OLED table lamp casts a bright light on the future

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The Aerelight uses OLED technology and is the next big thing in home and commercial-space lighting.
The Aerelight uses OLED technology and is the next big thing in home and commercial-space lighting.
Photo: OTI Lumionics

Few of us have ever given much thought to the building of a better lightbulb. But technology has forced us away from the incandescent bulb to LED lights which are more efficient, last longer and, in some cases, provide a variety of color.

The design and engineering team behind the Aerelight isn’t riding the LED wave. They are instead coming in on the wave after that with OLED lighting technology for its elegant razor-thin table lamp.

The Aerelight has no cord, has a wireless charging base and its light source is projected to last 15 to 20 years.
The Aerelight has no cord, has a wireless charging base and its light source is projected to last 15 to 20 years.
Photo: OTI Lumionics

OLED stands for organic light-emitting diode. An electroluminescent layer of film from an organic material emits light when it’s combined with an electric current. It produces a warm, diffused light, requires no backlight and thus greatly reduces glare and eyestrain.

OLED technology is used for digital displays like in televisions and computer monitors, but research recently has focused on creating a white light for illuminating large spaces.

OLED stands for organic light-emitting diode. An electroluminescent organic material emits light when combined with an electric current.
OLED stands for organic light-emitting diode. An electroluminescent organic material emits light when combined with an electric current.
Photo: OTI Lumionics

OTI Lumionics, the Toronto-based company that created the Aerelight, started just four years ago as part of the push towards developing OLED for other products and applications.

The Aerelight desk lamp has no cord but it’s thin source of light is mounted on a base with a built-in wireless charging pad. Three levels of brightness are available just by tapping anywhere on the frame, which is cut from a single piece of anodized aluminum.

LEDs are said to emit greater amounts of blue light, which can affect our sleep and cause eye strain. OLED warmer and is described as being less aggressive on the eyes.

The only seemingly aggressive feature may be the price at $299, but the company says the light will last between 15 and 20 years. The price in OLED lighting will surely drop as more companies bring the technology to home and commercial lighting.

OTI Lumnionics claims it is the first OLED light fixture to enter the market.

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