May 2022
Post by Noctiluca
Popular science reports on the future of electronic displays show flexible laptops, paper-thin TVs and digital screens integrated into surfaces, buildings or even car windows. But does this sound like the all-too-distant future? While these concepts may be ambitious and futuristic, smartphone manufacturers have already presented thin, foldable devices that were possible thanks to OLED technology – LEDs composed of layers of organic molecules capable of emitting light “on their own.”
But what does the application of OLED technology mean in practice? Well, OLEDs give manufacturers the possibility of creating ultra-thin, energy-saving displays that offer superior image quality and do not require heavy or rare earth metals in their production; a common issue with older-generation displays whose components were often sourced in regions affected by armed conflicts. For these reasons, OLED technology is successively replacing outdated electronic displays and is being commonly used in high-end products from top manufacturers, including LG and Samsung.
The OLED market size is $38.4 billion. It is projected to reach USD 72.8 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 13,6% during the forecast period.
OLED – smartphones, TVs and…
Smartphones make up the largest segment of OLED technology use. The smartphone display market is constantly growing in value thanks to a number of factors, including continual technological advances, the growing popularity of mobile entertainment and remote work, and a drop in popularity among larger laptops and computers. TVs are the second-largest segment for OLED displays.
The global OLED TV market is expected to reach a valuation of USD 21.3 billion by 2023. A rising trend in high-end consumer electronics and an upsurge in end consumer income in emerging economies are believed to contribute significantly to an increase in demand for OLED TVs in the near future.
However, smartphones and TV sets are not the only segments for OLED technology, as these can also be used in tablets, monitors, VR sets, wearables, as well as in the medical, automotive, and lighting industries.
A technology that few understand, but many use
Noctiluca sees the incredible potential in OLED technology and its applications – going beyond the display industry. The Polish company is currently one of the three global leaders developing technology that is at the very heart of every OLED display – Noctiluca specializes in creating and developing advanced chemical compounds that have countless applications in displays and OLED panels from practically any manufacturer. Noctiluca can also offer some of its compounds patent-free and outsource their production.
Noctiluca develops 3rd- and 4th-generation OLED emitter technology, i.e. OLEDs with TADF characteristics and hyperfluorescence. These powder-like compounds glow when electrically charged and are a key component of any OLED display. By comparison, LCD technology was based on a backlit screen which would then display a desired image by using color filters.
In the near future, Noctiluca’s next-gen emitters could replace 1st- and 2nd-generation emitters currently produced around the world. Compared to earlier generations, TADF emitters are more stable and energy efficient, are less expensive to manufacture, and offer potentially longer lifespans. They can be used in ultra-thin and flexible devices or even printed onto surfaces, e.g. on product packaging. As a result, their applications go beyond displays and as they can be used in such segments as lighting or in marketing and branding.
Another issue lies in the fact that the 2nd-generation emitters currently in use contain rare earth metals and heavy metals such as iridium or platinum. Noctiluca’s 3rd- and 4th-generation compounds offer better technological parameters and are fully organic, i.e. their production does not require rare earth metals.
Noctiluca’s emitter technology is currently being tested in Korea by industry giant LG Display, which has a 21% share in the global OLED display market. Moreover, Noctiluca is engaged in talks and contracts with a number of other industry players. 2023 is slated to see the start of commercial sales of 3rd-generation green emitters. If all tests are successful, this would be a global first in the commercial implementation of a green emitter integrated with the latest OLED technology.