In 2022, Japan Display, a joint venture made up of the LCD businesses of Sony, Hitachi, and Toshiba, announced that they have developed a new OLED deposition process. Called eLEAP ( Environment positive, Lithography with maskless deposition, Extreme long life, low power, and high luminance, and Any shape Patterning), the new OLED type was originally announced to begin production next year, but Japan Display has recently commented that it will begin availability ahead of schedule.
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“Having started test production in October 2023, JDI is currently ramping up for December 2024 eLEAP mass production at its G6 fab in Mobara, Japan,” reads Japan Display’s announcement. “The production ramp is well ahead of plan: eight months ahead of launch, JDI has already achieved a production yield of over 60%, underscoring that JDI has successfully overcome the key technical hurdles for launch. JDI will supply eLEAP for use in a wide array of end-use applications, including smartwatches & wearables, smartphones, notebook PCs, and automotive displays.”
Japan Display claims that eLEAP OLED displays boast a number of advantages over traditional panels, including double the efficiency and brightness, all while lasting three times as long. According to oled-info.com, OLED produced via the eLEAP method can achieve a 60% aperture ratio, meaning the display can run on lower currents, which results in the aforementioned improved efficiency and lifespan.