Looking at the emerging Micro-LED and Mini-LED display markets, GE demonstrated important advances in narrowband red phosphors (PFS-KSF) and green phosphors that will accelerate their integration with these next-generation display applications. Dr. James Murphy highlighted these advancements as well as significant improvements to existing commercial applications in his keynote address at SID Virtual Display Week.
In his presentation, Dr. James Murphy showed a video of red phosphors already deposited on plastic substrates using inkjet printing processes. He added: “GE’s research labs have been innovating 3D printing technologies for decades, including direct writing or inkjet printing. “We have leveraged the lab’s extensive experience in 3D or addition processes and made exciting breakthroughs that will pave the way for our narrowband red and green phosphors in next-generation Micro LED and Mini LED displays.” ”
Dr. Murphy noted that history may repeat itself in the display market, noting: “Over the past five years, driven by the innovation and development of narrowband phosphors, we have experienced a color revolution in liquid crystal displays. These latest breakthroughs will put GE in a good position to drive Micro LED’s next color revolution. ”
As of today, nearly 40 billion LEDs containing PFS-KSF are used in commercial displays. It is expected that LEDs will continue to dominate for some time to come, but the mini LED market is also growing rapidly. According to a Yole Development report on Micro LEDs, Micro LEDs are expected to be first applied to smartwatches and enter AR/MR Micro displays with an estimated market penetration of more than 15%. In about 5 years, Micro LED will begin to penetrate the large display market such as TVs and laptops.
Dr Murphy said: “There is a good chance that any electronic device, television or computer screen today, it will contain GE’s phosphorescent technology, but we know that the next generation of display applications is coming, and we want to do everything we can to maintain and grow our current market position well into the future.” ”
Dr. Murphy explained that PFS/KSF is included in most major consumer electronics brands in almost all types of LCD display applications, which include smartphones, tablets, laptop/computer monitors, and TVs. In his presentation, he highlighted other significant advancements on the PFS/KSF platform that support more direct display market needs, including: improved water/humidity resistance; Smaller particle size; Improved recipes for integration into chip and remote configurations. These advances will provide a more cost-effective path for wide-gamut liquid crystal displays to be more immersive and colorful.