Technology Overview

A revolutionary new display technology

For displays which boast crisp colors, long lifetimes and excellent efficiency, look no further than organic light-emitting diode (OLED) materials from Merck. Already used in high-end MP3 players and cellphones, this cutting-edge technology is set to revolutionize the display industry and become widely used in laptops, PC monitors and even television sets. OLEDs provide a striking range of benefits which other display technologies can only dream of. For instance, OLEDs are so thin that manufacturers can produce bendable and even transparent displays. Take a look at an OLED display – you’ll be surprised just how good they are.

Pure colors, long-lasting displays, low-cost lighting

OLEDs use a different matrix for each color (red, green, and blue), plus electron and hole transport layers. This ensures color purity and a clear display. And as Merck OLED materials are highly pure, devices last longer and offer a high-quality viewing experience time after time. Although primarily used for displays, OLEDs are being introduced to a variety of new applications in lighting. The benefit to you: OLED lighting is efficient and practical, as it provides an area light source, rather than a point light source. What’s more, OLED lighting only requires low energy– slashing power consumption.

Following OLED materials are being worked at by Merck:

Evaporable materials

Evaporable materials consists of small molecules: single compounds with a low molecular weight. These are processed via standard techniques such as vacuum or carrier gas deposition. OLEDs based on evaporable materials are characterized by their excellent efficiency and long lifetimes.

Solution processable materials

Solution processable materials are macromolecular compounds such as polymers, oligomers with high molecular weights, and heavy metal chelate materials. In the case of polymers and oligomers, all active components are located on the same chain. These materials are processed via a range of solution deposition techniques, ranging from simple coating (such as spin and roll coating) to printing techniques such as inkjet. As such polymer materials have a lower efficiency and shorter lifetime than evaporable materials, they are ideal for applications where performance is less critical.

Soluble small molecules – the best of both worlds

Until recently, display makers entering the OLED market had to choose between two different manufacturing strategies: fluorescent small molecule vacuum technology and fluorescent conjugated polymer solution technology. Both methods have developed rapidly, and each allows a variety of effective processing options. But now, Merck is pioneering a new approach: soluble small molecules. This method combines the benefits of small molecule materials with the advantages of solution processing. This hybrid material is set to simplify OLED processing for manufacturers – boosting efficiency and flexibility while retaining the excellent display properties of small molecule OLEDs.

Phosphorescent triplet technology – an exciting new field

The advent of phosphorescent triplet technology has added an extra layer of complexity to the world of OLED materials. Phosphorescent triplet materials facilitate the development of OLEDs 3 to 4 times more efficient than conventional fluorescent OLEDs – while retaining excellent color purity and a long lifetime. As a result, displays last longer and offer a crystal-clear viewing experience. While red and green triplet materials already boast excellent properties, research will continue to focus on the development of efficient blue triplet materials. Triplet technology opens up promising new horizons and is suited to both vacuum and solution processing – making it ideal for display manufacturers.

To find out more about how OLED technology from Merck can benefit you, contact us today.