You might have heard of the acronym OLED in the world of flat-screen televisions, but now Audi is making them part of a new system of illumination on its cars. Yes, we're talking yet more new headlight technology again...
Audi's Matrix OLED (organic light emitting diode) lights will be presented at the Frankfurt show in September on an unspecified concept car. OLEDs use two electrodes, one of which is transparent, incorporating multiple thin layers of organic semi-conductor materials. A low DC voltage of between three and four volts activates these layers to light them.
So what are the benefits? Well, according to Audi, OLEDs are a 'flat' light source, instead of the more traditional 'point' light sources you'd find in current cars (including regular LEDs). This means the OLEDs have continuously variable dimming (CVD, perhaps?), they cast no shadows and do not require any reflectors, light guides or similar optical components. All of this means they're more efficient, lighter in weight and also require next to no cooling systems.
Audi says that as soon as its Matrix OLED technology has been developed to display increased light density, these marvellous illuminators will be able to be used for indicators and brake lamps as well. The German company is even promising that the thin glass sheets used today for the organic material will soon be replaced by plastic films, with the flexible substrates lending themselves to three-dimensional forming - allowing designers to create wild and wonderful light patterns. Fancy that.
Anything else?
If you're thinking you've heard Audi banging on about lighting before, you're right - it seems to be the new fascination at Ingolstadt. Matrix OLED will join Audi Matrix LED and Matrix Laser technologies for headlights, meaning if you're absolutely fastidious about how you see the road ahead at night, then Audi is the brand for you.