Category Archives: FPDs and TFTs

Charles Annis, DisplaySearch, reports on new thin glass products for lighter, thinner, and flexible displays. The full article is available in the DisplaySearch Monitor publication for July. In this article, thin FPD glass refers to 0.4mm or thinner, while ultra-thin glass means 0.2mm or thinner.

August 3, 2012 — The flat panel display (FPD) industry is continuously researching thinner glass substrates, to reduce the glass volume and weight of displays. Thinner glass substrates can be more expensive despite the lower raw material quantities, due to the engineering work to create them. With time, thinner glass results in lower display manufacturing costs.

Thinner glass is of interest for mobile displays. Ultra-thin substrates are an enabling technology for flexible displays, including flexible active matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) displays, which are on the verge of commercialization. However, DisplaySearch warns that many display fabs are set up to handle glass 0.5mm and thicker, and will need to be retrofitted to process 0.4mm glass, and will need even more handling tools for 0.3mm and thinner.

Corning recently brought its 0.3mm EAGLE XG Slim glass to Gen 6 substrates, targeting mobile displays. The glass avoids or reduces wet etching by hydrofluoric acid for thinning.

Figure. The glass-thinning segment will grow at a 29% CAGR between 2010 and 2015. SOURCE: DisplaySearch, TFT LCD Process Roadmap Report

Corning also presented “Ultra-Slim Flexible Glass Substrates for Display Applications” at the Society for Information Display’s Display Week, this June in Boston, discussing 0.2mm glass that can be rolled up on spools. It can be used as touch panels, cover glass, lighting, color filters, substrate, and encapsulation glass.

Non-alkali glass is the substrate of choice for conventional FPDs, and is desirable for flexible applications. It offers thin form factor with smooth surface quality and high transmission, among other benefits. Polymer substrates are stronger and lighter, but suffer from significantly higher surface roughness and lower optical transmission than glass. Glass also offers a significantly better hermetic seal than polymer substrates, of high interest for AMOLED displays.

Figure 2. Qualities of polymer film versus glass for flexible displays. SOURCE: Corning,“Ultra-Slim Flexible Glass Substrates for Display Applications,” SID 2012.

Glassmakers are developing hybrid substrates that combine polymer films with glass. Their purpose is to overcome the tradeoffs with each of the materials, providing the high quality of glass while adding the strength of polymer films.

To read the full article, including information about AGC’s carrier technology for 100µm glass, register for the DisplaySearch Monitor publication at http://www.displaysearch.com/cps/rde/xchg/displaysearch/hs.xsl/displaysearch_monitor_newsletter_with_fpd_market_news_flash_reports.asp

DisplaySearch LLC, an NPD Group Company, reports and articles can be accessed at www.displaysearch.com

Also read: The view from Display Week 2012: Glass tech at AGC

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August 1, 2012 — NanoMarkets announced a new report on the transparent conductor (TC) market which includes the dominant indium tin oxide (ITO), along with other transparent conducting oxides (TCOs), conductive polymers, silver grids and coatings, copper, carbon nanotubes and graphene and nanocomposite materials of various kinds.

Most firms offering alternatives to ITO focus on the touch-screen sensor market; however, this sector is too small for many of these firms to generate significant revenues.

Also read: Soaring indium costs drive hunt for alternative in transparent electrodes

NanoMarkets believes that the current rapid development of the organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display and lighting market could boost the makers of non-ITO TCs. While ITO is widely used in OLEDs it is not well suited to this application. The OLED sector is already beginning to seek alternative TCs.

ITO also may not work well in high-throughput roll-to-roll (R2R) processes used to manufacture flexible displays. ITO cannot be used in rollable displays, due to its material nature. Flexible displays, primed to become a sizable market, could be major contributors to the mainstream adoption of ITO alternatives for TC.

NanoMarkets expects a resurgence in thin-film solar panels for use in building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). This will boost firms selling tin oxide (SnO) and zinc oxide (ZnO) materials and there is considerable research activity currently seeking the best dopants for these materials for TC applications.

Silver-based TCs seem to have taken off commercially and can now be found in a number of commercial cellphone models.

Nanotube-based TCs have made little commercial progress, although a few well-funded firms — Samsung, Linde and Toray, for example — still back this approach.

Meanwhile, Agfa, Heraeus and Kodak seem to be making progress with their low-cost conductive polymer TCs. The materials have considerable potential for growth in small displays for electronic labels and smartcards.

NanoMarkets provides in-depth analysis of the applications from which TC firms will be able to make money in the next few years including touch-screens, OLEDs, e-paper, thin-film and BIPV, organic/DSC PV, smart windows, etc. The report examines implications for TCs of the rise of flexible and transparent electronics and provides an in-depth discussion of how non-ITO TCs may be able to break into the LCD market. For each application the report contains separate eight-year forecasts in terms of value ($ millions) and volume (square meters). Each forecast is also broken out by material type.

Firms discussed in the report including 3M, Agfa, Asahi Glass, Atmel, Cambrios, Cima NanoTech, Corning, Dow Chemical, Evonik, Ferro, Fujitsu, Harima Chemicals, Heraeus, Hitachi, Idemitsu Kosan, Indium Corporation, Kodak, LG, Linde, Mitsubishi, Mitsui, Nippon Mining and Metals, Nitto Denko, PolyIC, Pilkington, Saint-Gobain, Samsung, Schott, SKC, Sony, Oike, Sumitomo, Teijin, Toray, Tosoh, Ulvac, Umicore, Unidym, and many others.

NanoMarkets tracks and analyzes emerging market opportunities in energy, electronics and other markets created by developments in advanced materials. Visit http://www.nanomarkets.net for a full listing of NanoMarkets’ reports and other services.

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July 31, 2012 — Average retail pricing for U.S. flat-panel televisions rose to the highest level in 2.5 years during Q2, thanks to advanced features and larger displays in a growing proportion of TV sets, according to IHS (NYSE:IHS).

Pricing for U.S. flat-panel televisions hit $1,224 in Q2, up 3% from $1,190 in Q1, and up 9% year-over-year (Y/Y). This is a peak price point for the US since the start of 2010, 10 quarters ago.

Advanced and cost-premium features include 3D display, integrated interactivity and Web 2.0 or “smart” features, and light-emitting diode (LED) backlights in LCDs, explained Edward Border, analyst for TV technology at IHS. Aiding in the pricing increase, 3D displays’ share of the TV market grew to 30.9 from 27.8% sequentially. A similar increase occurred for Smart TVs, growing to 44.3% from 40.9%; and for LED-backlit LCD sets, rising to 63.5% from 59.2%.

The US market is dominated by liquid crystal display (LCD) TVs, along with a small plasma segment. Average pricing in the second quarter for plasma displays as a whole reached $1,628, while that for LCD TVs amounted to $1,120 during the same period.

Some large-sized displays in both LCDs and plasmas increased their share in Q2. The 46” LCD’s share in retail rose to 12.2% from 11.8% sequentially, and share for 60” LCDs increased to 5.2% from 4.2%. Note that pricing in June for the 42” LCD TV category plunged to an all-time low of $761, down from $807 in May, after two consecutive months of price hikes. Within the LCD TV space, the majority of the smaller, below-42-inch screen sizes saw their average retail price increase, as features including Full HD, LED and Internet connectivity became more widespread in 2012 models.

Large-sized plasma sets saw an even greater expansion, with 50” rising to 23.8% from 21.2%, 60” increasing to 23.6% from 18.6%, and 65” growing to 6.9% from 6.1% of the market in Q1. For plasma sets in the 42” and 65” categories, prices fell in Q2.

The 32” TV sector was the only area to see a decline, with average set prices at $435, down from $495 in Q1.

Also read: Flat-panel TV market: Bigger is better

In the Smart TV sector, average pricing in June fell to $1,907 from $2,015 in May, but it was up significantly compared to $1,724 in June last year. From a pricing perspective then, the Smart TV can be considered a major technological success so far this year, appealing to consumers with its dynamic mix of interactive features, easy integration with set-top boxes, emphasis on online streaming capabilities and access to over-the-top cable content.

IHS (NYSE: IHS) is the leading source of information and insight in critical areas that shape today’s business landscape, including energy and power; design and supply chain; defense, risk and security; environmental, health and safety (EHS) and sustainability; country and industry forecasting; and commodities, pricing and cost. For more information, visit www.ihs.com.

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July 30, 2012 — Teknek debuted an elastomer roller care system for all contact cleaning rollers, used during the manufacture of semiconductors, displays, solar cells, and other products. Unlike isopropyl alcohol (IPA) cleaning, the elastomer Roller Doctor rejuvenation pad exfoliates the roller surface with a precise quantity of proprietary cleaning solution.

The cleaning pads are impregnated with the solution, controlling cleaning liquid quantity.

Teknek recommends that this cleaning procedure is carried out every quarter to ensure the roller is delivering the highest possible performance and removes concerns about any debris on the roller entering and potentially damaging the cleaner.

Teknek provides contact cleaning equipment for a number of sectors including semiconductors, converting, printing, medical and solar cells. Teknek is a wholly owned subsidiary of Illinois Tool Works Inc., which operates businesses in welding, automotive OEM, industrial packaging, food equipment, construction, polymers and fluids, test and measurement, electronics, decorative surfaces and automotive aftermarket, and more. To learn more, please visit www.teknek.com or www.itw.com.

Update July 27, 2012 – BUSINESS WIRE — Kuraray Co., Ltd. (TOKYO:3405, ISIN:JP3269600007) completed the transaction necessary to acquire MonoSol LLC, having received formal approval by the regulatory authorities.

MonoSol will operate as a company that produces and sells industrial-use poval film under the control of Kuraray Holdings U.S.A., Inc., Kuraray’s U.S.-based subsidiary. MonoSol’s company name and basic management system will remain unchanged following the acquisition.

Kuraray is scheduled to include MonoSol in its consolidated balance sheets from the first quarter of the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013 and in its consolidated statements of income from the third quarter of the same fiscal year onward.

June 1, 2012 – BUSINESS WIRE —  Kuraray will acquire MonoSol, manufacturer of polyvinyl alcohol (poval) film, to expand Kuraray’s core Vinyl Acetate Chemical Chains Business.

MonoSol Holdco, LLC, the parent company of MonoSol, formed an acquisition agreement with Kuraray. The transaction is subject to formal approval by the regulatory authorities.

Kuraray supplies poval films for optical applications, such as a polarizer film used in liquid crystal displays (LCDs). MonoSol’s poval films are complementary to Kuraray’s and used for packaging films for unit dose detergent products, agrochemicals, mold-release films, etc. The acquisition will bring Kuraray into these industrial markets.

Kuraray’s Vinyl Acetate Chemical Chains Business comprises poval films as well as poval resin, polyvinyl butyral (PVB) resin, PVB film, EVOH (ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer) resin, and vinylon fiber.

Monosol is based in Indiana, with production in the US and UK. It employs approximately 300 people.

Kuraray develops chemicals and resins, fibers and textiles, high-performance materials, medical products and more. Learn more at http://www.kuraray.co.jp/en/

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July 26, 2012 — FUJIFILM Corporation sold its entire worldwide patent portfolio of more than 1,200 organic light-emitting diode (OLED) patents and patent applications to Universal Display Corporation (NASDAQ:PANL) for $105 million.

Fujifilm has researched and developed OLED materials as well as devices for more than 10 years.

Universal Display is expanding its business for OLED materials and the licensing of its patented OLED technologies through this acquisition. In related news, Universal Display expanded its OLED partnership with Plextronics to cover hole injection and transport materials.

In addition to the patent sale, the 2 companies are engaged in “a strategic relationship,” with strengthened and enhanced alliances between the companies. Fujifilm will expand its business for the supply of Fujifilm’s highly functional materials, such as barrier films, conductive films and flexible substrates, to OLED manufacturers globally, including Universal Display’s worldwide customer base. Universal Display will develop new technologies and processes for OLED manufacturing. "Fujifilm and Universal Display will continue discussions for further possible strategic relationship between the two companies," said Shigetaka Komori, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Fujifilm.

“This transaction will almost double Universal Display’s patent portfolio,” noted Steven V. Abramson, president and CEO of Universal Display, who called the patent buy and the collaboration with Fujifilm a rare opportunity.

FUJIFILM Corporation is one of the major operating companies of FUJIFILM Holdings. Since its founding in 1934, the company has built up a wealth of advanced, highly versatile technologies in the field of photo imaging, and Fujifilm is now applying these technologies to other new business fields.

Universal Display Corporation (Nasdaq: PANL) is a leader in developing and delivering state-of-the-art, organic light emitting device (OLED) technologies, materials and services to the display and lighting industries. To learn more about Universal Display, please visit www.universaldisplay.com.

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July 26, 2012 — DisplaySearch has lowered its 2012 mobile phone displays forecast from 1,917 million units to 1,729 million units, blaming insufficient capacity of semiconductor processes for new application processors, anticipation of the iPhone 5, the European financial disaster, saturation in developed markets, and other unexpected situations.

Smartphones have driven continuous small- to medium-size display growth, with low-temperature polysilicon (LTPS) thin-film transistor liquid crystal displays (TFT LCDs) and active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) displays preferred in premium models.

In Q1 2012, mobile phone display shipments totaled about 400 million units, missing NPD DisplaySearch’s forecast.

The traditional boom quarter — Q3 leading into holiday consumer sales — will be hard hit in 2012. NPD DisplaySearch modified its forecast down from 22% Q/Q growth to only 9% Q/Q growth because of the negative factors and poor shipment results seen early in 2012.

Comparing last quarter’s forecasts and actual shipment results by technology, NPD DisplaySearch found that AMOLED actually had higher growth, but other technologies showed declines.

  • NPD DisplaySearch originally estimated 23% Q/Q growth for AMOLED, but it reached 26% Q/Q.
  • LTPS TFT LCD was forecast to be up 7% Q/Q, but was actually down 2% Q/Q.
  • amorphous silicon (a-Si) TFT LCD declined 14% Q/Q.
  • CSTN, MSTN, and PMOLED are no longer mainstream as mobile phone displays, so their declines were less relevant to the results.

Access the full article in the DisplaySearch Monitor, http://www.displaysearch.com/cps/rde/xchg/displaysearch/hs.xsl/login_required_dsm.asp?page=my_dsm.asp

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July 25, 2012 – BUSINESS WIRE — Panasonic, LG Chem and Philips are among the presenters for the upcoming 14th annual OLEDs World Summit, September 26-28, in San Francisco, CA, hosted by Smithers Apex and the OLED Association.

The conference will highlight the “dynamic and newsworthy” organic light-emitting diode (OLED) advances of 2012, said Andrew Smaha, conference director for Smithers Apex. It will focus on investment and markets for display and lighting, plus highlight recent advances in R&D from OEMs and research institutes. “Experts will delve deeper into OLED technology R&D than any other symposium to date,” said Smaha. The event’s focus on OLED lighting R&D and design is nearly double what was presented in past editions.

OLEDs 2012 will also offer attendees three panel discussions: How OLEDs Can Grow from ‘Niche’ to Market Dominance, Strategies with OLED Lighting Designers, and Flexible OLEDs from Concept to Market.

More than 20 presentations will come from Arizona State University; AU Optronics Corp.; Bingham McCutchen; Display Search; EMD Chemicals; First O-Lite; Fraunhofer; IBM; Ignis Innovation Inc.; IHS iSuppli; Kateeva, Inc.; KeyBanc Capital Markets; Konica Minolta Advanced Layers; Novaled AG; OLED Association; OLEDWorks; OSRAM Opto Semiconductors GmbH; Panasonic; Philips Lighting; Soochow University; SRI International; Sungkyunkwan University; Tianma; Universal Display Corporation; the U.S. Army Research Laboratory; and Wolf Greenfield.

The OLEDs World Summit will begin with 2 pre-conference seminars that will allow attendees to gain a deeper understanding of key issues facing the industry. Barbarians at the IP Gate, led by Jed Dorsheimer of Canaccord Genuity, will show attendees how to construct a lasting IP portfolio along with offensive and defensive IP strategies. Options for Innovative Area Lighting, led by Norman Bardsley of Bardsley Consulting, will cover color, control, cost and other key topics.

For complete information about OLEDs 2012, please visit the conference website at www.oledsworldsummit.com.

Smithers Apex, formerly known as IntertechPira, is a global business that provides events, market research, publications and strategic and technical consulting for niche, emerging, and high-growth industries. Learn more at www.smithersapex.com.

OLED Association (OLED-A) provides a forum for the interchange of technical and market information. Our membership includes companies involved in small-molecule OLED technology and polymer technology (PLED or light-emitting polymers).

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July 25, 2012 — Polarizers used in display manufacturing will form a $9.94 billion market in 2012, up 4% from 2011, according to Displaybank. Sequentially, the polarizer market decreased by 9% in Q1 2012, hitting 2.235 billion. This was down 6% from Q1 2011.

The majority of polarizers — 98% — will be used in thin-film transistor liquid crystal displays (TFT-LCDs), with the remainder divvied up between active matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) and other display technologies. Starting in 2012, the AMOLED TV market is expected to grow gradually. New films are being developed to meet this need, as compensation films used in small- and medium-sized AMOLED displays are inadequate for large-size AMOLEDs. While just 2% of the overall polarizer market in 2012 ($167 million), AMOLED-use polarizers will grow to 9% of the total segment by 2016, Displaybank reports, exceeding $1 billion.

Figure. Polarizer market forecast by technology/size. SOURCE: Displaybank, Polarizer Market & Industry Trend Analysis.

Acrylic films will also see growth. Acrylic films are used to replace Z-TAC, a polarizer compensation film for IPS. Now, acrylics are being investigated as an alternative to plane TAC films. This has been shown in small and medium-sized applications, and could emerge in 2013 and grow rapidly in 2014.

“Polarizer Market & Industry Trend Analysis” analyzes the market forecast of polarizer, production line status by manufacturer, supply chain, and price trend from 2010 to 2016. In addition, this report intends to give a better understanding of the polarize market where the competition of the  high value-added film production started in earnest through the market analysis of important optical sub-material films, TAC film, PVA film, PET protective film, release film, anti-reflection film, and compensation film.

Learn more and access the report at http://www.displaybank.com/_eng/research/report_view.html?id=15&cate=4

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July 25, 2012 — Wireless technology provider Qualcomm Incorporated (Nasdaq: QCOM) will scale back its mirasol display technology, which uses interferometric modulation (IMOD); a micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS)-based technology capable of creating color from ambient reflected light. The technology offers low power consumption and is used in several e-reader products on the market.

During Qualcomm’s Q2 results investor conference call, Dr. Paul E. Jacobs, chairman and CEO of Qualcomm said they will scale Mirasol back into a limited set of products, and will look to license it to industry partners. Qualcomm “will directly commercialize only certain Mirasol products,” Jacobs said.

Mirasol displays took the silver award for Display of the Year at the Society for Information Display’s (SID’s) Display Week Awards in 2012.

Jacobs did not elaborate in the investor conference call as to why Mirasol is being limited and licensed out. However, QCOM did recently restructure its organization, moving substantially all of its R&D activities, its QCT semiconductor business, and other product and services businesses into a new wholly owned subsidiary, Qualcomm Technologies Inc. (QTI).

In January 2011, Qualcomm MEMS Technologies Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Qualcomm, worked with Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) to expand the manufacturing capacity of mirasol displays in Taiwan, building a fabrication facility in Longtan. The aim was to have the MEMS facility operational in 2012, with a US$975 million initial investment by Qualcomm.

Learn more about mirasol displays at http://www.mirasoldisplays.com.

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