Flexible Mobile Phones?

Posted on 07. Nov, 2011 by dfloyd in technology

Researchers at the University of Toronto have developed the world’s most efficient organic light-emitting diodes (OLED). This flexible, cost-efficient display could result in cheaper, more durable mobile devices and eventually play a role in flexible mobile phones. Imagine a smartphone that could open up to a larger display for computing work while easily fold up for convenient storage in your pocket. We’re not there yet, but this technology could lead the way.

According to Michael Helander (PhD candidate involved on this project), the flexible OLED can bring light-up display technology to a wide range of applications including cell phones, televisions and even light-emitting wallpaper. Made from small die compounds (like the inks in our clothes and magazines) that are electrified, these OLED are organic,  easy to manufacture and cost-efficient.

While this technology exists on a small scale, the research team at University of Toronto is working to large scale manufacturing. At some point, this technology could be printed much like the press for a newspaper. Initially, the technology will probably be introduced in mobile devices, but within 5 to 10 years, we could start seeing rollup television displays.