University researchers in Poland have employed two novel materials to produce what they claim are the brightest red OLEDs ever, and are considering their future application in treating cancer.
EuropiumThe new compounds were produced by introducing phosphine oxides to the element europium at the Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences (IPC-PAS) in Warsaw. Testing has shown that these are able to achieve luminescence quantum yields of up to 90% for red light with a wavelength of 612nm.
A second research team at St Andrews University in Fife, then used the new compounds to create prototype high-efficiency red OLEDs. Critically both materails are capable of being easily used into fast low-cost OLED production lines at room temperature and when completed do not degrade under exposure to light or oxygen.
Treating cancer
One application that is envisaged for the new printable red OLEDs is in wearable therapeutic patches. The plastic electronics would be integrated in a flexible patch to worn on the skin of a patient, where due to their efficiency they would draw very little power. When placed over a specific area the red light could be used to stimulate active cancer-treatment ingredients previously introduced to the patient.
Such an approach would allow the patient to stay mobile and reduce the time spent in hospital using specialised medical equipment - cutting the cost for healthcare providers.
Other uses for the high-efficiency red OLEDs are in displays and vehicle lighting.
In 2011, the IPC-PAS received €3.3 million via the European Union's Seventh Framework Programme to help fund its work.
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