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Universal Display, a leader in OLED, eyes flexible screen

NJBIZ STAFF//December 16, 2013//

Universal Display, a leader in OLED, eyes flexible screen

NJBIZ STAFF//December 16, 2013//

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The idea is still developing, but Universal Display anticipates its OLED — organic light-emitting diodes — technology will result in innovations unimaginable just a few years ago. Flexible flat-screens are high on the list.

“We are going to create some new applications that are — to coin an old term — disruptive,” said Janice Mahon, vice president of technology and commercialization at Universal Display.

The Ewing-based Universal Display has seen revenue increase more than fivefold in the past four years to $83.2 million, aided by Samsung’s adoption of the company’s OLED technology for Galaxy smartphones. But Universal Display is hardly resting on laurels.

The company believes OLED displays can make inroads in the flat-panel television business currently dominated by LCD — or liquid crystal display — technology.

OLED flat-panel TVs are already on the market. Samsung and LG have unveiled curved, 55-inch OLED screens, though they sell for around $9,000. Mahon said that price level is expected of early-stage technology.

“Long term, OLEDs should cost less than LCDs, which is one of the key parameters,” Mahon said.

But Universal Display says OLED technology stands apart because its organic materials can be built on glass, plastic or metal foil surfaces, making flexible displays possible.

Mahon said Universal Display envisions open-ended possibilities, applicable to TVs, tablets and smartphones and yet-to-be discovered uses.

“The goal eventually is something you can roll up, something you can bend, fold together,” Mahon said. “There’s a lot of visions out there and a lot of investments being made right now.”

Samsung and LG plan to introduce prototypes of flexible OLED TVs next month at the International Consumer Electronics show in Las Vegas. LG introduced a flexible smartphone this month.