Printed organic lighting and signage
Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) are set to revolutionize lighting and signage. They could cut lighting-related energy use by 50-90% and can create effects that no other technology can, such as transparent windows that light-up after dark. Moreover, OLEDs based on polymers have another big advantage: they can be printed. This reduces production costs and offers almost limitless design freedom.
This program aims to demonstrate that cost-effective, flexible OLEDs for lighting and signage can be made using roll-to-roll production process. To do this, Holst Centre and its partners are investigating both device designs and manufacturing techniques.
A key aspect is to identify and address the differing needs of various applications. Consequently, the program has a very broad scope including:
- Processing on metal and plastic foils
- Innovative device designs to minimize the number of process steps for OLED foils
- Low-cost alternatives to indium-tin oxide for transparent electrodes
- Top and bottom emission configurations
- Optimized light outcoupling
The end goal is OLED applications that have a lower cost of ownership, greater versatility, more pleasant light, longer lifetimes and lower energy needs than traditional lighting sources like fluorescent tubes. To this end, the program brings together partners from throughout the value chain from thin-film and polymer suppliers through production equipment manufacturers to lighting, consumer electronics and design companies.