Osram to use CDT's Proprietary Light Emitting Polymer Display Technology

CAMBRIDGE, England, May 31 -- Cambridge Display Technology announced that it has granted Osram Opto Semiconductors GmbH & Co. OHG (Osram OS) -- a subsidiary of Osram GmbH -- a license to manufacture and sell light emitting polymer (LEP) displays with an up to 1/4 video graphics array (VGA) pixel format. The agreement also gives Osram OS the rights to license higher information content in the future and the right to manufacture lighting devices.
    Osram OS will initially develop OEM LEP products for mobile, cellular and automotive applications. Osram OS has installed an LEP pilot line in SAN JOSE, Calif., and expects to bring a commercial LEP display manufacturing plant in Penang, Malaysia on stream during 2001.
    According to market research from DisplaySearch, organic LED (OLED) display revenue worldwide is expected to grow from $24 million in 2000 to $3.3 billion by 2005. The OLED display market includes mobile phones, personal digital assistants, digital cameras, camcorders and eventually personal computer and consumer products.
    "We are very pleased that Osram has taken this license," said David Fyfe, CEO of CDT. "They have shown great commitment to the advancement of LEP OLED technology in building a commercial production plant in Malaysia. Together with the commitments already made by CDT's partners, it is clear that a critical mass of well-resourced corporations has concluded that CDT's LEP technology holds the most promise for the future. CDT is committed to helping these companies in any way that it can as the technology evolves."