Light-emitting fork made with sprayed LEC technology

Light-emitting electrochemical cells, LEC, is a newly invented lighting technology. In his thesis, physicist Amir Asadpoordarvish, Umeå University, shows how a LEC can be produced through spraying three layers of ink on a substrate and emit light by the current from an ordinary battery. LEC components can be sprayed onto complicated surfaces, for example to make a light-emitting fork. "In a recent study we also showed that it is possible to spray the LEC structure directly onto conventional, cheap copy paper," says Amir Asadpoordarvish. "Such a paper LEC exhibits an even light-emitting capacity even during repeated bending and flexing." Artificial lighting has brought great advantages to mankind. In recent years enormous progress has been made possible through commercialization of energy-efficient light-emitting diodes, LEDs, and high contrast computer screens based on organic LEDs. However, organic LEDs require an expensive and complicated production process.