OLEDs in the spotlight

Dan Rogers - 27 Jan 2012

The plastic electronics industry is working intensively to create the products to drive the OLED lighting market - but how will the lighting industry respond?

OLED lighting is widely recognised as an exciting technology because of its versatility and the aesthetic appeal of the light produced, while product developers may also boast of the relative health and environmental benefits, among other factors in OLEDs' favour.

With the promise of revolutionising how lighting is used - thanks to the options a thin, flexible lighting device presents - many OLED developers expect the technology to inspire lighting and interior designers.

Although the industry has yet to reach its full potential in terms of technology development - there is plenty of work to do on the performance of devices, as well as the significant cost barriers that currently exist, it would be fair to assume that lighting designers are nevertheless excited about the technology on the horizon.

Brand awareness

Getting exposure for OLEDs should demonstrate to the lighting industry that applications are feasible, keeping them engaged in more than hype. These would also give the OLED lighting industry supply chain time and impetus - as well as some financial returns - to build capacity and make processes more efficient.

If OLED developers are investing on the assumption that the lighting markets will grow rapidly in the coming years, Wald sees brand building as an urgent priority.

The hope is that further engagement will happen. This could drive the installations needed to get exposure for the technology among a more mainstream audience, and inspire the lighting industry.

This article appears in full in Volume 4, issue 3 of +Plastic Electronics magazine. To read this article, along with more high-value, exclusive content, subscribe to +Plastic Electronics magazine.