In spite of the popularity of OLED, many are still wondering
how this technology works and is it really possible to have such thin interface
on mobile devices. So, let’s talk OLED from its definition to how it works.
Definition
OLED (Organic light-emitting diode) – is a light-emitting
diode in which the emissive electroluminescent layer is a film of organic
compound. The organic semiconductor
which emits lights in response to an electric current is situated between two
electrodes.
This type of material requires a very less amount of power
and very flexible making it fit to any electronic products from small to large
scale like mobiles, televisions and billboards.
How it Works
OLED consists of several layers the substrate, anode,
conducting layer, emissive layer and cathode.
-Substrate is the material itself the supports the OLED. It is
characterize by a clear, glass, foil, mirror plastic.
- The Anode is where the electricity flows, it is usually
transparent. It removes electrons from
the conductive layer creating a “holes”.
- Conducting layer is made of organic plastic molecules that
carry the “holes” from the anode.
- Emissive layer is composed of different organic plastic
that transport electrons from the cathode.
- The Cathode that appears to be not transparent injects
electrons to the emissive layer whenever the electricity flows through the
device.
You might be surprise, since OLED has several layers but
appears to be very thin and very transparent. The reason behind this is, these
5 layers are sandwiched together thinly to create the OLED. In order of an OLED
device to work it needs electricity.
Companies like Sony and Samsung are using OLED on their
products. Samsung is using organic LED in their Android powered 17500 mobile
phone and up to this year they are still developing devices through this
technology. Thousands of industries all over the globe are starting to
recognize the use of organic light source since it is greener and slow energy,
long life, low heat and high quality.
Though there is already an existing Mobile OLED device it is
still not so common in the public but it is expected that this technology will
continue to boom in the next coming year. When that day comes, our ever handy
device will become handier, thinner and most especially environmental friendly.
Images credit to http://www.devicenation.com/409/