Sharp plans to use the IGZO technology to produce displays with a higher resolution while decreasing power consumption. The bezel around the panel can also be kept much smaller and touchscreen capabilities on IGZO screens are reportedly better. IGZO stands for indium gallium zinc oxide and thanks to the addition of the C-Axis Aligned Crystal (CAAC) crystal structure, new screens based on the technology should perform significantly better than their predecessors. The technology would mean a welcome improvement to mobile equipment, such as smartphones, tablets and notebooks.
Sharp has revealed some specifications of the screens based on the improved IGZO technology. Two LCDs and two OLED screens will be introduced. The 4.9-inch LCD screen has a 1280x720 pixel resolution, resulting in a 302 ppi pixel density, which makes it suited for use in a smartphone. The 6.1-inch model has a 498 ppi density, resulting in a resolution of 2560x1600 pixels. This screen can for instance be used in tablets.
The first of the OLED-displays is a 13.5-inch model with a 3820x2160 pixel resolution and 326 ppi pixel density. Sharp has used white OLEDs and an RGB colour filter. The second OLED screen is a flexible 3.4-inch version with a 540x960 pixel resolution.
While development is far from finished, Sharp sees a bright future in screens based on the improved IGZO technology.
The OLED and IGZO technology allow for the creation of thin high-resolution panels
