eMagin OLED-on-Silicon Microdisplays
Easy to view, compact, and low power, OLED microdisplays enable the high-quality near-eye viewing that enable portable computing for military, industrial, medical, and entertainment applications. eMagin builds its microdisplays on silicon substrates. The active matrix silicon CMOS integrated circuit directly under the display controls the power to each organic point of light diode and performs signal-processing and data-buffering functions at very high speed.
OLED technology is based on layers organic (carbon-based) chemical compounds that emit light when an electric current flows through the device. An OLED display comprises several thin layers of materials. In eMagin’s OLED microdisplays these layers are thinner than some of the smallest bacteria or 1/1000th the thickness of a human hair. When a voltage is applied, electrons flow through the layers of organic material. Typically only a few volts are required to turn on an OLED. As energy passes from the negatively charged layer to the other layer, it stimulates the organic material, which emits light.
OLEDs are emissive devices, creating their own light rather than directing light from a second source like liquid crystal-based displays. As a result, OLED devices require less power and can lead to more compact device designs. They also offer higher contrast and a broader color gamut than competing technologies. In addition, OLEDs emit light in a Lambertian pattern, appearing equally bright from most forward directions. So moderate pupil movement does not affect brightness or color, and the eye can maintain focus more comfortably, even for extended periods of time.
eMagin’s SVGA or higher resolution full-color displays contain over a million individual diodes, each of which acts as an independent light source emitting close to the entire visible spectrum of light, turning on and off at varying levels of brightness depending on the current flow. As a result, OLED materials present bright, clear video and images that are easy to see and comfortable to view in almost any application.