AbstractOrganic light-emitting devices (OLEDs) have been widely developed for flat-panel displays, but only recently the efficiency of white OLEDs has risen to the point where they can be considered for solid-state lighting (SSL) applications. In this review, we discuss the requirements of solid-state lighting as they relate to OLEDs. We focus on how the color, efficiency, and cost requirements of general illumination differ from those of displays and how these differences might have an impact on the design of organic SSL. We then present some recent developments in large-area fabrication techniques that might be appropriate for solid-state lighting applications. Finally, we review recent results in the development of organic materials, device architectures, light extraction schemes, and fabrication techniques that can lead to cost-effective OLED lighting.
