Holst Centre, imec launch research program on flexible OLED displays
One of the unique properties of the program is that it will bring together partners from across the value chain to tackle challenges such as high resolution, low power consumption, large area production, outdoor readability, flexibility and light weight.
The ambition of the new program is work towards flexible, high-resolution OLED displays. The program will tackle the individual challenges towards the next-generation of OLED displays: a mechanically flexible encapsulation film and TFT backplane; and printed, high-efficiency OLEDs. New materials and processes that allow for cheaper production, better quality, lower power, more robustness and more flexibility will be developed. Moreover, the design of the drivers, pixel circuits and TFT backplane matrix will be reconsidered as increasing display area influences the amount of pixels-per-inch or the refresh rates. Finally the program scope includes the development of new manufacturing equipment such as fine patterning equipment for backplanes and tools for integrated roll-to-roll manufacturing.
Today, state-of-the-art OLED displays are mostly small and mobile; they are typically used in applications such as smart phones and tablet PCs. In contrast to conventional LCDs, they offer a better contrast – this is due to the fact that OLED pixels emit only when activated, achieving a more intense black. Moreover, OLEDs have a faster response time, eliminating image lag. OLEDs can also consume less power, depending on the usage profile, while providing better viewing angle than conventional LCDs. OLEDs are also much simpler in design and contain less components compared to LCDs, enabling substantial process cost reductions.
Flexibility is an important feature for future display markets, said Gerwin Gelinck (Holst Centre), Program Manager of the OLED Display Program. "Flexible displays represent an enormous economic and technical opportunity for flat panel manufacturers and its supply chain. As such they are seen as an attractive landing place for many new technologies. Flexible displays are therefore becoming a top priority research effort for many companies worldwide, including many of our current industrial partners," he explained.
According to imec Program Manager of the OLED Display Program, Paul Heremans, prototypes of the displays developed in the program context will be demonstrated already in 2012.
(imec),: “With this program in mind, we already have been working more and more towards integrating separate building blocks and have realized OLED displays using both organic and metal oxide TFT backplanes. Thin, plastic substrates were used, and the displays were fully encapsulated using our state-of-the-art barrier technology. Part of this was done with other research institutes in a European project called FLAME, but we could really pull this off because of intense collaboration with some of our industrial partners. We will demonstrate some of these display prototypes in 2012.”
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