2026 Undergraduate Research Showcase

OLEDs, from TVs to Cancer: Applications Beyond the Screen

Document Type

Student Presentation

Presentation Date

4-24-2026

Faculty Sponsor

Dr. Sondra Miller and Miranda Nelson

Abstract

Organic Light-Emitting Diodes (OLEDs) utilize an anode and a cathode that sandwich a carbon-based material which, when electrified, produces light. They differ from LCD displays because they do not require backlighting OLEDs versatility means that it can be found in many applications such as Near-Eye Displays (NEDs), photodynamic therapy, optogenetics and flexible health monitoring.

OLEDs are used in NEDs which are applied in augmented and virtual reality with promising applications in the automotive and aviation industry. OLED displays have largely been a consumer success but NEDs will require a decrease in price to facilitate large-scale commercial application. Beyond consumer goods, OLEDs have promising applications in the biomedical sector for various therapies.

One of these therapies, called photodynamic therapy (PDT) looks to be a far more precise alternative to chemotherapy when treating cancer. Another therapy, optogenetics, utilizes OLEDs to stimulate neurons which could help treat neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, OLEDs flexibility and size have made it ideal for wearable displays to better help professionals monitor vitals. Although promising, most medical applications are still being researched. OLEDs have been used for multiple years and with further research will continue to improve NEDs and become an asset in the biomedical field.

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