High-efficiency Light-emitting Diodes Using Neutral Surfactants and Aluminum Cathode

Introduction Light emitting diodes (LED) are desirable for displays due to their high energy efficiency, as compared to more traditional technologies like liquid crystal displays
(LCD), which require a backlight. However LEDs are expensive to manufacture. Organic light emitting diodes (OLED), are any LED that uses a thin film of organic compounds as the electroluminescent layer. OLEDs have the same efficiencies as LEDs with reduced costs. However they are not perfect (for example they have shorter lifetimes as compared to LCDs or LEDs) and improvements in the field are still needed. Technology description Researchers at the University of Washington have invented a method that vastly increases the performance of OLEDs. High-efficiency polymer light-emitting diodes were fabricated by spin-coating a layer of neutral surfactant on top of the electroluminescent (EL) layer. This coating helps facilitate the electron injection through the high-work-function aluminum cathode. This process results in OLEDs that are more efficient and last longer. Business opportunity This technology is useful for a variety of organic and polymer light-emitting diodes based display and/or lighting. Stage of development This technology is currently under development. Intellectual property position US and PCT patent applications are pending.

Type of Offer: Licensing



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