How Microspectroscopy Drives New Display Technologies
Electronic displays are ever-present in modern society. It is estimated around 7.1 billion people carry them in their pockets daily. Smartphones have become so ubiquitous that their ingenuity is often overlooked. For example, a six-inch Quad HD smartphone can provide pixel densities of up to 600 pixels per inch (PPI), double the value the human eye can distinguish detail at a normal viewing distance. Beyond astounding image clarity and fidelity, modern electronic displays offer rapid refresh rates (+120Hz), high dynamic range (HDR) support, in-display fingerprint sensors, flexible substrates, and more. Still, demand continues to grow.
Although consumer electronics remains a huge growth driver, much of this growing demand comes from broader adoption. Touch-based devices have proliferated in retail, healthcare, automotive, and other applications, and demand for LED digital signage has surged. OLED displays specifically have experienced huge adoption, especially since the introduction of 5G technologies.
Although consumer electronics remains a huge growth driver, much of this growing demand comes from broader adoption. Touch-based devices have proliferated in retail, healthcare, automotive, and other applications, and demand for LED digital signage has surged. OLED displays specifically have experienced huge adoption, especially since the introduction of 5G technologies.
The demand for new display technologies is driven by better visual quality, energy efficiency, new device form factors, AR/VR applications, and enhanced durability. Emerging technologies like microLED, miniLED, OLED, quantum dot displays, E Ink, holographic displays, and micro-LED on silicon promise to meet these demands and offer exciting advancements in various applications.
New Types of Display Tech on the Horizon
- MicroLED: MicroLEDs are composed of microscopic LEDs that form individual pixels. They offer incredible brightness, contrast ratios, and energy efficiency. Unlike OLEDs, they don't suffer from burn-in and have longer lifespans.
- MiniLED: MiniLEDs use smaller LEDs as backlighting for LCDs, enabling more precise control over brightness and improved contrast. This technology brings better HDR performance and deeper blacks compared to traditional LED-backlit displays, at a lower cost than OLEDs.
- OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diodes): OLED displays use organic compounds that emit light when an electric current is applied. These displays are known for their deep blacks, vibrant colors, and thin form factor. They are flexible and can be used in curved and foldable screens. However, they are prone to burn-in and can be less energy-efficient in bright displays.
- Quantum Dot Displays: Quantum dots are tiny semiconductor particles used to enhance color and brightness in LCDs. They offer improved color accuracy and efficiency over traditional LCDs. When combined with OLEDs, they can produce displays with exceptional color performance.
- E Ink and Reflective Displays: These displays mimic the appearance of ink on paper, primarily used in e-readers. They are extremely energy-efficient and easy on the eyes. This makes them ideal for reading and other applications where long battery life is crucial.
- Holographic Displays: Holographic displays create three-dimensional images that can be viewed from different angles. Potentially revolutionary for AR and VR, it allows for more immersive and interactive experiences.
- Micro-LED on Silicon (μLED on Si): This integrates micro-LEDs directly on a silicon substrate. It provides high pixel density, making it suitable for AR/VR applications and other high-resolution requirements.
Where Microspectroscopy Fits In
Microspectroscopy is pivotal in driving advancements in new display technologies. By applying microspectroscopy, detailed insights can be gathered about material properties at microscopic scales. This capability from microspectroscopy is instrumental for developing Micro-LED displays, which utilize arrays of microscopic LEDs to form each pixel. These displays are superior to traditional LED or OLED screens in terms of brightness, contrast ratios, and power efficiency. For instance, Porotech's DynamicPixelTuning technology enables a single pixel to produce any color in the visible spectrum. This eliminates the need for separate RGB sub-pixels. Additionally, LC SQUARE's laser-based micro-LEDs, created through laser-induced forward transfer technology, promise more efficient manufacturing processes.
Quantum dot displays, a beneficiary of microspectroscopy, use semiconductor nanocrystals to emit pure monochromatic light, enhancing color accuracy and efficiency over traditional LCDs. Advanced OLED technologies are also seeing improvements in efficiency and color reproduction. Moreover, holographic and light field displays promise glasses-free 3D viewing experiences.
These emerging display technologies are pushed by the detailed analytical capabilities of microspectroscopy. They aim to surpass current LCD and OLED displays in:
- Energy efficiency
- Picture quality
- Flexibility
- Form factor.
Micro-LED technology, in particular, holds the potential to match or exceed OLED performance. However, challenges in manufacturing processes and costs remain before these technologies can achieve widespread commercial adoption.
Enhance Your Displays With Microspectroscopy Tools
The ongoing advancements in display technology, driven by the capabilities of microspectroscopy, herald a new era of visual experiences. At CRAIC Technologies, we understand the critical role that precise, high-resolution spectroscopy plays in these innovations. Micro-LED displays and quantum dot technologies are all benefiting from the detailed analysis that microspectroscopy provides. Utilizing microspectroscopy can help enable breakthroughs in efficiency, color accuracy, and design flexibility.
As these technologies progress from research to commercial viability, the importance of advanced analytical tools cannot be overstated. We, CRAIC Technologies, remain at the forefront with our cutting-edge microspectroscopy instruments. The equipment we have, including those for microspectroscopy, is necessary to drive these innovations forward. Our options of microspectroscopy systems, including raman microspectrometers and UV-Vis-NIR microspectrometers, and other types of equipment for microspectroscopy are listed on our website. With our commitment to excellence and precision, and our microspectroscopy technology, we continue to support the development of next-generation displays that promise brighter, more vibrant, and more energy-efficient screens for the future.
References
- Davis M. An entirely new display technology. Innovations Report. https://www.innovations-report.com/materials-sciences/an-entirely-new-display-technology/. Published 17th April 2024. Accessed 25th June 2024.
- Chen Y, Gao Z, Gong Z, et al. Research Progress of Micro-LED Display Technology. Crystals. 2023;13(7):1001. doi:10.3390/cryst13071001.
- Özgür Yöntem. Advanced Graphics & Imaging Technologies Display Technologies. University of Cambridge Computer Laboratory. https://www.cl.cam.ac.uk/teaching/2021/AdvGraphIP/09_Display_Technologies_1pp.pdf. Published 8th October 2020. Accessed 25th June 2024.
- Explore the Top 9 Display Technology Trends in 2024. Start Us Insights. https://www.startus-insights.com/innovators-guide/display-technology-trends/. Accessed 25th June 2024.
