Audi develops automotive OLED technology
With OLED technology, Audi is back playing a search for technology role in automotive lighting technology. This is of OLEDs. Unlike current diodes, which are composed of semiconductor crystals, this is an organic material.
Initially, this material is pasty and can be applied as a very thin layer – of the micrometer – on a very flat surface, such as glass with a polished display. When a voltage is applied, the molecules contained in the dough emit photons – the surface is illuminated. Depending on the voltage distribution, this is done seamlessly, with chiaroscuro effects or targeted with a dynamic movement.
Areas with such a coating has a limited radius of curvature, which restricts their use on the body surface. By cons, they are very suitable for implementation in the cockpit or in the rear lights. The Audi engineers have con technology organic light emitting diodes (OLED)
With OLED technology, Audi is back playing a pioneering role in automotive lighting technology. This is of OLEDs. Unlike current diodes, which are composed of semiconductor crystals, this is an organic material.
Initially, this material is pasty and can be applied as a very thin layer – of the micrometer – on a very flat surface, such as glass with a polished display. When a voltage is applied, the molecules contained in the dough emit photons – the surface is illuminated. Depending on the voltage distribution, this is done seamlessly, with chiaroscuro effects or targeted with a dynamic movement.
Areas with such a coating has a limited radius of curvature, which restricts their use on the body surface. By cons, they are very suitable for implementation in the cockpit or in the rear lights. Audi’s engineers have built an experimental lighting unit consisting of several surfaces with such a coating placed one behind the other – thus obtaining three-dimensional effects fascinating. As this material can not stand temperatures above 80 degrees Celsius, lamps made from organic diodes require a very sophisticated thermal management.
The use of OLED technology covered by Audi will translate into results as intelligent as attractive. Consider for example a scenario where the light reacts when the driver approaches the car – light travels with him and accentuates the lines of the car or focuses on the doorknob. When the driver occupies a discreet OLED lighting is enabled. This new technology will not transform the auto light sculpture on wheels, but it will result in some benefits and arouse emotion.
The swarm of OLEDs
A highly theoretical scenario in the context of OLED technology is the swarm. In this model, the Audi engineers transform the rear of a vehicle in a vast luminous surface. This area contains countless tiny points of light – like insects in a swarm.
The red dots evolve following the movements of the vehicle. When turning right, the red dots are moving towards the right when braking, they are quickly sent to the front and the car rolls more quickly and their movements are fast. The vehicle driver can see after a glance what the one before – the swarm of diodes combined effects of very attractive for extra safety.