OLEDs: technologies, markets and strategies
â– The phenomenon of electricity conduction in polymers was discovered in 1978, opening up new perspectives for use as active components. Since then, several key patents have been filed for OLED (Organic Light Emission Devices) screens by Kodak and Cambridge Display Technology (CDT) for their respective technologies of screens based on small molecules and based on polymers (also called LEP: Light Emitting Polymer).
In terms of characteristics, OLED components promise better performances in terms of luminosity, clarity and colour resolution. They offer a wider angle of view and consume less energy. In addition, because solid emission technology is used, which does not need any backlight, the thickness of display systems can be considerably reduced.
In addition to their optical and electronic properties, these materials have interesting mechanical characteristics of flexibility and solidity which enable new forms. They can be used at low temperature in the classic manufacturing techniques of electronic and printing industries, with high potential for cost reduction. Use of a flexible plastic substrate rather than a glass one makes revolutionary applications possible, such as electronic newspapers, rollable display screen, etc.
However, several technological problems still need to be solved in terms of efficiency, operating voltage and especially life span. But, whatever the technology used – small molecule or polymer – the main challenges are now industrial. It’s a question of moving from the prototype stage to that of a marketable product and of being able to mass produce in order to reduce costs and rival with existing technologies.
The properties of OLEDs make them attractive for many applications. According to forecasts by DisplaySearch, the highest estimates for the global market of OLED screens amount to 3.6 billion euros in 2005, which should more than double by 2007.
Currently, OLED technology is developing in several segments: character display devices on vehicle dashboards or on radio alarm clocks, telephone or PDA screens, small video camera display screens or digital camera screens, PC or TV screens, head-up display devices and flexible screens. The lighting market could also be concerned. The main niche is that of next generation flat screens for mobile electronic devices, for which OLEDs present several competitive advantages, notably compared to liquid crystal screens.
Over 85 industrial players are working on OLEDs and around thirty have production units. The two historical players have considerably helped this multiplication of actors by granting several operating licenses. Three companies are already selling products with screens based on small molecules: Pioneer, TDK and eMagin; several others announced the launch of their product in 2002, in particular for mobile telephones.
While the basic technologies have been developed in the United States and in Europe, Japanese companies have rapidly adopted new positions. For production, Taiwan seems to be the next manufacturing base.
This survey provides a thorough state of the art review on technologies being developed and current research in materials, component architecture and manufacturing techniques. It presents a market segmentation with the main technical and economic challenges to dethrone existing technologies. A report of the main actors involved in OLED development is provided, with their position and strategies; a summary table of all actors identified in this emerging and rapidly developing field is given.
- Publication: February 2002
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