OLED Explained: Organic LED Technology
What Is an OLED?
OLED stands for Organic Light Emitting Diode. Unlike a conventional LED, which is based on inorganic semiconductors, an OLED uses organic compounds (carbon-based compounds) that are applied between two electrodes and emit light when a voltage is applied.
What Sets OLED Apart from LED?
- Luminous Surface: OLEDs are surface emitters – they emit light evenly across their entire surface, without point sources. LEDs are point light sources.
- Light Effect: OLED light is inherently diffuse, glare-free and soft – without any additional diffuser.
- Form Factor: OLEDs are extremely thin (just a few millimetres) and can also be manufactured on flexible substrates.
- Efficiency: Current OLEDs achieve a lower luminous efficacy than LEDs and are more expensive to produce.
Where Are OLEDs Used in Lighting?
OLEDs are found primarily in premium design luminaires, where the surface-emitting, glare-free light effect and the delicate form factor take centre stage. Well-known examples include luminaires that use the wafer-thin OLED panels as a design element.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are OLEDs more energy-efficient than LEDs?
No, not at present. LEDs achieve higher luminous efficacy. OLEDs stand out through their unique light quality and form factor, not through efficiency.
Will OLEDs replace LEDs?
Unlikely. The two technologies complement each other: LEDs for point light and high efficiency, OLEDs for surface-emitting, glare-free design lighting.
In Summary:
OLEDs open up fascinating design possibilities in lighting. Their surface-emitting, naturally diffuse light and their ultra-slim form factor make them the ideal medium for innovative design luminaires. At Leuchtenland.com you will find selected luminaires that employ OLED technology in modern lighting concepts.