In response to the brightness problem of OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) panels, Hirose Engineering has successfully developed a new polymer material that shines on a par with small molecule materials. Samples will be shipped during 2004.

 

Polymer substances used in OLED panels are usually easier to form into large films than small molecule materials. However, large films are only around 20% as bright as the latter, posing a barrier in OLED production. Hirose Engineering overcame the obstacle by applying Alq3, a light-emitting compound used previously only for small molecule materials, to synthesize the process of a polymer substance. The result was a polymer material as bright as small molecule material with the easier processing features of polymer materials.  Weighing 37,000, the material also boasts semiconductive properties that facilitate current flow.