Researchers from the Fraunhofer COMEDD Institute in collaboration with Von Ardenne Anlagentechnik are developing new direct-emission OLED microdisplays. These new displays will be more efficient and cheaper than Fraunhofer's current microdisplays which use color filters.
Fraunhofer uses Von Ardenne's flash-mask-transfer-lithography (FMTL) technology. The FMTL-technology works with special transfer masks. Organic layers are locally deposited through the masks via thermal heat input and transferred to the microdisplay. This process needed a complete redesign to suit OLED deposition.
Fraunhofer's COMEDD recently upgraded their OLED microdisplay production line with new equipment made by SNU Precision. We're not sure how close is the new technology to commercialization, and what are the Fraunhofer's plans for these new microdisplays.
Currently all microdisplays on the market (from eMagin, Sony, MicroOLED and oLightek) use color filters. eMagin is working on direct-emission OLED microdisplays, and in November 2012 the company said they hope to have prototypes ready towards the end of 2013.
