Organic light emitting diodes (OLED) are a member of the solid-state lighting family. The panels are composed of thin layers of organic compounds placed between two electrodes on a substrate and encapsulated. When DC current is applied, charge carriers from the anode and cathode are injected into the organic layers resulting in electroluminescence and visible light emission. Fabricated on sheets of glass, OLEDs do not need heat sinks, diffusers, or waveguides and are uniquely thin and lightweight.

While LEDs are point source lights, OLEDs are large area surface emitters. The broad surface emission creates a diffuse light that is glare-free, reducing eye fatigue and strain compared to intense point source lights (such as LEDs without diffusers), and is an inherent characteristic of OLED lighting panels. OLEDs use carbon-based materials that emit the wavelength of choice – creating a full color spectrum output. Unlike LED, they do not use phosphor conversion of blue light to generate the longer wavelengths required for white light, thus OLED has reduced blue-light risk.

For the square and rectangle Brite 3 products, the nominal output is 300 lumens for 3000K white and 250 lumens for 4000K white. Round panels are nominally 200 lumens (3000K) and 165 lumens (4000K). By decreasing current, the panels can be dimmed to user preference and application demands. Panel lifetime is proportional to the current, with lower current levels and brightness resulting in longer lifetimes.

Lifetime is defined as the time at which the panel’s light output is reduced to 70% of its initial brightness, noted as L70 for most solid-state lighting products. This is not a hard failure, the way an incandescent bulb dies, but a metric based on reduced light output at constant current. Brite 3 products at nominal brightness are rated for 30K hours. At 3,000 cd/m2, a brightness level that is consistent with office lighting standards in the EU, lifetime extends to100K hours.

OLEDWorks LumiBlade and LumiCurve product families require drivers that provide constant current output at relatively low current levels. For example, the Brite 3 panels require a range of145mA to 215 mA, depending on shape. Constant current or pulse width modulation driving schemes can be used.

OLED lighting panels are 1 – 100% dimmable. Direct current driven panels can be dimmed by adjusting the delivered current level. OLEDs are also compatible with both pulse width modulation(PWM) and amplitude modulation (AM) dimming. Because OLEDs are solid-state lighting (SSL) solutions they can be used with standard SSL control systems such as occupancy sensors, daylight systems, and dimmers.

OLED lighting panels and fixtures are rated as exempt from any blue light hazard, which means they are not harmful to the skin and eyes. This is because OLEDs produce a broad blue spectrum with less short-wave blue and more long-wave blue, resulting in a lower blue light hazard rating and lower melatonin suppression.

Yes and yes. One example is the segmented OLED taillight used in the Audi A8. We are continuing to work with the market to define how segmentation can benefit both designers and users. For example, segmented OLED panels can be utilized for dynamic signage for way finding, information display, or branding with the benefit of millimeter thinness, crisp shape rendition, and low heat generation.

OLED panels are glass-based and should be handled with the same care as you would a glass plate. Do not cut, puncture, twist or snap the OLED panel. The only exception to this is the LumiCurve Wave, which may be bent to a minimum radius of 10cm (3.9in).

No. The OLED manufacturing process uses quality control methodologies to produce lot-to-lot color consistency and brightness. We target < 2.5 MacAdams consistency and +/- 100K CCT maximum.

Absolutely! The nature of OLED manufacturing allows for a high level of customization including panel shape, size, and individually addressable segments (including logos for branding). We offer four standard shapes and sizes of panels, each in 3000K or 4000K CCT. If you are interested in large volume custom shapes and sizes, contact us today.

While the technology itself has almost no theoretical size limit, there are practical considerations in production that limit the panel size. Every panel must have approximately 5mm of unlit edge on each side for handling, and an additional 5 mm on the side with the electrical connection. For a very small emitter area such as 1mm x 1mm for example, the overall panel size would grow to 11mm x 16mm. On the opposite end of the scale, there are limitations for extremely large OLED panels due to manufacturing considerations. Please contact us directly to learn more about the possibilities with panel shapes and sizes.

Dynamic color tuning is not available in our current products. However, it is possible and has been achieved in our labs as a demonstration.

The replacement process depends on the luminaire design. The panel itself can be readily plugged into a connector and disengaged for replacement.

OLEDWorks panels are mostly made of glass and are certified by ISO 14001 to be easily disposed of with glass waste. Brite 3 OLED technology also meets the European Union’s stringent RoHS and REACH directives.