Category Archives: Displays

August 21, 2012 – Aixtron SE delivered a Prodos Gen 3.5 polymer vapor phase deposition (PVPD) system, based on its proprietary close coupled showerhead (CCS) technology, to an unidentified major Asian customer. The system will be installed and commissioned "within the next couple of weeks" at the customer’s site, where it will be used to deposit organic polymer thin films in production of flexible electronic devices.

The Prodos Gen 3.5 system, which incorporates carrier-gas enhanced deposition and CCS technologies, is designed to match production environments processing Gen 3.5 substrates sized at 650 × 750mm2. (A R&D version with flexible configuration handles 200 × 200mm2 substrates.)

Aixtron’s PVPD technology is a platform for controlled deposition and in-situ formation of polymer thin films from vapor phase. This "dry" deposition technology (vs. conventional solution-based polymer deposition methods) has advantages in controlling layer properties, high contour conformity of the deposited layers, continuous change of polymer building blocks (controlled co-deposition) during the process, and efficient production work flows, according to the company.

"With flexible electronics still being at an early stage, the prospects for this novel technology are very promising and will allow our customer to develop new applications," including flexible flat-panel displays that are lightweight and rugged, with improved power consumption, color brightness, and legibility, stated Aixtron COO Bernd Schulte.

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August 21, 2012 – BUSINESS WIRE — Various techniques create the illusion of depth in 3D movies, often relying on glasses for the viewer and a cumbersome 2-projector method. Researchers at South Korea’s Seoul National University have developed a quarter-wave retarding film that changes light polarization, applied to the display screen as a specialized coating.

With further research, the film could enable “a simple, compact, and cost-effective approach to producing widely available 3D cinema, while also eliminating the need for wearing polarizing glasses,” said lead researcher Byoungho Lee, professor at the School of Electrical Engineering, Seoul National University in South Korea.

To create modern 3D effects, movie theaters use linearly or circularly polarized light. In this technique, two projectors display two similar images, which are slightly offset, simultaneously on a single screen. Each projector allows only one state of polarized light to pass through its lens. Polarized glasses cause each eye to perceive only one of the offset images, creating the depth cues that the brain interprets as three dimensions.

Various single projector methods achieve similar effects. The parallax barrier method creates the illusion of 3D with a combination of rear projection video and physical barriers or optics between the screen and the viewer. These obstructions are likened to the slats in a venetian blind, creating a 3D effect by limiting the image each eye sees.

Also read: 2012 brings major changes to the display polarizer films

The South Korean team’s glasses-free 3D method uses a single front projector against a screen. The venetian blinds’ “slat” effect is achieved by using polarizers that stop the passage of light after it reflects off the screen. A specialized coating, quarter-wave retarding film, was added to the screen to change the polarization state of light so it can no longer pass through the polarizers. As the light passes back either through or between the polarizing slates, the offset effect is created, producing the depth cues that give a convincing 3D effect to the viewer.

Figure. The experimental set up of a proposed glasses-free 3D theater experience is shown, with the projector in the familiar front position, creating 3D images. Credit: Optics Express.

The team’s experimental results show the method can be used successfully in two types of 3D displays: the parallax barrier method, described above, which uses a device placed in front of a screen enabling each eye to see slightly different, offset images and integral imaging, which uses a two-dimensional array of many small lenses or holes to create 3D effects.

The team plans to refine the method, and apply it to developing other single-projector, frontal methods of 3D display, incorporating passive polarization-activated lens arrays and the lenticular lens approach.

While their experimental results are promising, it may be several years until this technology can be effectively deployed in movie theaters.

The technique is described in the Optical Society’s (OSA) open-access journal Optics Express. Paper: “A frontal projection-type three-dimensional display,” Optics Express, Vol. 20, Issue 18, pp. 20130-20138 (2012).Optics Express reports on new developments in all fields of optical science and technology every two weeks, published by the Optical Society and edited by C. Martijn de Sterke of the University of Sydney. Optics Express is an open-access journal and is available at no cost to readers online at http://www.OpticsInfoBase.org/OE.

The Optical Society (OSA) brings together the global optics community through its programs and initiatives. For more information, visit www.osa.org.

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August 17, 2012 — Barclays Capital provides its analysis of Apple iPhone 5 display manufacturing — will the phone’s display suppliers be able to achieve acceptable yields and throughput on the new in-cell architecture?

iPhone 5 builds were delayed and smaller-than-expected during Q3 2012, due to yield issues with the new in-cell touchscreen architecture. On top of this, the touch panel display industry is up against low profit margins and increased competition for business, according to a recent report.

"Over the next few years, in-cell, on-cell, and sensor-on-cover touch technologies will surpass the add-on type projected capacitive touch," according to Jennifer Colegrove, PhD, Vice President of Emerging Display Technologies at NPD DisplaySearch. However, today, in-cell display is the key bottleneck of iPhone 5 production. Barclays sees both LG Display (LGD) and Japan Display (JDI) likely to start small-scale volume production in August, with full-scale ramp-up in September. However, uncertainties remain regarding Sharp’s execution. Will Sharp be able to execute as required for full scale of iPhone-5-related memory demand?

The capacity of each panel maker (LGD, JDI, Sharp) is estimated at around 7 million units of the touchscreens per month, with an initial yield ratio around 80%. Expect an additional yield loss of about 10-20% at the final assembly process. Given this, Barclays estimates iPhone 5 production could reach around 15 million units in Q3 and 45 million units in Q4. Any kind of potential miss in execution at panel makers could result in lower-than-expected iPhone 5 production for the rest of the year.

Also read: Apple’s iPhone 5: Implications for the semiconductor supply chain

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August 16, 2012 — Despite overall weaker shipments in 2012, new display and touch technology in small/medium devices continues to drive demand, especially in the smartphone sector. According to the NPD DisplaySearch Advanced Quarterly Small/Medium Shipment and Forecast Report, an increased demand for higher-performing smartphones is driving production of combined flat-panel display (FPD) and touch panel technology. In addition to the trend of display makers bonding touch panels to their displays for shipment to their customers, there has been dramatic growth in integration of touch into the display itself.

Active matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) displays are using on-cell touch, while thin-film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT LCD) makers are focusing on in-cell touch technology for high-resolution low-temperature polysilicon (LTPS). Currently, the top two global smart phone brands — Apple and Samsung — are leading adoption of these approaches. In the case of the Samsung Galaxy S2 and S3, AMOLED technology is being coupled with on-cell touch, and Apple is expected to incorporate in-cell touch in combination with LTPS TFT LCD on the iPhone5, which is expected in 2H’12.

As more smart phones are produced with some form of combined touch-panel FPD technology, NPD DisplaySearch anticipates that the cost, size, and brightness of these smart phones will change. NPD DisplaySearch forecasts a reduction in cost for the process of bonding touch panels with displays, eventually decreasing the cost of smart phones for consumers. NPD DisplaySearch also predicts smart phones developed with this combination technology will become thinner, as consumer demand for a more lightweight device continues to rise. In addition, NPD DisplaySearch predicts these smart phones will feature a higher brightness as the glass sheets used for the outer touch panel are removed.

Touch panel combination technology is expected to provide a major revenue stream for small/medium FPD applications. In fact, by next year, the majority of panel shipments are expected to use touch panels combined with FPD, incorporating both in-cell and on-cell touch. This segment is forecast to grow to 70% by 2015.

Figure. Touch Panel Combination Shares in High Value FPD (2011-2016). Source: NPD DisplaySearch Advanced Quarterly Small/Medium Shipment and Forecast Report

“While this combined technology is expected to drive future demand, shipments are fairly stagnant because of a wait-and-see mentality that’s occurring in the marketplace at this time,” noted Hiroshi Hayase, NPD DisplaySearch Vice President of Small/Medium Display Research. “In Q2’12, NPD DisplaySearch found that shipments of small/medium displays have tapered off as both consumers and competitors wait for the release of the iPhone 5 in the second half of the year.”

In terms of expectations for the iPhone 5, LTPS TFT LCD production will increase with new fabs added in 2H’12. AMOLED production is increasing in expectation of expanding sales of the competing Galaxy S3. Furthermore, shipments of medium-sized LCDs in the 7“-class could increase due to new tablet PC models launched later this year.

The NPD DisplaySearch Advanced Quarterly Small/Medium Shipment and Forecast Report covers the entire range of small/medium (=9.0") displays shipped worldwide and regionally. Backed by more than 40 suppliers of data and our own team of industry analysts, this report analyzes historical shipments and projects forecasts that provide decision makers with the insights they need to support procurement and product plans.

New Advanced Features: The Advanced Quarterly Small/Medium Shipment and Forecast Report now allow users to track data by viewing-angle and 3D capabilities.

NPD DisplaySearch is a global market research and consulting firm specializing in the display supply chain, as well as the emerging photovoltaic/solar cell industries. For more information on DisplaySearch analysts, reports and industry events, visit us at http://www.displaysearch.com/.

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August 14, 2012 — Printed electronics is a set of printing methods used to create electronic circuits, sensors, devices, and various electronics products. Printing is emerging as a technology that can replace traditional photolithography processes for electronics manufacturing, reducing costly material use, very complex processes, and expensive equipment. Printing enables direct patterning of desired materials on the desired location without complex processes, and production is cleaner and more productive, according to Displaybank, an IHS analyst business.

Figure. Steps in printing electronics compared to steps in current electronics manufacturing methods.

Printing devices can lead the creation of new industries through technology fusion.

Printed electronics can be classified as substrate and printing material-related technology: various technologies that allow functional materials to be deposited at a desired position, equipments and parts that can run these technologies, and methodologies.

Printed electronics process technology includes material technologies of printed electronics inks such as conductive inks, insulating materials, and metal nano-inks, new printing process technologies such as inkjet printing, µ-contact printing, and imprinting to print materials, and various equipment technologies to support these.

Table. Printed electronics technology applications.

Area

Detail

Applicable processes

Displays and Lighting

LCD

-Color filter, alignment film, spacer: Inkjet, roll printing.

-TFT backplane: Semiconductor layer, gate, S/D electrode, insulating layer, printing.

PDP

-Wiring: Inkjet printing

-Electromagnetic waves shield: Ag conductive film filter screen printing

OLED

-organic light-emitting layer: Inkjet and nozzle jet when polymer-method OLED.

-Transparent electrode layer: Conductive polymer inkjet, slot die coating.

e-Paper

-Frontplane: Septum in wetting, inkjet and roll printing in solution injection.

-TFT backplane: Active layer and insulating layer imprint, inkjet.

Lighting

OLED

-Organic light-emitting layer: Inkjet and nozzle jet when producing polymer-method OLED.

Smart products

RFID

Antenna: Roll printing

-Others: Roll-to-roll to capacitors and chips

Packaging

Sensor: Inkjet, roll, and screen printing in sensor layer.

Energy

Solar cells

-CIGS, CdTe, DSSC absorber layer: Spray, screen.

OPV active layer: Inkjet, slot die, roll method.

-Si electrode layer: Screen printing, inkjet, AD method.

Battery

-Electrode layer: Slot die to electrode layer.

Others

Touchpanels

-Wiring: Screen and roll printing to electronic wiring.

-Transparent electrode layer: Jetting and roll printing to replace patterned ITO.

Flexible PCBs

-Wiring: Roll printing when forming high-density wiring.

 

The report, “Printed Electronics Technology Trend and Market Forecast (2011~2020)” from Displaybank talks about printed electronics material technology, issue, process technology issue, and applicable areas throughout chapter 3~5, and chapter 6 and 7 summarize trends of companies and research institutes that are developing technologies in their fields. Lastly, chapter 8 forecasts and analyzes the size of printed electronics-applicable application in the next 10 years, and speculates the size of market, which can be created as printed electronics is introduced, for the first time in the world.

This report will help printed electronics-related technologies developing companies, companies reviewing new businesses, and companies that want to innovate through printed electronics process to understand an industry-wide trend and forecast future prospects. Learn more at http://www.displaybank.com/_eng/research/report_view.html?id=847&cate=6

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August 14, 2012 — Following a sharp 30% drop during Q1 2012, worldwide shipments of flat-panel televisions returned to growth in Q2, according to a preliminary estimate from the new Worldwide Monthly TV Tracker issued by Displaybank, a business of IHS.

Worldwide shipments of flat-panel televisions, a category consisting of liquid crystal display (LCD) and plasma sets, rose to 48.9 million units in Q2, up 3.6% from 47.2 million from Q1.

Figure. Preliminary IHS estimate of quarterly flat-panel television shipments, based on data from the Worldwide Monthly TV Tracker.

“After an unusually weak start to 2012, global television shipments showed some signs of life,” said Tom Morrod, senior analyst and head of TV technology at IHS, adding that the seasonal post-holiday TV sales drop was “unusually sharp” in 2012 because of “tentative consumer spending.” Q2 is following normal seasonal patterns, with likely growth continuing in Q3.

Q2 started off on a strong note, with shipments in April rising by 4% from March to reach the highest levels of the year up to that point. While shipments declined slightly in May and June, the increase in April was sufficient to drive growth for the entire quarter.

Worldwide LCD TV shipments increased 3.4% in the second quarter, following a 29.3% drop in Q1. While worldwide plasma shipments are generally declining, they enjoyed a 6.6% bump in Q2, compared to a 39.5% plunge in the previous quarter.

In the LCD segment, which accounts for the overwhelming majority of flat-panel display (FPD) shipments, Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. remained the leading brand in the Q2, according to the preliminary estimate. Samsung was responsible for 19.2% of unit shipments, down just slightly from 19.3% in Q1. LG Electronics held its second-place ranking with a 13.2% share of shipments, unchanged from Q1.

Table. Preliminary global Q2 LCD TV ranking (Percentage market share based on unit shipments). SOURCE: IHS Displaybank, August 2012.

Q2 Rank

Brand

Q1 Market Share

Q1 Market Share

1

Samsung

19.3%

19.2%

2

LG

13.2%

13.2%

3

Sony

8.4%

7.9%

4

TCL

5.9%

6.5%

5

Toshiba

5.7%

5.8%

 

Others

47.6%

47.4%

 

Grand Total

100.0%

100.0%

Samsung has “shrewd marketing, global distribution and efficient production” in its corner, Morrod observed. “Both Samsung and fellow South Korean brand LG are able to undercut their Japanese rivals on pricing, allowing them to retain their leadership. And with the Japanese market contracting dramatically, the companies based in the country have struggled to find new volume sales opportunities elsewhere.”

The strongest performance among the Top 5 was posted by No. 4-ranked TCL Corp. of China, which increased its share of shipments to 6.5 percent, up from 5.9 percent in the first quarter.

“TCL is prospering both because of overseas sales, which were up by about 150,000 units in the second quarter, and due to domestic Chinese sales,” Morrod said. “The company is taking advantage of capitalizing on rising sales in China in addition to upping its stature abroad.”

IHS (NYSE: IHS) provides 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. Learn more at www.ihs.com.

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August 13, 2012 — In 2011, light emitting diodes (LEDs) were expected to grab market share from cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs) in the display backlighting segment. However, prices for CCFL-backlight TVs fell alongside prices for LED-backlit TVs, and consumers preferred lower-cost models. Now, CCFL raw materials costs have exploded, setting the stage for market share grabs by LEDs, albeit later than expected, reports Jimmy Kim, DisplaySearch.

Rare-earth metals, the main raw material for CCFL phosphors, saw 5-10x higher prices from 2010 to 2011. As a result, the price of phosphor also jumped, rising to about 6x the price in 2010.

Figure 1. Prices for rare earth metals and phosphors for CCFL.

This price increase could lead to a scale-down of CCFL production and a lower utilization rate, which will push CCFL unit prices higher, further closing the price gap with LED units.

In 2011, most Japanese CCFL makers had already shed the CCFL business, seeing lost cost competitiveness. Korean and Chinese CCFL makers took the opportunity to fill higher-than-expected CCFL demand. The large scale production enabled by the concentrated purchase orders helped them hold the CCFL unit price stable, even under the increasing raw materials cost.

During 2012, the market situation grew worse for CCFL makers. TV makers introduced new low-cost direct LED-backlit TVs for the entry TV market segment. They plan to increase their sales allocation to these new products, which will lead to a further decrease in demand for CCFL. CCFL panel shipments are expected to decrease more than 40% Y/Y after Q2 2012. In 2011, the decrease was 30% Y/Y. This means that the scale-down and lower utilization rate for CCFL production seems inevitable this year.

Figure 2. CCFL panel shipments.

CCFL prices for some new models increased in Q2. Regardless, there have been almost no changes in CCFL prices for running models. The decrease in CCFL demand caused by the low-cost direct backlight TVs has led to a rise of CCFL unit price. This will probably lead to a further decrease in CCFL demand. We also expect that the EOL of CCFL-backlit LCD TVs will be accelerated.

This full article was published by Jimmy Kim in the DisplaySearch Monitor, August 2012. Learn more about DisplaySearch reports and more at www.displaysearch.com.

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August 10, 2012 — The polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) protection film industry will change significantly in 2012, with many display makers actively pursuing PVA-free and triacetate cellulose (TAC)-free designs. Display manufacturers are looking for costs savings, designs that suit tablet PCs and smartphones, and alternatives to Fuji Film, Displaybank reports.

Also read: Polarizer film trends

PVA films will grow to more than 800 million square meters (Msqm), based on area, in 2012, up from 740 Msqm in 2011. TAC film dominates the space, with 91% market share (about 750 Msqm) in 2012. COP will take 5% market share (40 Msqm), and acryl film is forecasted to have 3% of the market (240 Msqm).

By revenue, PVA protection film brought in Yen 331 billion in 2011, but will decline to Yen 326 billion this year, due to lower TN-use compensation film, the wide-view market, and competition between films. TAC film will bring in about Yen 300 billion.

Development efforts on new films are more active than ever in the history of LCD manufacturing. LCD makers are using polarizers with various combinations, looking for reduced film thickness.
Figure. Apple’s polarizer structures in different products. SOURCE: Displaybank.

Apple’s tablet PCs and smartphones have led the market with innovative structure and thickness. Companies are developing diverse films to supply polarizers to Apple, which has a big market with a single item, and technologies are rapidly moving from research to commercialization. For example, companies are using acryl film to make PVA films thinner. Acryl film has been applied as a compensation film of IPS-use polarizer, and could steal market share from conventional TAC. Processes to apply surface treatments to acryl are emerging as early as 2013, Displaybank reports.

Japan dominates the polarizer film industry. Giants of the polarizer industry, Nitto Denko, Sumitomo, and LG Chem, have their own acryl film production technology. Sumitomo Chemical and LG Chem can have higher price competitiveness than using the conventional TAC films as they secure the acryl resin production technology. 2012 will likely be the most important year for acryl’s offensive on TAC market share. TAC is clearly advantageous in production capacity, price, and know-how, Displaybank says, but acryl offers the display designs that smartphone and tablet makers want.

As these diverse technologies and films developed for mobile devices are applied to high-end TVs, future TV displays are expected to change greatly. If acryl films are used in TVs, the material will see rapid adoption from 2014.

Displaybank analyzed the polarizer film industry and various compensation films from 2010 to 2016 for the report “2012 Compensation Film and TAC/Acryl Film Analysis.” Access the report at http://www.displaybank.com/_eng/research/report_view.html?id=752&cate=4

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The FlexTech Alliance announced the Call for Papers is open for the 12th annual Flexible Electronics & Displays Conference & Exhibition. The 3 day multi-track Flex Conference consists of in-depth technical and business development presentations covering the entire flexible electronics supply chain. Taking place January 29 – February 1, 2013 in Phoenix, Arizona, the event also includes interactive exhibits and product demonstrations, a short course series, academic research, poster sessions and a variety of networking opportunities. The deadline for submission is September 22, 2012. 

The Flexible Electronics & Displays Conference & Exhibition attracts attendees from more than 10 countries and 200 companies, universities, R&D labs, and government agencies representing the many different segments of the flexible electronics and displays value and supply chains. Attendees span the roles of research, marketing, product development, manufacturing, senior business development, and executive functions.

The conference is a culmination of shared information, highlighting technical breakthroughs and demonstrating working products in flexible, printed electronics and displays. In addition to product demos and new applications, priority for paper selection will be given to original research and new toolset, process and materials introductions.

Topic areas sought are:

Business Strategies and Market Overviews for Flexible, Printed Electronics and Displays: Business Development; Road Mapping; Challenges to Early Adoption; and Customer Perspectives.

Flexible Electronics-Based Applications and Products: Flexible Displays; E-Book and Mobile Devices; Solar/Photovoltaics; Solid State Lighting and OLEDs; Energy Storage/Batteries; Smart Sensor Systems/RFID (biomedical, smart bandages, health monitors, smart clothing, neuro prosthetic devices, packaging, advertising/point of sales, pharmaceuticals, toys and entertainment, food monitoring, agricultural sensing, security, and structural monitoring).

Flexible Electronic Devices: Thin Film Transistors; Sensors and Detectors; Memory; Logic; Membranes; Device Design, Design Rules, Process Integration

Flexible Electronics Processes and Manufacturing: Additive Printing Processes (inkjet, gravure, flex, screen printing and other patterned deposition, print/ink optimization); Roll to Roll/Web Processing; Production Cost Reduction; Deposition Techniques and Equipment; Metrology; Flexible Electronics Production vs. Graphics Printing Production; Hybrid Manufacturing, Packaging, and Assembly; and Integration of printed electronics and microelectronics.

Flexible Electronics Materials: Substrates; Substrate Treatment to Optimize Films (conductors, insulators, semiconductors, light emitting; Functional Inks; Nanomaterials; Adhesives; Encapsulants; ITO Replacement; and Sustainable Materials.

Supply Chain Development

The conference, now in its 12th year, is moving to the Phoenix, Arizona Convention Center to accommodate its continuous growth. The new venue will provide technologically advanced amenities in a vibrant downtown location, while maintaining the superb networking atmosphere that has long characterized the Flex Conference. With the expanded exhibit space, attendees will be able to engage with more suppliers, customers and partners in flexible, printed electronics R&D, design and manufacturing.  

For more information or to download the Call for Papers for the 2013 Flex Conference, visit www.flexconference.org. Online submissions are now available.  

August 9, 2012 — Active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) displays are growing rapidly and offer many performance benefits over liquid crystal displays (LCDs). However, 55” AMOLED TV displays cost 8-10x as much as a comparable LCD to manufacture.

Also read: AMOLED manufacturing improvements to enable TV market share grab

According to the NPD DisplaySearch AMOLED Process Roadmap Report, the manufacturing cost of a 55” oxide TFT-based AMOLED using white OLED (WOLED) with color filters is 8x that of a high-end TFT LCD display of equal size. The cost multiplier of a 55” AMOLED module using red, green, and blue (RGB) OLED is 10x. These higher costs are mainly a result of low yields and high materials costs.

LCD manufacturing is a mature process with slower, more incremental cost reduction. AMOLED cost reduction efforts are in their infancy, said Jae-Hak Choi, senior analyst, FPD Manufacturing for NPD DisplaySearch. These could include new and improved processes, printing technology, and higher-performance materials that will take AMOLED prices to parity with LCD in the long term.

Figure. Relative manufacturing costs of technologies for 55” TV panels. Based on current yield and material cost assumptions. Source: NPD DisplaySearch AMOLED Process Roadmap Report.

In order to scale up to large sizes, advancements in several aspects of AMOLED manufacturing are needed, including the active matrix backplane, organic material deposition, and encapsulation. Because oxide thin-film transistors (OTFT) require lower capital costs and are similar to existing amorphous silicon TFT (a-Si TFT), the technology offers a strong alternative to the low-temperature polysilicon (LTPS) TFT currently used for AMOLED. However, there are many hurdles for mass production of oxide TFT, particularly threshold voltage shifts, which are continuing to prove problematic for AMOLED production.

While indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) and other forms of oxide TFT show great promise for backplanes, progress in scaling up LTPS production is also being made by increasing the excimer laser beam width to 1300 mm. In addition, the current method of depositing red, green, and blue materials by evaporation through a fine metal mask is being continuously improved. Pixel densities of 250 ppi are now possible, and over 280 ppi is feasible.

“High resolution patterning such as laser induced thermal imaging (LITI) and material improvements are still required for AMOLED to be highly competitive for super-high-resolution flat panel displays,” Choi said.

Manufacturing processes for small, 4” AMOLED displays are more mature, creating a much smaller cost premium over LCDs (<1.3x). Most AMOLED capacity is currently dedicated to small/medium production for smart phones, but much of the future capacity increase will be driven by fabs dedicated to TV production. Uncertainties abound, as AMOLED technology has not yet been proven in large-size TVs.

Based on planned investments, NPD DisplaySearch forecasts that the AMOLED market will grow nearly tenfold from 2.3M square meters in 2012 to more than 22M in 2016.

Samsung Display has been highly successful in its small/medium AMOLED production because it has been able to raise yields to near-LCD levels. This implies that manufacturers can potentially lower large-size AMOLED TV costs to be competitive with LCD TVs in the future.

The NPD DisplaySearch AMOLED Process Roadmap Report provides in-depth data and analysis on OLED manufacturing technologies including materials, backplanes, OLED, and encapsulation. It also includes an analysis of benefits, opportunities, negatives, and challenges for each technology. Unique to the industry, the report shows specification roadmaps for OLED manufacturing through 2016 and indicates which manufacturing technologies will be required to achieve stability and performance. Also, the report provides a unique equipment investment simulation and module cost modeling analysis. NPD DisplaySearch provides market research and consulting, specializing in the display supply chain, as well as the emerging photovoltaic/solar cell industries. For more information on DisplaySearch analysts, reports and industry events, visit http://www.displaysearch.com/.

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