SAN JOSE, Calif., Nov. 26 -- Osram Opto Semiconductors, maker of solid-state LED devices, announced it has received a $4.65 million grant from the US Department of Energy (DOE) to demonstrate the potential of white organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) to save energy in commercial and residential applications. The project, to be completed within three years, supports the US Government's National Energy Plan to introduce new technologies that will reduce costs, lower emissions and save energy. According to Joseph Carr, president and CEO of Osram Opto Semiconductors Inc., "The DOE grant helps to enable an accelerated program on solid-state lighting, which is based on polymer OLEDs. This project represents the beginning of a whole new product line for lighting applications." Carr said this is the first time the company has been involved in a government-backed research and development program. "This program will bring OLED-based, solid-state lighting applications closer to reality," Carr said. "We will use proven methods to increase polymer light production efficiency, while simultaneously exploring a number of other methods to produce full spectrum white light," he said. Osram will also construct a 12-inch-square OLED device to demonstrate the feasibility of using OLEDs for such an application. The white light prototype will be based on the use of multiple discrete three-inch-square white light devices fabricated on glass substrates. OLED technology that uses thin organic polymer layers as the active emissive materials. They are being used in displays that can be integrated in cellular phones, digital cameras, car stereos, MP3 players and other handheld appliances. OLED displays require no backlighting, making them thinner and lighter than conventional LCD displays. For more information, visit: www.osram-os.com