The MicroLED-Info newsletter (January 17, 2023)

Stacked-RGB microLED microdisplay developed Sundiode announced that it has achieved the successful growth of a monolithic, all-InGaN RGB LED structure on a single sapphire wafer. This structure was developed in collaboration with Soft-EPI.

Sundiode's epitaxial technology enables stacked-RGB LEDs with multiple junctions, capable of emitting RGB colors independently. This structure makes it easier to produce ultra-high density microdisplays.

The MicroLED Industry Association (MIA) continues to grow and welcome new members from across the MicroLED industry. The MIA offers its members a chance to be a part of a unique community and enjoy resources like participation in white papers, online meetings, webinars, and much more. 

Some of the latest members of the MIA include 3M, University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB) and Fraunhofer FEP, and here is what they have to say:

Minbeom Seo, 3M's Display Materials Business Development & Strategy manager said : "3M joins the MicroLED Industry Association to solve big problems in microLED display technology and market. We believe we can come up with innovative microLED solutions through collaboration with 3M science and world class partners".

There are reports from Korea that say that the Korean Government is considering designating microLED display technology as a "national strategic technology", which means that companies will be given tax benefits, to encourage further investments and R&D.

According to the reports, next week the government will unveil a new draft tax law next week that will also include OLEDs and quantum dot displays as strategic technologies.

ETNews says that Samsung Display has launched a new project to develop microLED displays for smart watch applications. The company setup a new development team, with a goal to commercialize this technology and move it beyond its current R&D stage.

Samsung's plan, it seems, is to complete the development by the end of 2023, and then look into mass production, aiming to supply such displays to Tier-1 wearable makers such as Apple and Samsung Electronics.

Apple's involvement in the microLED display market is not a secret, and rumors over the years suggested that the company's first microLED display will be adopted in a smartwatch project.A couple of weeks ago we heard estimates that Apple is working to produce a 2.1" microLED display, to be adopted in the next Watch Ultra device, due in late 2023 or (more likely in 2024).
 

DSCC's Ross Young gives an update today, saying that according to his information, LG Display is building a small production line that will make microLED backplanes for Apple. The line will begin operation in the second half of 2024, which means that the watch device itself will be released in 2025. This timeline makes more sense than an early launch in 2023.

We are happy to announce the new edition of The OLED Handbook, the most comprehensive resource on OLED technology, industry and market - now updated for 2023. OLED technologies have successfully been adopted in smartphones, wearables, TVs, AR/VR and more - and our new handbook covers all the information that you'll need to fully understand where the OLED industry (and the display industry in general) is going next.

Reading this book, you'll learn all about:

• OLED technology and materials and production processes
• How OLEDs compare to LCD displays
• OLED TVs, foldable, rollable and transparent OLEDs
• The OLED lighting industry
• The future of OLED displays and the challenges ahead

The book also provides:

• A history of OLED development
• A guide to OLED investment
• A comprehensive list of OLED companies
• A list of existing and planned AMOLED fabs
• An introduction to quantum dots, micro-LEDs and e-paper displays

The OLED handbook has been read by hundreds of display engineers, business developers, researchers, equipment vendors, OLED material companies, private investors and others who wished to learn more about OLEDs today and in the future. I truly believe that it is the best introduction to OLED displays and lighting!

The MicroLED Industry Association published today its first white paper, an application note that discusses the feasibility of microLED wearable displays soon, focusing on an LED cost analysis to see if such a display actually makes sense for smartwatch makers by 2024.

The white paper can be downloaded over at the MicroLED Association's website.