View source for Field-induced polymer electroluminescent technology

'''Field-induced polymer electroluminescent (FIPEL) technology''' is a low power electroluminescent light source. Three layers of moldable light-emitting [[polymer]] blended with a small amount of [[carbon nanotube]]s glow when an alternating current is passed through them. The technology can produce white light similar to that of the [[Sun]], or other tints if desired.<ref name=bbc>{{cite news |last=McGrath |first=Matt |title=Plastic bulb development promises better quality light |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-20553143 |access-date=2013-01-06 |newspaper=BBC News |date=3 December 2012}}</ref> It is also more efficient than [[compact fluorescent lamp]]s in terms of the energy required to produce light.<ref name=bbc /><ref>{{cite journal |last=Chen |first=Yonghua |author2=Smith, Gregory M. |author3=Loughman, Eamon |author4=Li, Yuan |author5=Nie, Wanyi |author6= Carroll, David L. |title=Effect of multi-walled carbon nanotubes on electron injection and charge generation in AC field-induced polymer electroluminescence |journal=Organic Electronics |date=January 2013 |volume=14 |issue=1 |pages=8–18 |doi=10.1016/j.orgel.2012.10.017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Dillow |first=Clay |url=http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2012-12/new-kind-lighting-could-replace-fluorescents-cfls-and-leds-light-source-future |title=New Lighting Could Replace Fluorescents, CFLs, and LEDs As The Light Source Of The Future |publisher=Popsci.com |date=3 December 2012 |access-date=2013-01-06}}</ref> As cited from the Carroll Research Group at Wake Forest University, "To date our brightest device – without output couplers – exceeds 18,000 cd/m2." This confirms that FIPEL technology is a viable solution for area lighting.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://users.wfu.edu/carroldl/Lighting_Display.html |title=High Efficiency, Surface Emission, Lighting and Display Technologies |author=<!--Not stated--> |website=Carroll Research Group }}</ref>

FIPEL lights are different from LED lighting, in that there is no junction. Instead, the light emitting component is a layer of polymer containing an iridium compound which is doped with multi-wall carbon nanotubes. This planar light emitting structure is energized by an [[alternating current|AC field]] from insulated electrodes.<ref>{{cite web|last=Manners |first=David |url=http://www.electronicsweekly.com/mannerisms/genius-2/fipels-take-on-leds-2012-12/ |title=Fipels Take On LEDs |publisher=Electronics Weekly |date=6 December 2012 |access-date=2013-01-06}}</ref> The lights can be shaped into many different forms, from mimicking conventional [[Incandescent light bulb|light bulbs]] to unusual forms such as 2-foot-by-4-foot flat sheets and straight or bent tubes.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.foxnews.com/tech/2012/12/04/new-light-bulbs-made-glowing-plastic/ |title=New light bulbs made of glowing plastic |newspaper=Fox News |publisher=TechNewsDaily |date=4 December 2012 |access-date=2013-01-06}}</ref> The technology was developed by a team headed by [[David Carroll (physicist)|Dr. David Carroll]] of [[Wake Forest University]] in [[Winston-Salem, North Carolina]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.wfu.edu/2012/12/03/taking-the-buzz-out-of-office-lights/ |title=Taking the buzz out of office lights |last=Neal |first=Katie |date=3 December 2012 |work=News Center |publisher=Wake Forest University, Office of Communications and External Relations |access-date =2012-12-04}}</ref>

==See also==
*{{section link|Conductive polymer|Electroluminescence}}

==Notes==
{{Reflist}}

{{Artificial light sources}}

[[Category:Energy-saving lighting]]
[[Category:Electrical engineering]]
[[Category:Nanoelectronics]]
[[Category:Luminescence]]


{{electric-stub}}