Research by Samsung and Stanford shows that the new OLED displays will be clearer and have greater colour quality than the existing versions.
Samsung and Stanford University have partnered together to create an OLED display with resolutions of up to 10,000 pixels per inch (PPI). This could lead to advancements in virtual and augmented reality technology as high pixel density results in more realistic images, according to study. The outcome was obtained by extending current prototypes for ultra-thin solar panel electrodes. The pixel density of mobile displays is much smaller relative to recent developments – those with the maximum pixel density are typically about 400ppi to 500ppi.
High-pixel density displays can have true-to-life details. In addition to the high pixel density, the latest OLED displays will also be brighter and have greater colour fidelity than the existing versions, according to research undertaken by Samsung and Stanford University. It would also be faster and more cost-effective to manufacture.
Production may be useful for devices such as virtual reality headsets, provided that most VR devices have a screen-door effect – where fine lines dividing pixels become apparent.
The main concept behind the current OLED is a base layer of translucent metal with nanoscale corrugations called an optical metasurface. The metasurface, clarified by the study, can manipulate the reflective properties of light and allow various colours shades to resonate in the pixels.
The study by Samsung and Stanford University seeks to provide an alternative to the two styles of OLED monitor currently commercially available. As per the study, the first one, named the red-green-blue OLED, has individual sub-pixels containing only one emitter colour. They can only be manufactured on a small scale and used by smartphones. Meanwhile, white OLED screens are used for larger machines, such as TVs.
Researchers have successfully developed miniature proof-of-concept pixels in laboratory experiments. Relative to the colour-filtered white-OLEDs, the study found that these pixels have a higher colour purity and showed a double improvement in luminescence quality that allows calculating how bright the screen is relative to how much energy it needs. It also makes an ultra-high pixel density of 10,000 PPI.
Samsung is working on how to integrate creation into a full-size display, as per the research.
