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Tag Archives: OLED

OLED Updates: “Dawning of an OLED era”?

Posted by J. Steven Rutt on Posted in Electronic Devices

Following OLED commercialization updates is becoming pretty interesting. See, for example, www.OLED-info.com. Some recent news featured there include, for example:

  1. Universal Display Corp. (UDC) recently reported its first profitable quarter. See, also, the UDC web page update.
  2. Samsung Electronics plans to launch flexible OLED panels next year (perhaps starting with mobile phones, followed by tablets and other portable devices). See this YouTube video where allegedly one of these can survive a hammer pounding.

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OLED, OLED, OLED – A AAA Hotbed

Posted by J. Steven Rutt on Posted in Electronic Devices

Significant interesting OLED news seems to be crossing my desk more and more these days. Interest is high both for lighting and displays. OLED is part of the larger subject termed variously as “organic electronics” or “printed electronics.”   

For example, UDC has been announcing a variety of new updates which resulted in a recent stock surge. On the IP front, OLED patenting is exploding. Academic work in the area is strong also as reflected in the recent SPIE meeting in San Diego with increased attendance and the upcoming fpi10 meeting in Beijing. In Russia, Plastic Logic is set to test their e-readers in schools (not OLED, but important development in organic electronics nevertheless). Finally, the Department of Energy continues to support OLED work.

Nanotechnology plays a significant role in OLED. For example, the OLED patent explosion is also evident in the US 977 nanotechnology patent literature. In this class, 229 patent publications (out of 9,741 as of today) refer to “OLED” or “organic light emitting diode.” Among these, two-thirds were published in 2010 and 2011 (152/229).  Only 25 were published through 2007. That is a remarkable explosion. In addition, 12% were published with the government interest clause (27/229).

OLEDs in Patent Literature Rapidly Rising

Posted by J. Steven Rutt on Posted in Electronic Devices; Patent

One of the exciting markets to watch in coming months and years is OLEDs (organic light emitting diodes, a lead example of printed and organic electronics).  I noted that one fourth the way through 2011, the patent office is expected for the first time to publish more than 5,000 patent applications which refer to OLED or "organic light emitting diode" (5,292 – projected).  This number has been rapidly rising each year.  For example, back in 2004, this number was only 1,243.    The number went over 2,000 in 2006 and over 3,000 in 2008 (and over 4,000 last year). 

Nanotechnology is playing a role in OLED development as well.  Among the 977 nanotechnology patent publications, for example, 185 refer to OLED or "organic light emitting diodes."  Again, a rapid rise can be observed where this year, 2011, the projection is for about 100 (92), whereas 2010 was at 85, 2009 was at 32, 2008 was at 20, and 2007 was only 13 (which was more than the previous five years combined).

OLED is also an example of energy efficient lighting so is an important aspect of cleantech.

Patents play an important role in OLED development.  Universal Display Corporation, for example, recently announced it had acquired 74 OLED patents from Motorola.  LG bought Kodak OLED group including patents for $100M and $414M in royalties, per media reports.

Cintelliq has also reported explosive growth in OLED patenting since 2000.

SOL(e)D!—Kodak to Sell OLED Business to LG

Posted by Barry S. Wilson on Posted in Electronic Devices

In 1987, Eastman Kodak researchers Dr. Ching W. Tang and Steven VanSlyke opened the gates to a flurry of innovations related to organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs). More than 20 years later, Kodak announced today that it will sell substantially all the assets associated with its OLED business to a group of LG companies. 

With Tang and VanSlyke’s novel two-layer structure (with separate hole and electron transporting layers) as a starting point, researchers have steadily continued to make patentable advancements in this relatively new field. From new device architectures incopororating nanoscaled charge carrier transport promoters, to new and stable organic semiconductors capable of emitting and absorbing at various wavelengths, OLED technology has been incorporated into solid-state lighting products and displays applications such as screens for mobile phones, digital cameras, and televisions. The technology has also spurred innovations related to flexible electronics, flexible displays, and even contributed to knowledge for photovoltaics applications. 

In addition to selling their OLED business, Kodak has entered into a technology cross-license agreement with LG, bringing an end to patent litigation related to their imaging technologies, and a push to end the U.S. International Trade Commission’s investigations following complaints by both companies.