Samsung's OLEDoS Panels: Samples & LEDoS Development

Samsung Display (SDC) is set to supply OLEDoS prototypes to major XR clients such as Samsung Electronics and Apple starting from late 2023. Additionally, SDC is focusing on the development of LED on Silicon (LEDoS) technology to cater to the growing demands of augmented reality (AR).

As per reports from South Korean media outlet Korean Economy, SDC is in the final stages of research and development for OLEDoS panels, which are slated for mass production in 2024. The company plans to introduce prototypes by the end of 2023 to meet the global demand, particularly from Apple.

OLEDoS technology plays a pivotal role in enabling XR headsets and smart glasses. Apple's Vision Pro, for instance, relies on OLEDoS supplied by Sony. However, due to the technical complexities involved, Sony's OLEDoS panels reportedly achieve a yield rate of only around 20%.

SDC has already completed preparations for mass-producing white-light OLEDoS panels, which are intended for use in products like Apple's Vision Pro. Furthermore, SDC has acquired eMagin, a US-based company, to push the boundaries further with the development of RGB OLEDoS technology. Recent reports suggest that SDC has partnered with South Korean equipment manufacturer Sunic System to commence the RGB OLEDoS certification process.

In addition, during the "Deep Tech Forum 2023," Mr. Kim Kyung-min, Executive of the Technical Strategy Group at SDC's research institute, revealed that SDC has embarked on the development of LEDoS technology for AR devices. These devices will incorporate Micro LED chips smaller than a few micrometers, ensuring their suitability for various applications.

OLEDoS technology finds practical applications in VR devices, effectively blocking out the external space. However, its implementation in AR devices, which require visibility of the surrounding environment, poses challenges due to brightness limitations. To overcome this, Samsung aims to miniaturize LEDs while maintaining their characteristics, ensuring higher resolution, brightness, and product longevity. SDC is actively researching the use of Micro LEDs measuring 10 micrometers or less.

It's important to note that as Micro LEDs continue to shrink, their characteristics differ from traditional LEDs used in lighting. If reduced to sizes like 20 micrometers or even 10 micrometers, their performance may experience a significant decline, thereby posing a significant challenge in the development of LEDoS technology.