LG Display has unveiled what is claimed to be the world’s first stretchable display capable of expanding by up to 50% – the highest rate of elongation yet achieved. It could pave the way for more flexible screen designs and even ‘wearable’ displays.
► Uses same material as contact lenses
► Able to stretch by as much as 50%
As well as being stretched, the material can be folded and twisted. The prototype shown by LG was a 12-inch screen that could stretch up to 18 inches, while simultaneously delivering a high resolution of 100ppi (pixels per inch) and full RGB colour.
Compared to the first stretchable display prototype unveiled in 2022, the new panel’s maximum elongation rate has more than doubled – from 20% to 50%. To achieve this, LG has made use of a silicon material substrate that is used in contact lenses and developed a new wiring design structure.
In addition, by using a micro-LED light source of up to 40μm (micrometers), the new prototype has strengthened durability, allowing it to be stretched over 10,000 times. It can keep a clear image quality, even when exposed to low or high temperatures and external shocks.
It’s expected that stretchable displays will eventually be used to create new types of wearable and mobile devices. At the demonstration in South Korea, LG showcased numerous concepts, including a car panel that stretches out into a convex shape and can be operated by hand, and a wearable display attached to a firefighters' uniform that provides real-time information.
LG Display is the lead company in a national project to develop stretchable displays in South Korea.
