Imagine a screen that can expand, bend, twist, and even stretch over curved surfaces all without compromising on image quality. LG Display has just unveiled a groundbreaking innovation that does exactly that. Building on its earlier prototypes, the company has developed what it claims to be the “World’s First Stretchable Display” capable of expanding up to 50% of its original size. This innovation promises to redefine the way we think about display technology, opening doors to applications in wearables, mobility, and beyond.
A Decade of Innovation in Flexible Displays
For over ten years, LG Display has been pushing the boundaries of flexible screen technology. These displays, known for their vibrant visuals and adaptability, have already made their mark by being able to bend and twist into various shapes. They’ve been explored for uses in fashion-forward wearables, roll-up TVs, tablets, and interactive surfaces that adapt to irregular forms.
In 2022, LG Display introduced a 12-inch flexible film prototype that could stretch by 20%. This transparent display used micro-LEDs for illumination and could be folded, bent, or stretched to enhance its length. Fast forward to today, and LG engineers have taken this concept to the next level. The new version retains the 12-inch starting size but can now stretch up to 18 inches (~46 cm), a remarkable 50% expansion.
Key Features of LG Display’s Stretchable Display
Stretch Factor Upgraded to 50%
Unlike its predecessor, which stretched by 20%, the new display can expand by 50%. This breakthrough was made possible through advanced tweaks such as a re-engineered wiring design and an improved silicon substrate, typically found in contact lenses.
Durability Like Never Before
The prototype’s micro-LED light source features a 40 µm pixel pitch, ensuring sharp visuals with a resolution of 100 pixels per inch. The display can endure over 10,000 stretches without losing image quality or functionality, even in extreme conditions like low/high temperatures or exposure to shocks.
Thin, Lightweight, and Versatile
The stretchable display is not only ultra-thin and lightweight but also designed to adhere seamlessly to irregularly curved surfaces such as clothing or human skin, sounds interesting right? Let’s dive into its usages,
Real-World Application of Stretchable Display
The potential uses for this technology are as innovative as the display itself. LG Display showcased various concepts during a recent event at the LG Science Park in Seoul:
- Automotive Touch Panels: The screen can stretch into a convex shape and be tested as a touch panel for vehicles, making tactile operations on curved dashboards possible.
- Wearable Displays for Firefighters: One prototype involved a wearable screen integrated into a firefighter’s uniform, providing real-time data and critical updates during emergencies.
- Fashion and Wearables: Imagine clothing embedded with displays that adapt to your body shape, or wearable tech that seamlessly integrates with the skin.
- Mobility: Stretchable displays could become a key component in futuristic vehicles, offering adaptable touchscreens for drivers and passengers.
A Leap Toward Next-Gen Displays
LG Display’s advancements in stretchable screens signify more than just innovation in display technology. The company is setting the stage for the next generation of interactive, adaptable screens that could soon find applications in industries as diverse as healthcare, fashion, and automotive.
“By successfully completing the project, LG Display has not only secured core technologies that can lead the next-generation display market but also contributed to localizing materials, components, and equipment as well as building an R&D infrastructure,” the company noted.