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Traditionally, to represent that somebody suddenly had a brilliant idea, a light bulb magically appears on top of their heads. But research teams from the University of Michigan, Princeton University and the University of Southern California might change all that with OLEDs.
OLED or Organic Light-Emitting Diode is a paper thin-film light-emitting diode (LED) in which the emissive layer is an organic compound. Commonly used as screens for mobile phones and MP3 players, car radios and digital cameras and also in high resolution microdisplays for head-mounted displays.
Made from organic compounds (mostly of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen) and quantum mechanical limitations OLEDs had relatively low efficiency. But in 1998, it was found that including a heavy-metal atom such as platinum or iridium in the organic molecule could overcome the quantum-mechanical limitations, allowing for 100 percent of the injected electrons to result in light emission via the process of phosphorescence often associated with dim, long-lasting light.
Electrophosphorescence, spawned from the above process, allows OLEDs to be used in high-efficiency, full-color displays. By combining the light emissions of red, green, and blue electrophosphorescent OLEDs, it can generate light that the eye perceives to be white - and do it very efficiently.
This breakthrough led Universal Display Corporation, world leader in developing and commercializing innovative OLED technologies and materials for use in the electronic flat panel display, lighting and other opto-electronic markets, will provide up to $4.6 million in funding to continue sponsoring research by Professors Stephen R. Forrest and Mark E. Thompson at their respective institutions over the next three years. So when you have a bright idea, think OLEDs.
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