Light emitting polymers on flexible substrates for Naval firefighting applications

Display technologies in the current market range from the simple and cheap incandescent bulb behind a graphic overlay to the upwardly expensive flat panel high definition plasma display. To provide a foundation of understanding for Light Emitting Polymers (LEP), samples were imaged in a scanning electron microscope. This was preformed to identify a potential method for answering questions on polymer charge mobility and diffusion mechanisms, which are currently unknown. Light Emitting Polymer (LEP) displays offer a viable alternative to the active matrix style, when an application calls for information to be sent in a simple visible format. By using the flexibility of the fabrication process, LEP displays can be applied to offer a low cost, lightweight, and durable means of communicating information during shipboard damage control and firefighting. A unique screen printing method was used in collaboration with Add-Vision, to produce a prototype that was designed, fabricated and tested for use in Naval shipboard firefighting evolutions. The application of the LEP technology to shipboard damage control was motivated by the experience gained from being both the Officer in Charge of a Naval Firefighting School and from time in the Fleet as a Damage Control Officer. http://archive.org/details/lightemittingpol109452314 Lieutenant, United States Naval Reserve Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.