Researchers at the University of Florida have developed new light emitting transistors that will allow OLED screens to grow in size. OLEDs, or organic light emitting diodes, are used in computer screens, light bulbs and telephone screens, but they generally emit less light per unit than their LED cousins. Researchers coupled the OLED’s organic semiconductors with carbon nanotubes — which together make an LET — that together can create the strong currents of electricity needed to create light, but at lower voltages, making larger OLED devices much easier.
Each OLED pixel is paired with a transistor and in current devices those two mechanisms are separate. The Researchers at the University of Florida combined those two pieces into one device — which they call the light emitting transistor. By combining the two and integrating the carbon nanotubes, that increase conductivity, the researchers created an OLED that is eight times more efficient than current comparable devices.
By combining the two mechanisms they were able to make the actual OLED pixel bigger, thereby giving off the same amount of light with a smaller amount of electricity. This was previously a problem with OLED devices that wore out quickly because of high voltages. Not only will this allow larger OLED panels — that need less electricity — but it will extend the lifetime of the panels making them even more efficient in the long term.
Via OLED Display
