Digital Home Thoughts: Ultraviolet Powers Pixels

"Researchers from the University of Cincinnati and Extreme Photonix, LLC have devised a flat-panel screen that transmits light 10 times more effectively than traditional liquid crystal displays. The researchers' method uses lightwave coupling, which channels light from a plane inside a sheet of plastic to pixels that emit the light from the sheet's surface.

The researchers' device uses inorganic ultraviolet light-emitting diode as a light source, but uses organic color conversion media to convert the invisible ultraviolet photons to visible red, green and blue light. The organic color conversion media is very efficient at emitting the ultraviolet light it absorbs as longer-wavelength visible light."

This is the first I have seen or heard anything regarding changing display technology. Off late, the focus has been on making incredibly hi-res displays but this technology could lead to a wide range of efficient computer and television screens. The device emits light at a projected efficiency of 20-30 lumens per watt, while current LCD displays have an efficiency of two to three lumens per watt. This technology will apparently become practical in the next couple of years.