As part of a research project, OSRAM Opto Semiconductors has developed OLED prototypes that are only a few hundred micrometers thick. Thanks to new technology, these OLEDs 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 significant potential of OLED light sources, offering a glimpse of the extraordinary lighting applications that may one day become reality.
“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 for natural light during the day and would flood the room with light at night.”
Though the modules size will need to increase, they already possess many of the properties that distinguish OLEDs from other light sources. They are extremely slim and no longer require expensive encapsulation. Their thickness is now defined only by their carrier material, which is currently between 300 and 700 µm. Further development is focusing on yet a thinner carrier material which would therefore allow for slimmer OLEDs, enabling their use in a variety of applications.
What is unique about the new OLED panels is they can be made transparent without any detracting structures. This means that without any additional conductor path structures on the light-emitting surface, the energy current is distributed evenly over the active surface, which in turn leads to uniform luminance. The new technology also simplifies the manufacturing process. Regardless of the material of the active layers, the technology can be used for colored, warm or cold white OLEDs.
Once the optimal color options are achieved, the next stage is to integrate the processes into a stable manufacturing operation. When it is switched off, the OLED light source is barely noticeable but when switched on it produces an even light with high luminance over its entire surface.
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