Osram said it would concentrate its research and development work on organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) with the aim of applying this technology also to general illumination.
Osram said it would continue to develop polymer-based solutions for displays but also focus on small-molecule technology for illumination applications. OLEDs are set to be used as extremely thin light sources with large surface areas, for signage and information systems and may even one day be used as illuminated wallpaper, Osram said. The planned work focuses on the design and implementation of specific device architectures for OLEDs, on increasing their efficiency and lifespan and on scaling up to large areas. Experts are also involved in creating the right conditions for high-volume production.
Osram said it would focus its work on white light, suitable for room lighting. Initial research findings indicate a luminous efficacy for white OLED elements of up to 25-lumens per watt with an appropriate current. Even at brightness levels that are matched to general lighting applications, these OLED elements achieve values of 18-lumens per watt and they are therefore already ahead of conventional light bulbs (12-lumens per watt) and almost on a par with halogen lamps.
