Ignacy Giżyński
LG Display has announced a breakthrough in OLED technology, presenting the world's first panel using blue phosphorescent material PHOLED. This achievement has enabled full phosphorescence for all three primary colours: red, green, and blue, significantly increasing the energy efficiency of OLED displays.
OLEDs finally without a weak link!
The blue pixel – small but stubborn. For years it has been the Achilles' heel of OLED screens. While red and green have long transitioned to more efficient phosphorescence, blue remained stuck in technological past, devouring energy and shortening screen lifespan. But LG says: enough of that.
The Korean giant has announced that it has become the first in the world to create a functioning blue PHOLED – a pixel that finally combines the power of phosphorescence with durability. What does this mean? Less power consumption, brighter colours, and screens that will last more than just a few seasons of Netflix. This is not a small step for pixels – it's a giant leap for the entire OLED market.
When will we see this technology in devices?
LG does not intend to hide this innovation in a drawer – the first panels with blue PHOLED will be showcased on 11 May at SID Display Week 2025 in San Jose. Initially, the technology will be introduced in smartphones, tablets, and laptops – where every percentage of saved battery makes a difference. But this is just the beginning.
Ultimately, PHOLED is also set to be used in large displays, such as televisions. The problem with blue pixels was that they wore out faster, causing the image to lose quality over time. By using phosphorescence instead of fluorescence, the new panels can simply be more durable and stable over time.
Collaboration with Universal Display Corporation
Behind all this commotion is a duo: LG Display and Universal Display Corporation. If UDC doesn't mean anything to you – they are the ones who have been working on phosphorescent materials for OLEDs for years. Back in 2022, they mentioned having a stable blue material... but as often happens with "we have it!" in the world of technology, it took a while from theory to actual implementation.
Now, however, it seems that they have nailed it. LG took this material and built a functioning panel from it, combining phosphorescence with a fluorescent layer in a so-called tandem configuration. The result? A blue pixel that finally isn't a one-time deal.
