Kodak technology for image capture, display and security markets are based on photonics - the science of generating, modulating and sensing light. For these applications, optoelectronic and electro-optical materials and devices are principal technologies in which Kodak has defined a strategic research focus.
Optoelectronics is the study and application of electronic materials and devices that interact with light. Optoelectronic devices are electrical-to-optical or optical-to-electrical transducers, or instruments that use such devices in their operation. Optoelectronics is based on the quantum mechanical effects of light on semiconducting materials, sometimes in the presence of electric fields. ¹ For example, the Kodak invention of organic light emitting diode (OLED) uses organic small polymer semiconductor materials to convert current into light.
Electro-optical materials change optical properties due to the presence of an electric field. The electric field can produce a phase change in the material or a change in the refractive index property. Liquid crystal displays use phase change materials by switching liquid crystal polymer materials between two states, alternating between light transmissive and opaque modes.
At the research labs in the Eastman Kodak Company, scientists are investigating new photonic materials. The incorporation of these materials into functional structures requires the integration of scientific disciplines including:
- Physical chemistry with an emphasis on semiconductor materials
- Synthetic chemistry for new materials
- Interfacial and surface chemistry for device architecture
- Nanotechnology for material and device properties
- Processing of complex device architectures
- Device physics and quantum optics for device optimization and characterization
Kodak research is engaged in state-of-the-art optoelectronic materials devices including both organic and inorganic light emitting diodes. Under DOE funding, Kodak scientists have demonstrated solid-state lighting simultaneously achieving 35 lumens/watt, lifetime of 50K hours and a CRI near 80. Quantum dot (Qdot) nanomaterials have been developed as the precursor of coatable inorganic LEDs. These semiconductor nanomaterials are stable, have rapid radiative recombination times and are easily tuned for wavelength output. Furthermore, device architectures are being developed that incorporate conductive matrices of the Qdot materials. Research includes the exploration of the device structures as well as processing technologies.
1. Wikipedia on optoelectronics.