OLED is a next-generation display technology that is replacing LCD displays in several markets, such as small displays for mobile applications, TVs and microdisplays. OLEDs are made from thin films of organic light emitting materials that emit light when electricity is applied. OLEDs have a much simpler structure compared to LCDs and have several advantages over the incumbent technology.
eMagin XGA096 OLED-XL
OLED microdisplays
OLED microdisplays are considered to be the current state-of-the-art near-eye display technology. OLEDs offer many advantages over competing technologies:
- No backlight - a direct emissive display with high contrast and a wide color gamut
- Fast refresh rate
- Low power consumption (this depends on the image shown)
- Wide operation temperature range
OLEDs do suffer from lower lifetime, limited market capacity, high price. Many believe that microLEDs will offer the ultimate solution for microdisplays, with their inherent high brightness and efficiency, but these displays are not commercial yet.
The OLED Microdisplay market
Several companies in the US, Europe and Asia are producing OLED microdisplays - including eMagin, Sony, OLiGHTEK, Kopin, BOE and SeeYa.
If you're interested in adopting OLED microdisplays in your device, we'll be happy to help, you can browse available display in our OLED marketplace. Be sure to send us a mail and together we can find the best display for your project.
OLED-Info's OLED and MicroLED Microdisplay Market Report
If you want more in-depth information on the OLED (and MicroLED) Microdisplay market, look no further! Our OLED and MicroLED Microdisplay Market Report explains:
- Why OLED microdisplays are better than LCD or DLP ones
- The disadvantages of OLED microdisplays
- What kind of displays are available on the market today
- New technologies on the horizon, including MicroLED microdisplays
The report package also provides a complete list of OLED and microLED microdisplay makers and developers, their current (and future) products, and personal contact details into the leading microdisplay makers. Read more here!
The latest OLED microdisplays news:
Qualcomm unveils a new AR HMD reference design powered by Seeya OLED microdisplays
Qualcomm released a new AR smart glasses reference design, called the "New Wireless AR Smart Viewer" which is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon XR2 Gen-1 Platform. The reference design is now being sampled to select OEMs.
Qualcomm's design uses dual 0.49" 1920x1080 90Hz OLED microdisplays, produced by China-based Seeya.
Is Valve one of eMagin's consumer VR/AR customers?
OLED microdisplay maker eMagin has shown its latest 2.1" 4K (3600×4000) 120Hz OLED microdisplay prototype at SID Displayweek 2022.
As you can see in the image below (click to enlarge), the board says "STEAMBOAT", which lead some analysts to speculate that one of eMagin's VR customers is game developer Valve Corporation (as they publish the STEAM gaming platform).
eMagin reported strong Q1 2022 financial results
OLED microdisplay maker eMagin reported its financial results for Q1 2022, with a strong quarter. Revenues were $7.4 million (up 9% from 2021), as production increased 27% compared to 2021. The company's operating loss declined to $1.2 million ($2 million in Q1 2021), and its net loss was $0.1 million ($1.3 million adjusted for changes in warrant liability).
eMagin reported strong bookings, and an open orders backlog of $13.6 million.
SNU Precision to launch a dPd OLED microdisplay deposition tool
According to SNU Precision's web site, the company is set to release a new tool that will enable the deposition of direct-emission OLED materials on silicon wafers for microdisplay panels.
SNU Precision says that the new tool will support both R&D settings and mass production, with support for 200 mm and 300 wafers. The tool will launch "soon" but SNU does not give more details.
Calling out for comments: The Display Tracker service
Following the next-generation display industry and market for almost 20 years has taught us about the many challenges standing before companies that aim to adopt unique display solutions in their products.
Following discussions with display professionals, we feel there is a need for a service that assists companies with finding the right displays for them.
Kopin says it has received new orders and new customers for its OLED microdisplays and backplanes
Kopin Corporation announced today it has received new orders for its OLED microdisplays and silicon backplane products. These new orders come from new customers.
Kopin says it has started to ship 720p dual-stack 0.49" OLED microdisplays to a new customers, for thermal imaging viewfinders. The company also received a new order for its 2K OLED backplane wafer.
DSCC: AMOLEDs and OLED microdisplays to re-enter the VR market in 2023-2024
In recent years we have seen AMOLED displays fall out of favor in the VR market, as most devices have opted for high-end LCDs, due to the better image definition, mostly. According to DSCC, this is set to change next year (in 2023).
Sony has already adopted high density (>800PPI) AMOLED displays in the Playstation VR2, DSCC says that this trend will continue. DSCC also sees OLED microdisplays finally entering the VR market in 2023, with around 15 million such displays shipped in this market by 2024.
OLED-Info's OLED Market Reports updated to April 2022
Today we published new versions of our market reports - that cover the transparent, microdisplays, PMOLED and automotive OLED markets. OLED-Info provides comprehensive niche OLED market reports, and our reports cover everything you need to know about the niche market, and can be useful if you want to understand how the OLED industry works and what this technology can provide for your own industry. The reports are now updated to April 2022.
The OLED and MicroLED Microdisplays Market Report:
- The advantages of OLED and MicroLED microdisplays
- Information on all companies involved in this market
- What kind of displays are available on the market today
- Future technologies and roadmaps
The report package also provides a complete list of OLED and microLED microdisplays makers and their current (and future) products, and personal contact details into the leading microdisplays makers. Read more here!
On Sidtek's OLED microdisplays status and plans
China-based Semiconductor Integrated Display Technology, or SidTek, is an OLED microdisplay developer established in 2016. The company has recently started to produce OLED microdisplays on 8-inch silicon wafers, at its first production line located in the Chenhongda industrial park, in Wuhu, Anhui province, China.
Sidtek currently produces three display types in production
- 0.39" 1024x768 full-color
- 0.61" 800x600 or 1280x1024 full-color and monochrome
- 0.97" 1400x1050, monochrome
eMagin reports preliminary Q4 2021 financial results
OLED microdisplay maker eMagin posted its preliminary financial results for Q4 2021. eMagin sees increased product revenues in the range of $6.8 to $7 million (up 10% to 13% from Q4 2020). Contract revenues were about $0.2 million (down from $1.5 million in Q4 2020).
eMagin says that its core military business is enjoying a ramp up in volume, and the company's backlog at the end of the year increased 26% from the end of 2020. The lower contract revenues were primarily due to timing of development work for a tier-one consumer customer, but eMagin continues to work on this project and anticipates ongoing contract revenue with this customer.