OSRAM Opto Semiconductors to focus research & development efforts on organic LEDs

August 11, 2006, San Jose, CA--OSRAM Opto Semiconductors announced that it will intensify its research and development efforts on organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) for general illumination, while expanding its existing business in OLED displays.

White light will be the main focus of the company's research and development, as it is the one most generally used for room lighting. Initial research indicates a luminous efficacy for white OLED elements of up to 25 lm/W with an appropriate current. Even at brightness levels that are matched to general lighting applications, these OLED elements can achieve values of 18 lm/W, which are higher than conventional light bulbs (12 lm/W) and almost on a par with halogen lamps (20 to 26 lm/W).

"These impressive values have been achieved thanks to a sophisticated sequence of organic layers that produce much better luminous efficacy compared with previous versions," said MW Lui, manager, OLED Products. "The new layer arrangement enables efficient low-profile light sources to be designed, and opens up new and exciting dimensions in lighting design and application."

While OSRAM Opto Semiconductors will continue to develop polymer-based solutions for displays, the company's focus will also be on small-molecule technology for illumination applications with OLEDs.

For more information, visit www.osram-os.com.