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Apple is looking for a way to produce advanced OLED displays more cheaply. According to reports from Korea, the company is considering using HMO technology and a production method called sputtering. Samsung Display and LG Display are already working on the solution, and the new panels could in future be used in MacBooks and iMacs.
Cheaper OLED production without new machines?
As The Elec reports, Apple is analysing the use of HMO (High-Mobility Oxide) technology, which uses transistors with increased electron mobility. They drive the OLED pixels, and their higher performance could make it easier to produce displays with high resolution and high refresh rates.
Currently typical oxide transistors achieve a mobility of around 10 cm²/V·s. In the case of HMO the aim is to increase this value to 30–50 cm²/V·s.
However, the production method is crucial. Apple is said to favour sputtering, that is the plasma-based deposition of thin material layers. The technology makes it possible to use equipment already present in OLED factories, which could reduce costs.
An alternative is ALD, or atomic layer deposition. The method provides greater precision but requires more expensive equipment and materials.
Samsung and LG are testing both approaches
Samsung Display is testing the possibility of using HMO on large eighth-generation substrates, while LG Display is developing the technology on sixth-generation lines. Both manufacturers are also conducting research into ALD.
The new solution could simplify the production of OLED panels intended for laptops and desktop PCs. However, that does not automatically mean cheaper Apple devices.
No final decision has yet been made on the method for mass production. It is also unclear when panels using the new solution might reach the market.
Sources: The Elec, OLED-Info, DigiTimes
