Overview of Flexible Display Technology Why, What and When

The concepts of flexible displays and plastic electronics have become some of the most talked about new product opportunities for direct view flat panel displays in recent years. The potential advantages are frequently cited, but the achievement of commercially viable products will require many significant technological innovations in new materials and manufacturing technology. This paper will provide a very broad overview of the rationale for developing flexible displays, the market drivers, the applicable display technologies, the major hurdles that must be overcome and the required evolution of new manufacturing technologies that are essential for successful commercialization. This is intended to provide the outline and context for the series of presentations on specific aspects in each of these topics that will be delivered and discussed at the Plastic Electronics Special Session of the 2005 IMID conference.