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 nanotubes 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>McGrath, Matt (3 December 2012). "Plastic bulb development promises better quality light". BBC News. Retrieved 2013-01-06.</ref> It is also more efficient than compact fluorescent lamps in terms of the energy required to produce light.<ref name=bbc /><ref>Chen, Yonghua; Smith, Gregory M.; Loughman, Eamon; Li, Yuan; Nie, Wanyi; Carroll, David L. (January 2013). "Effect of multi-walled carbon nanotubes on electron injection and charge generation in AC field-induced polymer electroluminescence". Organic Electronics. 14 (1): 8–18. doi:10.1016/j.orgel.2012.10.017.</ref><ref>Dillow, Clay (3 December 2012). "New Lighting Could Replace Fluorescents, CFLs, and LEDs As The Light Source Of The Future". Popsci.com. Retrieved 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>"High Efficiency, Surface Emission, Lighting and Display Technologies". 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 AC field from insulated electrodes.<ref>Manners, David (6 December 2012). "Fipels Take On LEDs". Electronics Weekly. Retrieved 2013-01-06.</ref> The lights can be shaped into many different forms, from mimicking conventional light bulbs to unusual forms such as 2-foot-by-4-foot flat sheets and straight or bent tubes.<ref>"New light bulbs made of glowing plastic". Fox News. TechNewsDaily. 4 December 2012. Retrieved 2013-01-06.</ref> The technology was developed by a team headed by Dr. David Carroll of Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.<ref>Neal, Katie (3 December 2012). "Taking the buzz out of office lights". News Center. Wake Forest University, Office of Communications and External Relations. Retrieved 2012-12-04.</ref>

See also

• Conductive polymer § Electroluminescence