Displays that can stretch while still maintaining pixel resolution could be possible after two researchers at a Korean University detailed research into a new composite for an LED display. The findings, reported on SPIE (society for optics and photonics), detail a technique that uses a "hidden pixel structure" to ensure pixels are not stretched or strained when the display is altered.
Researchers Yongtaek Hong and Sangwoo Kim from Seoul National University developed two types of stretchable electrodes. Pixels hidden in display only turn on when the array is stretched and thereby maintain the original pixel density. The researchers wrote: “To enable resolution-sustainable stretchable display technology in real devices, the use of the hidden pixel structure and negatively strain-dependent nickel composite electrodes seems highly promising. “Our results have shown that we can easily make appropriate electrode patterns for LED arrays by using a patterned magnetic field. Our next step will be to show that this method can provide a platform technology for 2D and high-resolution pixel arrays. “Our approach and concept could be one of the key enabling technologies for future stretchable high-performance electronic display devices. To make a practical display using this concept, we now need to improve the operational stability of the composite electrodes and develop a high-resolution patterning method for the composite based on the patterned magnetic field.” Source: InAVate
