Adapting organic light emitting diodes for use as light collectors in plastic solar cells.

Meanwhile, GE and ECD Ovonics are creating a cost-effective system for the mass production of products such as flexible electronic paper displays, portable TV screens the size of posters, embedded sensors, solar powered cells and high-efficiency lighting devices.

The proposed roll-to-roll research prototype line will input a roll of plastic film and output working organic electronic devices. GE will design and provide the organic electronic technology, while ECD Ovonics will provide its unique roll-to-roll equipment-building expertise.

This will be the first attempt to create roll-to-roll manufacturing equipment specifically designed for the unique requirements of organic electronic device fabrication.

Organic electronics have the potential to transform and grow numerous markets. This technology will revolutionize the way we interact with data in our increasingly information-rich society. It will not only be used in the specialty lighting/signage market, but it will also open new lighting and architectural applications such as "wrap-around lighting," "lighting wallpaper," and "lighting curtains." Other applications include barcodes and smart cards that require inherent mechanical flexibility, and single-use applications such as radio-frequency accessible luggage or price tags. Panels integrated into automobile bodies could power electric motors. Roofing tiles coated with photovoltaic material could transform every home into a self sufficient power house. Numerous potential flexible electronic applications also exist in the military and homeland security arena. Examples range from large-area distributed devices for sensing pollutants or biological agents in building ventilation systems and water treatment areas, to sensor arrays weaved into the clothing of military personnel.

Change seems to be inevitable for the Power Industry as plastic solar cells will enable us to live more comfortably.

Check out Intersolar, Europe's largest international trade fair for solar technology. Its focus lies on photovoltaics, solar thermal technology and solar architecture. Intersolar 2004'

Kindly use the Search Box located above to locate information and learn more about the following companies and events; Ovonic, research.ge.com, Siemens, Intersolar, including other players in the field, such as; Nanosys and Nanosolar.

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