It seems development of OLED displays is really picking up steam, with Japanese companies pioneering in this field: Toshiba Matsushita Display (TMD) and Idemitsu Kosan say they managed to develop a small-molecule organic electroluminescent display with a lifespan of up to 30 times longer compared to existing TMD displays. With 100 milliwatts, the prototype (lifetime: 60,000 hours) also boasts just one tenth the power consumption.
The companies also claim they achieved the world’s highest level of performance in a 2.2-inch QVGA (240×320) screen, which can be used in cell phones and portable media devices.
Idemitsu is mainly responsible for developing the raw materials and substances used in the OLED displays and has been collaborating with TMD for 3 years now. Based on the most recent breakthrough, the companies plan to accelerate the joint development of small- to medium-sized OLED displays for mobile equipment. Mass production of the new OLED displays is slated to begin next year, with a projected monthly output of 1.5 million panels.
Full press release after the jump.
August 20 ,2008
Development of Small-Molecule Organic EL Display Panels Achieves Lifetime of
60K1 Hours and the World’s Highest-Level Performance
– Toshiba Matsushita Display Technology Co., Ltd. working in joint development
with Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd. completes organic EL element featuring low power
consumption and extended lifetime –
Toshiba Matsushita Display Technology Co., Ltd. (TMD) and Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd. (Idemitsu) have jointly developed a small-molecule organic electroluminescent (EL) display panel for mobile equipment, with one tenth* the power consumption, and a lifetime of up to 30 times longer, as compared to existing TMD models**.
The joint development involved the TFT substrate design technology and element design technology of TMD; development of materials by Idemitsu, including RGB light-emitting materials and peripheral materials which offer high-efficiency and low-power consumption; and joint evaluation of the optimum combination of materials by both parties. As a result, TMD and Idemitsu succeeded in achieving the world’s highest level of performance*** for an organic EL display screen of 2.2-inch QVGA (240×320) format suitable for mobile equipment applications, with power consumption of 100 mW (based on typical movie screen images, defined by 30% brightness of a full-white screen) and luminosity half-life of 60K hours (based on a full-white screen at 200 cd/m2).
Since the fine organic EL layer formed on the glass substrate is a light-emitting device, an organic EL display can achieve high-contrast and high-definition images. These displays can also realize high speed motion on the screen without blur and with a wide viewing angle. Furthermore, the organic EL displays feature resource-saving features, such as lower power consumption, and require less material to build the display, since no backlight peripheral components are necessary, contributing to the display’s thinness.
TMD is now focused on the technological development of organic EL displays with these power-saving and lifetime-extending high-performance features, based on TMD’s proprietary low-temperature poly-silicon technology. In the past, TMD has acquired experience in the development of small-molecule organic EL displays suitable for cellular phones and small-sized mobile devices, and TMD has also acquired experience in developing polymer organic EL displays that are appropriate for larger screens. In 2005 TMD provided low-volume production of 3.5-inch organic EL panels which were well accepted in the test market. Since January 2005, TMD has been working with Idemitsu on the development of materials for small-molecule organic EL display panels, evaluation of their compatibility with TFT circuitry, optimization of device design, and other joint development programs.
Idemitsu has been continuosly involved in the development of advanced light-emitting materials since 1997, at which time the company succeeded in developing a blue light-emitting material boasting the world’s highest brightness based on the application of the company’s proprietary molecular design and organic synthesis technologies. The company has also been actively working to develop technology for material combination to maximize the performance of organic EL materials and structural technology for organic EL elements, in addition to the development of advanced materials.
TMD will proceed with the development of technologies for volume production of small- to medium-sized organic EL display panels for mobile equipment based on the results of this joint development.
Toshiba Group, a Corporate Citizen of the Planet Earth, is committed to realizing a better environment. Guided by “Toshiba Group Environmental Vision 2050” the Group is implementing measures to boost environmental efficiency by 10 times in FY2050, against the benchmark of FY2000. The core target is to reduce projected CO2 emissions by a total equivalent to 117.7 million tons a year by FY2025, through the development and sales of highly efficient power supply equipment and systems, and the manufacture of environmentally conscious home appliances and office equipment. By working to mitigate global warming, make efficient use of resources and control management of chemicals, Toshiba Group creates value for people and promotes lifestyles in harmony with the Earth.
1 Typical lifetime to 50% level of initial luminance value, assuming continuous normal operation at room temperature of 25ºC (77ºF).
*TMD conducted test in March 2008
**TMD conducted test in March 2008
***TMD conducted benchmark testing and determined performance relative to other competitors’ products during the period the first half of 2008