VTT has Developed a Large-Surface Light-Emitting Plastic Film

ESPOO, FINLAND—March 3, 2015—Based on OLED technology and implemented by means of a printing machine, VTT Technical Research Centre's new light-emitting plastic film can create patterned and flexible light-emitting surfaces on advertising displays, informational signs and lighting fixtures. The method also enables transparent smart surfaces to be attached to window panels or packaging.

OLED technology (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) has commonly been found in mobile phone and television displays. With VTT's method, OLED elements can now be printed onto flexible plastic film, enabling larger light surfaces.

Because OLED light surfaces are manufactured using traditional printing methods, including gravure and screen printing, traditional print shops can implement this into production.

Manufactured using the gravure and screen printing methods, OLED light surfaces are around 0.2 mm thick, and include electrodes and polymer layers measuring up to a few hundred nanometers, in which the light emission occurs. This phenomenon is called electroluminescence and entails an organic semiconductor emitting light in an electric field. The luminosity of OLED (lm/W) amounts up to around one third of an LED's luminosity, however it lights the entire surface.

OLED film from VTT will emit light for approximately one year, and as the development of screen protectors continues, the lifespan of the films will increase.