Current lighting technologies are relatively energy inefficient and heavy resulting in considerable energy consumption, particularly in aircraft interiors. Organic light-emitting diode (OLED), potentially an inexpensive diffuse source, may compete directly with conventional lights, and also with inorganic electroluminescent lamps in energy efficient diffuse lighting applications. We have identified a novel application where OLED lighting inserted into aircraft interiors would save energy, reduce fuel consumption, reduce space requirements, and remove hazardous waste issues. UDC and IDD Aerospace propose to develop an energy saving shelf utility light for aircraft interiors that outperforms all other current lighting technologies. We believe the prototype to be demonstrated in this Phase I program could be commercialized at competitive pricing by 2015, based on commercially available OLED lighting panels. Enormous energy savings (and reductions in carbon emissions) could come from replacing incandescent lighting in the residential market and fluorescent lighting in the commercial sector by high efficiency PHOLED lighting. The data generated by developing this product may be applied to larger scale OLED lighting aircraft projects, cabin ceiling and sidewall lighting and sign backlighting. We believe this product represents a disruptive shift in the adoption of OLED lighting by providing a compelling early entry product opportunity, accelerating its adoption in numerous other applications.
