Electroluminescence and Organic Light-Emitting Diodes

Light-emitting diodes are budget-friendly solid-state light sources that find use in the very diverse areas: from lighting to data display devices. The history of the discovery of the electroluminescence phenomenon and development of the technology of inorganic (LED) and organic light-emitting diodes (OLED) is presented. Today, there has been a widespread transition to light-emitting diode sources based on inorganic semiconductors, ensuring significant energy savings. However, OLED technologies continue to undergo intensive development. Advantages of OLED over other light sources and areas of their practical use are considered. We discussed the fundamental principles of manufacturing organic light sources with a white emission spectrum, based on low-molecular-weight and polymeric compounds, and considered various approaches for developing polymeric materials with a white emission spectrum. Prospects of the development of the market of OLED light sources are evaluated.