We're happy to interview Smartkem, as part of our series of interviews with MicroLED Industry Association members. UK based Smartkem developed a patented organic backplane display solution based on unique, patented inks. Smartkem's inks are solution deposited at a low temperature, on low-cost substrates to make organic thin-film transistor (OTFT) circuits.

Hello, can you introduce your company and technology?

Simon Ogier, Chief Technology Officer: SmartKem is a materials company that manufactures its unique and patented TRUFLEX® semiconductor and dielectric inks. These are used to make organic thin-film transistor (OTFT) backplanes for active matrix display driving. Our inks enable low temperature additive manufacturing processes that are compatible with existing a-Si TFT-LCD backplane equipment lines. SmartKem OTFTs have been used in emissive display backplane demonstrators achieving high brightness for microLED (>100K nits). The current stability under thermal bias stress testing is excellent and minimises threshold voltage shifts even under high current conditions. Our platform can be used in a several display technologies including microLED, miniLED and AMOLED displays for next generation televisions, laptops, AR and VR headsets, smartwatches and smartphones.

The MicroLED Industry Association published today a new white paper, that is focused on monolithic microLED integration.

A major challenge in producing MicroLED displays is the transfer stage, also known as Pick and Place. This production step is responsible for transferring individual LEDs from the original wafer to the final display. In some cases, it is possible to (more or less) skip this stage and transfer the LEDs directly to the final display through a process called monolithic microLED integration.

This document will focus on such a process, discuss various options for its execution and examine the types of displays and applications it is suitable for. The white paper is published on the MicroLED Association's website, and is open to the public.

MicroLED-Info, in collaboration with the MicroLED Industry Association (MIA) and TechBlick are jointly launching MicroLED Connect, a microLED-focused conference that will take place on September 24-26 2024, in Eindhoven, The Netherlands.

The event will include a conference, masterclasses, an exhibition - and will place a big focus on networking opportunities and activities. MicroLED-Connect will bring together leading researchers (academia and R&D institutes), microLED developers and display makers, who will present the latest technology and research advancements, the challenges still facing the industry, the current status of the industry and market, and much more!

In addition to the live (in-person) event in September, MicroLED-Connect will also offer a year-round virtual program of microLED focused webinars.

We're happy to interview 3M, as part of our series of interviews with MicroLED Industry Association members. The 3M Company, based in the US, operates in the fields of industry, worker safety, U.S. health care, and consumer goods. The company produces a wide range of products (over 60,000, in fact), and its Display Materials and solutions Division (DMSD) is offering several products for the industry – transparent adhesives (OCAs), micro/nanoreplication technologies, printable optical materials, and multilayered optical film.

Hello! Can you introduce your company and technology?

3M is a leading global science company with a diversified portfolio of products and services. We have been in business for over 120 years, and we are committed to applying science to solve the world's toughest problems. 3M has been serving a wide range of industries, including Safety & Industrial, Transportation & Electronics, Health Care and Consumer. We have a strong track record of innovation, and we are constantly developing new products and technologies.

The MicroLED Industry Association (MIA) welcomes new members Excyton, Mitsui Kinzoku, Pixelligent and Q-Pixel, joining over 30 existing members (including large corporations, startup companies, research institutes and more). The MIA aims to accelerate the adoption of microLED display technologies, bringing together companies, researchers and organizations active in the MicroLED industry and providing an ideal forum for solving common technology issues, fostering cooperation and sharing relevant information, resources and tools.

The recently joined members commented:

"Excyton joins the MicroLED Industry Association to connect with industry leaders and explore opportunities to implement its power-saving TurboLED technology in pioneering MicroLED products.”

"Mitsui Kinzoku joins the MicroLED Industry Association to help promote microLED display technologies. Mitsui's phosphors are aimed at color-conversion for microLED display.

The MicroLED Industry Association (MIA) is happy to announce its 40th member,  New Silicon Corporation (NSC), an integrated circuit company based out of Singapore.

The MicroLED Industry Association was established in July 2022, to promote microLED technologies, foster industry collaboration and initiate educational and marketing campaigns for its members. NSC joins a wide range of members including microLED display makers, component suppliers, technology developers, established companies, early stage startups and leading research institutes. You can see the full member list online.

We're happy to interview 3D Micromac, as part of our series of interviews with MicroLED Industry Association members. Germany-based 3D-Micromac is the industry leader in laser micromachining and roll-to-roll laser systems. The company offers laser equipment for µLED forward transfer, lift-off and repair process steps - ready for high volume production.

Hello, can you introduce your company and technology?

Frank Richter (Head of Sales at 3D Micromac): 3D-Micromac has established itself as a leader in laser micromachining and a pioneer of new production technologies for various industries for the last 20 years. This especially applies to the excimer and ultra-short pulse laser technology.

We have extensive experience applying innovative laser technology to new and emerging applications to support their volume-production requirements. For MicroLED production, ultra-high precision in combination with the highest reliability and stability is needed. These are core competencies of 3D-Micromac.

Our product portfolio includes several laser-based system solutions for various manufacturing steps in the MicroLED production process. All systems offer integrated process control and monitoring to assure stable and reliable operation, thus enabling high throughput and low yield losses. 

On September 4th the MicroLED Industry Association will host a private webinar on automotive displays and technologies. The automotive market represents a very good segment for microLED developers, as it offers high performance requirements, relative microLED maturity and the ability to adopt premium solutions.

During the webinar, we will look at current solutions and future roadmaps, learn how the automotive industry looks at display solutions and next-generation technologies and see how microLEDs could find a market in the automotive industry.

The upcoming Seminar will feature three world-leading speakers, and will also be open to a Q&A session, to help increase microLED developers knowledge and involvement in the automotive industry: