CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1MOTIVATION

The motivation behind an OLED project lies in harnessing the cutting-edge

capabilities of Organic Light-Emitting Diode technology to redefine visual
experiences. OLED displays offer a unique blend of vibrant colors, high contrast
ratios, and flexibility, opening doors to innovative design possibilities. Motivated by a
quest for energy efficiency, customization, and seamless integration with smart
systems, the project seeks to push the boundaries of display technology. Whether
aiming to create captivating visual art, enhance user interfaces in wearable devices, or
contribute to sustainable practices in manufacturing, the allure of OLED lies in its
potential to transform how we perceive and interact with information in the digital
world.
1.2 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
A project centered around OLED technology involves the exploration and
application of Organic Light-Emitting Diode displays. These displays, known for their
thin and flexible nature, emit light when an electric current is applied. The general
description of the project encompasses a broad range of possibilities, from creating
visually striking and innovative display solutions to optimizing energy efficiency.
Whether the focus is on integrating OLED displays into smart systems, developing
customizable interfaces, exploring artistic installations, or enhancing wearables, the
project is driven by a fascination with the unique characteristics of OLED technology.
The overarching aim is to leverage the vibrant and flexible nature of OLED displays
to redefine visual experiences, pushing the boundaries of traditional display
technologies and opening up new avenues for creativity and functionality.
1.3 OBJECTIVE
The primary objective of the OLED project is to harness the unique
capabilities of Organic Light-Emitting Diode technology to innovate and redefine
visual display experiences. This encompasses goals such as creating visually striking
and flexible displays, optimizing energy efficiency to meet the demands of modern
portable devices, integrating OLED technology seamlessly into smart systems,

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providing customizable and interactive user interfaces, exploring artistic installations,
enhancing wearables, and contributing to sustainable practices in manufacturing. The
overarching objective is to push the boundaries of conventional display technologies,
leveraging the vibrant and flexible characteristics of OLEDs to create cutting-edge
solutions that enhance user experiences, whether in the realms of art, technology, or
environmental sustainability.
1.4 LIMITATIONS
While OLED technology offers remarkable advantages, it does come with
certain limitations. One key limitation is the susceptibility of organic materials to
degradation over time, leading to a phenomenon known as "burn-in." This occurs
when static images are displayed for extended periods, causing uneven wear on the
organic compounds and resulting in a faint ghost image. Additionally, OLED displays
can be more expensive to manufacture than traditional LCDs, impacting the overall
cost of devices. Another challenge is the sensitivity of OLEDs to moisture and
oxygen, necessitating careful encapsulation during manufacturing to prevent
degradation. The lifespan of OLED displays, especially blue OLEDs, can be shorter
compared to other display technologies. These limitations highlight the ongoing need
for research and development to address issues related to longevity, manufacturing
costs, and susceptibility to environmental factors in order to fully capitalize on the
potential of OLED technology.
1.5 ORGANISATION OF DOCUMENTATION
This project includes the following:
Chapter 1: Explains about the background, introduction and objective of the project.

Chapter 2: Explains about the disadvantages and our proposed system.

Chapter 3: Explains design and implementation of the project.

Chapter 4: Explains the result and analysis of the project.

Chapter 5: Concludes the project by summarizing the contribution of this work as

well as the possible improvements for future work.

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 CHAPTER 2
DESIGN ANALYSIS
2.1 INTRODUCTION
An organic light emitting diode (OLED) is simply a light emitting diode
(LED) whose emissive electro luminescent layer is composed of a film of organic
compounds. The layers are made up of small organic molecules or macro polymers
that conduct electricity. They have conductivity levels ranging from insulators to
conductors, so OLEDs are considered as organic semiconductors. The layer of organic
semiconductor material is formed between two electrodes, where at least one of the
layers is transparent.

An organic light emitting diode (OLED), also organic electro luminescent

device (OELD), is a light-emitting diode (LED) whose emissive electroluminescent
layer is composed of a film of organic compounds. This layer of organic
semiconductor material is formed between two electrodes, where at least one of the
electrodes is transparent.

Such devices can be used in television screens, computer monitors, small,

portable system screens such as cell phones and PDAs, watches, advertising,
information and indication. OLEDs can also be used in light sources for general space
illumination, and large-area light-emitting elements. Due to the younger stage of
development, OLEDs typically emit less light per unit area than inorganic solid-state
based LEDs which are usually designed for use as point-light sources.

In the context of displays, OLEDs have certain advantages over traditional

liquid crystal displays (LCDs). OLED displays do not require a backlight to function.
Thus, they can display deep black levels and can be thinner and lighter than LCD
panels. OLED displays also naturally achieve higher contrast ratios than either LCD
screens using cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs) or the more recently developed
LED backlights in conditions of low ambient light such as dark rooms.

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 Fig 2.1 OLED Display
2.2 HISTORY OF OLED

FIG 2.2 HISTORY OF OLED

In the era of Adam and Eve, i.e. in the first generation, people used to rub stones
to produce light. One day electricity was discovered and everything is revolutionized.
Bulbs were used at that time .In the third generation bulbs were replaced by
incandescent light and fluorescent light. In the fourth generation the © Fight began for
the cheapest material which could consumes less power and give high efficiency.
Thus we were here in the era of “LED” and “OLED”. now a day’s LED is very

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popular but is going to be replaced by OLED which will emerges as a leading next
generation technology
• In 1987 Chin Tang and Steven van slyke introduced the first Slight emitting
diodes from thin organic layers.

Fig 2.2.1 Slight emitting diode

• In 1988 Chihaya Adachi and Tetsuo Tsutsui developed first multi layered
OLED .

Fig 2.2.2 Multi layered OLED

• In 1990 Germy Burroughes and Richard Friend and Donal Bradely developed
first polymer based OLED(PLED).

Fig 2.2.3 POLED

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 • In 1997 Teruo Tohma developed first passive matrix organic light emitting
diode (PMOLED) .

Fig 2.2.4 PMOLED

• In 1998 Mark Thompson and Stephen Forrest developed first phosphorescent

OLED (PHOLED) .

Fig 2.2.5 PHOLED

2.3 ARCHITECTURE OF OLED

Fig 2.3 Architecture of OLED

2.3.1 Substrate:

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 The display starts with a substrate, usually made of glass or flexible plastic.
This substrate provides a stable base for the layers to come
2.3.2 Anode Layer:
On top of the substrate, a transparent anode layer is applied. This layer
conducts positive charge carriers (holes) when an electric current is applied.
2.3.3 Organic Layers:
The organic layers are the heart of the OLED and typically consist of three sub-
layers:
 Hole Transport Layer (HTL): This layer facilitates the movement of positive
charge carriers (holes).
 Emissive Layer: This layer emits light when an electric current is applied.
Different organic compounds emit different colors.
 Electron Transport Layer (ETL): This layer facilitates the movement of
negative charge carriers (electrons).
2.3.4 Cathode Layer:
On top of the organic layers, a cathode layer is applied. This layer injects
electrons when an electric current is applied.
2.3.5 Encapsulation:
To protect the organic layers from environmental factors such as moisture and
oxygen, the entire structure is encapsulated. This can be done with a thin layer of
glass or plastic, and it's crucial to maintain the longevity of the display.
2.3.6 Thin Film Transistor (TFT) Array:
In active matrix OLED (AMOLED) displays, a thin-film transistor (TFT)
array is used to control each individual pixel. This allows for more precise control and
better image quality.
2.4 TYPES OF OLED
 Passive-matrix OLED

 Active-matrix OLED

 Transparent OLED

 Top-emitting OLED

 Foldable OLED

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 White OLED

2.4.1 PASSIVE-MATRIX OLED (PMOLED):

PMOLEDs have strips of cathode, organic layers and strips of anode. The
anode strips are arranged perpendicular to the cathode strips. The intersections of the
cathode and anode make up the pixels where light is emitted. External circuitry
applies current to selected strips of anode and cathode, determining which pixels get
turned on and which pixels get turned off. The brightness of each pixel is proportional
to the amount of applied current. PMOLEDs are easy to make, but they consume
more power than other types of OLED, mainly due to the power needed for the
external circuitry. They are most efficient and are used in cell phones, PDAs and
MP3 players.

Fig 2.4.1 Passive matrix OLEDs

2.4.2 ACTIVE-MATRIX OLED (AMOLED):

AMOLEDs have full layers of cathode, organic molecules and anode, but the
anode layer overlays a thin film transistor (TFT) array that forms a matrix. The TFT
array itself is the circuitry that determines which pixels get turned on to form an
image.

AMOLEDs consume less power than PMOLEDs because the TFT array
requires less power than external circuitry, so they are efficient for large displays.
They are used in computer monitors, large-screen TVs and electronic signs or
billboards. The life expectancy of it is 30,000 hours.

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 Fig 2.4.2 Active matrix OLED

2.4.3 TRANSPARENT OLED:

Transparent OLEDs have only transparent components that are substrate,

cathode and anode. When turned off, they are 85% as transparent as their substrate.
When a transparent OLED display is turned on, it allows light to pass in both
directions. This can be either active or passive matrix. This technology can be used
for heads-up displays.

Fig 2.4.3 Transparent OLED

2.4.4 TOP-EMITTING OLED:

Top-emitting OLEDs have a substrate that is either opaque or reflective. The

top-emitting OLED display includes providing a handling substrate. A composite
layer is formed on the handling substrate. An organic light emitting unit is formed on
the composite layer. A top electrode is formed on the organic light emitting unit. A
reflective type display and fabrication method thereof is provided. The reflective type
display includes providing a handling substrate. A composite layer is formed on the
handling substrate; a thin film transistor array is formed on the composite layer.

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They are best suited to active-matrix design. These displays are used in smart cards.
The efficiency is 500 cd/m2 and the life span is 17,000 hours.

Fig 2.4.4 Top emitting OLED

2.4.5 FOLDABLE OLED:

Foldable OLEDs have substrates made of very flexible metallic foils or

plastics. They are very light-weight and durable. Their use in devices such as cell
phones and PDAs can reduce breakage, a major cause for return or repair. Potentially,
these displays can be attached to fabrics to create smart clothing, such as outdoor
survival clothing with an integrated computer chip, cell phone, GPS receiver and
OLED display sewn into it.

They are less breakable and more impact resistant – than other displays. With
glass breakage a major cause of display-containing product returns, this is a highly
desirable commercial alternative. They are very flexible i.e., they may be
manufactured on a variety of substrates. Such displays may be made to bend, flex and
conform to many surfaces. The luminance is 200 cd/m2.

Fig 2.4.5 Foldable OLED

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2.4.6 WHITE OLED:

White OLEDs emit white light that is brighter, more uniform and more energy
efficient than that emitted by fluorescent lights. They also have the true-colour
qualities of incandescent lighting. They can replace fluorescent lights that are
currently used in homes and buildings because they can be made in large sheets. Their
use could potentially reduce energy costs for lighting. Its efficiency is 90 lm/W at a
brightness of 1000 cd/m2 .

Fig 2.4.6 White OLED

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 CHAPTER 3
WORKING
3.1 WORKING OF OLED
OLEDs emit light in a similar manner to LEDs, through a process called electro-
phosphorescence. An electrical current flows from the cathode to the anode through the
organic layers. When a voltage is applied to OLED, the holes and the electrons are generated
from each of the two electrodes, which have a positive and negative electric charge
respectively. When they recombine in the emissive layer, organic materials make the emissive
layer to turn into a high energy state termed “excitation”. The light is emitted when the layer
returns to its original stability. The molecular structure of organic materials has limitless
combinations, each of which varies in its colour and durability. Within these limitless
combinations, identifying organic materials that provide high efficiency and long life will
determine its practical application.

A semi-conducting material such as silicon has an energy gap between its lower,
filled electrons state called as valence band and its upper, unfilled electrons state called as
conduction band. As electrons drop to the lower state and occupy holes, photons of visible
light are emitted. The colour of the light depends on the type of organic molecule in the
emissive layer and the intensity or brightness of the light depends on the amount of electrical
current applied.

Fig 3.1 Working of OLED

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 The device does not work when the anode is put at a negative potential with respect
to the cathode. In this condition, holes move to the anode and electrons to the cathode, so they
are moving away from each other and do not recombine. Indium tin oxide is commonly used
as the anode material. It is transparent to visible light and has a high work function which
promotes injection of holes into the polymer layer. Metals such as aluminum and calcium are
often used for the cathode as they have low work functions which promote injection of
electrons into the polymer layer.

3.2 CREATION OF COLOUR:

OLED has more control over colour expression because it only expresses pure
colours when electric current stimulates the relevant pixels. The primary colour matrix is
arranged in red, green and blue pixels which are mounted directly to a printed circuited board.
Each individual OLED element is housed in a special micro cavity structure designed to
greatly reduce ambient light interference that also improves overall colour contrast. The
thickness of the organic layer is adjusted to produce the strongest light to give a colour
picture. Further, the colours are refined with a filter and purified without using a polarizer to
give outstanding colour purity.

Fig 3.2 Colour creation

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3.3 ADVANTAGES
 Vibrant Colors and High Contrast: OLED displays produce vibrant colors
and deep blacks, leading to high-contrast images. Each pixel emits its own
light, allowing for precise control over brightness and color.
 Flexibility and Thinness: OLEDs are inherently flexible and thin. This
characteristic enables the creation of curved, bendable, or even rollable
displays, opening up innovative design possibilities for devices like
smartphones and TVs.
 Fast Response Time: OLEDs have a fast response time, making them well-
suited for applications where motion handling is crucial, such as gaming or
video playback.
 Energy Efficiency: OLEDs are energy-efficient because they emit light
directly without the need for a backlight. In scenarios where dark content
dominates the screen, OLED displays can save power by turning off individual
pixels.
 Wide Viewing Angles: OLEDs offer wide viewing angles without significant
color distortion. This makes them suitable for applications where viewers may
not be directly in front of the screen, such as in TV or monitor setups.
 Pixel-Level Control: Each pixel in an OLED display can be controlled
independently. This enables precise and dynamic adjustments to brightness
and color, contributing to improved image quality and contrast.
 Lightweight: OLED displays are lightweight, making them ideal for portable
devices like smartphones, tablets, and wearable technology.
 Transparent Displays: OLED technology allows for transparent displays,
which can be used in applications like augmented reality (AR) and heads-up
displays in automotive and aviation.
 Wide Range of Sizes: OLED displays are available in a wide range of sizes,
from small screens in smartwatches to large TV displays, catering to various
device form factors.
 Versatility in Applications: OLEDs find applications in diverse industries,
including consumer electronics, automotive, healthcare, and art installations,
showcasing their versatility.

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3.4 DISADVANTAGES
 Limited Lifespan: OLED displays can experience degradation over time,
leading to a reduction in brightness and color accuracy. This is especially true
for blue OLEDs, and it can result in a limited lifespan compared to other
display technologies.
 Susceptibility to Burn-In: OLED displays are prone to burn-in, where static
images displayed for extended periods can cause permanent damage to the
organic compounds, leading to ghosting or image retention.
 Manufacturing Costs: The production of OLED displays can be more
expensive compared to traditional LCDs, impacting the overall cost of devices
that incorporate OLED technology.
 Sensitivity to Moisture and Oxygen: OLEDs are sensitive to moisture and
oxygen. To prevent degradation, manufacturers must carefully encapsulate the
OLED layers during production, adding complexity and cost to the
manufacturing process.
 Uniformity Issues: Achieving uniform brightness and color across the entire
display can be challenging. Variations in organic material deposition or
manufacturing processes can result in uneven performance across different
areas of the screen.
 Limited Brightness in Certain Colors: Achieving high brightness levels in
specific colors, especially blue, can be challenging, affecting the overall
brightness and color balance of the display.


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  Impact on Environment: The manufacturing process of OLED displays may
involve the use of certain materials that can have environmental implications.
Efforts are ongoing to improve the sustainability of OLED production.
 Size Constraints: While OLED displays are available in various sizes,
manufacturing large displays can be more challenging and costly compared to
traditional LCDs.
 Potential Image Retention: In addition to burn-in, OLED displays may
experience temporary image retention, where remnants of a static image
persist for a short duration even after the content changes.
 Market Competition: OLED faces competition from other emerging display
technologies, such as MicroLED and MiniLED, which aim to address some of
the limitations associated with OLED technology.
3.5 APPLICATIONS
The applications of the OLED include the following.
 Consumer Electronics: OLED displays are widely used in smartphones,
tablets, and smartwatches due to their vibrant colors, high contrast ratios, and
flexibility. They provide a visually stunning and energy-efficient alternative to
traditional LCD screens.
 Television Screens: OLED TVs have gained popularity for their superior
picture quality. Each pixel emits its own light, allowing for true blacks and
vibrant colors. The flexibility of OLED also enables the creation of curved or
rollable TV screens.
 Wearables: OLED displays are commonly integrated into smartwatches and
fitness trackers. Their thin and flexible nature makes them suitable for curved
surfaces, providing a sleek and visually appealing design.
 Automotive Displays: OLED technology is used in automotive displays for
instrument clusters, infotainment systems, and heads-up displays. The high
contrast and fast response time contribute to a better viewing experience for
drivers.
 Lighting: OLEDs can be used as light sources in architectural lighting and
interior design. They offer the advantage of being thin, flexible, and capable of
emitting a soft and uniform light.

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 Medical Devices: OLED displays are utilized in medical devices, providing
high-quality imaging for diagnostic equipment such as X-ray machines,
endoscopes, and patient monitors.
 Gaming Devices: OLED screens are employed in gaming devices, providing
enhanced visual experiences with fast refresh rates and vibrant colors. Portable
gaming consoles, in particular, benefit from the lightweight and energy-
efficient nature of OLED displays.
 Art and Installations: Artists and designers use OLED technology to create
interactive and dynamic art installations. The ability to produce light without a
backlight allows for innovative designs and immersive experiences.
 Industrial and Professional Monitors: OLED displays are used in
professional applications where color accuracy and contrast are critical, such
as video editing, graphic design, and medical imaging.
 Advertising Displays: Due to their flexibility and ability to produce high-
quality images, OLED displays are used in advertising signage and displays in
public spaces.

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 CHAPTER 4
MANUFACTURING
4.1 MANUFACTURING OF OLED
Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLEDs) have revolutionized the landscape of
display technology with their unique composition and versatile applications. Unlike
conventional LED or LCD displays, OLEDs leverage organic compounds that emit
light in response to an electric current. The fundamental structure of an OLED display
comprises organic layers nestled between two electrodes, typically crafted from glass
or flexible plastic. These organic layers consist of emissive, conductive, and substrate
layers, each playing a pivotal role in the seamless functionality of the display.

The emissive layer is a crucial component as it responds to the electric current

by emitting light. This property allows OLED displays to boast vibrant colors and true
blacks, elevating visual experiences by individual pixel illumination. Such capabilities
enhance contrast ratios and pave the way for thinner, more flexible displays that find
applications ranging from smartphones to expansive television screens.

In terms of manufacturing, the process involves depositing these organic

layers onto the substrate through techniques like vacuum evaporation or organic vapor
phase deposition. This meticulous deposition ensures the precise arrangement and
functionality of the organic components, contributing to the overall efficiency and
performance of the OLED display.

Despite the remarkable advantages, challenges persist in the realm of OLED

technology. One notable concern is the limited lifespan of OLED displays, primarily
attributed to the degradation of organic materials over time. Researchers and
manufacturers are actively addressing this issue, striving to enhance the longevity of
OLED displays and make them more economically viable for widespread use.

In conclusion, OLED technology stands as a beacon of innovation in the world

of displays. Its organic composition, vibrant color reproduction, and flexibility have
opened up new possibilities for visual experiences. The ongoing efforts to address
challenges such as lifespan and production costs underscore the commitment to
refining OLED technology, ensuring its continued evolution and integration into
diverse consumer electronics.

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4.2 COMPARISON WITH EXISTING FORMS OF
ILLUMINATION:

OLED lighting Incandescent Fluorescent LED

light bulbs lamps

Illustration

Principle of Emits light by Emits light by Ultraviolet rays Emits light by

light emission applying a voltage sending an generated by an applying a voltage
to organic matter electric electric current to an inorganic
current to a collide with semiconductor
metallic fluorescent
filament material to
produce visible
light

Characteristics Illuminates Size of area Illuminates small

Illuminates large
small area illuminated is area (point light
area (surface light
source) (point light between point source)
source) light source
Energy efficient and surface Energy efficient
High power
light source Long life
Low heat- consumption
(linear light
generation High heat- source) Easy to reduce
generation size
Slim, lightweight
Energy
Closely efficient Environmentally
Flexible (when
plastic substrate approximates sound
Uses
used) natural light
hazardous
Environmentally substance
sound (mercury)

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Uses Anticipated Photographic Living spaces, Indirect lighting,
applications include lighting, offices, floor level
living spaces, living spaces commercial lighting,
offices, decorative such as dining premises, etc. spotlights for
illumination, car
rooms or retail spaces, etc.
interior lighting, and
bedrooms, etc.
POP lighting

CHAPTER 5
CONCLUSION
5.1 CONCLUSION
Organic light emitting diodes promise to make electronic viewing more
convenient and ubiquitous as they are more energy efficient. OLED is so
revolutionary that in the field of illumination it is being hailed as “the first discovery
since Edison”. Today, OLED technology is widely seen as a next generation
component for flat panel displays and is expected to become a key technology in the
development of flexible displays.

Performance of organic LEDs depend upon many parameters such as

electron and hole mobility, magnitude of applied field, nature of hole and electron
transport layers and excited life-times. Organic materials are poised as never before
to transform the world IF circuit and display technology. Major electronics firms are
betting that the future holds tremendous opportunity for the low cost and sometimes
surprisingly high performance offered by organic electronic and optoelectronic
devices.
Organic Light Emitting Diodes are evolving as the next generation of light
sources. Presently researchers have been gong on to develop a 1.5 emitting device.
This wavelength is of special interest for telecommunications as it is the low-loss
wavelength for optical fibre communications. Organic full-colour displays may
eventually replace liquid crystal displays for use with lap top and even desktop
computers. Researches are going on this subject and it is sure that OLED will emerge
as future solid state light source.

5.2 FUTURE SCOPE

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 The first products using organic displays are already being introduced
into the market place. And while it is always difficult to predict when and what
future products will be introduced, many manufacturers are now working to
introduce cell phones and personal digital assistants with OLED displays within the
next one or two years. The ultimate goal of using high-efficiency, phosphorescenct,
flexible OLED displays in lap top computers and even for home video applications
may be no more than a few years into future.
However, there remains much to be done if organics are to establish a
foothold in the display market. Achieving higher efficiencies, lower operating
voltages, and lower device life times are all challenges still to be met. But, given the
aggressive worldwide efforts in this area, emissive organic thin films have an
excellent chance of becoming the technology of choice for the next generation of
high-resolution, high-efficiency flat panel displays.
In addition to displays, there are many other opportunities for application
of organic thin-film semiconductors, but to date these have remained largely
untapped. Recent results in organic electronic technology that may soon find
commercial outlets in display black planes and other low-cost electronics

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