Osram Opto Semiconductors to Focus R&D Efforts On Organic LEDs

Osram Opto Semiconductors of San Jose, Calif., announced that it will intensify its research and development efforts on organic LEDs (OLEDs) for general illumination, while expanding its existing business in OLED displays. White light, generally used for room lighting, will be the main focus of its R&D efforts. The company said its initial research indicates that OLEDs can achieve higher brightness levels than conventional light bulbs, and are almost on par with halogen lamps. Osram Opto said future uses for OLEDs include MP3 players, mobile phones, extremely thin light sources with large surface areas, signage and information systems, and even illuminated wallpaper or low-profile, high-definition wall-mounted screens. While Osram Opto will continue to develop polymer-based solutions for displays, its focus will also be on small-molecule technology for illumination applications. R&D efforts in Regensburg, Germany, will focus on the design and implementation of special component architectures for OLEDs, as well as increasing their efficiency, lifespan and scaling up to large areas, Osram Opto said.