November 24, 2024

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[THE INVESTOR] Korean display manufacturer Samsung Display has decided to invest 100 million euros (US$117.59 million) in Cynora, a German display materials developer, in a bid to secure technology that could enhance the efficiency and performance of OLED displays.

The German firm produces highly efficient blue emitters based on what is called thermally activated delayed fluorescence technology. TADF is expected to solve some challenges in the display segment, including the relatively short lifespan of blue emitters.

An OLED display contains red, green and blue emitters. The blue emitter currently has a shorter life compared to the rest.

Samsung’s investment comes after its crosstown rival LG Display’s decision last month to invest a combined 150 million euros in Cynora.

Global display tech firms have been competing to commercialize TADF emitters. Based on the rising demand, Cynora plans to beef up its production capability, setting up new manufacturing lines.

Kyulux, a Japanese OLED tech startup, is also one of those working on developing more efficient display emitters. Samsung and LG invested 3 billion won (US$2.60 million) each in Kyulux last year.

The Japanese startup has announced that it will supply its emitters to WiseChip Semiconductor, a Taiwanese OLED display maker, in the last quarter of this year. Kyulux has an edge in that its OLED light emission technology does not require expensive rare heavy metals, such as iridium, to attain 100 percent efficiency. However, its technology is still said to be at the laboratory level.

“Cynora is closer to commercialization,” said a display expert, forecasting that the German firm would lead the OLED display sector in the coming years.

By Kim Young-won (wone0102@heraldcorp.com)