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Professor of Organic Materials Science

KIDO Junji

Creating comfortable space and possibilities with organic light-emitting diode—effort is what will lead to success.

I am carrying out research on creating comfortable spaces.

It concerns the luminescent phenomenon as found in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) in which plastic emits light when an electrical current is applied. I am also developing OLED devices.

OLED is starting to be used in smartphones and TVs. Very thin OLEDs have already been developed. In the future, OLED devices will probably become paper-thin. There will probably be great flexibility in the shape of future OLED devices. For example, smartphones will become foldable, or tablets may be rolled up and pulled out flat for use.

I want to change the manufacturing method in order to further popularize OLEDs. OLEDs are currently made using huge equipment like those utilized in the manufacture of semiconductors. However, I am proceeding with research to manufacture OLEDs using inexpensive, inkjet printer-sized devices.

I started this research 30 years ago. It began with basic research, and I had no idea as to whether practical application would become possible. However, I am most pleased that I am now able to wear and use organic OLEDs.

You can never achieve success unless you make an effort. I also believe that there is always someone who sees you when you are making an effort. Whether in your work after graduating from university, or in research if you choose to remain in academia, I think that the most important thing for students is to keep working hard toward a goal even when nobody is looking.