Researchers Develop Cost-Effective Method for Large Transparent Screens
KIMM
Transparent OLED technology has advanced significantly since its early prototypes over a decade ago, yet the screens remain relatively expensive. Researchers in Korea have now developed a 100-inch NTS display that they can mass-produce at one-tenth of the current cost.
“The team from the Nano-lithography and Manufacturing Research Center at the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials developed and brought the technology to market.”
However, Known as Nano Transparent Screen (NTS), it incorporates titanium dioxide nanoparticles, each about 100 nanometers in diameter, evenly dispersed in an ultra-thin film described as “as thin as a human hair.”
Advanced Projection Technology
Moreover, a high-resolution beam projector projects widescreen images onto the film, creating high-quality visuals visible from a 170-degree viewing angle on both sides of the display.
Moreover, researchers can incorporate a Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal film to control background opacity in very bright environments, enhancing image clarity.
Robust Performance in Varied Conditions
The technology performs effectively in both high and low temperature conditions, and engineers have designed it to endure harsh weather conditions.
Potential applications include displays in department stores, smart windows, and indoor or outdoor promotional purposes—recently demonstrated at the outdoor space of the “Youth Mall” in Gungju.
Although not explicitly stated for televisions, the large NTS panels demonstrate capability in displaying video content, implying their potential use for this application.
The team highlights that traditional 100-inch transparent OLED screens can cost upwards of KRW 100 million (over US$72,000), while cheaper transparent LED technology has seen limited adoption due to its lower resolution output.
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Cost-Effective Commercialization Strategy
The researchers assert that they can bring mass-produced NTS displays to market at approximately 10% of the cost of transparent OLED screens.
They anticipate the development of lightweight transparent screens exceeding 100 inches diagonally, as well as flexible films suitable for customized installations. A spin-off company is currently commercializing this technology.
To conclude, Jun-Ho Jeong, the principal researcher on the project, commented, “The technology for manufacturing Nano Transparent Screens represents a cutting-edge innovation, combining nanomaterials and nanomanufacturing techniques with existing IT technologies.
Moving forward, our focus will be on research and development aimed at continuously enhancing the quality of NTSs and promoting the widespread adoption of transparent screens.
Read the original article on: New Atlas
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