect to the cross-section C 2 of the second nozzle 2 B normal to the central axis A 2 of the second nozzle 2 B at a second angle α 2 . Optionally, the first angle α 1 is in a range of approximately 10 degrees to approximately 80 degrees. Optionally, the second angle α 2 is in a range of approximately 10 degrees to approximately 80 degrees. Optionally, the first angle α 1 and the second angle α 2 are substantially the same.

In the context of the present disclosure, the plane of an opening refers to a plane in contact with a plurality of points along the edge of the opening. The first opening O 1 and the second opening O 2 in FIG. 4 have a substantially smooth edge and the entire edge has a substantially the same slope. In some embodiments, the opening need not have a smooth edge, nor an edge having a substantially the same slope along its entire path. Optionally, the plane of an opening is a plane that is in contact with a plurality of points along the edge of the opening, and has a slope substantially the same as the average slope along the edge of the opening. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a first nozzle and a second nozzle in some embodiments according to the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 5 , the first nozzle 2 A and the second nozzle 2 B are substantially the same as those in FIG. 4 except that the first opening O 1 and the second opening O 2 have a serrated or jagged edge. The plane P 1 of the first opening O 1 is a plane in contact with a plurality of points along the edge of the first opening O 1 , and has a slope substantially the same as the average slope of the along the edge of the first opening O 1 . The plane P 2 of the second opening O 2 is a plane in contact with a plurality of points along the edge of the second opening O 2 , and has a slope substantially the same as the average slope of the along the edge of the second opening O 2 . FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a first nozzle and a second nozzle in some embodiments according to the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 6 , the first nozzle 2 A and the second nozzle 2 B are substantially the same as those in FIG. 4 except that the first opening O 1 and the second opening O 2 both have a concave shape. The edges of the first opening O 1 and the second opening O 2 both have variable slopes along then edges. The plane P 1 of the first opening O 1 is a plane in contact with a plurality of points along the edge of the first opening O 1 , and has a slope substantially the same as the average slope of the along the edge of the first opening O 1 . The plane P 2 of the second opening O 2 is a plane in contact with a plurality of points along the edge of the second opening O 2 , and has a slope substantially the same as the average slope of the along the edge of the second opening O 2 .

In some embodiments, the plurality of nozzles includes at least a third nozzle between the first nozzle and the second nozzle. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a third nozzle in some embodiments according to the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 7 , the third nozzle 2 C has a substantially the same a fifth height H 5 relative to the surface S of the crucible body 1 on a fifth side S 5 proximal to the first edge E 1 and on a sixth side S 6 proximal to the second edge E 2 . Optionally, the fifth height H 5 is h. Referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 7 , in some embodiments, the second height H 2 of the first nozzle 2 A, the fourth height H 4 of the second nozzle 2 B, and the fifth height H 5 of the third nozzle 2 C are substantially the same. Optionally, the third height H 3 of the second nozzle 2 B is substantially the same as the first height H 1 of the first nozzle 2 A.

Referring to FIG. 7 , in some embodiments, the third nozzle 2 C includes a third opening O 3 . Optionally, the third nozzle 2 C has a substantially uniform height along the entire edge of the third opening O 3 . A plane P 3 of the third opening O 3 is substantially normal to a central axis A 3 of the third nozzle 2 C, i.e., the plane P 3 of the third opening O 3 is substantially parallel to a cross-section C 3 normal to the central axis A 3 .

Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 7 , in some embodiments, each nozzle between the first nozzle 2 A and the second nozzle 2 B is a third nozzle 2 C. Each third nozzle 2 C of the plurality of third nozzles between the first nozzle 2 A and the second nozzle 2 B has a substantially the same a fifth height H 5 relative to the surface S of the crucible body 1 on a fifth side S 5 proximal to the first edge E 1 and on a sixth side S 6 proximal to the second edge E 2 . Optionally, the fifth height H 5 is h. Referring to FIGS. 3, 4, and 7 , in some embodiments, the second height H 2 of the first nozzle 2 A, the fourth height H 4 of the second nozzle 2 B, and the fifth height H 5 of each third nozzle 2 C of the plurality of third nozzles are substantially the same. Optionally, the third height H 3 of the second nozzle 2 B is substantially the same as the first height H 1 of the first nozzle 2 A. Optionally, each third nozzle 2 C of the plurality of third nozzles has a third opening O 3 . Optionally, each third nozzle 2 C of the plurality of third nozzles has a substantially uniform height along the entire edge of the third opening O 3 . Optionally, a plane P 3 of the third opening O 3 is substantially normal to a central axis A 3 of the third nozzle 2 C, i.e., the plane P 3 of the third opening O 3 is substantially parallel to a cross-section CS normal to the central axis A 3 .

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a first nozzle, a second nozzle, and a plurality of third nozzles in some embodiments according to the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 8 , a plane P 3 of an opening O 3 of any third nozzle 2 C between the first nozzle 2 A and the second nozzle 2 B is substantially normal to its central axis A 3 . A plane P 1 ′ normal to the plane P 1 of the first opening O 1 and a plane P 2 ′ normal to the plane P 2 of the second opening O 2 are substantially parallel to each other, and substantially parallel to the central axes A 3 of nozzles between the first nozzle 2 A and the second nozzle 2 B. Optionally, a pattern of a projection of the first opening O 1 on the plane P 1 has a mirror symmetry with respect to the plane P 1 ′, and a pattern of a projection of the second opening O 2 on the plane P 2 has a mirror symmetry with respect to the plane P 2 ′. Optionally, the plane P 1 ′, the plane P 2 ′, and the central axes A 3 are substantially co-planar, as shown in FIG. 8 .

In some embodiments, between the first nozzle on the first edge and the second nozzle on the second edge, the plurality of nozzles further includes nozzles different from the third nozzle, e.g., not every nozzle between the first nozzle and the second nozzle is a third nozzle. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of an evaporation crucible in some embodiments according to the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 9 , in some embodiments, the plurality of nozzles 2 includes a first nozzle 2 A on a first edge E 1 of the plurality of nozzles 2 , a second nozzle 2 B on a second edge E 2 of the plurality of nozzles 2 , one or more third nozzle 2 C between the first nozzle 2 A and the second nozzle 2 B, a fourth nozzle 2 D adjacent to the first nozzle 2 A, and a fifth nozzle 2 E adjacent to the second nozzle 2 B. Similar to the first nozzle 2 A, the fourth nozzle 2 D also has a height relative to a surface of the crucible body 1 on a side proximal to the first edge E 1 greater than that on a side distal to the first edge E 1 . However, the height ratio between the height on the side proximal to the first edge E 1 and the height on the side distal to the first edge E 1 for the fourth nozzle 2 D is less than that for the first nozzle 2 A. Similar to the second nozzle 2 B, the fifth nozzle 2 E also has a height relative to the surface of the crucible body 1 on a side proximal to the second edge E 2 greater than that on a side distal to the second edge E 2 . The height ratio between the height on the side proximal to the second edge E 2 and the height on the side distal to the second edge E 2 for the fifth nozzle 2 E is less than that for the second nozzle 2 B.

Referring, to FIG. 8 , in some embodiments, central axes of all of the plurality of nozzles 2 , e.g., the central axes A 1 , A 2 , and A 3 , are all substantially parallel to each other. Optionally, each of the plurality of nozzles 2 has a cross-section normal to its central axis. The cross-sections of all of the plurality of nozzles 2 , e.g., C 1 , C 2 , and C 3 , all have a substantially the same area. As shown in FIG. 8 , each of the plurality of nozzles 2 has a single opening. Optionally, a projection of each of all of the plurality of nozzles 2 on the crucible body 1 has a substantially the same shape and a substantially the same area. Optionally, the projection of each of the plurality of nozzles 2 on the crucible body has a circular shape.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides an evaporation apparatus having a evaporation crucible described herein. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of an evaporation apparatus in some embodiments according to the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 10 , the evaporation apparatus in some embodiments includes a housing 5 and a transporting apparatus 6 in the housing 5 . The transporting apparatus 6 is disposed above the evaporation crucible, which includes the crucible body 1 and a plurality of nozzles 2 . The transporting apparatus 6 is configured to support a substrate 3 for receiving a vapor evaporated from the plurality of nozzles 2 of the evaporation crucible. Optionally, a mask plate 4 is placed between the substrate 3 and the plurality of nozzles 2 . Optionally, the plurality of nozzles 2 are substantially arranged along a first direction, and the transporting apparatus 6 is configured to move the substrate 3 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

Various appropriate transporting apparatuses may be used in the present evaporation apparatus. Optionally, the transporting apparatus is a conveying belt. When the substrate 3 is moved to a position opposite to the plurality of nozzles 2 , the plurality of nozzles 2 sprays the gaseous organic material to allow the organic material deposited to the substrate 3 .

The foregoing description of the embodiments of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form or to exemplary embodiments disclosed. Accordingly, the foregoing description should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Obviously, many modifications and variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in this art. The embodiments are chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the invention and its best mode practical application, thereby to enable persons skilled in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use or implementation contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention, be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents in which all terms are meant in their broadest reasonable sense unless otherwise indicated. Therefore, the term “the invention”. “the present invention” or the like does not necessarily limit the claim scope to a specific embodiment, and the reference to exemplary embodiments of the invention does not imply a limitation on the invention, and no such limitation is to be inferred. The invention is limited only by the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Moreover, these claims may refer to use “first”, “second”, etc. following with noun or element. Such terms should be understood as a nomenclature and should not be construed as giving the limitation on the number of the elements modified by such nomenclature unless specific number has been given. Any advantages and benefits described may not apply to all embodiments of the invention. It should be appreciated that variations may be made in the embodiments described by persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims. Moreover, no element and component in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element or component is explicitly recited in the following claims.