LG Display might have changed the game for "flexible" screens. On Friday, the South Korean firm presented a prototype for the first truly stretchable display in the world, able to grow by 50% without losing image quality.
Impressive Specifications
This prototype boasts a 12-inch screen that can stretch to 18 inches while keeping a high resolution of 100 pixels per inch and full RGB color. Although this isn't LG's first go at a stretchable display, as they demonstrated a prototype in 2022 with a maximum elongation of only 20%.
A Game-Changing Innovation
LG labels its creation as “ultimate display technology.” Unlike the flexible displays we see today that bend or fold, these displays can actually morph, twist, and stretch into a multitude of shapes. This advancement paves the way for many innovative uses in different industries. The development comes from a national initiative led by South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy, which started in 2020. LG Display heads a group of 19 research institutes that are part of this project.
The original goal was a 20% elongation rate, but the team managed to double that with new technologies. These innovations include a unique silicon substrate material that’s often used in contact lenses, along with a revolutionary method for wiring the display.
Built to Last
Durability is another important aspect. LG Display asserts that the prototype can endure stretching up to 10,000 times. Moreover, the display features a micro-LED light source that is merely 40 micrometers in size, ensuring stable image quality even in tough conditions like extreme temperatures or impacts.
During the event, LG showcased several uses for the display, such as a curved automotive screen that responds to touch gestures and a wearable display designed for firefighters to access real-time information.
In addition to being stretchable, these displays are also thin, lightweight, and can stick to curved surfaces like clothing or skin. LG anticipates that this technology will find broad applications across various sectors, including fashion, wearables, and mobility.
