Researchers from the Korea 's SNU, KAIST and KIMM developed a new lift-off process for flexible OLED displays, based on graphene. The researchers term the new method GLLO, or Graphene Laser Lift Off.
The researchers placed a single-layer CVD graphene film between the polyimide film and the glass carrier. The graphene, with its ability to absorb ultra-violet light and distribute heat laterally, enables a clean lift-off without any wrinkles or residues. Using the GLLO method, the researchers successfully separated 2.9 μm thick ultrathin PI substrates without any mechanical damage or carbon residue left behind. In contrast, traditional methods left the substrates wrinkled and the glass carriers unusable due to stubborn residues. This breakthrough has far-reaching implications for stretchable electronics and wearable devices.
The researcher further report that OLEDs processed with GLLO retained their electrical and mechanical performance, showing consistent current density-voltage-luminance properties before and after lift-off. These devices also withstood extreme deformations, such as folding and twisting, without functional degradation. Additionally, carbonaceous residues on the glass carrier were reduced by 92.8%, enabling its reuse. These findings highlight GLLO as a promising method for manufacturing ultrathin and flexible electronics with improved efficiency and reduced costs.
Graphene is a highly promising material that has several use cases in the display industry - electrodes, backplanes, touch layers and as process materials. Following over 10 years of intensive research and developments, graphene is now finally maturing. To learn more about graphene, consult our Graphene Handbook (edition 2025 was just released a few days ago) or our Graphene for the Display and Lighting Industries Market Report.