Fraunhofer FEP shows modular OLED light strips

/in , /by

Almost everyone is familiar with light strips for interior design. LED strips are available by the metre in DIY stores around the corner and are just as often found as under-cabinet luminaires or in decorative articles. But also in the automotive industry the demand for light strips is enormous. Customized strips with additional functionalities play an increasingly important role, especially in the area of innovative car designs.

 

Scientists at the Fraunhofer FEP have now succeeded in producing light strips from individual organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). What is special about this innovation is that the OLED light strips act like a single luminous surface without interruption.

 

Claudia Keibler-Willner, head of the “Sheet-to-sheet OLED Technologies” department at Fraunhofer FEP, explains this effect in more detail: “We manufacture flexible OLEDs with appropriate control electronics in such a way that any number of OLED modules can be connected without creating visible interruptions to the active surface. This makes it possible to produce infinitely long OLED light strips. An additional highlight is the individual control of the segments. This allows additional lighting effects such as different dimmings or dynamic warnings to be realized.”

 

But why actually use OLEDs for car interiors or luminous clothing instead of using existing LED technology? The enormous advantage of OLEDs lies in their properties as area light sources. In contrast to LEDs as point light sources, OLEDs illuminate surfaces and are therefore homogeneous. As a result, OLED strips require no reflectors, light guides or additional optics. They also impress with their extremely low installation depth and light weight. This filigree quality of flexible OLEDs, which are manufactured on plastic substrates, for example, can hardly be achieved with conventional LED technology. In addition, the reduction of glare effects contributes to increased road safety, for example in safety clothing with lighting.

 

The OLED can make particularly good use of these advantages in the developed modular light strips of any length: OLED strips can be flexibly applied to curved surfaces such as car bodies or furniture. They can be transparent when switched off so that the underlying surface remains visible. Thus the OLEDs almost melt into their surroundings. Dynamic control or dimming opens up additional possibilities, such as for welcoming scenarios at the car. Designer dreams for interior design are thus within reach.

 

The scientists are now looking forward to concrete industry inquiries to develop prototypes or small series of these light strips for innovative designs and applications.

[Lighting Fair 2019] NEG, OLED lighting collaborated with other lighting companies

/in , , /by

At the Lighting Fair 2019 held in Tokyo Big Sight from March 5 to 8, 2019, Nippon Electric Glass (NEG) attracted the attention of the audience by exhibiting a large number of OLED lighting produced in collaboration with Kaneka, OLEDWorks and Lumlight. NEG, which produces ultra-thin glass for OLED lighting, introduced ‘Internal Extraction Layer (IEL)’ and ‘HX-1’, which improve external luminous efficiency, and high refractive index glass.

And NEG presented two OLED lighting panels were made in collaboration with Kaneka, a rechargeable OLED lighting ‘LUCE T1’, and a rotatable wall lighting ‘LUCE W1’. OLED lighting panels consist of square panels and rectangular panels with 3000K and 4000K color lighting, while square panels are in volume production, while rectangular panels are in progress.

In addition, NEG presented OLEDWorks ‘Brite 3’ series. ‘Brite 3’ has started mass production in the third quarter of 2018, efficiency is over 80 lm / W, color rendering is over 90, and color temperature is 3000K and 4000K.

Lastly, NEG exhibited the ‘OLED EYECARE LAMP’ stand by Lumlight. A represent said “OLED lighting would be a very useful lighting for infants and young people because it is less glare and feels very weak.

OLEDWorks, released LumiCurve Wave, a flexible OLED lighting.

/in , /by

OLEDWorks recently announced the release of ‘Wave’, the first commercially available OLED (organic light-emitting diode) lighting platform on flexible glass.

 

<OLEDWorks’ Wave lighting, source: oledworks.com>

As part of the new LumiCurve product family, the Wave is processed on 0.1mm thin Corning’s ‘Willow Glass’. OLEDWorks says that the Wave panels are extremely thin and light and deliver the superb light quality and excellent color rendering that is uniquely achievable with OLED.

The Wave is available in a warm white (3000K) model and a neutral white (4000 K) model. Warm white offers up to 300 lumens of brightness. Its efficacy is up to 62 lm/W (at 100 lumens), the temperature is 3000 K, and the CRI is 90. Neutral white has a maximum brightness of 250 lumens, efficacy of 47 lm/W (at 100 lumens), color temperature of 4000 K and CRI of 90. Both products offer a lifetime of up to 50,000 hours with a minimum bending radius of 10cm.
OLED, which is actively being adopted by the display of current mobile devices and TVs, is also being applied to a wide variety of applications including indoor lighting, automotive lighting, and display lighting in the lighting market due to its unique surface emitting characteristics.
In addition to OLEDWorks, which is launching new products, LG Display, which can mass produce OLED panels for lighting, is also expected to showcase various OLED lightings at CES 2019. Industries are focusing on whether OLED lighting market will be expanded in earnest.

LG Display, Showed OLED lighting for unmarried mothers

/in , /by

LG Display delivered 30 OLED lighting units, made by its employee volunteers, and baby products to 30 unmarried mothers.

This volunteer activity was carried out by the talent services of OLED lighting employees. OLED lighting business division donated 30 flexible OLED lighting panels, and the product planning team customized the lightings for breastfeeding for unwed mothers.

On July 27, the employee volunteers assembled light fixtures, which were customized by woodworking parts through social enterprises, and panels as finished products. In addition, various items needed for a baby and cheer letters for the unwed mothers were packed together. The packaged gift sets were delivered to 30 unmarried mothers living at the unmarried mothers’ facilities through the Eastern Social Welfare Society on July 30.

OLED lighting reduces light flickering and blue light, which affect eye health. And its mild light protects you from eye fatigue. It is also regarded as an eco-friendly product because it generates less heat and has no harmful substances. Since it is the organization that best knows the characteristics of OLED lighting, it suggested the service of delivering the OLED lighting for breastfeeding, made by its members, suitable for the baby-care environment.

Kim Yong-Jin, manager of the OLED lighting sales team who participated in the volunteer service, said “I feel it was worthwhile to deliver the OLED lighting directly to the necessary neighbors although I have dealt with it for business. When I see the neighbors who were delighted with little help, I have to think once again that service activity is so much fun.

<Source: LG Display>

OLEDWorks announces ‘OLEDSurface Light Module’ which integrates OLED light and driver.

/in /by

OLEDWorks, specialized in OLED lighting, recently announced the launch of ‘OLEDSurface Light Module’, which integrates OLED lighting, driver and frame.

The OLEDSurface, 8.1m in thickness and 90grams, has a color temperature of 3000K or 4000K and brightness of up to 300 lm. It can be easily mounted to any flat surface such as walls or ceilings, and does not require an additional heat dissipation system. The module also includes a low voltage constant current driver and a 0-10V dimming-compatible driver.

“The beauty of the OLEDSurface Light Module allows designers of all skill levels to effortlessly install elegant light tiles for the pure, direct view light experience that is uniquely OLED. In addition, developers will realize cost savings for low voltage wiring, optional elimination of junction boxes, and no need for a plenum that hides bulky heat sinks and drivers.” explained Giana Phelan, OLEDWorks’ director of business development.

Applied with Brite OLED lighting panel, the OLEDSurface runs from any low voltage power source (28-48VDC) with typical power consumption of 5.4W.

Brite OLED lighting panel is one of OLEDWorks’ flagship products and the new Brite 3 series was unveiled at Light + Building 2018. The Brite3 products consist of square, rectangular and round type of rigid OLED lighting and bendOLED type of flexible OLED lighting. Rigid OLED lighting panel has a lifetime of 100,000 hours and efficiency of 80 lm/w and bendable OLED lighting panel provides an efficacy of up to 63lm/W with a lifetime of up to 50,000 hours.

<Brite 3 series OLED lighting panel introduced at Light+Building 2018>18

OLED lighting, growing their presence

/in /by

By HyunJun JANG (hyunjun@ubiresearch.com)

 

As the OLED lighting has expanded its applications, the expectation is raised for the beginning of the OLED lighting market. In particular, LG Display has recently completed the OLED lighting production line and started attracting customers.  As a result, there is much attention towards the growing OLED lighting market.

 

LG Display is said to supply its OLED lighting to Baskin Robbins Brown store in Cheongdam Dong and the ‘transparent connection solution’ applied OLED lighting to IOPE store in Myeong Dong.  The company explains as the thickness of lighting is as thin as 0.88mm, it enhances aesthetic effect, and does not effect on cosmetics and other displays with less heat generated.

<OLED lighting applied to IOPE store, Source: lgoledlight.com>

Until recently, compared to OLED display for mobile devices and TVs, OLED lighting has shown slow growth.  However, OLED lighting is thinner, lighter, and more flexible so that it is now being consideres as a next generation lighting.  By tapping on the strengths, it has applied not only to indoor lighting but to cars, exhibitions, and many other industries.

More recently, IKEA announced to release a new lighting product of Vitsand with 7 OLED panels while Mercedez-Benz decided to apply OLED lighting for taillights of both 2018 Benz S class Coupe and Cabriolet.

According to the 2017 OLED Lighting Annual Report published by UBI Research, the global OLED lighting panel market is expected to grow rapidly from 2020, becoming $1.9 billion worth of market by 2021.

Fraunhofer Institute will introduce automotive flexible OLED lighting at ISAL 2017

/in , , /by

Specialized in development and manufacturing OLED module, Fraunhofer Institute will introduce Automotive flexible OLED lighting with adjusted color at ISAL 2017 which will be held in Darmstadt, Germany from 25th to 27th September. Fraunhofer Institute had released previously OLED which the color can be adjusted by rigid substrate in 2015.

Fraunhofer Institute has continued to develop flexible OLED lighting since then. Flexible OLED lighting which will be shown at ISAL 2017 is known to be changed to yellow and blue color. It can be shown as white light by making of yellow and blue color at the same time.

Fraunhofer Institute predicts that flexible OLED lighting will be replaced for car interior lights and it could also be used on the ceiling or winding parts where lights cannot be built easily. Commercial lighting is required to have heatsink and unfortunately it can not be easily built with lack of flexibility in design. However flexible OLED lighting is very light and thin which means it is expected to be widely used for Automotives interior with its flexible design. Fraunhofer Institute also made a comment that they may produce flexible OLED substrate glass, metal and plastic film as well.

OLED lighting has been recently used for Automotives interior and it is expected to be used more in the next generation. Customized Automotive service company, Changscustom showed OLED lighting built in the car at Seoul Auto 2016. Furthermore lighting companies including LG Display and Osram supplied OLED tail light with Mercedes-Benz and BMW.

Meanwhile, according to 2017 OLED Lighting Annual Report which was recently published by UBi Research, using of Automotive OLED Lighting will be increased to $2.11 billion in 2025 from $6.4 million in 2017 with 107% of growth rate. Especially flexible OLED Lighting is expected to capture a higher market share more than 95% and flexible OLED Lighting will be widely used instead of rigid OLED lighting.

Starting to have mass production process in Gen5 OLED of LG Display from end of September, lighting market is expected to reach full growth. The growth of OLED lighting market is being watched with keen interest to compare with strong growth of OLED display market.

UBI research publishes 2017 OLED lighting report : LG Display, ready to mass-produce OLED light panel, expecting OLED lighting market to grow fast

/in , , , /by

■ LG Display starts mass production of 5G OLED panel for lighting from the end of September

■ OLED lighting panel market is projected to grow from US$ 1.9billion in 2021 to US$ 5.8billion by 2025

 

LG Display will start mass production of 5G OLED light panels from the end of September, therefore attention is focused on whether the OLED lighting market is growing rapidly. According to LG Display, monthly production capacity is 15K, and it is to be increased to 90K later.

 

According to the ‘2017 OLED Lighting Annual Report’ published by UBI Research on August 8, the global OLED lighting panel market is expected to grow to about US$ 1.9 billion by 2021. Furthermore, it is projected to have a CAGR of 85% for the period 2017-2025, and form a market of US$ 5.8 billion in 2025.

Because OLED lighting is thin, light and flexible, it does not limit the installation space and has excellent design autonomy. In addition, OLED lighting is used for automotive, exhibition, and medical as well as general indoor lighting because it can create a comfortable atmosphere with little heat and flicker.

 

However, the market for OLED lighting has been slower than that of OLED display, which is widely applied to mobile devices and TVs. Osram focuses primarily on automotive OLED lighting, and Philips sold its OLED lighting division to OLEDWorks. Also, Japanese panel makers such as Sumitomo Chemical and Konica Minolta have developed OLED lighting for industrial and medical applications. Nevertheless, it seems to take time for OLED lighting to become eventually a large market.

With LG Display’s mass production of Gen5 OLED line, the price of OLED light panel is estimated to drop below US $ 10 (100 x 100 mm). The significant price competiveness might enable OLED panels to be applied to various areas such as automobile and display lighting as well as indoor lighting. Owing to this expectation, attention is focused on whether the OLED lighting market, showing signs of slow growth, can be materialized.

UBI Research predicted that LG Display would account for about 70% of the world’s lighting OLED panel market in 2017, and will continue to lead the OLED lighting panel market with a 50% market share in 2020.

 

Meanwhile, ‘2017 OLED Lighting Annual Report’ describes trends of next-generation lighting market, promising applications, cost analysis upon the investment of LG Display and forecast of OLED lighting market. Since it analyses particularly OLED lighting market, materials market, and equipment market forecasts for OLED lighting from various perspectives, it is expected to help the related companies identify the OLED lighting market.

 

<Sales forecast for total OLED lighting panels>

 

The OLED is the best automotive display

/in , /by

The seminar on the trend of the up-to-date technology for the next generation display which was themed ‘The technology trend for latest display and the automotive display’ hosted by the UBI Research, was held on July 14th at COEX in Seoul.

 

 

In the seminar, Sun-hong, Park, a senior researcher of automotive parts, said that “The attention to the display is increasing due to the importance of the visual intelligence, and its application will also grow because the OLED is able to easily realize the flexible deign and the transparent display.”

In addition, he expected that “The digitalization for the automotive will be lasting, and the China will take 50% and more of the worldwide consumption market for automotive in 2020, and the application of display including OLED will increase in accordance with the attributes of the Chinese who prefer colorful design.”

During the briefing of a car not having a side mirror which became an issue in recent, “The application of the OLED which has rapid response speed and wide viewing angle is highly likely to be employed. If it can just overcome the reliability, the OLED will be the best display for the automotive.”

In the other side, according to the “Automotive Display Report – application & market trend analysis and the market forecast” published by the UBI Research, it expected the OLED panel will be started in earnest applying to the cluster or CID of the automotive from 2018, and the automotive display is expected to grow about 17% annually, reaching around US$ 25,000 million by 2022. The AMOLED panel market among this will be account for about 20%.

 

 

<Forecasting of the market share by the automotive display 2017~2022>

 

[LED & OLED EXPO 2017] OLED lighting in a broad range of applications

/in , /by

‘International LED & OLED EXPO 2017’, the largest international lighting exposition in S.Korea, opened for three days in KINTEX, Goyang City, S.Korea on March 27. A large number of OLED lighting companies participated in this event and presented various OLED lightings.

The Korea Institute of Industrial Technology organized a booth for OLED lighting industrial cluster project and displayed many different OLED lightings of Korea Institute of Industrial Technology and Hausand, Vawoodesign and so on, together with Korea Photonics Industry Promotion Association, Korea Photonics Technology Institute, and Korea Institute of Lighting Research.

 

<Mirror desk OLED lighting of Hausand>

A researcher of Korea Institute of Industrial Technology said, “The average life time of OLED lighting is currently 15,000 hours at LT50 and the target life time will be 40,000 hours. From the lighting point of view, flexible and transparent design and slim thickness can generate an unlimited number of applications”. Also “In Europe, OLED is in the spotlight due to the limit of LED illumination. The lighting market has been already saturated by Chinese LED manufacturers while OLED has much more market potential.” “As the market grows, OLED lighting made in relatively simple manufacturing process will be less expensive than LED, “he anticipated.

“The lifetime of currently commercialized OLED lighting is 40,000 hours at LT50 and sufficient to use on a daily basis,” said a manager of JW M Tech, who introduced various flexible and rigid OLED lightings.”OLED emits less blue light and is superior to LED in different design applications. We will soon develop flexible OLED lighting and be most competitive in the international lighting industry,” he added.

 

<Flexible OLED mood light of JWM Tech>

 

Sungkyunkwan University introduced its self manufactured flexible OLED lighting in use of roll-to-roll process. An official of SungKyunKwan University expectantly said, “the roll-to-roll process reduces the production time and because of its thin and flexible design, it will be applied to various lightings.”

In addition, Oclass introduced mirror OLED lighting to draw great attention, and Woori Lighting’s stand-type OLED lighting in application of the wireless charging function of cell phone has been awarded by the Minister of Industry and Commerce, proving its competitiveness of OLED, the next-generation light source.

<Stand type OLED lighting of Woori Lighting>

LG Display’s OLED lighting ‘Medusa’ OLED wins the MIAW awards

/in , /by

Medusa

During Euroluce 2017 held in Milan, Italy, LG Display showcased two OLED masterpieces called ‘Medusa’ and ‘Pyrosome’ made by Ross Lovegrove, known as ‘Captain Organic’. The collaboration with flexible LG OLED light panels attracted the attention of many visitors and many designers, architects, and lighting experts were inspired by the unique and aesthetic design.

‘Medusa’, one of the most outstanding collaboration masterpieces made with flexible LG OLED light panels, has won the MIAW (Muuuz International Awards) organized by the ArchiDesignClub in partnership with Muuuz magazine.

 

 

 

The awards intend to identify every year the most outstanding new products for Construction & Architecture Layout, Coatings & Materials, Home furniture, Lighting, Kitchen & Bath, and Outdoor, and Lovegrove’s ‘Medusa’ has proudly won the Lighting category.

LG Display said that by winning the award, LG OLED light will be promoted through an extensive communications distribution package and flexible LG OLED light panels will have a greater chance to develop the OLED market and provide massive benefits to future OLED design features.

 

<LG Display’s flexible OLED lighting ’Medusa’>

 

The award ceremony will be held in June, 2017 at the Grand Hotel Intercontinental Paris Opera.

[Euroluce 2017] OLED, a new leader in the lighting market

/in , /by

On April 4 (local time), the world’s largest lighting exhibition Euroluce 2017 was held in Milan, Italy, where lighting company participants employing OLED all agreed that OLED will become a new leader in the lighting market.

“OLED is a very unique and distinctive light source offering a new opportunity to us to pioneer the lighting market,” said a manager of Arditi spa, a company specialized in OLED drivers. “As thin and light, OLED is a special light source which can be randomly applied to any purpose for such as architecture and vehicle. Particularly, OLED is not constrained to space, and its flexible properties are distinctive from other light sources. The price of OLED lighting has been addressed in some cases but at the end of the day it is the end user’s decision, and the current OLED is competitive enough,” he said.

<OLED driver of Arditi spa>

“OLED can be freely used on a low shelf,” said a manager of Manumeta, a company specialized in OLED furniture lighting. “We will employ OLED in many different applications as OLED is light and heat-resistant, which shows the potential and competitiveness of OLED.”

<OLED funiture lighting of Manumeta>

A manager of Astel said, “OLED lighting has a great deal of potential and will expand its scope in the lighting market.”

Lastly, Ross Lovegrove, a world famous industrial designer who unveiled a new OLED light called ‘Medusa’ and ‘Pyrosome’ in cooperation with LG Display, said, “OLED technology is fundamentally different from the existing lightings. It is a unique design that cannot possibly copied by any type of lighting source.”, stressing on the OLED’s strong competitiveness.

<flexible OLED lighting of LG Display>

 

[Euroluce 2017] LG Display, shows two new unique and novel lightings available only for OLED

/in , /by

LG Display had attracted great attention by showing two new unique and novel lightings available only for OLED based on the theme of ‘The Light of Inspiration’ in Euroluce 2017, the world largest lighting exhibition held in Milano, Italy from April 4 to 9 in local time.

LG Display had showed two types of new OLED lightings similar to underwater creature in collaboration with Ross Lovegrove who is an industrial designer with world-class authority.

 

The first introduced ‘Medusa’ is from jellyfish, it consists of eight flexible OLED panels connected to the center ring, they can flex freely in different shapes. Ross Lovegrove said, “I wanted to express the natural gravity that the strip takes a natural shape by gravity”.

 

<‘Medusa’ of LG Display>

 

The second introduced ‘Pyrosome’ is a combination of 3D printed body and flexible OLED panel, Ross Lovegrove called it “it is a hybrid technology that combines a linear structure with a planar OLED panel”, also said, “very complex forms and technologies have met, so nobody can easily imitate it”.

 

<‘Pyrosome’ of LG Display>

In addition, LG Display had introduced a variety of household products such as mirror type and transparent shelf type lighting as well as diamond-shaped, round-shaped, cylinder-shaped, square-shaped industrial lighting.

 

<Mirror type lighting and Diamond-shaped lighting of LG Display>

 

Meanwhile, LG Display is under construction of Gen5 OLED lighting fab (1,100 mm x 1,250 mm) in Paju with the aim of mass production in Q3-Q4 2017, and aims to produce monthly 15,000 sheets. A person related to LG Display said “If mass production is started and increased production quantity, production cost and panel price would be lowered so that it will have sufficient price competitiveness”, and mentioned that OLED lighting would have sufficient competitiveness in not only the design but the price in the lighting market.

 

<‘Medusa’ installed in the middle of LG Display booth>

 

Softly bending OLED lighting like a paper, Development of Roll-to-Roll manufacturing technology

/in , /by

<Shin Kwon, Senior researcher of Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM) & OLED production Roll-to-Roll production equipment, source: KIMM>

Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM hereafter, Cheon-Hong Park, the president of KIMM), the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning-affiliated developed the 300mm grade of Roll-to-Roll manufacturing technology that allows to produce flexible OLED* by simple process with GJM Co., Ltd (Mun-Yong Lee, CEO) for the first time in Korea.

 

The Printed electronics research laboratory of advanced production equipment research center in KIMM succeeded in applying traditional Roll-to-Roll printed electronics technology to the OLED production process. Using Roll-to-Roll vacuum evaporation equipment, it is possible to produce flexible OLED products inside a single chamber as evaporating OLED light emitting organic layer and metallic electrode to roll type film in order. Available OLED products consist of many organic, inorganic layers of 1~hundreds nanometer (nm) level of thin and each layers are manufactured through vacuum thermal evaporation process.

 

Producing the flexible OLED display must go through complicated processes until now. The method that has been used so far is that attaching a film on the glass plate and passing it over the evaporation process to produce OLED, and then separating a film from the plate. The one-side curved display of smart phone screen which was launched by Korea conglomerate was made in the same manner of process which is attaching a film on a glass plate or coating and then circulating evaporation equipment to produce OLED and separating OLED from the glass plate. There were demerits of the need for adding additional process of attaching and detaching a film as well as for various additional evaporation equipment upon necessary steps.

 

Applying the currently developed technology, it is possible to produce OLED with ‘multi-layer evaporation’ process that evaporates organic layer and inorganic layer sequentially on top of a film after letting a roll type film which is rolled inside a vacuum chamber flow. The time and facilities required for production are greatly reduced, therefore, not only large companies but also small and medium-sized enterprises can produce flexible OLED.

 

This OLED producing method is expected to be used in the lighting industry first since it can be produced by surface unit unlike point unit of the existing LED, and be possibly made in any desired shape due to its flexibility.

 

Shin Kwon, senior researcher of KIMM explained “With Roll-to-Roll vacuum evaporation equipment, it can be used for continuous production of flexible OLED which is notable display for the next generation. Especially in the display industry, it is a key technology to secure the technology gap feasible to contribute to gain supremacy over China from its rapid pursuit while Korean R&D is stagnant.

 

Also added “we are under development of fine pattern mask align technology which allows to produce individual pixels Red/Green/Blue used in actual display product. When it’s completed, it can be applied to the high resolution display and is a strong technology differentiated from Fraunhofer in Germany and Konica Minolta in Japan developing similar technologies.

 

This task was conducted for the leading study sponsored by the ACE*** program which is a technical business support program of KIMM, and has been conducting with GJM Co., Ltd. with a support of the economic cooperation business of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy since Oct. 2015. GJM Co., Ltd. as a hidden champion holding core technology in OLED, recently made a delivery performance in Taiwan, Japan, and China and is pushing ahead with full-scale equipment commercialization.

All about OLED in one place, UBI Research, ‘3rd OLED KOREA Conference’ will be held

/in , , , , , , , , , /by

UBI Research plans to hold the 3rd OLED KOREA Conference with the theme of “Lessons from History and How OLED Can Evolve” at Novotel Ambassador Hotel on Mar. 8 (Wed) to 9 (Thu).

The OLED industry is expected to grow rapidly according to the adaption of full-driven OLED panels by Sony and Apple in 2017 and the competition among panels, equipment, and manufacturing companies can be intensified at the same time. It is necessary to understand and respond strategically to industry trends for successful business under such circumstances. The opportunities to share ideas and concerns each other and close exchanges between Industry-academic institute, panel, materials and equipment companies have been required. UBI Research has prepared a place to freely exchange various information and opinions through the 3rd OLED Korea Conference by reflecting such needs of the industry.

The Korea Conference will be an opportunity to analyze the past trends of OLED which the usage and application range is getting wider and to discuss the successful advancement and strategies to grow the OLED industry for the future. Therefore, it will be a valuable time to practically help the OLED industry.

The Presentation is planned by twenty-four (24) domestic/international experts related to OLED display such as set and panel makers, materials/equipment companies, university/research etc. including UBI Research, Samsung Display, Cynora and CEREBA about followings:

▲Exploring new opportunities with OLED and the preparation, ▲Possible directions and the reasoning for OLED, ▲Lessons from the history and how OLED can be evolved, ▲OLED and its collaboration, investigating the possibilities

We will establish the opportunity to contribute to the growth of the OLED industry based on the sharing of mutual opinions by preparing a networking space between the companies through luncheon during the conference period and breakfast with OLED reception.

Detail information can be found in www.oledkoreaconference.com

OLED enabling various styling and designs is perfect to lighting for automobiles

/in /by

Applications of various lighting such as LED and OLED etc. have been expanded so as to implement unique designs and diversified functions of own brand by each automotive company as well as developments of automotive industry including smart-car and connected-car etc. are being made at the same time. In this regard, Center Head Ju Jae-young of Korea Photonics Technology Institute stated current situation by saying “Lighting for vehicles belongs to the business which expects profitability, but it is not easy for late starters to break in because entry barrier is high from characteristics of automotive industry. Ultimately, whether to stimulate purchase desires is important.” Also, he counted ‘styling possibilities’ as one of successful LED lighting by saying “The reason of getting more popularity of LED than existing halogen and HID is derived from the fact that LED has strong points in designs.”

And then, the Head forecasted like “The exterior deco of lamp market for automobiles overtook the interior deco market from the start of 2013, and 3.1B USB market will be made in 2019 by achieving annual 11.6% growth in average to 2019 from 2014,” and said “The exterior deco market will grow up over 15% annually, and DRL (Daytime Running Lamp) and Head lamp are leading market due to their high growth rates.”

Besides, Center Head Ju Jae-young stated “In order to enter market by OLED, it has to stimulate purchase desires with new designs which do not substitute LED simply,” and added “There are possibilities if designs are unique, and stimulate sensitivity like Fun- VII concept car of Toyota or lighting of Chrysler having been disclosed to the public in 2013.”

161025_1

<Fun Vii Concept Car of Toyota Source: Toyota official homepage>

161025_2

<Floating island bezel unveiled from Chrysler, Source: www.metrododgedeals.com>

Like this, OLED is thin, light and can be bended characteristically, and has strong points such like free designs are available, so it is getting a lot of interests as next-generation illuminants including indoor lighting etc. as well as lighting for vehicles. According to 2016 OLED lighting annual report having been published in August 2016 by UBi RESEARCH, it explains that OLED lighting is known to display same performance with LED in R&D levels regarding characteristics of brightness and lifetime etc. as eco-friendly lighting and having high energy-efficiency, thus OLED seems to have sufficient competitiveness only if requested brightness is satisfied along with each automotive company.

Dramatic Growth of Automotive OLED Lighting Panel …To Exceed Down Lighting in 2019

/in /by
OLED Lighting for Automotive (Picture Source = Novaled)

With the Forecast of Continued growth of OLED Lighting Panel Market, Automotive Lighting Market is Rapidly Growing ( Picture Source = Novaled )

Hyunjoo Kang / jjoo@olednet.com
With the forecast of continued rapid growth of OLED lighting panel market, automotive OLED lighting panel in particular is expected to lead the market.
According to 2016 OLED Lighting Annual Report, published by UBI Research on 8 August, the global automotive OLED lighting panel market this year is only USD 3 million. However, the market is estimated to rapidly grow from 2017 and record USD 296 million in 2019, and exceed indoor OLED lighting panel market. The 2019 indoor OLED lighting ( down lighting ) panel market is expected to be USD 183 million.
Furthermore, in 2020, the automotive OLED lighting panel market is estimated to record USD 821 million and widen the gap with indoor OLED lighting market and its USD 494 million. From then on, the indoor OLED lighting market is estimated to show impressive growth and move past automotive sector sales from 2023. However, the automotive sector is expected to occupy major areas of OLED lighting market along with the indoor sector.
OLED is receiving much attention as automotive lighting panel due to advantages such as diverse designs and being less harmful to human eyes. The fact that curved design is possible with OLED is a particular merit for an automotive lighting. In fact, UBI Research estimates that flexible OLED within automotive OLED lighting market will maintain its 75% or higher market share in future.
UBI Research explained that as flexible is possible with OLED, there are many advantages in terms of design in automotive indoor lighting, and taillights. He added that with thinner and freer curved designs, the OLED lighting can be applied to anywhere in cars and this will become a new differentiation point for automotive companies.

Global Lighting OLED Market, USD 1,600 Million in 2020… Half by LG Display

/in , , /by
Global OLED lighting panel revenue market share(출처 = UBI Research 2016 OLED Lighting Annual Report_

Global lighting OLED panel revenue market share (Source = UBI Research 2016 OLED Lighting Annual Report)

Hyunjoo Kang / jjoo@olednet.com

Global lighting OLED panel market is rapidly growing each year. In 2020, it is expected to record USD 1,600 million, and LG Display is estimated to occupy 53%.
According to 2016 OLED Lighting Annual Report, published by UBI Research on 8 August, the global OLED lighting panel market is expected to record USD 114 million in 2016 and show CAGR of 66% in 2017-2025.
Advantages of OLED lighting includes high energy efficiency and diverse application areas. The fact that the restrictions on the use of incandescent light is being tightened is also one of the reasons that OLED lighting is receiving much attention. As such, the global OLED lighting panel market will continue to grow and record USD 1,600 million in 2020.
LG Display is the only company that carried out investment while possessing OLED lighting panel mass production technology. In early 2016, OLED lighting business was moved from LG Chem. to LG Display.
In March, LG Display decided on 15K monthly capa. of Gen5 OLED lighting panel mass production line investment, and is actively expanding this business. The company is expected to record 53% of 2020 global OLED lighting panel sales with USD 848 million.
In terms of application areas, general indoor downlight and automotive lighting are estimated to show rapid growth and occupy the largest proportion of the OLED lighting market. Furthermore, OLED lighting market is expanding in other areas such as outdoor, medical, and exhibition use.
UBI Research estimates that in 2025, the automotive OLED lighting panel market will grow to record USD 2,786 million, and indoor lighting panel market to USD 3,409 million.

[Light + Building 2016] OLEDWorks Presents Diverse Lineup to Open OLED Lighting Market

/in , /by

Hyunjoo Kang, Reporter, OLEDNET

<OLEDWorks’ Keuka Module, Light + Building 2016>

 

OLEDWorks, an OLED panel lighting production company, is carefully opening the future lighting market with diverse future product lineup.

 

At the Light + Building 2016 (March 13-18), OLEDNET could observe OLEDWorks’ 6 types of Brite FL300 series, Brite Amber, Keuka module and others. The products showed 10,000-50,000 hours of lifetime, average efficiency of approx. 50 lm/W, CRI of 80-90, and with diverse color temperatures.

 

The OLEDWorks representative at the exhibition told OLEDNET that the company is aiming for general lighting market and the OLED lighting market will be actively open after 2-3 years earliest. OLED lighting has advantages of thickness and design freedom, and they estimated finding the killer application that can utilize these OLED merits is the key for the OLED lighting’s success.

 

[Light + Building 2016] OSRAM to Release Automotive OLED Lighting within 2-3 Months

/in , /by

Hyunjoo Kang, Reporter, OLEDNET

 

<OSRAM’s O-ring, OLED Product Applied Automotive Rear Lamp>

 

During the Lighting + Building 2016 exhibition (March 13-18) held in Frankfurt, Germany, OSRAM revealed that OLED rear lamp equipped cars will be on the road within 2-3 months.

OSRAM exhibited O-ring, OLED product applied to automotive rear lamp at this exhibition, and OLEDNET could see the fruit of OSRAM’s steady automotive lighting product development.

 

 

<General OLED Lighting Concept Suggested by OSRAM>

The OSRAM representative at the exhibition explained that OSRAM will continue their focus on automotive lighting and develop products but at the right moment, will enter the general lighting market. The representative added that although only the basic concept of the general lighting is present for now, further development will be carried out in future.

[Light + Building 2016] “OLED is Organic Food of Lighting”… LGD Presents Diverse Lighting

/in , /by

Hyunjoo-Kang, Reporter, OLEDNET

 

<LGD’s Flexible OLED Lighting>

 

OLEDNET visited Light + Building 2016 (March 13-18) held in Frankfurt where LG Display unveiled product line up that can be used to diverse applications such as flexible solution, luminaires, mirror solution, module solution, OLED panel products, and transparent connection solution.

During this exhibition, LGD demonstrated their well-deserved reputation as the world leading OLED lighting panel producer.

LGD presented diverse applications for OLED lighting that many people wanted to know. Although they were not directly displayed in the exhibition, the company showed photographs of OLED applied Korean traditional house hanok, as well as more commonly imagined uses such as cosmetic shop, office, show room, café, and restaurant.

<LGD’s Flexible OLED Lighting>

Speaking to the foreign press who attended the exhibition, Joon Park, LGD’s Head of OLED Lighting Sales & Marketing Division, explained that if world’s first Gen5 OLED lighting (1,000 mm x 1,200 mm) investment is carried out and mass production is carried out in H1 2017, additional cost reduction is possible in comparison to before the investment. Park added that the current OLED lighting places more importance to the user experience rather than profit. As organic food is receiving positive response within the market as premium products, OLED lighting will play the role of organic food within the lighting market.

LGD to Build 5G OLED Light Panel Plant…15,000 sheet monthly

/in , /by

Hyun Joo Kang, Reporter, OLEDNET

LGD is Showcasing it`s OLED Light products at Light+Building 2016(Source :LG Display)

LG Display announced today that it will invest in a new OLED light panel manufacturing facility.

The planned facility will be the first 5th generation (1000 x 1200mm) OLED light panel manufacturing plant in the world. It is to be located in the South Korean city of Gumi, where it will produce a range of OLED light panels. The initial input capacity at the plant will be 15,000 glass substrates per month.

The monthly input capacity could be gradually ramped up depending on the market situation. LG Display expects the increased production with the new facility to give the company economies-of-scale.

This will help the company obtain significant price competitiveness. In addition, the accumulated OLED display technical know-how will allow LG Display to considerably enhance OLED light product quality.

The 5th generation facility will give the company panel size flexibility. With the larger glass substrate, LG Display will be able to produce a wide range of different size light panels, including giant ones. Further, this ability to make giant panels will better enable the company to penetrate the general lighting market.

The investment decision follows the acquisition by LG Display of the OLED light business of its sister company, LG Chem in December, 2015. The plan for the new facility is in keeping with LG Display’s vision of bringing the exciting new OLED technology to customers around the world in the broadest array of applications.

The company will firstly focus on task lighting and decorative lighting in high-end retail stores and in luxury hospitality; and expand to the general lighting market going forward.

Also, the company will focus on automotive and convergence applications such as OLED light panels merged with furniture, architectural materials, electronic devices and more.

Mr. Young Kwon Song, Senior Vice President and Head of Strategy & Marketing Group at LG Display, said, “Our OLED light business will further strengthen LG Display’s commitment to nurture OLED as the future growth engine. Based on LG Display’s strong track-record and know-how in OLED display business, we will create synergy with the OLED light business and maintain our strong position in the overall OLED industry going forward.”

LG’s OLED light experience began in 2000 with R&D into OLED materials at the Group’s chemicals affiliate, LG Chem, with production of OLED light panels beginning in 2012.

The acquisition last year of the OLED light panel manufacturing business by LG Display has been creating synergies with its production infrastructure and technology in OLED displays.

It allows the company to save costs through integrated purchasing and shared investments, increase productivity by drawing on the accumulated knowledge of the display business, and help improve production infrastructure and use of technology patents.

OLED light is made up of layers of organic materials which is self-illuminating and consumes less power and also emits lower heat than conventional lighting.

It is environmentally friendly and is closest to natural light. Due to its ability to be thin and flexible, it is suitable for different applications and venues and could create new markets for lighting.

According to UBI Research, a market research firm, the OLED light market is expected to grow rapidly from US$ 135 million in 2016 to US$ 1.6 billion in 2020.

[Light+Building 2016]LG Display to Showcase Cutting-edge OLED Light Products and Solutions

/in , /by

Hyun Joo Kang, Editor, OLEDNET

LG Display announced today that it is showcasing its latest advanced OLED light products and solutions at Light+Building 2016, one of the leading global trade fairs for lighting and building services technology, in Frankfurt, Germany, from March 13th to 18th.

Eleven OLED light panels are being exhibited along with four solutions using the panels. LG Display is highlighting the key advantages of OLED light, including the design flexibility that makes it suitable for different applications and venues, as well as its supreme light quality which is closest to natural light, thereby making people feel comfortable and reducing eye fatigue.

The company is exhibiting four solutions using OLED light panels:

Flexible Solution Section

The flexible OLEDs can be used to create unique and creative decorative lighting fixtures. The creativity in design increases along with the length of the panels. The flexible OLED light panels are light-weight and unshatterable. There are applications using 200x50mm flexible panels and 406x50mm flexible panels. The main highlight in this section is an application using many 320x320mm flexible panels.

Transparent Connection Solution Section

The LG Display OLED light panel generates a floating light effect by attaching the panel to glass and providing power through metal mesh transparent conductive film. It can be applied to display cabinets, shelves, and furniture. Especially when it is applied to shelves at stores, the lack of heat preserves product quality while the lack of shadow makes them more visually appealing to customers. The simplicity of OLEDs opens up the possibilities of various designs and applications.

Mirror Solution Section

By embedding the OLEDs into mirrors, LG Display has created a solution that can have a variety of uses. It can be used as a mirror in upscale hospitality settings or as a unique display box in high-end retail stores. When other light sources are used in a mirror solution, they tend to make the mirror too thick whereas OLED keeps the mirror thin and also minimizes glare.

Module Solution Section

OLED light panels allow for easy installation in diverse settings. LG Display is introducing super-slim OLED light modules at the fair with a simple aluminum housing that connects multiple panels into each module, generating unique and sleek designs. The company is showcasing the module solutions in order to demonstrate how well OLED light can be applied to interior design and architecture. It is committed to develop other solutions in order to encourage more and more people to easily use OLED lights.

[Light+Building 2016] Sumitomo Chemical to Exhibit Polymer OLED Lighting

/in , /by

Sumitomo Chemical will exhibit its polymer OLED lighting at “Light+Building 2016,” one of the world’s largest trade fairs for lighting and building technology, to be held in Frankfurt, Germany, from March 13 to March 18, 2016.

This is the third time for Sumitomo Chemical to exhibit its products at the trade fair, following its previous participation in 2014. Sumitomo Chemical will run a booth at the trade fair, inviting the world-renowned Japanese lighting designer Motoko Ishii as the art director for the exhibit.

Sumitomo Chemical’s exhibit, named “OLED JARDIN,” symbolises a “Garden in the Sky” as formed from polymer OLED lighting panels, creating an approachable space of a vast expanse with a taste of Japanese grace added.

In addition to “OLED JARDIN,” Sumitomo Chemical will exhibit its newly-designed OLED panels, improved for brightness and luminance efficiency from those displayed in the previous trade fair. The new polymer OLED panels, available in a range of colors, shapes and sizes, provide a greater degree of flexibility in the design for various spaces and applications.

Following the exhibit at “Light+Building 2016,” Sumitomo Chemical will start the sales of its new product line-up consisting of polymer OLED lighting panels in April this year, aiming to further expand its OLED lighting business.

 

 

 

D-21 to the 2nd OLED KOREA Conference

/in , , , /by

The 2nd OLED KOREA Conference, which is receiving much attention as the world’s largest OLED international business conference, is only 21 days away. At this conference, the OLED industry leading panel companies, Samsung Display and LG Display are scheduled to give keynote sessions. Through this, future OLED industry direction forecast is anticipated. UBI Research is to discuss the rapidly changing the OLED industry’s current status and future, and China’s Visionox is expected to examine the flexible AMOLED’s potential and future market.

 

Furthermore, sessions with diverse topics are prepared. These include next generation backplane technology, AMOLED mass production technology, issues facing OLED industry, QLED which is receiving interest as the display after OLED, various applications for OELD, etc. Therefore, this event is expected to be useful for materials and manufacturing companies, as well as display panel companies, university, research lab, and display industry related professionals, providing assistance in responding to the next generation display industry and a place of sharing information and thoughts.

 

Particularly, away from formal discussions, the OLED Reception will prove to be a valuable time through conversations on future of OLED in a comfortable setting.

 

The 2nd OLED KOREA Conference will be held for 2 days on February 24-25 at The-K Hotel Seoul in South Korea. 9 sessions in total will be held with 30 speakers, including Samsung Display and LG Display, and approximately over 200 display related industry/academy players will be in attendance.

 

Advance registration is open until February 23 with approximately 10% discount. As the places are limited, early registration is recommended. Conference registration can be accessed through the 2nd OLED KOREA Conference homepage (www.oledkoreaconference.com). Enquiries can be made to Hana Oh (hanaoh@ubiresearch.co.kr).

 

[Lighting Japan 2016] Yamagata University Develops Low Cost Flexible OLED Encapsulation

/in , /by

Innovation Center for Organic Electronics in Yamagata University in Japan discussed low cost flexible OLED encapsulation in Lighting Japan 2016 conference. Existing flexible OLED encapsulation mainly used hybrid encapsulation structure that forms multi-layer thin film passivation layers on top of OLED, and then applying adhesive organic material and laminating gas barrier film. The encapsulation structure presented by Yamagata University forms, of the hybrid encapsulation structure, thermoset resin and barrier film above OLED without multi-layer thin film passivation, and laminate at approximately 130 °C. Yamagata University announced that they were successful in transparent flexible OLED panel development on January 13 using encapsulation, and that this panel will be presented in Printable Electronics 2016 in Tokyo from January 27.

 

The OLED panel to be exhibited is a leaf shaped of 45 mm width, 110 mm length, weighs less than 1.2g, and 250 um thick transparent film substrate that can be folded.

 

According to Yamagata University, if the newly developed encapsulation is applied, the OLED lighting panel price can be reduced as passivation layer is not used. Also, Yamagata University revealed as it can satisfy both transparent and flexible categories simultaneously, it is estimated that it will become a key technology in future transparent flexible OLED lighting development.

 

Low Cost Flexible OLED Encapsulation, Yamagata University

Low Cost Flexible OLED Encapsulation, Yamagata University

Sumitomo Chem. Aims for General Lighting Market with P-LED

/in , /by
Sumitomo Chemical’s Decorative P-LED Lighting Panel, Lighting Japan 2016

Sumitomo Chemical’s Decorative P-LED Lighting Panel, Lighting Japan 2016

Sumitomo Chemical revealed that they are planning to enter the general lighting market with solution process applied P-LED (polymer OLED).

 

Sumitomo Chemical is a company developing polymer and solution process applied OLED lighting panel. The company began actively selling decorative OLED lighting panel from H2 2015.

 

In Lighting Japan 2016 exhibition, Sumitomo Chemical announced that through their polymer materials and process technology, 80-90% of evaporation materials efficiency, and lifetime of approximately 20,000 hours at white 60-80 lm/w have been achieved. From 2017, they are planning to commercialize solution process OLED lighting panel as general lighting, as well as for decorative use, and revealed that the biggest issues are cost and improvement of consumers’ OLED awareness.

 

According to these issues, Sumitomo Chemical explained that although the cost of emitting area formed through solution process, cost down of evaporation formed emitting area and electrode part is required further. Although the 20,000 hours of lifetime is satisfactory, as consumers are aware that LED lighting’s lifetime is 40,000 hours or longer, Sumitomo Chemical pointed out it is important to change consumer’s OLED lighting awareness and understanding of lighting products.

 

by Moojong Lim, reporter@olednet.com

[Lighting Japan 2016] LED Lighting Industry Crisis. Solution?

/in /by
Osram Bussiness Unit Digital Systems's CEO, Geert van der Meer, Lighting Japan 2016

Osram Bussiness Unit Digital Systems’s CEO, Geert van der Meer, Lighting Japan 2016

 

In Lighting Japan 2016 Keynote Session, Geer van der Meer, CEO of Osram Business Unit Digital Systems, suggested directions for future lighting industry.

 

Geert van der Meer explained that the current lighting market is rapidly adopting LED, but the large volume of Chinese products is decreasing the price of LED source and device quickly. He emphasized that with the trend of disappearance of lighting companies’ profit, new business format is required to create profit.

 

The new businesses suggested by Osram are embedded lighting, and connected and smart lighting. He suggested lighting industry should move toward where the lighting can be used as part of building materials through internal installations and utilization as indirect illumination, and adopt smart system and form smart building and furthermore, smart city.

 

The current lighting market’s players are being joined by IT related companies, BMS (business management system) companies, and electronic appliances companies, and its megatrend is changing rapidly. Accordingly, Osram is expanding from the existing lighting to lighting electronics such as module and control gears, lighting solution system, and specialty lighting such as OLED and automotive. Osram also revealed that they took over a wireless energy management system company called ENCELIUM and intensifying focus on smart lighting system business.

 

Smart system provides many different functions such as energy reporting, remote and preventative maintenance, personal lighting control, and zone analysis among others and can optimize energy reduction, maintenance cost reduction, and workspace environment. Van der Meer emphasized that new function can be created through lighting used area’s data analysis and become the focus of future lighting analysis.

 

Reviewing 2015 OLED Industry through Keywords

/in , , /by
  1. OLED TV

OLED TV, first released in Q4 2013, recorded approximately 50,000 units of shipment each in Q1 and 2 this year. The shipment increased to 100,000 units in Q3, more than twice the amount of each quarter in H1 2015. As it is estimated that close to 200,000 units were released in Q4, over 90% of LG Display’s 2015 target is expected to be achieved. This is considered to be showing price competitiveness against other TV as the price of OLED TV fell to 1/2 of the initial price and effectiveness of aggressive marketing emphasizing the advantages of OLED TV compared to newly released LCD TV. In Q3 earnings results announcement, LG Display revealed their plan of 1,000,000 units of OLED TV panel shipment in 2016 and forecast OLED TV’s growth. For the industry, 2015 has been the year that secured foothold for OLED TV’s market expansion.

 

  1. Galaxy S6 Edge

At the time of Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge’s release, Samsung Electronics estimated the initial supply to be 50:50. However, Galaxy S6 Edge showed 70% in actual demand and this led to shortage in supply. Samsung Display met the demand by starting flexible AMOLED line operation earlier than scheduled. 2015 proved future market growth potential by opening consumers’ wallets through designs possible only with flexible AMOLED panel.

 

  1. Samsung Display Supply Diversification

During the Q3 earnings announcement, Samsung Display revealed their plan to expand non-Samsung clients by 30%. Accordingly, in Q3, when smartphone market’s growth was expected to slow down, the sales performance improved by 13% compared to its previous quarter through key client’s new product release and expansion of client base. Particularly, the market occupation of AMOLED panel shipped toward China is analyzed to have increased within the global mobile market as Chinese set companies released AMOLED panel equipped smartphones.

 

  1. Apple’s OLED Application

Apple, which has been using LCD panel for all products, first applied flexible AMOLED panel, produced by LG Display, to 2015 smartwatch Apple Watch and drew much attention. In H2, Apple diversified suppliers by using Samsung Display’s flexible AMOLED panel. This move is analyzed to be groundwork for flexible OLED application to smartphone following smartwatch. 2015 has been a year with much interest in when flexible AMOLED panel equipped iPhone will be released.

 

  1. OLED Lighting

Global OLED lighting industry went through a great transformation in 2015. OLEDWorks announced they will acquire key parts of Philips’ OLED lighting business, relevant production facilities, and intellectual property. With this take over, OLEDWorks greatly expanded business through widened product portfolio and simultaneous lighting panel mass production in the US and Germany. LG Chem. transferred OLED lighting business to LG Display. The value of transfer is 1.6 billion KRW, and it is seen to be a strategy to increase competiveness by transferring the business to LG Display with their OLED panel mass production knowledge and to focus on existing materials business. The take over and business transfer of the main players in OLED lighting industry, OLEDWorks and LG Chem., are following their own business strategy. However, following these moves, related investment is expected to be delayed for some time and eyes are on how these will affect the OLED lighting business overall.

 

NTHU is reshaping the lighting world via Candlelight OLED

/in /by

Numerous researches have been sounding alarm with increasing frequency on the health hazards of blue light. They report that blue light possesses potential hazard to the retina of human eyes, circadian rhythm, melatonin secretion, and cancer risk.

 

To devise a human-friendly light source and to also trigger a “Lighting Renaissance”, the Prof. Jou’s OLED research group from National Tsing Hua University (NTHU), Taiwan, demonstrates a high light quality and blue-hazard free candlelight OLED, that serves as a good measure and a wisely choice for general lighting. Just before Christmas, the candlelight OLED has won the International Dark-Sky Association Lighting Design Award and Domestic golden lighting medal. Moreover, Taiwan’s government highlights and entirely promotes NTHU and WiseChip Semiconductor Inc. to further investigate candlelight OLED technology via the highest Ministry of Economic Affairs support in following two years. It’s surely confirmed that the health-friendly candlelight OLED can be commercialized, accessible and affordable for human mankind by the end of 2017.

 

Additionally, the IDA website announced that “Since 2006, Prof. Jou has worked with students on organic LED (OLED) lighting technologies in an effort to create lighting that minimizes negative impacts to human health. In this work, he and his research team has made numerous breakthroughs, such as the creation of very low color temperature OLED, sunlight-style OLED, pseudo-natural light OLED, and candlelight-style OLED devices. Their candlelight-style OLED has attracted a considerable attention from both academia and industries. Most importantly, the candle-like OLED has also been praised by medical experts and is considered one of the safest electricity-driven lighting sources. This lighting can be used in both indoor and outdoor applications.”

 

Upcoming lighting industrial trends should be psychological- and physiological- friendly lighting sources. Currently, the gross production value of OLED up to 4,000 billion US dollars.

 

Candlelight OLED, Source: NTHU

Candlelight OLED, Source: NTHU

 

Professor Jou's Research Team, Source: NTHU

Professor Jou’s Research Team, Source: NTHU

 

IDA Received by Professor Jou's Research Team, Source : NTHU

IDA Received by Professor Jou’s Research Team, Source : NTHU

OLED and Graphene Together Achieves Innovative Technology

/in , /by

By Choong Hoon Yi

 

Korean research team is expected to greatly improve display’s transmittance and picture quality through fusing graphene technology, focus of much attention as the new material to OLED technology.

 

On December 15, ETRI (Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute) replaced the thin metal electrode that was used as transparent electrode on top of the OLED substrate with graphene transparent electrode, and succeeded in developing original technology that is conductive and transparent.

 

This research results were presented in Scientific Reports, a journal from the publishers of Nature on December 2.

 

The metal electrode used in OLED until now has been mostly silver material, but due to the reflection of internal light, the viewing angle changed depending on the angle. The external light also affected picture quality due to reflection.

 

In order to solve this problem, ETRI research team focused on graphene that mostly does not reflect internal/external light. By replacing the material, the team reported that the transmittance increased by approximately 40% and reflectance improved by approximately 60%.

 

OLED was successfully lighted by attaching graphene transparent electrode to the organic layer on top of the film form (23 x 23 mm, 30 ㎛ thickness) of substrate. The research team believes this will be able to contribute much when applied to transparent OLED display and white OLED-based large area OLED display in future.

 

Particularly, unlike the existing vacuum process OLED production method, this technology can be employed via lamination where film is attached to the organic layer and graphene. Therefore, OLED can be produced through simpler process. It is expected that this can be evolved into production technology using roll to roll process.

 

Additionally, ETRI, together with Hanwha Techwin, is working on applying graphene transparent electrode to OLED’s lower electrode through collaboration of high quality graphene thin film electrode materials. The related technology development results were published online by The IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics.

 

ETRI’s Dr. Jeong-Ik Lee (soft I/O interface research section) anticipated that “this technology will be able to play a role in widening the gap with latecomer countries in OLED industry where challenging latecomers are strong”.

 

This research was carried out through Korea’s Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning and Institute for Information & Communications Technology Promotion (IITP)’s “Energy reducing environment adapting I/O platform technology development for future advertisement service” project and Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and Korea Evaluation Institute of Industrial Technology’s “Substrate size 5.5 generation or larger graphene film and OLED device/panel foundation and application technology development for graphene materials OLED transparent electrode and thin film encapsulation application”.

 

ETRI is planning to additionally develop sheet tension reducing technology by manufacturing metal in thin, grid forms and enlargement technology to produce mobile display size within 2016.

 

Through this technology, the research team produced 6 international patent applications and 6 papers. ETRI is intending to transfer the technology to graphene film and display panel companies among others. Commercialization is estimated to begin after 3 years.

1.Graphene transparent electrode applied lit OLED

1. Graphene transparent electrode applied lit OLED

 

2. OLED with existing thin metal electrode and graphene electrode OLED comparison (Left: Graphene, Right: Thin Metal, Ag)

2. OLED with existing thin metal electrode and graphene electrode OLED comparison (Left: Graphene, Right: Thin Metal, Ag)

 

3.Film including graphene transparent electrode applied to lamination process using OLED production

3. Comparison graph of existing thin metal electrode OLED and graphene electrode OLED

 

4.Film including graphene transparent electrode applied to lamination process using OLED production

4. Film including graphene transparent electrode applied to lamination process using OLED production

 

5.Graphene transparent electrode OLED Production Process

5. Graphene transparent electrode OLED Production Process

 

[Process Explanation]

After manufacturing laminated film, formed with bonding layer (BL) and PET film, using surface treated substrate, graphene transparent electrode is transferred on to the bonding layer. By laminating the laminated film that includes graphene transparent electrode on the substrate (lower electrode and organic layer), OLED where graphene transparent electrode is used as upper electrode is complete.

 

6.Graphene OLED of diverse colors

6. Graphene OLED of diverse colors

ETRI Reveals Graphene Applied OLED Lighting

/in , /by

At R&D Korea 2015 (November 19-21), ETRI (Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute) revealed OLED lighting and graphene related research results.

 

Since 2013, ETRI has been participating in ‘Graphene Applied OLED Device/Panel Technology Development’ project as a supervising organization. This project is a part of ‘Graphene Device/Component Commercialization Technology Business’, which is a Korean national project. This project’s ultimate aims include development of graphene electrode material with ≥15Ω sheet resistance, ≥90% transmittance, 3nm thickness, ≤5% sheet resistance uniformity, ≤5nm surface profile, and ≥5.5 generation area, graphene based protection layer that can be used for 5.5 generation 55inch OLED panel with ≤10-6 g/m2 WVTR, graphene anode OLED with ≥90% external quantum efficiency compared to ITO anode OLED, and diagonally 1300mm OLED panel prototype.

 

ETR1

 

In this exhibition, ETRI presented OLED lighting that used graphene as the electrode. ETRI’s Dr. Jeong-Ik Lee explained that recently interest in graphene electrode is increasing to replace ITO electrode and to apply graphene electrode, optical, electrical, and process issues have to be considered. When graphene is used as OLED electrode instead of ITO, thickness and refractive index change optically and electrically energy levels change, and these have to be considered when designing. He also emphasized that in terms of process, it has to be designed keeping in mind of before and after process of electrode procedure. Dr. Lee revealed that at present optical and electrical issues are solved while the process issues are in research stage, and they are planning to present the results of this research within this year.

 

Graphene, with its high resistivity, is known as next generation electrode material favorable to flexible and foldable. Dr. Lee pointed out that graphene has wider viewing angle than ITO when used as transparent electrode is another important advantage, and particularly as white light source’s spectrum cannot change according to the viewing angle, graphene is suitable for application.

 

Graphene is a key material with a wide arrange of applications, it is being developed in diverse areas such as OLED encapsulation as well as in electrode sector. The Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning of Korea estimated that domestic graphene market will record 19 billion KRW until 2025. Korea Evaluation Institute of Industrial Technology, the organization in charge of this national project, gave their target as developing 9 top technology through graphene and achieve 17 billion KRW sales. Regarding this, Dr. Lee emphasized compared to other countries, Korean investment in graphene is relatively low and that now is the time for the Korean corporations and government agencies to pay more attention higher value-added businesses.

[Expert Talk] OLEDWorks’ Co-founder David DeJoy Talks New Lighting Experience

/in /by

Through an interview with OLEDNET and his presentation during the OLEDs World Summit (October 27-29), OLEDWorks’ co-founder, chairman and CEO David DeJoy discussed OLEDWorks’ vision and OLED lighting.

 

OLEDWorks hit the headlines in April this year when it was announced they would acquire key OLED assets and relevant intellectual property from Royal Philips whose main OLED product is Lumiblade. This acquisition was finalized earlier this month, taking this relatively small but already dynamic player within the OLED lighting industry to another level with plans that include continuing production in both Germany and the US, and expanding the product portfolio.

 

As the world’s first area light source, OLED lighting is naturally diffusive. As the light is uniform without flickers, the glare and eye fatigue is minimized. Although it is similar to LED in that it is a solid-state lighting, OLED produces little heat and color temperature can be easily adjusted. With its thinness of the panel and no need for extra installation space, OLED lighting can bring forth new design perspectives and applications. During his talk, DeJoy commented that OLED will bring the light closer to the user and will deliver a better light experience in diverse settings including patient rooms, recovery rooms in hospitals, retail, and museums.

 

Although customer response to OLED light quality is extremely positive, DeJoy acknowledged that it is facing many challenges in entering the lighting market and divided the strategy to overcome this into “the four ‘A’s”: awareness, adaptability, availability, and affordability.

 

The ‘awareness’ includes education about the technology and benefits, as well as confidence in the OLED lighting technology reliability. The effort to build the OLED lighting awareness includes government partnerships such as DOE Funded Gateway Projects, and NYSERDA Demonstration Projects. Designers and architects are also increasingly turning to OLED for inspiration and source material. OLED lighting’s previously mentioned advantages are closely linked to the second ‘A’, ‘adaptability’. Its thinness, lack of heat, and no need for additional installation space mean that OLED lighting can easily be integrated into fixtures and used as a building material by being directly mounted on surfaces. On the subject of ‘availability’, DeJoy emphasized that more luminaire and final products should become more available to specifiers. He added that there are many in product development but they need to get into the hands of the end user. Discussing the ‘affordability’ of OLED lighting, DeJoy used OLED panel cost scenario published by the US Department of Energy which estimates that the panel price will continue to fall to reach US$10/klm, which corresponds to approximately US$100/m2, in 2025. DeJoy added that when examining the affordability of OLED lighting, the total cost has to be considered. For example, OLED lighting does not require heat sink or extra installation cost. Also, many applications do not need very high lumen output with focused beams; “it is not all about $/klm”.

 

Source: US Department of Energy

Source: US Department of Energy

 

DeJoy explained that OLEDWorks long term goal is making OLED lighting adaptable and available, making it easier to change the lighting when it is broken, and be user friendly. He reported that OLEDWorks will continue to expand the product portfolio, which now includes Lumiblade, for “increased performance, additional form factors, and additional CCT options, while reducing product costs”. DeJoy also added that this is “akin to the LED evolution and consistent with the U.S. Department of Energy forecast”. With their proactive and enthusiastic approach to the OLED lighting market, the industry is watching OLEDWorks with great interest. OLEDWorks’ effect on OLED lighting market is expected to be significant.

ETRI’s Doo-Hee Cho Receives IEC 1906 Award

/in /by

On October 23, ETRI (Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute) Information & Communications Core Technology Research Laboratory’s Dr. Doo-Hee Cho received IEC 1906 Award at World Standards Day ceremony. The IEC 1906 Award recognizes exceptional current achievements and it is presented by the International Electrotechnical Commission, one of the top 3 international standards organizations.

 

Dr. Cho has been active in IEC since his involvement in 2009. The activities include serving as the president of IEC·TC34 (lighting)’s OLED working group and establishment of IEC 62866: Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) panels for general lighting – Safety requirements.

 

Founded in 1906, IEC is one of the top 3 international standards organizations along with ISO (International Organization for Standardization) and ITU (International Telecommunication Union) with 83 member countries. IEC established IEC 1906 Award in 2004. Since then they have been selecting industry’s experts with outstanding contribution to electrotechnical standardization and IEC development and presenting the award annually. With this award for Dr. Cho, acceleration to OLED lighting’s international standardization and OLED lighting business growth are anticipated.

 

IEC 1906 Award Badge

IEC 1906 Award Badge

 

 

IEC 1906 Award Certificate

IEC 1906 Award Certificate

 

조두희박사

Dr. Doo-Hee Cho

 

LG Chem.’s OLED Lighting Business Toward LGD. What is the Future Direction?

/in /by

It was announced that LG Display will take over LG Chem.’s OLED lighting business department. As the department that was leading the opening of OLED lighting panel market is being merged into LG Display, a significant change in OLED lighting industry is anticipated.

 

One of the merits of this merge is expected to be further improving OLED lighting panel’s mass production potential through LG Display’s existing OLED panel mass production line, labor, and technology. Additionally, when new investment of OLED lighting panel mass production line is being processed, time and cost can be reduced on the basis of LG Display’s manufacturing equipment/material supply chains.

 

On the other hand, as OLED lighting market is still in initial stages the size is not so large. As such, whether LG Display will newly invest is a key issue. Generally, for display panel companies that invest with market size of thousands of millions of dollars in mind, OLED lighting panel line’s new investment does not seem to have a great advantage for LG Display.

 

Therefore, if LG Display carries out OLED lighting panel business, the first step is estimated to be mass production in parts of Paju’s AP2 line rather than new investment for OLED lighting panel mass production line. If parts of AP2 line begin mass production first, mass production timing can be much sooner than new investment and can positively affect expansion of OLED lighting panel market.

 

The issue is marketing strategy. In 2009, Samsung Electronics successfully opened AMOLED smartphone market in Korea via push strategy using AMOLED themed music video that became viral. Much like this, in order to show profit in OLED lighting panel business, LG Display should open the market through push marketing strategy.

[IAA 2015] Audi and Porsche, Propose Future Models of Smart Car

/in , /by

At IAA 2015 (September 17 – 27), Audi and Porsche presented OLED lighting and display equipped vehicles.

 

In the past, Audi has proved OLED technology’s excellence through diverse models and demonstrations, including introduction of ‘swarm’ in 2013 with its 3D OLED car rear lighting panels. At this motor show, Audi revealed Audi e-tron quattro, the first concept car with Matrix OLED technology. As well as the Matrix OLED lighting, interior OLED display was also applied to the concept car. Audi explained that the Matrix OLED lighting, which was applied to the rear lighting, can continuously change lights and does not cast shadow. Full OLED interface was also applied to the car and all functions required in driving can be control by display touch. Audi revealed that they will gradually apply these technology to next generation Audi series.

 

Porsche presented their first four-seat electric sports car Mission E as a concept model. The instrument cluster for this concept car is displayed virtually in OLED. The menu can be activated through buttons on the handle. It can also be automatically activated as the cluster’s eye tracking system can perceive the driver’s attention. The display also follows the seat position and body attitude of the driver in what is known as a parallax effect; the display moves according to the driver’s posture for easier viewing. Porsche revealed that Porsche Car Connect technology will also be applied which will allow the user to control key functions of the vehicle through a smartphone.

 

As OLED using lighting and display are actively applied to smart cars, attention on the automotive OLED is also increasing. At the National Research Development Industry General Workshop, held in July 2015, Samsung Display and LG Display each stated their thoughts on display that will be applied to future smart cars.

 

Samsung Display’s executive director Hye Yong Chu asserted that smart is display’s future, including smart car. She also explained that for the actualization of smart technology, other ancillary smart technology, such as eye tracking and voice recognition technology, are required.

 

Yoon Sooyoung, LG Display’s vice president, stated that automotive display can be used for CID, dashboard, cluster, and window, and that the development of transparent and flexible technology is necessary.

 

During the keynote session of IMID 2015, Munhyun Kim of Hyundai Motors revealed that OLED panels will mainly be applied to smart car compared to LCD as it can easily be flexible. He also added that the automotive OLED’s percentage within the total OLED market will increase, and anticipated that it will exceed 30% in 2017.

 

 

Porsche Mission E, Porsche Home page

Porsche Mission E, Porsche Home page

Mitsubishi Chemical and Pioneer Develops Bluelight-less OLED Lighting

/in /by

Japan’s Mitsubishi Chemical and Pioneer announced their success in developing the first bluelight-less OLED lighting module. The two companies produced this module through a wet coating process for the light-emitting layer and began shipping samples on August 1.

The new OLED lighting module does not use blue emitting materials in the OLED panel and the light from the panel contains a minimal portion of blue light. According to the companies, this is less than 1% of the amount in the 3000K-type OLED lighting module developed by Mitsubishi Chemical and Pioneer.

The panel is a candle-color type with a 1900K color temperature; this is suitable for storage lighting of light-sensitive items such as cultural heritage and paintings, as well as lighting for bedrooms and medical practices.

Blue light, which has a wavelength of between 380 and 495 nanometers, has the highest energy among visible light. This is enough to reach the retina at almost full strength. This can cause eye fatigue as well as reduction in quality sleep.

With the increase of smartphone and PC use, the amount of time exposed to blue light is also increasing. Therefore, as the interest in eye health rises, this bluelight-less OLED lighting module development is worthy of attention.

 

Source: MPOL

Source: MPOL

 

Source: MPOL

Source: MPOL

How Can Small and Medium-Sized OLED Panel Companies Survive?

/in /by

With the great increase of interest in flexible OLED from China and Taiwan’s small and medium-sized panel companies, diverse issues related to this are emerging.

 

Recent smartphone trend is moving from high resolution and specs toward diverse designs such as curved or bendable/foldable and flexible display that can differentiate applications. AMOLED flexible display is currently being applied to smartphone and smartwatch. However, only 2 companies, Samsung Display and LG Display, are supplying these high spec flexible AMOLED panel.

 

Small and medium-sized panel companies do not have the technology to mass produce high performance flexible AMOLED panel and cannot invest in mass production. For these reasons, Chinese and Taiwanese small and medium-sized companies are aiming for finding new applications where flexible PMOLED or low resolution flexible AMOLED can be applied and make mass production investment. Accordingly, set companies’ interest in flexible OLED applied application is also increasing.

 

Additionally, companies are in agreement that yield of flexible PMOLED that is applied to some smartbands does not meet demand. Taiwan’s wisechip and RiTdisplay, key PMOLED companies, are concentrating on developing flexible PMOLED and flexible OLED lighting. Taiwan’s AUO and Innolux, and China’s Visionox and EDO are also among those that are developing wearable flexible AMOLED.

 

Diverse application development where lower resolution flexible AMOLED, flexible PMOLED, or flexible OLED lighting, instead of expensive high-end smartphone and smartwatch, can be applied is essential. The outcome of this is forecast to greatly affect the growth of small and medium-sized OLED panel companies.

New Solution for Next Generation OLED Lighting

/in , /by
Professor Lee Taek Seung of Chungnam National University

Professor Lee Taek Seung of Chungnam National University

 

Professor Taek Seung Lee and Jongho Kim (Chungnam National University’s Department of Advanced Organic Materials and Textile System Engineering), and Professor Jin Sung-Ho and Park Juhyeon (Pusan National University’s Graduate Department of Chemical Materials, and Institute for Plastic Information and Energy Materials) authored a paper titled ‘Synthesis of conjugated, hyperbranched copolymers for tunable multicolor emissions in light-emitting diodes’. For 2015 June issue, Polymer Chemistry, published by the Royal Society of Chemistry, selected it as its back cover.

 

The paper discusses research of polymer material applied to solution process and explains that through polymer structure in the form of hyperbranched red, green, and blue monomers, diverse colors, including white, can be actualized depending on the amount of each monomer. Existing OLED lighting used R/G/B or YG/B stacking structure to produce white OLED, complicating the process. Although a method of producing white by combining R/G/B together is being developed, energy displacement between R/G/B can cause unwanted colors. However, if the R/G/B monomers can be introduced to polymer structure as hyperbranched forms as the paper suggests, the energy displacement can be minimized when the polymer solidifies which makes it easier for the colors to be realized.

 

Professor Lee revealed that hyperbranched polymer materials were used in the research and that as white can be produced from just one polymer material, simple process can be used for the production.

 

The patent for this technology has been applied (application number 10-2012-0091350) in Korea. It is anticipated that this will become a key technology for reducing the next generation OLED lighting production cost.

 

원리

[Expert Talk] Professor Ho Kyoon Chung of Sungkyunkwan University, Talks OLED Lighting’s Future

/in /by

Professor Ho Kyoon Chung, a chair professor of Sungkyunkwan University who previously held a position of head of Samsung Display research lab, developed products at the OLED display development forefront while in the industry. He is a world renowned OLED expert who is, at present, concentrating on flexible OLED lighting development at university.

 

Professor Chung is developing flexible OLED lighting together with Korean material companies, lighting company, and Germany’s Fraunhofer Society. Chung is pursuing development of flexible OLED lighting that can produce white light via CCL (color change layer) made with fluorescence and QD materials on top of R2R evaporator produced blue emitting material on stainless steel substrate.

 

Chung considered the automotive flexible OLED lighting application to be the most important factor in flexible OLED lighting’s success. Most of the companies that are currently developing OLED lighting use multi stack structure as they are aiming for high efficiency device to compete against LED.

 

However, Chung pointed out the condition required for OLED lighting to enter the market is production cost rather than efficiency.

 

Chung emphasized that reducing the OLED lighting production cost is a priority and explained that many lighting companies that he has met wanted lower priced panels as OLED lighting is not used in everyday life even with high OLED lighting efficiency. Chung mentioned that in order to achieve this OLED structure needs to be simple more than anything. The OLED structure that Chung is developing is the simplest structure that uses only the blue layer. Therefore if the development is successful the production and investment cost can be massively reduced.

 

What is Professor Chung’s flexible OLED lighting growth solution?

 

The rear lamp and interior lights of automotive that current vehicle makers are pursuing use batteries, and does not require high efficacy products unlike other lightings. For these reasons, Chung explained that automotive lighting is the best market where OLED lighting with simple structure can be applied, and forecast the best product that can place the lighting following the curved design is flexible OLED lighting.

 

On the other hand, Chung revealed that there are some difficulty in technology before flexible OLED lighting can be commercialized and form a market worth billions of USD. Blue emitting material was named as the most necessary part, an analysis that material’s color purity and efficiency are not quite enough for the blue material to produce white light. The second is encapsulation technology and materials. Chung indicated that the important aspect in attaching the gas barrier to the device is high moisture proof adhesive material and passivation technology. He also stated that speedy equipment is required.

 

Professor Chung concluded that flexible OLED lighting is certain to represent Korean IT industry following display industry, affirming his passion to continue in his effort in making sure flexible OLED lighting grows into an axis of OLED industry. He did not forget to add an entreaty for the materials and equipment companies to press on in their development.

 

 

OLED Rises to Become Purple Ocean of Existing Lighting Industry

/in /by

OLED is receiving much attention as the next generation lighting as a greener lighting that can replace existing incandescent and fluorescent lights and reduce energy consumption, as well as lighting that can create new market. According to this trend, many organizations are analyzing OLED lighting industry in diverse directions and presenting the analysis.

At the 5th LED Industrial Forum which was held recently together with LED & OLED Expo 2015, Song Hyokyung, a senior researcher of WIPS, gave a presentation on the topic of OLED lighting industry’s patent trend and market status. She explained that as OLED lighting sector is a new market with a great growth potential, the technology development competition is fierce, and presented SWOT analysis results of Korean businesses.

For Korean OLED lighting industry’s strengths, Song gave examples which included world’s highest quality of OLED, AMOLED development and mass production technology, production ability, and diverse convergence technology solution. As for the opportunity factors, Song suggested application expansion through convergence with flexible technology, and increase in demand as the lighting market expands. On the other hand, Song revealed that the deficiency in original key technology on OLED material and components and the lack of mid to long term strategy regarding new technology development could be a weakness for Korean industry. She also gave China’s pursuit, possession of intellectual property rights by leading companies, and appearance of new light sources such as QLED (quantum dot emitting diode) as factors that could pose threat. However, OLED lighting induces warm atmosphere as well as being environmentally friendly and a future convergence industry. With these factors, Song concluded that if these weaknesses and threat factors can be overcome, OLED lighting will be able to show higher CAGR than other lighting markets.

UBI Research analyzed OLED lighting industry via STEEP analysis method in OLED Lighting Annual Report, published in May, 2015. UBI Research analyzed that as income increases, interest in interior design light using specialized lighting, other than necessary lighting, increases. Also, in terms of technology, OLED lighting projects in Korea, the US, and Europe are actively being carried out and estimated that the technology development will gain speed through related technology integration.

Economically, UBI Research analyzed that the market entry barrier is not high as the OLED lighting industry is not monopolistic. In terms of environment, incandescent lighting’s carbon production and fluorescent light’s mercury are becoming big concerns. Based on these factors UBI Research forecast that demand for green lighting, such as OLED lighting, will increase. Policy wise, OLED lighting industry clusters were formed and are supported by Korean and Japanese governments. As OLED lighting related projects are also being vigorously carried out OLED lighting industry is expected to become a high growth industry.

Based on both analyses OLED lighting is anticipated to be an industry with much potential for growth. If speedy technology development occurs and demand for environmentally friendly lighting increases, it is expected that the OLED lighting share of total lighting market will rapidly increase. UBI Research estimated that total OLED lighting market will grow at CAGR of approx. 70% from 2016, and show US$ 10,000 million revenue in 2025.

 

LG Chem.’s Flexible OLED Lighting, Euroluce 2015

LG Chem.’s Flexible OLED Lighting, Euroluce 2015

 

Universal Display Reveals Advances in Flexible Plastic Transparent Phosphorescent OLED Technologies

/in /by

On Thursday, 18th June, Universal Display unveiled new and elegant OLED white lighting design prototypes and technologies at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The items showcased the company’s device architecture and material and manufacturing process core competencies. These proof-of-concept panels and products, including the new Loop Lamp prototype, demonstrate how OLEDs offer flexibility, transparency, thinness and manufacturability on plastic for unbreakable displays and luminaires.

According to Universal Display’s press release, the Loop Lamp is comprised of paper-thin, flexible, shatterproof OLED lighting ‘ribbon’ panels designed into a unique concept chandelier. It is cool to touch and offers a high color rendering index (CRI) that can closely mimic natural sunlight. Manufactured using Universal Display’s single layer UniversalBARRIER® encapsulation technology, the plastic based OLED panels resist exposure to moisture and oxygen, are lightweight and can bend in all directions. The Loop Lamp represents one of many concepts in the application of flexible OLED lighting solutions in home décor, architectural design, art and sculpture.

Steven V. Abramson, President and CEO of Universal Display, explained that the Loop Lamp “embodies a number of our core technologies and fully embraces new design freedoms associated with OLEDs to create thin, conformable, non-glaring illumination sources for the display and solid-state lighting markets”. These prototypes showcase Universal Display’s innovative advancement in phosphorescent OLED materials and device architectures, encapsulation, optical outcoupling, flexible and transparent designs and processes as well as to present the extraordinary characteristics of OLEDs. Abramson also revealed their determination to continue driving down costs and increasing OLED performance to enable a future filled with beautifully designed, energy-efficient forms of light.

The Loop Lamp, Source : Universial DIsplay

The Loop Lamp, Source : Universal DIsplay

 

[LED/OLED EXPO 2015] Low Cost OLED Lighting Panel Production, QD Film Provides the Solution?

/in , /by

One of the reasons that OLED lighting is not becoming commercialized, despite its diverse advantages compared to other lightings, is its high price. The most fundamental way to reduce OLED lighting panel cost is investment in OLED lighting panel mass production line. Price reduction for components and materials is also an important factor.

 

The OLED lighting panel that is currently being mass produced has red/green/blue or yellow/blue stack structure. Also the use of tandem structure of more than 2 stacks to increase efficiency makes the process complex, lowers the yield, and increases the amount of materials used, and is becoming a key factor in increasing the production cost.

 

At LED/OLED Expo 2015, Cheorwon Plasma Research Institute (CPRI) displayed technology that produces white by applying light extracting film that contains red and green quantum dot (QD) material on blue OLED. CPRI forecasts that this technology of QD film applied blue OLED will be the solution for lowering OLED lighting panel production cost.

 

CPRI’s senior researcher Yong Hwan Yoo explained, “When QD light extracting film is applied to blue OLED, the evaporation processes are reduced compared to existing RGB or YB tandem structure OLED lighting. This could lead to production cost reduction as the yield increases and material cost decreases. If the QD purity improves, as well as blue material’s lifetime and efficiency, it is anticipated that the efficacy will match that of RGB or YB tandem OLED lighting panel.”

 

CPRI exhibited LED caps to be used for mascots at the opening/closing ceremonies of PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics, ultimately aiming for manufacturing them using OLED lighting panel instead of LED.

 

 

[LED/OLED EXPO 2015] O’CLESS Propels OLED Lighting Commercialization

/in , /by

At LED/OLED EXPO 2015 (23 – 26 June), HaeChan Design revealed that through OLED lighting specializing brand O’CLESS they are expanding into international market as well as within the domestic market in Korea.

 

HaeChan Design was established in July, 2013, and launched OLED lighting brand O’CLESS. O’CLESS is producing using the combination of LG Chem.’s OLED lighting panel, and their own designs and ideas.

 

In this exhibition, O’CLESS presented diverse lighting such as night light, portable light, stand light, mirror light, and rail connection down light. Particularly, smart system that can control down light using smartphone drew much attention from the visitors.

 

Seungchul Oh, the President of HaeChan Design, reported that they “began exporting to Japan and China following the domestic release in Korea”, and they are planning to “expand the market as a global OLED lighting specializing business once the new business establishment in Innovation City Chungbuk is completed”. Regarding the price issue, which is OLED lighting market’s biggest obstacle, Oh viewed future of OLED lighting market in a positive light: “P company’s night light is being sold for 200,000-300,000 KRW (200-300 USD) but even with application of OLED and Retinispora wood, O’CLESS’ product has competitive edge with approx. 100,000 KRW (100 USD). Although panel’s price is essential as design and practicality are more important in the lighting industry, application creation appropriate for the high cost of OLED is more important. OLED panel price has already fell considerably and will continue to do so and therefore can compete against LED or other lightings in terms of price.”

 

In February this year, HaeChan Design installed approximately 1,000 OLED desk lamps with LG Chem.’s OLED lighting panels in Seoul National University’s library. They also set up booths in 2014 LED/OLED Application & Technology Show and 2015 Kyunghyang Housing Fair, focusing on O’CLESS marketing.

O’CLESS Booth, LED/OLED EXPO 2015

Seoul National University’s Research Team Lead by Professor Changhee Lee Succeed in Developing High Output QLED Emitting True Ultraviolet Light

/in , /by

South Korean research team lead by Professor Changhee Lee in Seoul University succeeded in making first quantum dots that emit ultraviolet light and used them to produce a flexible, light-emitting diode.

UV light is usually produced by mercury lamps or LEDs made from inorganic materials such as gallium nitride (GaN). However, mercury lamps tend to emit a wide range of visible wavelengths as well as UV, and high-performance gallium nitride LEDs are expensive to make. According to Professor Lee, quantum dots are an attractive alternative which can be made using potentially less expensive solution-based processes.

Quantum dots, made out of a semiconductor material, emits different wavelengths depending on the size and shapes. The smaller the crystal, the shorter the wavelength of the light it emits. The Professor Lee’s team is the first in succeeding in making quantum dots that emit wavelengths shorter than about 400 nm, the high end of the UV spectrum.

In order to produce UV nanocrystals, the team had to figure out how to make quantum dots with light-emitting cores smaller than 3 nm in diameter. To make these, the team utilized cadmium zinc sulfide, which emits high-frequency light, zinc sulfide shell. The quantum dots produced through this method emit true UV radiation at about 377 nm. Professor Lee explained that they “can go to much shorter wavelengths than people generally expected from quantum dots”.

The research group then made a flexible LED with the quantum dots, using a design for a high-efficiency device they developed in 2012. Professor Lee’s team showed that the UV LED could illuminate an anticounterfeiting mark in a bill of paper currency. Franky So, a materials scientist at the University of Florida, says making a device out of the quantum dots that shines brightly enough to reveal the currency mark is a remarkable accomplishment. If their lifetimes can be improved, these potentially low-cost UV LEDs could find uses in counterfeit currency detection, water sterilization, and industrial applications.

The research team headed by Professor Lee includes Seoul National University, Professor Seonghoon Lee and Professor Koonheon Char, and Dong-a University’s Professor Jeonghun Kwak. The research was published in Nano Letters (Nano Lett. 2015, DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.5b00392), a monthly peer-reviewed scientific journal, and reported on Chemistry & Engineering (27 May), published by the American Chemical Society.11

Lighting Industry Market Control by Stable Major Companies, OLED Lighting Shakes It Up

/in /by

Key companies of lighting industry, such as Osram, Philips, Panasonic, and GE Lighting, occupies approximately 70% of total lighting market and maintains stable entry barrier. Most of the key companies are also actively carrying out OLED lighting development as next generation lighting. As they reveal new OLED lighting panels each year, it is estimated that these companies will play a major role in next generation lighting market.

However, once OLED lighting market is vitalized, the existing lighting companies’ stable market control is expected to be rattled.

OLED Lighting Annual Report, published by UBI Research, pointed out that major lighting companies have already invested in LED lighting in large scale, and estimated until the investment cost is returned new investment for OLED lighting will be difficult. To stimulate OLED lighting market the report suggested push market, a strategy being used in display market. According to the report, the production cost competitiveness can be achieved through aggressive investment by LG Chem. and new OLED lighting companies such as Lumiotec. The report also estimated once OLED lighting market is open through aggressive investment and push market strategy, the lighting market leadership will be transferred to new OLED lighting companies which invested in OLED lighting early from major companies which missed investment timing.

Total Lighting Market Structure Forecast

Total Lighting Market Structure Forecast

OLED lighting market is currently being formed through specialized uses such as for interior/outdoor design, shop, restaurant, medical, and cosmetic. Konica Minolta has already completed mass production line investment and the line has been in operation since the end of 2014. LG Chem. is also positively considering mass production line investment. When OLED lighting panel’s active mass production begins, the market is forecast to expand as specialized lighting and replacement lighting for incandescent and fluorescent lights. From 2020, when OLED lighting panel is estimated to achieve reasonable price as interior lighting through major panel companies’ active mass production, it is estimated it will grow by encroaching part of LED lighting market.

From 2017 OLED lighting panel market for interior lighting is forecast to grow rapidly at CAGR of approximately 90%, and record US$ 5,700 million revenue in 2025. Flexible OLED lighting panel is estimated to be used where normal lighting application is difficult and occupy approximately 27% of OLED interior lighting market in 2025.

Interior Lighting Market Forecast

Interior Lighting Market Forecast

 

Visionox, Close to High Resolution AMOLED Panel Mass Production

/in /by

Visionox is earnestly developing high resolution flexible AMOLED panel with impending active AMOLED mass production. In CITE 2015 (April 9 – 11), held in Shenzhen in China, Visionox exhibited AMOLED product and OLED lighting.

 

AMOLED Display Panel by Visionox

AMOLED Display Panel by Visionox Source: Visionox

 

According to Visionox, although they cannot reveal detailed specifications as it is a newly developed prototype, they solved color shift issue and produced high resolution panel using high pixel arrangement technology. As a next generation product, flexible AMOLED mass production line is being considered.

 

In April 2014, Visionox developed 4.3inch 570ppi resolution AMOLED panel by developing new pixel formation technology. Additionally, Visionox established first Gen5.5. AMOLED mass production line at the end of 2014 and is preparing for active mass production. Mass production capacity is 15K and the products will be used in devices such as mobile phones.

 

OLED Light by Visionox

OLED Light by Visionox Source: Visionnox

 

Visionox is also focusing on OLED lighting panel industry. In 2009, Visionox produced first OLED decoration lighting products in Mainland China. Visionox is aiming for OLED lighting panel mass production in 2017, and working on improving lifetime and luminous efficiency.

DOE Selects 4 OLED Projects for 2015 SSL R&D Lighting Awards

/in /by

Earlier this month U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) announced 2015 Solid-State Lighting (SSL) Program awards. This is a part of DoE initiative to accelerate the adoption of SSL technology and focuses on developing an energy-efficient, full spectrum, white light source for general illumination. Through SSL technology, DoE hopes to reduce U.S. lighting energy usage and contribute to climate change solutions.

 

For 2015 SSL Program awards, 9 projects were selected and of these 4 were OLED projects. Acuity Brands, Arizona State University, Sinovia Technologies, and University of Michigan received a total of approximately US$3,800,000.

 

Acuity Brands received US$ 455,131 to develop an OLED luminaire that features DC current drivers integrated with each panel, and a base station that interfaces with user control input, provides power to the OLED panels, and translates the control input to desired functionalities of the panels.

 

Arizona State University received US$ 700,000 to focus on developing an efficient and stable phosphorescent material, quick-screening it, and incorporating it into a state-of-the-art OLED.

 

Sinovia Technologies received US$ 1,326,170 to combine a barrier film technology with a nanowire transparent conduction film to make a single substrate product that will improve light extraction and lower the cost of OLEDs.

 

US$ 1,314,240 was awarded to University of Michigan to focus on new strategies for increasing the lifetime of blue phosphorescent OLEDs (PHOLEDs).

 

Additionally, DoE selected 4 OLED lighting projects earlier this year through SBIR-STTR Grants (Small Business Innovation Research to OLEDWorks, MicroContinuum, and Pixelligent Technologies, and awarded approx. US$ 2,250,000 in total. This brings the total amount so far that DoE invested in OLED lighting projects in 2015 to approx. US$ 6,000,000, which is an increase of about US$ 1,600,000 from 2014.

 

2015 DoE Funded OLED Lighting Projects

2015 DoE Funded OLED Lighting Projects

100x100mm OLED Lighting Panel Production Cost, US$ 2.5 Also Possible

/in /by

As environmental issues are becoming a global concern, countries around the world are introducing environmental policies. Lighting occupies approximately 1,900,000,000 tonnes of global annual carbon dioxide emissions, and is becoming a big environmental regulation issue. Also as it takes up 25% of global power consumption it is an important area for energy reduction. Restriction regarding incandescent light, which used to be the main lighting, started and with active regulation on fluorescent light expected to begin, next generation lighting market is forecast to grow considerably.

At present, LED is in spotlight as the next generation lighting, rapidly expanding the market with its high efficiency and lifetime, replacing incandescent and fluorescent light. OLED does not contain harmful materials or light, and as lighting with high energy efficiency, it is receiving much attention as the most suitable next generation light for environmental and energy reducing policies. However, due to the steep price compared to LED, the market is growing more slowly than estimated.

According to UBI Research’s OLED Lighting Annual Report, published today (14th May), if 100mmx100mm is mass produced using equipment size of 1270mmx1270mm, OLED lighting panel production cost is analyzed to fall to US$ 5 or lower from 3rd year of mass production, and US$ 2.5 from 10th year (when 1 min tack time/single stack). This price is higher than US$ 1 – 3 of incandescent and fluorescent lights but much lower than approximately US$ 10 of LED lamp for interior lighting (60~70lm/W). Additionally, OLED lighting panel is currently being mass produced with superior efficiency and lifetime compared to incandescent and fluorescent lighting, and being developed with efficiency equal to LED. Considering these factors, if active mass production investments by OLED lighting panel companies take place, the market share within the lighting sector is estimated to rapidly increase.

OLED Lighting Annual Report forecast that in the early stages of mass production OLED lighting will form market focusing on areas where OLED lighting’s merits can be utilized in areas such as automotive, medical use, cosmetics, and exhibitions and not through main lighting. However, once mass production competitiveness is achieved, it is expected to quickly expand in main lighting market. Additionally, lighting market with high added value could be created through differentiation using flexible and transparent, and forecast the market to grow to show US$ 2,800,000,000 by 2020, and occupy approximately 10% of the total lighting market.graph

OLEDWorks to Acquire Parts of Philips’ OLED Business

/in /by

Philips and OLEDWorks signed an agreement that is expected to have significant effect on future direction for the OLED sector of the Philips. On April 28, OLEDWorks announced that they will acquire key parts of Philips’ OLED lighting business.

 

According to OLEDWork’s press release, Philips will establish a new legal entity and transfer key parts of its OLED business in the next few months. This will include the production facility in Aachen, Germany, and relevant intellectual property. All shares of the new entity will subsequently be sold to OLEDWorks. Once the new company has been established, OLEDWorks will be granted license by Philips to market its OLED light source components under the Philips brand. Philips will remain a distributor of the panels through OEM sales channels.

 

OLEDWorks CEO David DeJoy explained that this deal will broaden their mission to deliver high performance OLED light engine to a wide range of lighting applications. Eric Rondolat, CEO of Philips, added it “will enable [them] to focus [their] business and resources on developing innovative connected lighting systems and services for professional and consumer markets”.

 

OLEDWorks is based in Rochester, New York. Founded in 2010, OLEDWorks is the only US-based OLED light engine and panel manufacturer. Currently, OLEDWorks is producing 2 models of white OLED lighting panel samples in sizes of 43×101.6×3.2mm and 65x175x2.0mm. There are 2 kinds of color temperatures, 3,000K and 3,500K, with efficiency of 45lm/W, and lifetime of 10,000 hours or longer (LT70 @ 3,000 cd/m2).

[Euroluce 2015] Kaneka Exhibits OLED Lighting Panel with 50 Thousand Hours of Lifetime

/in /by

Marketing activities in Europe by Kaneka, one of Japan’s key OLED lighting panel companies, is attracting attention. Kaneka, the only company with active European marketing out of many OLED lighting companies in Japan, participated in Euroluce, a biennial event, in 2013 as well as 2015. Unlike most of Japanese OLED lighting companies whose promotion activities are focused on their domestic market, Kaneka is enthusiastic regarding lighting exhibition in Europe. This is analyzed to be because Kaneka is aiming for market expansion into Europe and North America, as well as Japan’s domestic market.

 

Kaneka explained that, “OLED lighting is suitable for European customers who consider design and diversity to be important as they have good energy efficiency, thin surface light source, soft light, and ability to produce various colors”, and revealed “increasing European consumers’ awareness of OLED lighting is the priority assignment and the main reason for this exhibition”.

 

In Euroluce 2015, Kaneka exhibited OLED lighting panel with 50 thousand hours of lifetime with 1.05mm thickness. They presented 5 colors of white, red, amber, blue, and green with 3 different panel sizes of 80x80mm, 100x100mm, and 143x23mm.

 

Kaneka possesses a manufacturing line that can produce 20,000 panels per year, and in past have announced their target of approx. 50 billion Yen in revenue by 2020.

 

Kaneka Booth, Euroluce 2015

Kaneka Booth, Euroluce 2015

[Euroluce 2015] Enter OLED Lighting Cheaper Than LED

/in /by

An area has emerged where OLED lighting can exceed LED’s price competitiveness.

 

In LG Chem’s booth in Euroluce 2015 (April 14-19, 2015), a British company Mackwell’s OLED lighting applied emergency system was exhibited. Mackwell applied LG Chem’s OLED lighting panel to the emergency system used in cases of fire/blackout instead of existing LED lighting reducing the overall system installation cost. Mackwell is known to be preparing for commercialization.

 

LG Chem explained that “construction, excluding lighting, accounts for the 30-50% of total cost for interior lighting. LED lighting requires separate space for installation making construction cost a necessity, but as OLED lighting does not need additional construction this can be reduced. Although OLED lighting’s unit price is higher than LED’s, overall interior cost can be reduced if OLED lighting is used resulting in cheaper price”.

 

Regarding this, one LED expert observed that, “a certain distance is required between the LED lighting source and device, therefore LED installation space is additionally required and increases the cost” and “if the construction cost could be reduced from interior lighting it would be a great advantage”.

 

As shown, areas where merits of OLED lighting are actively used are emerging rapidly such as interior, medical, and vehicular lighting. If the cost competitiveness can be achieved from active investment by OLED lighting companies, not only the OLED lighting exclusive market could be created but existing lighting market could be replaced.

 

Mackwell’s Emergency Luminaire

Mackwell’s Emergency Luminaire

[Euroluce 2015] LG Chem, Business Acceleration through Lighting Solution

/in /by

In Euroluce 2015 (April 14-19, 2015) being held in Milan, Italy, LG Chem started enthusiastic European lighting market promotion with their largest booth of the exhibitions they have participated so far.

 

By showing the solution for OLED lighting and not an exhibition centering on existing panel and luminaire, LG Chem began active customer creation by supplying OLED panel, module and OLED lighting solution.

 

LG Chem revealed that “the supply is possible to B2C market through solution regarding OLED lighting, and not just to B2B market”, and that they will “strive to obtain more customers through providing various solutions”. Additionally, they emphasized the importance in new application and widening the scope as well as appealing lighting’s merits; “as most of the attendees are attracted toward the main exhibition, ‘Salone del Mobile Milano’ (Milan Furniture Fair), they showed much interest in transparent connection and rail connection that can diversely be applied to furniture and building”.

 

Examples of LG Chem’s Transparent Connection and Rail Connection Application

Examples of LG Chem’s Transparent Connection and Rail Connection Application

 

Furthermore, LG Chem exhibited LG panel applied products by partner companies such as Acuity, and Mackwell and introduced diverse areas where OLED lighting can be used.

 

In order to proceed with active OLED lighting investment, LG Chem is unfolding dynamic marketing to draw in customers. From February this year, LG Chem began selling DIY KIT OLED lighting module through Korean open market, and opened their first booth in Japan in Lighting Fair Japan 2015 which was held in March. In June, LG Chem is planning to open an OLED lighting exclusive exhibition in Nonhyeon-dong in Gangnam (Seoul, Korea) and intensify marketing.

 

LG Chem Booth, Euroluce 2015

LG Chem Booth, Euroluce 2015

LG Chem, DIY KIT Released for Average Consumers to Experience OLED Lighting

/in /by

In February 2015 LG Chem released OLED DIY Kit in Korea so that average consumers can directly experience the high quality of OLED light, closest to the natural light.

OLED is a light-emitting diode formed with organic semiconductors that emit light with its characteristic color. OLED is currently being used for TV and lighting, and receiving attention as the next generation diode. Particularly, spectrum distribution of OLED lighting is closest to the sunlight and produces a sense of stability of being under the natural light. Additionally, with its high color rendering index, colors can be accurately reproduced. Unlike the existing light sources, OLED is not hot to touch, and does not hurt eyes when looked directly. With no UV rays, it is a human-friendly light. It also produces almost no blue light compared to other sources and as such it is effective in eyesight protection. It is thin, light, flexible, and has potential for infinite designs.

In order for the average consumers to experience the OLED lighting with these advantages, LG Chem prepared the OLED DIY Kit with simplest possible components and connection method. Single Kit contains one LG Chem’s 100x100mm OLED module, Double Kit contains two modules for wider choice, and DIY Kit includes an OLED panel (a bulb equivalent), switch, and wiring set linked to connectors. It has an accessible and simple structure so that the light comes on just by linking the connectors two or three times, and connecting a micro 5-pin adaptor (compatible with normal Android mobile phone charger). The panel thickness of LG Chem’s 100x100mm module is only 0.88mm so that even with the neat aluminum case the thickness is 2.2mm. If the module and switch are attached by using wood, paper, or wire, or by reforming existing products, lighting of desired shape is complete.

To showcase environmentally friendly nature of OLED lighting, LG Chem minimized using extravagant packaging material and exuberant colors, and produced a simple cardboard box. It is an ultra-energy conserving light of high energy efficiency with less than 2.5W required for Single Kit, and less than 5W for Double Kit.

Of the OLED lighting industry, LG Chem is producing the world’s best performing OLED lighting panels with largest size and best lifetime surpassing other companies such as Philips and Osram. Due to their own key material production and advanced process technology, LG Chem also has an edge in price. In order to accommodate consumers’ requests, a testing team made up with staff of LG affiliated companies was formed and generated various DIY production ideas. The final DIY Kit was produced with improvements suggested by the testing team.

In Korea, OLED DIY KIT is currently being sold on internet shopping sites such as G Market and 11St. LG Chem is planning to release the product in Japan and China from April, and rest of the world, including Europe and USA, from May.

<Example of LG Chem.’s OLED DIY KIT Use, Source : LG Chem.>

<LG Chem.’s DIY Kit Components and Connection Method, Source : LG Chem.>

 

[Lighting Fair Japan 2015] LG Chem, 100lm/W OLED Lighting Panel Mass Production Possible in April 2015

/in /by

LG Chem estimates mass production of highly efficient 100lm/W OLED lighting panel in April this year. In Lighting Fair Japan 2015 (March 3 – 6) LG Chem announced that they have achieved 2014 target of 100lm/W development, and that mass production will be possible from April 2015. Additionally, they presented the 140ml/W roadmap until 2017, and LG Chem is forecast to keep on leading the OLED lighting market.

Until now OLED lighting had lower efficiency compared to the existing fluorescent light (approx. 100lm/W) and LED (approx. 100lm/W or higher), and was mostly used as luminaire rather than down light. However, if active mass production of 100lm/W products begins, utilization as down light will also be possible.

In this exhibition, LG Chem showcased solution concept of down light, and not a luminaire focused exhibition. They also demonstrated OLED lighting’s competitiveness as down light by securing lifetime of 40 thousand hours. This is approximately twice as long as fluorescent light and rivals LED. The biggest issue for OLED lighting is the cost. If the price becomes competitive through active investment, it is analyzed that the OLED lighting market will grow rapidly.

According to UBI Research’s OLED Lighting Annual Report 2014, OLED lighting market is forecast to grow by 100% of compound annual growth rate and form US$ 4,700 million market in 2020.

150309_ [Lighting Fair Japan 2015]LG Chem., 2015년 4월 100lmW의 OLED lighting panel 양산 가능3<LG Chem’s R&D Roadmap, Source : LG chem>

150309_ [Lighting Fair Japan 2015]LG Chem., 2015년 4월 100lmW의 OLED lighting panel 양산 가능2<Front View of LG Chem Booth, Lighting Fair Japan 2015>

By HyunJun Jang, reporter@olednet.co.kr

[Lighting Fair Japan 2015] LG Chem. Begins Intense OLED lighting Marketing in Korea and Japan, Following Europe

/in /by

In order to actively open LG Chem’s OLED lighting market, they began intense marketing in Korea and Japan, following Europe. Formerly, OLED lighting marketing took place centering on Europe’s high-end luminaire market. However, LG Chem opened their first booth in Japan in Lighting Fair Japan 2015, and showed how easily OLED lighting can be applied in everyday life by exhibiting solution for down light rather than focusing on luminaire. LG Chem revealed their anticipation for Japan’s OLED lighting market’s growth explaining, “Japan’s conversion rate to area lighting is increasing rapidly and it is estimated the demand for OLED lighting will increase.”

150306_[Lighting Fair Japan 2015]LG Chem., 유럽에 이어 한국과 일본에 본격적인 OLED lighting 마케팅 시작<Front View of LG Chem Booth, Lighting Fair Japan 2015>

LG Chem also began their marketing in Korea for the public. Average consumers were able to come in contact with OLED lighting easily as OLED lighting DIY Kit and table lamp “FRAME” appeared on the open market. Particularly, OLED lighting DIY Kit provided 100x100mm OLED lighting panel, wire, and switch that can control the light (30/60/100lm), and allowed the public to apply the kit for various uses. Currently OLD lighting DIY Kit is being sold for approx. US$ 86, and OLED table lamp “FRAME” for approx. US$ 254. However, when LG Chem’s active investment and mass production begin, the price is expected to fall further.

LG Chem’s OLED table lamp “FRAME” and OLED DIY KIT Being Sold in Korea’s Open Market

LG Chem’s OLED table lamp “FRAME” and OLED DIY KIT Being Sold in Korea’s Open Market

 <LG Chem’s OLED table lamp “FRAME” and OLED DIY KIT Being Sold in Korea’s Open Market>

Example of OLED DIY KIT Use, Lighting Fair 2015

Example of OLED DIY KIT Use, Lighting Fair 2015

<Example of OLED DIY KIT Use, Lighting Fair 2015>

By HyunJun Jang, reporter@olednet.co.kr

LG Chem. announces new OLED lighting product milestones

/in /by

LG Chem announced today that it achieved two important milestones in the development of OLED lighting products with the start of manufacturing of the 320 x 320 mm OLED light panel, the world’s largest available in the market, and the completion of the research and development phase for a new plastic-based OLED light panel.

The 320x320mm OLED light panel is 0.88mm thick panel and has an efficiency of 60lm/W, CRI over 90, and has output levels of 800lm with a nominal input (8.5V 1,600mA). The panel’s output can reach 1,200lm which is similar to a common 60-75 Watt incandescent lamp. This is significant because it marks first time that OLEDs can be considered as an energy-efficient / human-friendly light source available for general purpose use.

With LG Chem having begun mass producing the 320x320mm panels in January, the panels can be ordered at $680USD per panel, with a lower negotiated price for bulk orders.

 

 

LG Chem has also completed development of a truly flexible plastic-based OLED light panel and engineering samples are now available. LG Chem’s current bendable OLED panels (F6BA40, F6BA30) are thin-glass based that provides a limited bending radius of 75mm. The new flexible OLED panel has vastly increased the bending radius flexibility to 30mm because of the adoption of a plastic substrate for the panel, which also eliminates the danger of the panel shattering when excessive force is applied.

The main challenge of converting from a glass substrate to plastic was to maintain the performance levels of efficiency, luminance, and CRI. LG Chem has overcome this challenge by adopting its expertise in barrier and encapsulation technology.

The specifications of the LG Chem’s new plastic-based OLED light panel are 60lm/W efficiency, 75lm brightness, 3,000K in color temperature, and CRI over 85. Engineering samples are available at $250USD per panel. The mass production of the flexible panel is scheduled to begin in July 2015. The price will be adjusted accordingly once mass production starts.

Medical Lighting, will it make a breakthrough for the OLED lighting market?

/in /by

The sizable growth for OLED lighting is expected in the medical lighting market.

At Lighting Japan 2015, Synqroa Corp. introduced Lucuria, the OLED lamp used for dental practice equipment, under the presentation title “Dental-free shadow lamps development and marketing by OLED lighting source”.

The presenter Mitsuhiro Koyama, Vice President Synqroa Corp., said that “OLED lighting is more appropriate than LED or halogen lamp for the medical purposes thanks to its properties including shadow-less, good color rendering and color temperature, and no blue risk. He also speculated “The competent lighting in the medical lighting industry is more about providing the optimal environment for doctors and patients than the price competitiveness.”

Synqroa estimated that the potential for the OLED lighting panel is about six million units with expected annual demand of about 350 thousand units for maintenance assuming that each hospital will use three units (five OLED panels per unit) in about 400 thousand dentists in the world as of 2013. In addition, they also analyzed the OLED lighting panel will take about 12 million units (25% of entire demand) among the demands for the lighting panels applied in operating rooms, patient’s rooms, NICU, etc.

Likewise, the expansion of OLED lighting market is expected to gain momentum if the OLED lighting panel is employed more actively in the medical lighting market equipped with merits of improving health care environments and protecting doctors’ and patients’ eyes.

 

<Comparison of properties for each lighting, Source: Synqroa>

Description: Compared to the LED lighting, the OLED lighting barely emits the ultraviolet rays or blue lights which are harmful to the eyes but enables visibility closest to the natural sunlight free of shadow.

 

<Synqroa’s OLED lamp for Dental Equipment, Source: Synqroa>

 

Audi’s Love for OLED

/in /by

 

Audi has particular affection for OLED than any other automobile companies. For instance, it has announced the concept car Audi Q7 with its rear lights using OLED light panel and the recently unveiled concept car Prologue is equipped with the flexible OLED display featuring the resolution of 8.9 x 5.6-inch 287ppi (2560 x 1600) and three sheets of rigid OLED display.

For this CES 2015, the letters of Audi was displayed three dimensionally using the OLED light source at the exhibition space intended for R8 LMX together with the phrases of ‘OLED View 2’ and ‘Audi Matrix OLED.’

According to the personnel from Audi, OLED will be used actively as a light source for it has a beautiful quality than any other light sources.

 

[Lighting Japan 2015]What is the keyword for the next lighting industry?

/in /by

The Lighting Japan 2015 was held on January 14, 2015 at the Tokyo Big Sight in Japan.

At the key note session, Jeffrey Cassis, the senior vice president of Phillips, began the first presentation with the theme of “Delivering the Promise and potential of digital light” emphasizing the notion of digital lighting and connected lighting in terms of the critical issue of how to combine a lighting with a smart city and ecosystem. He also hinted the importance of OLED lighting mentioning that most of the Philips’ R&D is concentrated on OLED despite the fact that the LED lighting will take about 65% of the entire lighting market by 2018.

The second speaker Prof. Ching W Tang from the Hong Kong University expressed “the sympathy with his view on the digital lighting that the OLED lighting will play a critical role” and highlighted the key issue is preparing for the price competiveness. He mentioned that the efficiency of current OLED lighting panel is about 23% and there is a potential to improve up to about 30%. Also he added that there will be a huge renovation in the lighting market if the total efficiency of the OLED lighting panel increases more than 50%.

As demonstrated in the key note session, the key for the future lighting industry can be summarized as both connectivity and OLED. The concept of connectivity which was underlined by the numerous electronics and automobile companies at the last CES 2015 is becoming a primary trend in the lighting industry and it is anticipated to center around the OLED lighting.

150114_Next-lighting산업-Key-word는_1

<Philips senior vice president Jeffrey Cassis>

150114_Next-lighting산업-Key-word는_2

<Hong Kong Univ. Prof. Ching W. Tang >

LG Chem. release 320x320mm OLED lighting and new application

/in /by

 

150106_LG화학_1

The 320x320mm OLED light panel in LG Chem’s product portfolio in the world’s largest commercially available panel. The panel has an efficacy of 60lm/W, a high CRI (90) and is only 0.88mm thick. The output, which is similar to common 60-75 Watt incandescent lamp. This is significant because it marks the point where OLEDs will not only be seen as an energy-efficient and human friendly light source, but also come to be seen as a fit-for-purpose and proficient general purpose light source. The 320x320mm panel is now commercially available.

LG Chem has developed two types of “Mounting Solutions” for easy OLED panel installation with magnetic connections: Rail Connection and Linear Connection.

150106_LG화학_2

150106_LG화학_3

Rail connection

Each 200x50mm LG Chem OLED light panel is cased and a DC-DC driver is integrated. The AC-DC driver supplies DC to the conductor rail, and each lighting unit is magnetically attached to the rail receiving the power.

150106_LG화학_4

150106_LG화학_5

Linear Connection

The Linear Connection Solution also utilized 200x50mm OLED panels with chrome-finished casing. Each lighting unit is magnetically connected with other units in a series, and the units are also magnetically attached to the metal surface. When distance between the panels is required, and extension bar can be placed in between.

The mounting solutions can be easily applied anywhere, from retail store shelving to general home furniture.

150106_LG화학_6

150106_LG화학_7

The Transparent Electrode uses 320x110mm OLED panels. A transparent mesh conductive film, OLED panel and protection film are laminated on a sheet of glass. Hence, OLEDs turn on without direct wiring to the panels; therefore achieve a floating effect. The Transparent Electrode would be a great fit for retail shelving where temperature is a sensitive factor for instance in the cases of cosmetics of food. Different shapes and sizes of OLEDs can be applied diverse design needs.

Bernd Unrecht releases suspended lamp “Adjust S-OLED”

/in /by

Bernd Unrecht, a German lighting company, introduced the “Adjust” series of OLED light panels that emit glare-free and diffuse light into their surroundings. They come in three sizes (3, 6, or 12 OLED panels).

 

The OLED panels used for the “Adjust” series emit warm-white light (3,000K) and features a high CRI of 90, a brightness level of 3,000 cd/m2, and a lifetime of 40,000 hours. The power consumption is 2.55W (150lm). These are 14×14 cm OLED panels with a 12.9×12.9 cm active area.

 

Given their features, it is assumed that LG Chem’s N6SC30, one of the company’s square type products, is used.

141120_Bernd Unrecht1 141120_Bernd Unrecht

BMW’s Luxury Sedan, ‘BMW Vision Future Luxury’ is furnished with OLED at rear

/in /by

On the 11th, BMW Korea announced that the ‘BMW Vision Future Luxury’ was unveiled for the first time in the country as inviting 300 VIPs to the Yeongjongdo BMW Driving Center for 6 days from the 4th to 9th.

BMW Vision Future Luxury was introduced first time at the Beijing Auto Show this year and it was intended to be a concept car suggesting the direction of luxury sedan that BMW is pursing for a long time. It provides a whole new experience of luxury equipped with the qualities of intelligently lightened engineering, innovative interior design, and completely new user interface design.

Especially the L-shaped rear lights are applied with OLED lighting panel for the first time on a BMW which is much thinner and lighter than the existing LED and emits even light

DOE, Announcing New OLED lighting Project

/in /by

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced its selection of nine (9) solid-state lighting (SSL) R&D projects. Four out nine projects are related to OLED lighting and selected companies/universities to run the projects are OLED Works, Pixelligent Technologies, Princeton University, and University of California. The project funding will be over $13.7 million (DOE funding, $10.5 million) and funding for each project was not revealed. It is expected that these one-to two-year projects will accelerate cost reduction of SSL technology and improvement of quality and performance.

Details of the OLED lighting projects are as follows.

140617_DOE, OLED lighting 신규 project 발표

<DOE’s New OLED lighting Projects, Source : DOE>

OLED lighting, replacing LED is in the not too distant future

/in /by

At SID2014, it was proved that OLED lighting has competitiveness in terms of efficiency and can compete with LED for the general lighting.

Konica Minolta developed 131lm/W OLED lighting panel last March. It also released an OLED lighting panel with efficacy of 139lm/W at the SID 2014 and drew more attention. Panasonic also presented on OLED, and drew more attention unveiling a prototype in Author interview.

Considering that the efficacy of currently commercialized LED lighting is about 80~130lm/W, it is analyzed that the fruitful result at the SID 2014 showed the potential of the OLED lighting becoming the general lighting instead of the LED lighting.

The most concerned issues of the OLED lighting are lifetime and cost. For the general lighting, 40,000hr, which the OLED panel makers target, is estimated enough considering replace period of the lighting, but the issue is the cost. Compared to the LED, the OLED lighting is expensive and currently forms a high-end lighting market. However, it is inevitable to down the cost for entering the general lighting market. Although LG Chem. announced a price reduction to 200$/Klm from 600$/Klm, investment of the OLED lighting makers in mass-production is vital to reform the general lighting market with the OLED lighting.

The OLED lighting panel has reached the level equal to the LED lighting. Now is the time that the OLED lighting panel companies make a turning point and can leap again by investing as they did with display.

did with display.

140611_Performance report of Konica Minolta’s 139lmW OLED lighting panel SID2014 <Performance report of Konica Minolta’s 139lm/W OLED lighting panel, SID2014>

140611_Panasonic’s 133 lmW OLED lighting panel SID2014

<Panasonic’s 133 lm/W OLED lighting panel, SID2014>