OLEDs have only just begun to make their mark as energy-efficient sources of light. While 'reguar' LEDs can only illuminate certain areas, OLEDs can be fixed onto flexible surfaces and can light up larger areas. Luminous wallpapers and windows are just around the corner.
OLEDs: Lighting of the future
Shimmering colors
The substances used to make organic light emitting diodes shimmer in bright colors. Hydrocarbons are treated and processed in the laboratory, and the painstaking degree of work done by hand means that even small quantities can be more valuable than gold.
OLEDs: Lighting of the future
Clean production
Pilot production systems occur in a dust-free, hermetically sealed room, where organic materials are heated and placed on surfaces such as glass, metal or plastic. Several layers, each of which a thousandth of the thickness of a strand of human hair, are built up on one another.
OLEDs: Lighting of the future
Delicate protection
Protective coverings keep the organic materials used in OLED production from coming into contact with oxygen, moisture and dirt. Finished OLEDs are also covered for protection. The ultra-thin space between the OLED and the covering is filled with nitrogen. In the finished OLED, electrons move about among the layers, and when electric current is applied, this causes the OLED to light up.
OLEDs: Lighting of the future
Painstaking process
At the end of the production process, OLEDs are placed on large glass plates and cut into smaller units. Because OLEDs cannot yet be mass-produced, this job has to be done by hand. The plates are then scored and manually broken apart.
OLEDs: Lighting of the future
Measuring buoy
The researchers in Dresden place particular emphasis on quality of the organic light-emitting diodes. In their research laboratory, they measure the OLEDs' life expectancy and color quality, using a piece of measuring equipment that resembles a buoy.
OLEDs: Lighting of the future
Lifespan problem
Scientists still face the challenge of improving the relatively short lifespan of OLEDs. Dark spots, as pictured to the left, occur when particles enter the OLED’s protective layer. When that happens, it's the beginning of the end for an illuminated screen or area light.
OLEDs: Lighting of the future
Mass production puzzle
The Dresden scientists think they will soon have worked out the kinks in OLED technology. But they still face the challenge of designing a means of mass production. The ultimate aim is to make it possible to produce two-meter-wide and endlessly long OLED light strips. Such economies of scale would substantially reduce the costs of production.
OLEDs: Lighting of the future
Lighting of the near future
OLEDs are increasingly used in displays, especially for cameras, watches, cell phones and MP3 players. But it will take another five to seven years before they become equally widespread on the lighting market.
OLEDs: Lighting of the future
Flying Future
Light designer Ingo Maurer from Munich is convinced that OLEDs are the future of light, and has christened his first commercial OLED light "Flying Future." At a price of 90,000 euros, it's not yet everyone's future. But with time, the prices should sink and the new light sources will be available for everyone to enjoy.
