O-LEDs in Architecture

The world of lighting is always evolving to find new solutions. While LED is certainly a step up over older solutions, it doesn’t mean they are perfect. With a focus giving the same powerful illumination of traditional LEDS, O-LEDs are the newest invention on the scene. While they are an exciting new development, there are a few things you should know about O-LEDs in architecture.

What is it?

Organic light emitting diode or O-LED is a type of lighting solution that uses a different mode of operation. While other lamps use electricity to create illumination, an O-LED uses organic dye between two flat semiconductors which spreads the illumination across a larger space such as a flat screen. This creates illumination that is warm and still bright while also offering a better environmental impact than options using electricity to produce light.

What sets it apart?

O-LEDs are better for the environment and cut out utility costs. The fact that they don’t use electricity to produce illumination makes them innovative for the well-being of the planet. They also don’t contain any mercury like fluorescent which is a benefit as well. Finally, O-LEDs do not need to be replaced. They have a lifetime life span meaning, unlike other lamps, they will last forever.

What are the applications?

This is where O-LEDs in architecture gets complicated. This type of technology is a great innovation and may lead to bigger innovations further down the road, but right now it’s hard to utilize them for widespread use in commercial spaces. O-LEDs are being utilized in consumer products such as flat screen televisions, computer screens, and more, but the applications for them in commercial or retail spaces is still slow to spread. This is not to say they are never used in such spaces. There are businesses using O-LEDs in architecture by way of creating walls made up of several panels placed together, but this is usually done more for visual appeal rather than visibility necessarily. With more advancements, there is hope for this lighting innovation to become commonplace in business and homes in the coming decades. In fact, developers are currently working on creating an even higher efficiency O-LED which would help to expand its applications to new areas.