Lighting
The OLED (organic light-emitting diode) is really the beginning of the era of i-light, organic, conformable lighting systems with intelligence where the sun’s energy can be harvested, stored and utilised in energy management through integrated organic photovoltaics, printable batteries and organic lighting. This is possible because of the rapid progress being made in macroelectronics and the development of low cost, large area, organic flexible electronics devices (OFED’s).
PETeC's experts leading the way
The rapid progress in these sources of conformable ‘smart’ devices will ultimately result in ‘walls’ of sound, light and sensory environments which can be tuned and controlled within everyday objects, information systems and the built environment. The so-called Ambient Intelligent environment with pixelated large area (living room scale) walls and conformable surfaces where the level and colour of the lit environment will be responsive to the sensory and experiential needs of occupants.
The evolution of light through the burning of carbon materials to light through conductive, organic materials is an incredible journey which, in the 21st century, will also prove to be a route to the lowest cost option for reducing our everyday carbon footprint.
At PETeC OFED development is a key priority area. Early working prototypes have already been made in the laboratory, and PETeC will be working on improving reliability and reducing manufacturing costs for truly flexible lighting systems.
