Osram have create new OLED prototypes, available from Soanar - Electronic Component & Supply Chain Solutions as part of a research project, which are large transparent light sources only a few hundred micrometers thick. Due to new technology, these organic light emitting diodes do not need separate encapsulation and can be made incredibly thin in any layout. The transparent test samples have a luminous area of 210 cm² and are already showing the potential of OLED light sources.
Features of the OLED panels include:
- 17 x 17 cm² OLED panels provide a clear indication of the direction that the OLED lighting market is taking
- Athough the OLED panels will have to be made larger they already have many of the properties that distinguish OLEDs from other light sources
- The OLED panels are extremely slim and no longer need expensive encapsulation
- The thickness of OLED panels is now defined only by the substrate as the carrier material – at present this is between 300 and 700 μm. Further development work will lead to an even thinner carrier material and therefore even thinner OLEDs
- They can be made in any shape, take up very little space and can be integrated so discreetly that they are only noticed when they are switched on
- The OLED panels can be made transparent without any detracting structures, due to new developments in electrode design, a special component architecture and a new approach to thin-film technology
- The new technology also simplifies the manufacturing process, whether OLED panels are produced on a small molecule or polymer basis
- Irrespective of the material of the active layers, the technology can be used for colored, warm white and cold white OLED panels
- When it is switched off the OLED light source is barely noticeable. When it is switched on it produces an even light with high luminance over its entire surface
“Transparent OLEDs and flexible OLEDs at a later date will add an entirely new aesthetic dimension to lighting solutions”, said Dr. Karsten Heuser, head of the OLED division at OSRAM Opto Semiconductors. “The possibilities range from light sources that can be integrated in room dividers and furniture, for example, to entire windows that would allow natural light in during the day and flood the room with light at night.”
Current OLEDs are being showcased at PLDC (Professional Lighting Design Convention) from October 29 to 31, 2009 in Berlin to demonstrate the latest state of development.