High Stability White SOLEDs

In 2001, lighting was estimated to consume 8.2 quads (approximately 762 TWh), or about 22% of the total electricity generated in the U.S. New, high-efficiency, solid-state light sources, such as organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), are needed to help reduce the ever increasing demand for energy. Potentially, an OLED is an inexpensive and energy saving diffuse source that may compete with conventional incandescent and fluorescent light sources. However, improvements in the overall efficiency and lifetime of these devices are required before they become commercially viable products. This project will enable the demonstration of an efficient, novel OLED illumination system with 150 lm/W power efficacy. Phase I demonstrated a warm, white, stacked OLED (SOLED) with an efficacy of 50 lm/W at a forward luminance of 1,000 cd/m2. The device had a Color Rendering Index (CRI) of 72 and a lifetime of over 80,000 hrs from an initial luminance of 1,000 cd/m2. Phase II will involve the design and fabrication of warm white SOLED prototypes that have a light output similar to conventional fluorescent lighting fixtures. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: Today, OLED technology is the leading emerging technology for flat panel displays (FPDs), with recent product introductions in cell phones and TV¿s. Many of the features that are desirable for FPDs are also making OLED technology of great interest to the solid-state lighting community. OLEDs are bright and thin, with desirable CRIs and excellent power efficiency at low voltages. Therefore, OLEDs are expected to provide significant energy savings for general illumination purposes.