Light-emitting polymer (LEP) Devices are devices that use screens, animation or text created with LEP technology. This technology uses organic compounds to create glowing colored lights. LEP displays are often used like LCD screens in many electronics, including televisions, computer displays, PDA screens and more.

Unlike LCD's, light emitting polymers don't require a back light to be seen. Because of this, they use less power and last longer when battery-powered. LEP devices can also be much thinner than those that use LCD since they do not require a back light. Before choosing light emitting polymer products, consider the following:

1. If water comes into contact with the organic compounds within an LEP monitor, the display could be damaged or destroyed. Other types of screens may be best if you plan to use the device in or near water.

2. LEP display systems have a shorter lifespan than similar technologies. The compounds that create the color blue in particular, have much shorter lifespans than LCD's.

3. An LEP screen can be manufactured on just about anything, including paper-like surfaces, creating products like roll-up video screens and animated T-shirts.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use light emitting polymers to make your products pop

Light emitting polymers can be be placed on all sorts of items, including packaging and labels, security badges, promotional products, signs and posters, watches, remote controls and keypads. LEP technology can be applied to virtually any product to create glowing or animated text and pictures. LEP technology can even create screens for advertising, T-shirts or other uses.

I recommend: Pick from Add-Vision's selection of LEP merchandise, or check out Sigma-Aldrich's selection of LEP chemicals and products.

Advertise with LEP signs, posters or other LEP display systems

Although OLED's and LEP's are only used to create small screens right now, they can be useful in a number of spots where large screens wouldn't fit, such as inside subway trains or isle-end signs in supermarkets.

I recommend: Buy a screen from eMagin or contact Manhattan Skyline to get a quote on its LEP screens.

Buy polymer light emitting diode components and create a LEP device yourself

Materials to construct your own polymer emitting diodes are readily available from many companies. This allows you to customize your LEP device with exactly the colors, brightness and lifespan you need. This option works best for unusual LEP devices, such as custom electronics or prototype models of new equipment.

I recommend: Buy materials from the American Dye Source, and pick up a vapor deposition system from Aixtron to apply them.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you absolutely must use LEP devices near water, make sure the screen is fully enclosed in glass. Most plastics will not throughly protect the sensitive materials in an LEP screen. The screen seal should be completely air-tight.