Our Program
This program was initiated by the U.S. Air Force and explores the
the way in which meso-strcutured nanocomposites consisting of a nanophase and a conducting polymer host phase, might be utilized within a light emitting device. The program has distinguished itself from others in the development of two different approaches to lighting needs in the marketplace. The first is nanocomposite organic light emitting diodes for robust ultralong lifetime operation. This program is examining the role of giant oscillator strength materials in the development of long lifetime emitting technologies and how these might also lead to increased effeciency.
top: the WFU seal, bottom: a transparent OLED made before the group moved to WFU.
The second area of distinction for our program is the development of a novel nanocomposite EL device that uses displacement currents only in the generation of light. Its ability to be color tuned, and highly effecient makes it of particular interest for room lighting. This work is being funded by PureLux Inc, a spinoff from the NANOTECH Center.
Our Facilities
The Nanotech Center maintains CIE scaling capabilities calibrated light standards for effeciency measurements, as well as standards for 85:85, and 85:25 lifetime determinations. We have automated drawblade facilites on site as well as sputtering for development of shaped lighitng sources.
Our Methology
In lighting and display, several important metrics are determined to characterize the source depending on the desired application. For single color systems, such as found in displays, calibrated diodes are used to determine the illuminance in Cd/m2 at the emission wavelength. This is then measured over a wide range of inpout power to determine effeciency (NITs).
However, for room lighting, the power output integrated over the a broad emission range, coupled with the CIE scale position must be determined. We do this using a calibrated spectrophotometer and Si diodes for which responsivity is well known.