Kodak, Sanyo Show Full-Color Active Matrix Organic Display
First Color OEL Display Increases Threat To LCD Display Dominance Eastman Kodak Company and Sanyo Electric Co. unveiled the world's first commercially viable model of a full-color, active matrix organic electroluminscent (OEL or OLED) display at the Japan Electronics Show. The 2.5-inch (measured diagonally) display features a 190,000-pixel display panel. The result of an alliance between Kodak and Sanyo Electric announced in February, the device features the most vivid colors and highest-quality image yet produced on an OEL display. OEL displays are easier to view and have lighter weight and lower power consumption than the liquid crystal displays (LCD) now found in a multitude of electronics products. The demonstration model, as thin as a dime, weighs less than half its LCD counterpart and requires much less power. The development of OEL technologies supports one of Kodak's strategic initiatives by leveraging the company's expertise in image science and materials - the full-color display shown by Kodak and Sanyo will soon replace many of the LCD screens found on digital video cameras and personal digital assistants (PDAs). It also could pave the way for a revolution in display devices, including thinner and lighter computer screens and low-power, wall-mountable television screens. Multi-color OEL displays based on Kodak's technology are already built into many car audio units produced by Pioneer Electronics. ""Vivid, full-color active matrix is the next step for OEL to reach its full potential as the display technology of the 21st Century,"" said Carl F. Kohrt, Executive Vice President, Assistant Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technical Officer, Eastman Kodak Company. ""OEL's low power requirements, thin profile and light weight will mean that information-rich, user friendly displays can be built into even more electronic products."" ""Our success in an OEL displays, which are a potential next generation flat panel display, has been achieved by complementing each other's strength, and this development will definitely influence the overall electronics industry, but especially the market for hand-held information terminals,"" said Yukinori Kuwano, President of SANYO Semiconductor. ""From now on, we shall make the best effort to shorten the time-to-market of the product."" An organic electroluminescent (OEL or OLED) display comprises thin layers of individual carbon-based (hence ""organic"") elements that emit light when electric current is passed through them (electroluminescence). Each of these elements, or pixels, can be turned on or off independently and can create multiple colors and a very fluid and smooth edged display. OEL displays are self-emitting, requiring no backlight, and are therefore very thin and have low power requirements. They also provide a very wide viewing area, approximately 160 degrees, far superior to other available flat panel displays. Because OEL displays do not need the backlighting usually provided by mercury lamps, they do not face the same concerns and possible regulations about disposal. In simplest terms, full-color active matrix means that the electronics that control the display are built right on to the subtstrate of the display. This greatly reduces power requirements. Kodak has been active in OEL research for more than a decade. Company researchers made a number of major breakthroughs which led to patents on the basic OEL device structure, key classes of materials, doping techniques to drastically improve efficiency and control color, as well as techniques for depositing small organic molecules on substrates. Kodak OEL technology grew initially from research into organic electronic devices used in electrophotography. Now the company holds more than 40 U.S. patents, has many pending applications, and has patents and applications overseas on the basic structure of OEL devices, several unique classes of OEL materials as well as fabrication methods and drive schemes. Kodak has already entered into licensing agreements for its OEL technology with other companies including FED Corporation, Pioneer Electronics Corp. and TDK Corporation. The company is also providing its licensees with patented OEL materials. Source: www.kodak.com