Utah researchers: OLEDs will not be as efficient as previously thought

University of Utah physicists suggest it will be more difficult than thought to make highly efficient light-emitting diodes (LEDs) using organic materials. The findings hint such LEDs would convert no more than 25 percent of electricity into light rather than heat, contrary to earlier estimates of up to 63 percent.

A 2001 Nature paper by other University of Utah physicists suggested it might be possible to make organic LEDs that converted 41 percent to 63 percent of incoming electricity into light. But the new study suggests 25 percent efficiency may be correct – at least for the organic polymer studied – pure MEH-PPV – and possibly for others.

"Doping" organic semiconductors with other chemicals someday might lead to organic LED efficiencies above 25 percent, but Boehme says he is skeptical.

Read more here (Physorg)