Advanced Light Extraction Material for OLED Lighting

One of the major hurdles to the commercialization of OLED lighting technology is its low light extraction efficiency when compared to its inorganic LEDs. Currently only 20 30% of the light produced by the OLED can be extracted. In order to be considered as a commercially viable option, OLED lighting efficacy has to improve dramatically. The mismatch between the refractive indices among the active layer, transparent conductive anode layer, ITO, and substrate is a major root cause of light loss. Incorporating any internal light extraction structures that address this root cause can dramatically improve the efficacy and lifetime of the OLED device. In this SBIR project, we are proposing a cost-effective high refractive index nanocomposite formulation that will function as a key part of an internal light extraction structure which will be fully compatible with OLED device manufacturing process and operation conditions and can expedite the commercialization of white OLED lighting. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: Solid-state lighting (SSL) such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) and organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) can lower the US consumption of electricity for lighting and contribute to approximately 50% in energy saving. Even though in terms of technological and commercial development, OLED lighting behind LED, it has several unique advantages. OLED devices can be ultrathin, flexible and the device can be deposited over any smooth large areas. Together with LED, OLED lighting can lead to reduction of carbon emission and other toxic gases, mercury pollution, and US dependency on foreign oil.