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MIT Develops Quantum-Dot OLEDs

Posted by timothy on from the cool-wallpaper dept.

deglr6328 writes "Researchers at MIT have developed a new type of Organic Light emitting Diode (OLED) using Cadmium Selenium Quantum Dots as the electron-hole recombination layer. It is widely believed that the next generation of flexible flat panel display technologies will be self luminous (non-backlit) organic light emitting diodes. However, the efficiency and lifespan of both small molecule and polymer type OLEDs, to date, has been poor for small wavelength emitting compounds. Using quantum dots as the emissive layer in OLEDs potentially solves both of these problems since they are inorganic and won't degrade, and they have a theoretical maximum quantum efficiency of near 100%. Mmmmm ... can't wait to buy my first roll-up display!"

3 of 158 comments (clear)

  1. They use electricity, don't worry. by akincisor · · Score: 5, Informative

    In normal LCD panels, the LCD itself just blocks light in strategic areas, and the image is formed by a light source that is behind the panel. This technology claims that the electricity will be passed through each pixel, which will produce the light necessary itself.

  2. Never in Europe that's for sure. by jabuzz · · Score: 5, Informative

    They are using cadmium, a nasty horrid posionous heavy metal that causes polution and soon to be banned from use in the European Union. Even lead in solder is to be banned shortly. Mercury another posionous heavy metal has already been banned.

  3. Re:Right now..already by NoNeeeed · · Score: 5, Informative

    Which part of "self luminous" is causing you problems? Or did you not actually read the submission, let alone the article.

    The above links both point to "e-paper" type systems, which are monochrome, and require an external light source. These are great for a lot of applications, but I wouldn't want a laptop display built out of one.

    OLEDs and their ilk will produce their own light, and opperate with many colours at high speeds.

    Essentially it is horse-for-courses. E-ink is great for certain applications where power is critical (watches, cell-phones, even e-newspapers) and where update speeds are not critical (I beleive they are all 'mechanical' in some way), but OLEDs and similar will be necessary if you want full colour rapidly moving images. To equate the two technologies is to be somewhat disingenuous.

    A random googled OLED link.

    Paul

    --
    Paul Leader