When most people think of display technologies, they envision liquid-crystal display (LCD) and organic light-emitting diode (OLED). LCD and OLED are undoubtedly common. They are used in countless TVs, computer monitors, tablets and other display devices. LCDs are characterized by the use of liquid pixels, whereas OLEDs are characterized by the use of an electroluminescent layer. The electroluminescent layer eliminates the need for a backlight by producing its own light in response to an electrical current.
OLEDs essentially have a layer of organic material that illuminates as electricity flows through it. Known as an electroluminescent layer, it’s one of the main differences between OLEDs and LCDs. LCDs have a backlight instead of an electroluminescent layer. While all OLEDs have an electroluminescent layer, however, they are available in different types, one of which is polymer light-emitting diode (P-OLED).
Overview of P-OLEDs
P-OLEDs are OLED displays that leverage an electroluminescent polymer film This film functions as an emissive layer with electroluminescent properties. Electroluminescence means the film will produce light in response to an electrical current. It doesn’t contain any bulbs or other external lighting components. Rather, the polymer film consists of an organic material that produces light as electricity travels through it.
Benefits of P-OLEDs
P-OLEDs support a variety of shapes. Since they don’t require a backlight, they allow for smaller and thinner displays than traditional display technologies like LCD.
Displays that use P-OLED technology are oftentimes lighter than their counterparts. This is because P-OLED allows for smaller and thinner displays.
Curved screens often use P-OLED technology. Displays are no longer limited to flat screens. Many displays are now available with a curved screen. Curved screens, however, require the use of a compatible display technology. P-OLED is one such display technology that supports curved screens.
Common Applications for P-OLED
What are P-OLEDs used for exactly? Consumer electronics is a common application for P-OLEDs. From TVs and computer monitors to tablets, smartphones and more, many consumer electronics feature P-OLED.
P-OLEDs have also become increasingly common in the automotive industry. They are used in infotainment systems and dashboards.
Wearable electronics may utilize P-OLEDs. There are smartwatches and smart glasses, for instance, that feature P-OLEDs.
In Conclusion
P-OLEDs differ from other types of OLEDs by their use of a polymer film. The polymer film is the electroluminescent layer. When powered up, electricity will flow through the polymer film. The polymer film will then produce light that illuminates the P-OLED’s pixels.
