Philips Lumiblade Reflections OLED Mirrorwall Now Available

When we saw the <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/wp-content/plugins/falbum/wp/album.php?album=72157617181767086&amp;page=6&amp;photo=3477620135">debut of the Philips Lumiblade Mirrorwall prototype</a> last year in a special exhibition during the <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/wp-content/plugins/falbum/wp/album.php?album=72157617181767086">Milan Furniture Fair</a>, we fell head over heels for this sophisticated use of lighting technology. The series of linked OLED modules act as a mirror in the off state, and as an interactive lit curtain wall when powered. Well, it's been almost a year since the prototype debut, and <a href="http://www.lighting.philips.com">Philips</a> has announced that a version of the mirrorwall, called <a href="http://www.lumiblade.com">Lumiblade Reflections</a>, will be available for sale in limited quantities. The technology is cutting edge, extremely energy efficient, and perfect for the eco-enthusiast looking to splurge on one of these limited edition museum-worthy products. P.S. Thanks to reader <a href="http://www.oled-info.com/philips-oled-mirrorwall-available-limited-edition">mertero</a> for tipping us off!

Lumiblade tiles use <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/07/16/oled-breakthrough-yields-75-more-efficient-lights/">OLED technology</a>, which allows for a very homogenous surface light. Unlike LEDs, this light will never have those pesky hot spots. OLEDs work by passing low levels of electricity through thin layers of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organic_semiconductor">organic semiconductor</a> materials. In other words, the tiles are a stack-up of films that can be electrically charged, causing them to become “excited” and emit light. Right now, the tile sizes are limited in size, but they can be linked together into endless configurations.

OLEDs are superior to LEDs in their even output, their flat form, and their minial circuitry required for powering. OLED is extremely energy efficient with ratings for white modules providing up to 15 lumens per watt. Efficiencies depend highly on the colors, with white being the most efficient.

Certification bodies, such as <a href="http://www.energystar.gov">Energy Star</a>, typically rate lighting efficiency by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Efficacy">efficacy</a>, which is a ratio of lumens per watt. The white Lumiblade tiles provide approximately 15 lm/W. This is a great rating considering that these tiny tiles output 1000 <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candela">candelas</a> for up to 10,000 hours.

As a comparison, the efficacy of a Philips 100 watt incandescent bulb is about 14 lm/watt, but only gives off 120 candelas for a lifespace of about 750-1000 hours.

In an off state, it is possible for the OLED tiles to be transparent, since the materials on the layers of sandwiched films appear to be clear.

A mirror-like appearance, like that of the Lumiblade Reflections, can also be achieved by using specialty layers in the stack-up.

The tiles have <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passive_infrared_sensor">infrared sensors</a> behind the illuminated panels that detect an object or presence, so when an object passes in front of the tiles, the OLED face dims to a mirrored surface.

If one were to stand in front of the mirror, the tiles around their silhouette would stay illuminated, allowing for a very functional mirror and light in one!

Philips has made a major investment in OLED research, including a dedicated Business Center and the world’s first-ever production line for OLED lighting in Aachen, Germany.

“Our concepts demonstrate a new light ambiance, novel design possibilities and unique interactivity of light and human gesture,” says Rudy Provoost, CEO of Philips Lighting.

Philips showed several concept products with integrated Lumiblade lights at <a href="http://www.100percentdesign.co.uk/">100% Design London</a> this past year. The range of one off designs included a pendant, table lamp, and pathway lighting.

Information on the Philips website states that they are also working on flexible polymer OLED products.

“Our concepts demonstrate a new light ambiance, novel design possibilities and unique interactivity of light and human gesture,” says Rudy Provoost, CEO of <a href="http://www.lighting.philips.com">Philips Lighting</a>.