Two-way OLED display could work as solar cell

I’m always so pleased to see my alma mater producing useful technology. I didn’t contribute much while I was there, since the amount of advanced R&D done in the English department is fairly low. But perhaps I can make up for that by penning this appreciative comment on Cornell University scientists’ advances in Organic LEDs.

OLEDs are not new, by any means; we’ve been hearing the potential for displays using this technology for years now, and they’ve started to appear in devices like the Series 3 TiVo. What does seem to be different this time is that the reactions flow both ways. Not only can these cells turn electricity into light, but they can also turn light back into electricity. So not only could it be used as a display, but it could also be used as to provide solar power for a device. Best of all, the cells are flexible , meaning the number of applications for them are limited perhaps only by imagination.

Very cool. Way to go, Big Red. Keep up the good work. I’ll be here, writing about it, if not totally understanding every single nuance.

[via Gizmowatch ]