Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft Opens Center for Organic Materials and Electronic Devices Dresden

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft opened its "Center for Organic Materials and Electronic Devices Dresden"(COMEDD). The purpose of the center is the development of processes for organic semiconductor devices such as organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) and organic solar cells.

Minister of Research Schavan expressed her admiration for the innovative structure of the center, "With the combination of microsystems technology and optics technology, COMEDD unifies two fields of innovation, which will be strengthened by this high-tech strategy. Germany will be able to take on a leading role in international competition. I am confident that the resources from the Federal Ministry of Research which have been put into the development of the Center have been well invested".

OLEDs are considered the technology of the future for displays and illumination. They require no background lighting, provide a perfect picture from every viewing angle, good color saturation, use little energy and can be applied to large areas in ultra-thin layers. "An industry for organic illumination will only be created when we in Europe not only provide development and design, but if we also manufacture. And only the most modern facilities will allow us to attain the necessary level of research and development. With COMEDD, we are expanding our leading position as cluster for Organics in Europe", explains Prof. Karl Leo, Director of Fraunhofer IPMS.

Thierry Van der Pyl, Director in the European Commission expresses similar view, "In the past we have often had to watch as technology of European origin was transferred to foreign countries for volume production. COMEDD is meant to ensure that both development as well as production know-how stays in Europe and that jobs will be secured".

Premier Tillich summarized: "Six weeks ago I was five kilometers away from here at the British company 'Plastic Logic' for the dedication of a new production facility for the mass production of plastic electronics. The start of COMEDD today is further proof of the dynamic development of the Dresden region as a leading site for semi-conducting organic materials".