Organic LEDs (OLEDs) on flexible substrates offer unique advantages for many lighting applications, due to their thinness, flexibility, and potentially low cost. However, the promise of OLED technology in providing a ¿disruptive¿ advance for a large segment of the lighting market cannot be realized until several critical technical and manufacturing barriers are overcome. These barriers include (1) devising a durable, low-cost and stabile front surface electrode layer; and (2) developing low-cost roll-to-roll manufacturing technology. This project will develop a new manufacturing technology that is capable of producing ultra-fine transparent metal mesh electrodes with high optical transmission, high electrical conductivity, and high durability at potentially very low costs. Phase I will provide a proof-of-concept of the viability of the proposed technology, and Phase II will provide the pilot-scale capability to provide rolls of material for commercialization assessment.
Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The low-cost, roll-to-roll OLED manufacturing technology should have numerous applications in addition to lighting, such as in the manufacture of roll-up TVs and displays, solar antennas for producing electricity from solar IR radiation, large sensor arrays, and IR-emission control films for military and homeland security applications.
