In this blog post, we will examine how LED and OLED technologies are driving innovation in slim displays and how they will evolve in the future.
LED and OLED light the way at the forefront of display technology
As appearance becomes increasingly important, the diet and fitness craze is gaining momentum. Now, this “diet” craze is spreading to devices around us. Display devices such as TVs, monitors, laptops, smartphones, and tablets, which play a significant role in our daily lives, are becoming slimmer, evolving to meet consumers’ demands for design, portability, and performance improvements. What are the technological factors enabling the slimness of these devices? At the core of this trend are LED and OLED technologies. Both have become cornerstones of modern display technology and have garnered attention with nicknames like the “light revolution” and the “sun TV.”
The History of Displays: From Fluorescent Lamps to LED and OLED
The initial light sources used in display devices evolved from electron beams and incandescent lamps to fluorescent lamps (CCFL). Do you remember the old cathode ray tube (CRT) TVs? These TVs worked by firing electron beams from an electron gun at fluorescent material, causing it to emit light on the screen. However, they were quite large and heavy.
As display technology advanced rapidly, fluorescent lamps began to be used in various devices such as TVs, monitors, mobile phones, and laptops. In the case of LCD displays, light from fluorescent lamps passes through multiple polarizing films and liquid crystals to form the screen. This light is then used to open or close the liquid crystals, allowing specific colors to be displayed, resulting in the image we see on the screen.
The Innovation of LED: The Beginning of Slim Displays
LED stands for “Light Emitting Diode,” which is a diode that emits light on its own. This technology replaced existing LCD technology and contributed to dramatically reducing the thickness of display devices. LEDs work by emitting light when an electric current flows through a semiconductor material called GaN (gallium nitride). Unlike traditional LCDs, which required multiple polarizing films to emit light, LEDs can emit and control light on their own, enabling the creation of thinner and more efficient displays. Another major advantage of LEDs is their energy efficiency. Compared to traditional incandescent and fluorescent lights, LEDs have lower energy loss and can reduce electricity consumption by up to 80%. As a result, they also offer significant energy savings.
In addition, LEDs can quickly adjust light, making them useful for 3D TVs, which are gaining popularity, and providing clear image quality even during the daytime.
OLED: Lighting the Future of Displays
OLEDs work similarly to LEDs, but differ in that they use organic materials to emit light. Organic materials are attracting attention because they can express a wider range of colors than LEDs and can be used to create very thin and flexible displays. In the future, devices with displays that can be rolled up like paper may appear, and thanks to OLED’s flexibility and color expression capabilities, it is referred to as the “next-generation display.”
The future displays we imagine will be even more amazing. For example, wallpaper-type displays that use the entire wall as a screen, or foldable screens that can be carried around in everyday life, are not far off. OLED technology is making such a future possible.
Challenges and prospects for technological development
Of course, LED and OLED are gaining attention as next-generation display technologies, but there are still challenges that need to be addressed. In particular, the complexity of the manufacturing process and high raw material prices are obstacles to mass production. However, technological improvements and research and development are ongoing, and it is highly likely that these issues will be resolved over time. In particular, major Korea companies such as Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics are investing heavily in LED and OLED technologies, making it highly likely that Korea will emerge as a leader in the display industry.
In the future, LED and OLED technologies are expected to have a significant impact not only on the display market but also on the general lighting market. Beyond simple lighting, an emotional and active lighting market is expected to emerge, enabling us to enjoy richer visual experiences.
