Researchers in Sweden, together with the help of some American scientists, are reporting a big breakthrough in new nanotechnology-enabled recyclable OLEDs. The development is significant for a couple of reasons. First, OLEDs (Organic Light Emitting Diodes)—which have the potential to create super cool, super-thin, wallpaper-like lights—are very expensive. Second, the material they currently use is difficult to recycle. Before OLED can take-off—like this lighting example from history—both issues will need to be addressed and this, it appears, is what the Swedish researchers have pulled off.
From a broader perspective, I’d ask you to consider how this new lighting paradigm might change how architects design the houses, buildings and hospitals of the future> More interesting still, such an advance could drive changes in human behavior. For example, what might happen if instead of being awakened by the rude sound of an alarm clock you could instead be gently awakened by your OLED wallpaper which mimics a rising sun? Alternatively, what if your difficult-to-put-to-bed child could be coaxed into falling asleep 30 minutes earlier because the walls in her bedroom dim like the setting sun?
The possibilities are virtually limitless. I’d love to hear your ideas.
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