Smartkem and AUO collaborate on rollable µLED displays
Smartkem, a UK developer of organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs), has partnered with AUO, the largest display manufacturer in Taiwan, to jointly develop the world's first advanced rollable, transparent microLED display using Smartkem’s technology.
Smartkem's chairman and CEO Ian Jenk says its technology has the potential to take today’s microLED TVs from high end market prices of $100,000 down to mass market prices. “Because our transistors are processed at such a low temperature compared to other technologies, we are able to pour them directly on top of the microLEDs, completely eliminating the problematic mass transfer and laser welding processes required with other technologies, " explained Jenks.
"The key feature that enables the development of this microLED display is our unique low temperature process that allows the use of low-cost, flexible plastic rather than glass. We believe that, if successful, this collaboration will be a significant milestone for Smartkem in its road to commercialisation, and for microLED display product development using our technology.”
Wei-Lung Liau, CTO of AUO, commented, “AUO has dedicated years to developing the ultimate microLED display technology, forging alliances with ecosystem partners to enable mass production. In this collaboration, AUO has developed groundbreaking technologies that boost the high transparency and free-form in applications of MicroLED. With proprietary materials from Smartkem and the OTFT production process from ITRI, we are collaboratively developing the world’s first rollable microLED display for potential commercialisation with cost advantage. We believe this will create new opportunities for the display industry and continue to expand value chain partner cooperation and influence.”
Display analyst and DSCC (Display Supply Chain Consultants) CEO, Ross Young, commented, “This is an exciting project that, if successful, will demonstrate the cost effectiveness of Smartkem’s technology in the most demanding of microLED applications, and could generate substantial market interest.”
The project between Smartkem and AUO will commence on January 1, 2025. The collaboration has been awarded a grant from the 2024 Taiwan-UK Research & Development Collaboration, supported by The Taiwanese Ministry of Economic Affairs and Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
The 2024 UK-Taiwan Collaborative R&D Initiative has invested more than £10 million this year to promote bilateral industrial technology research and development cooperation. The nine award-winning projects will promote the joint development of advanced technologies in fields such as electrical information communication, biomedicine, and electromechanical by Taiwan-UK enterprises.
Secure Your Hydrogen Supply
A study supply of high-purity hydrogen is critical to semiconductor fabrication. Supply chain interruptions are challenging manufacturers, leading to production slowdowns and stoppages. On-site hydrogen generation offers a scalable alternative for new and existing fabs, freeing the operator from dependence on delivered gas.Plant managers understand the critical role that hydrogen plays in semiconductor fabrication. That important job includes crystal growth, carrier gas, wafer annealing, and in the emerging Extreme UV Lithography (EUV) that will enable new generations of devices. As the vast need for semiconductors grows across all sectors of world economies, so does the need for high-purity hydrogen.
Take control with Nel on-site hydrogen generation.
Read more
.jpeg){kind=logo}
