KPS Begins Development of 'MicroOLED' Equipment... Signs Supply Contract with APS

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hyowon] KPS has taken the lead in the next-generation display market in the AR (Augmented Reality) and VR (Virtual Reality) fields.

KPS and APS Holdings announced on the 11th that they have signed a supply contract for manufacturing equipment for micro organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays dedicated to AR and VR devices.

According to the Financial Supervisory Service's electronic disclosure system, KPS has signed a development contract with APS Holdings for micro OLED FMM (Fine Metal Mask) process equipment called ‘NAS (Nano Mask Assembler)’ worth 1.42 billion KRW, with delivery scheduled to be completed by July. NAS is the world's first nano-scale mass production equipment essential for manufacturing micro OLED FMM.

AR and VR devices, which require viewing small screens up close, demand a resolution of 3000 to 4000 ppi (pixels per inch). This is about 8 to 10 times higher than OLED displays for smartphones. The two companies plan to lead the supply of ‘Metaverse displays’ through continuous technological cooperation.

A KPS official explained, “To achieve over 3000 ppi, equipment with a completely different concept from existing FMM process equipment must be manufactured,” adding, “Currently, VR and AR displays apply the WOLED method, which coats color filters on white OLEDs, resulting in dimmer images and lower immersion, causing significant eye fatigue during prolonged use.” He continued, “PPI must be increased to the point where pixels cannot be distinguished by the naked eye to realize vivid image quality in VR and AR devices.”

Micro OLED, called ‘OLEDoS’, is a next-generation technology that significantly enhances resolution and image quality by directly depositing R (red), G (green), and B (blue) OLEDs on semiconductor wafers instead of glass or plastic substrates.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.