Light source invented

Scientists in the US have devised a new flexible material that could revolutionise the way we light our homes and offices.

The material is the result of a 13 year research project by scientists at the USC College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, and the University of Michigan. It is similar to an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) in that it uses layers of blue, green and red screens to create white light.

The material replaces the blue screen with a dyed sheet, which cuts power consumption by 20% but still allows the panel to remain clear when not supplied with current. This would allow the panels to be used as sky-light by day or as the transparent top to a laptop.

"This process will enable us to get 100% efficiency out of a single, broad spectrum light source," said Stephen Forrest, formerly of Princeton University and now vice president for research at the University of Michigan.

"With a future emphasis on manufacturing technology, this structure may provide an important, low-cost and efficient means that will replace incandescent lighting in many different applications."

The only hurdle to overcome before production is to find the right kind of backing plastic for the screens. Any moisture entering the layers of screens will degrade performance so a now, non-porous plastic, since all commercial plastics let in some humidity.