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:
Supply constraints slow down LG Display's OLED expansion plans
According to reports from Korea, supply chain issues are slowing down LG Display's OLED production expansion plans, and key components cannot be secured.
According to the report, the delivery times of some components have more than doubled, and Korean equipment makers cannot produce and supply the production systems that LGD requires. Only 9% of components used in equipment makers in Korea are produced in Korea.
A new version of OLED-Info's OLED and MicroLED Microdisplay Market report released
Today we published a new edition of our OLED and MicroLED Microdisplays Market Report, with all the latest information. The new edition includes more than 10 new updates, new companies, new datasheets and revamped sections on APS, Mojo vision, Porotech, PlayNitride and more.
Reading this report, you'll learn all about:
- The advantages of OLED and MicroLED microdisplays
- The microdisplays that are available on the market today
- Information on all companies involved in this market
- Future technologies and roadmaps
The report package also provides:
- A list of all OLED microdisplays on the market
- A list of all OLED and MicroLED microdisplays makers
- Microdisplays spreadsheet (premium edition)
- Over 25 datasheets, presentations (premium edition)
- Free updates for a year
This microdisplays market report provides a great introduction to OLED and MicroLED microdisplays, and covers everything you need to know about the current status of the market and industry. This is a great guide if you're considering to adopt OLED microdisplays in your product, if you're looking to learn more about next-generation micro-LEDs and if you want to understand this industry better.
EO System uses eMagin's OLED microdisplays in a range of defense products
OLED microdisplay maker eMagin announced that EO System Company (EOST) , an established electro-optical devices defense supplier, has been using the company's range of OLED microdisplays in its products.
EOST is using eMagin's displays in its snipers thermal weapon sights, thermal imaging systems and binocular systems for surveillance. The company says it has deployed over a dozen different eMagin OLED microdisplays over the years. eMagin says that its current backlog to EOST is over $1 million.
BCDTEK sets out to construct a $970 million 12-inch OLED microdisplay fab in Huainan
OLED microdisplay developer BCDTEK is embarking on a new project to construct a 12-inch OLED microdisplay production site in Huainan, China. The new fab will have a production capacity of 20,000 monthly substrates.
The total investment in this new fab will reach 6.5 billion yuan (around $970 million USD). The company has raised funds from China Micro Semiconductor and Shanghai Wusheng Electronics.
APS Holdings to build an OLED microdisplay R&D production line, aims to reach 3000 PPI via FMM by 2023
In 2021 The Korean government launched a new project that aims to develop technologies for the production of OLED microdisplays for AR applications. The project is led by AP Systems (APS Holdings), and aims to produce a direct emission OLED microdisplay with a resolution of 4,000 PPI by 2024.
According to reports from Korea, APS Materials has managed to develop a 1,000 PPI FMM mask, and is now building a new R&D line that will be used to produce direct emission OLED microdisplays using FMM technology. The new APS production line will include OLED deposition and encapsulation.
eMagin has been awarded with a $2.5 million US Army project to develop a direct-emission OLED microdisplay prototype
OLED microdisplay maker eMagin has been awarded a $2.5 million US Army contract towards a high-brightness, full-color direct-emission OLED microdisplay prototype project. The project includes the development of manufacturing process technologies
The prototype that eMagin will develop will be used in AR systems that provide both sensor and tactical data to soldiers.
LG to start OLED microdisplay production, to order deposition equipment from Sunic System
LG Display has been developing OLED microdisplay technologies for several years, and according to a new report from Korea the company is now aiming to build its first production line, as it has hopes to supply OLED Microdisplay to Apple in the future. LG is reportedly ordering deposition equipment from Korea-based OLED equipment maker Sunic System.
According to reports, Apple is using 4K OLED microdisplay produced by Sony for its first-gen AR device. But Apple could aim to replace Sony (which is a direct competitor) in its later-generation devices.
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.