This document discusses OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) technology. It provides a definition of OLEDs as LEDs with an electroluminescent layer made of organic compounds. The history and development of OLEDs from the 1950s to today is covered. The architecture and types (passive vs active) of OLED displays are described. Current research focuses on improving efficiency and lifespan while reducing costs. Applications include TVs, phones, keyboards, lights, and more. Advantages over other technologies include thinner screens, wider viewing angles, and less energy use. Future uses may include flexible, transparent, and bendable displays.

1. OLED
(Organic Light Emitting Diode)
Dipesh Kumar
Electronic and Communication
Engineering
2011 Batch Group
NCIT

2. What is an OLED?
OLED - Organic Light Emitting Diode
An OLED is any light emitting diode (LED)An OLED is any light emitting diode (LED)
which emissive electroluminescent layer iswhich emissive electroluminescent layer is
composed of a film of organic compounds.composed of a film of organic compounds.

3. History of OLEDs
• First developed in the early 1950s in France
• Early technology would emmite a short burst of light when a
voltage was applied
• This early form applied high-voltage alternating current field to
crystalline thin films of acridine orange and quinacrine.
• 1960s - AC-driven electroluminescent cells
using doped anthracene was developed
• In a 1977 paper, Shirakawa et al. Reported
high conductivity in similarly oxidized and
iodine-doped polyacetylene.
• In 1987 Chin Tang and Van Slyke
introduced the first light emitting diodes
from thin organic layers.
• In 1990 electroluminescence in polymers
was discovered.

4. Architecture of OLEDs
Substrate (clear plastic, glass, foil) - The substrate supports the OLED.
Anode (transparent) - The anode removes electrons (adds electron "holes")
when a current flows through the device.
Organic layer:
o Conducting layer - This layer is made of
organic plastic molecules that transport
"holes" from the anode. One conducting
polymer used in OLEDs is polyaniline.
o Emissive layer - This layer is made of
organic plastic molecules (different ones
from the conducting layer) that transport
electrons from the cathode; this is where
light is made. One polymer used in the
emissive layer is polyfluorene.
Cathode (may or may not be transparent depending on the type of OLED) -
The cathode injects electrons when a current flows through the device.

5. Types of OLEDs
Passive OLEDs
• The organic layer is between
strips of cathode and anode that
run perpendicular
• The intersections form the pixels
• Easy to make
• Use more power
• Best for small screens
Active OLEDs
• Full layers of cathode and
anode
• Anode over lays a thin film
transistor (TFT)
• Requires less power
• Higher refresh rates
• Suitable for large screens

6. Current Research for OLEDs
• Manufacturers focusing on finding a
cheap way to produce
o "Roll-to-Roll" Manufacturing
• Increasing efficiency of blue luminance
• Boosting overall lifespan

7. Applications of OLEDs
• TVs
• Cell Phone screens
• Computer Screens
• Keyboards (Optimus Maximus)
• Lights
• Portable Divice displays

8. OLEDs as a Light Source

9. OLED Televisions
• Released XEL-1 in February 2009.
• First OLED TV sold in stores.
• 11'' screen, 3mm thin
• $2,500 MSRP
• Weighs approximately 1.9 kg
• Wide 178 degree viewing angle
• 1,000,000:1 Contrast ratio
Sony

10. Optimus Maximus Keyboard
• Small OLED screen on every key
• 113 OLED screens total
• Each key can be programmed to
preform a series of functions
• Keys can be linked to applications
• Display notes, numerals, special
symbols, HTML codes, etc...
• SD card slot for storing settings

11. Advantages of OLEDs
• Much faster response time
• Consume significantly less energy
• Able to display "True Black" picture
• Wider viewing angles
• Thinner display
• Better contrast ratio
• Safer for the environment
• Has potential to be mass produced inexpensively
• OLEDs refresh almost 1,000 times faster then LCDs
OLED Displays Vs. LCD and Plasma
OLED Lighting Vs. Incandescent and Fluorescent
• Cheaper way to create flexible lighting
• Requires less power
• Better quality of light (ie. no "Cold Light")
• New design concepts for interior lighting

12. Disadvantages of OLEDs
OLED Displays Vs. LCD and Plasma
• Cost to manufacture is high
• Overall luminance degradation
• Constraints with lifespan
• Easily damaged by water
• Limited market availability
OLED Lighting Vs. Incandescent and Fluorescent
• Not as easy as changing a light bulb

13. Future Uses for OLED
Lighting
• Flexible / bendable lighting
• Wallpaper lighting defining new ways to light a space
• Transparent lighting doubles as a window
Cell Phones
• Nokia 888

14. Future Uses for OLED
It may only be 4" across (diagonally) and 320x240 pixels at the moment
but this flexible transparent OLED display has massive implications for
how we use and interact with technology in the future.
4" flexible transparent OLED from LG

15. Future Uses for OLED
Transparent Car Navigation System on Windshield
• Using Samsungs' transparent OLED technology
• Heads up display
• GPS system
Scroll Laptop
• Nokia concept OLED Laptop

16. OLED Technology

17. References
• http://impnerd.com/the-history-and-future-of-oled
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organic_light-emitting_diode
• http://www.oled-research.com/oleds/oleds-history.html
• http://www.voidspace.org.uk/technology/top_ten_phone_techs.sht
ml#keep-your-eye-on-flexible-displays-coming-soon
• http://www.pocket-
lint.com/news/news.phtml/23150/24174/samsung-say-oled-not-
ready.phtml
• http://www.cepro.com/article/study_future_bright_for_oled_lighti
ng_market/
• http://www.technologyreview.com/energy/21116/page1/
• http://optics.org/cws/article/industry/37032
• http://jalopnik.com/5154953/samsung-transparent-oled-display-
pitched-as-automotive-hud

18. Thank You
Dipesh Kumar
dipesh@asia.com
NCIT