Organic optoelectronics in fluorescence measurement technology

OLED-OPV sensor

OLED-OPV sensorScientists from Kiel University (CAU) have investigated the possibility of using organic optoelectronics in the field of measurement technology. The goal is to integrate OLEDs and OPVs on a chip for the development of future lab-on-chip system for fluorescence detection. In a first proof-of-principle experiment, organic light-emitting diodes and organic solar cells in various designs were realized on a substrate in the clean room of the Kieler Nanolabor and initial fluorescence measurements were carried out. These results were presented in a lecture at the XXXI. Messtechnisches Symposium des Arbeitskreises der Hochschullehrer für Messtechnik (S. Jahns, J. Balke, A.F. Iwers, M. Gerken: Organic optoelectronics for lab-on-chip fluorescence detection, Proceedings AHMT 2017).

Simulation model shows influence of grid structure on emission characteristics of OLEDs

By introducing nano- and microstructures into organic solar cells (OPV) and organic light-emitting diodes (OLED), CAU scientists want to specifically influence the properties of the components. For this purpose, a simulation model was implemented with which the influence of grid structures on the emission characteristic of an OLED can be investigated. In a first study it was investigated both theoretically and experimentally, how the structures of the grid, absorption effects within the nanostructured OLED and the layer thickness of the cathode affect the light extraction. The results were presented in an abstract at the conference International Conference on Electromagnetics in Advanced Applications 2017 (H. Lüder, M. Bremer, M. Gerken, Simulation of nanostructured emission layers for tailoring the angular radiation pattern of OLEDs, Proceedings ICEAA 2017).

Inline print of silver thinfilm coatings

During the RollFlex project, Stensborg A / S has developed a new printing technology that makes it possible to make ultra-thin silver film coatings on different materials, such as, e.g., plastic film and glass. The thickness of these silver coatings is assumed to be about 25 nm. The process is particularly interesting for RollFlex for the R2R production of solar cells and OLEDs developed in the project because it can be used in different ways to improve the performance of the manufactured components. Thus, for example, optical diffraction gratings made with the R2R process significantly improve the light efficiency of the components due to the conformal silver coating applied in the printing process to this type of nano-surface relief structures. Similarly, with the new technology, it is possible to print circuit board tracks in different patterns. Both stages of the process are necessary for the production of solar cells and LEDs in the project.

In summary, the technology offers the following:

  • Print-to-roll and scroll-to-plate printing
  • Quick and flexible development of component prototypes
  • Scalable production from single pieces to volume production
  • Simple modification of printed metal patterns in volume production

In the case of print of electrically conductive layers, the printer system requires only a bitmap input file. The thin silver film has a resistivity of about 7.55 · 10ˆ-8Ωm.

The technology will be implemented on the industrial NIL platform, which Stensborg A/S has developed and sells under the name HoloPrint ©

Kiel University live 2017: RollFlex at the Kieler Woche

On 21 to 22 June, the team from Kiel University was present at the Kieler Woche 2017 in the course of Kieler Uni live and presented research results and technologies from the project by showing media and show-and-tell objects. At a measuring stand, younger and older visitors had the possibility to test the function of small solar cells. Furthermore, they could have a closer look at OLEDs and flexible solar cells in different designs, a model for a roll-to-roll print facility, as well as nano- and microstructured foils.

The visitors’ showed a strong interest in the idea and the technology of the project. Overall tenor: Yes, also here in Northern Germany and Southern Denmark we can do high-tech research!

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RollFlex for girls at Girls’ Day

RollFlex for girls at Girls’ Day

On April 27, 2017, the Technical Faculty of Kiel University organized a Girls’ Day. The Institutes for Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, Computer Science and Materials Science had invited and 50 students took the opportunity to take an active look. As part of the event, 5th and 6th grade students at the Institute of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology were able to create a brightly coloured LED globe. In a short lecture on How to make wallpapers light up and in the subsequent independent soldering and producing the light balls, the girls could be inspired for the technology.

RollFlex kick-off – official start of roll-to-roll innovation project centre

Mid December the official kick-off for the Interreg Deutschland-Danmark project RollFlex took place at SDU’s Mads Clausen Institute in Sønderborg. Round 40 guests, among them several representatives from local companies in the region, were welcomed by Horst-Günter Rubahn who also introduced Sønderborg’s mayor Erik Lauritzen and Troels Petersen from Danfoss, the two greeting note speakers for the event.

The key note was held by Dr Stefan Mogck, leader of the roll-to-roll organic device technology section at Fraunhofer FEP, who presented their work with production of organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs). As an example, he had brought with him a Christmas candle arch with an image made of OLEDs. Dr Mogck emphasised the importance of establishing this new, unique innovation project centre within roll-to-roll technology in the Danish-German border region.

Project leader Morten Madsen subsequently presented the RollFlex project, followed by a tour through the RollFlex laboratory. Here, the guests could get insights in the R2R facility and in MCI’s new Innovation lab that was presented by the future head of section for Technology Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Silke Tegtmeier. The event provided good opportunities for networking, and questions and considerations about the facilities, the centre and collaboration possibilities were further discussed during the joint lunch.

The event ended with pitch talks by and workshops with the project partners who provided a detailed overview of their work and facilities that together constitute the new RollFlex innovation project centre, and possible collaboration projects were considered.

RollFlex in a nutshell

RollFlex in a nutshell

What is RollFlex? Here’s the answer in a nutshell.
For a larger view, you can download the presentation as a PDF.

Interreg Networking Day

Interreg Networking Day

24 November: Interreg Deutschland-Danmark invites the first 22 granted projects to an Interreg Networking Day.

The event provides the opportunity for each project to present itself in a short 60-second talk and to deal with the topics of  public relations, reporting and the implementation of results.
We from RollFlex will be present, and we look forward to a lively exchange with other project stakeholders!