Researchers at the University of Tsukuba have developed a groundbreaking method to produce laser light sources using an inkjet printer, potentially transforming display technology.
Researchers at the University of Tsukuba have pioneered a novel technique for fabricating laser light sources in substantial quantities using an inkjet printer designed to eject laser-emitting droplets. This innovation allows for the rapid production of these light sources, paving the way for advancements in display technology. The research team demonstrated the capability to switch the emission of light on and off by applying an electric field to the droplets, which is a significant step in the evolution of laser display systems.
The findings from this study, detailed in ScienceDaily, suggest that laser displays could emerge as the next generation of visual technology, eclipsing the conventional OLED and liquid crystal displays which face limitations in brightness and colour reproduction. The researchers point out that for laser displays to be viable, miniaturization and high-density arrangement of the components are essential.
The innovative method involves ejecting specific organic liquid droplets, each measuring a mere 30 micrometres in diameter, using an inkjet printer. These droplets can be densely populated over substantial areas, extending several centimetres. The application of an electric field alters the shape of the spherical droplets into an ellipsoidal form, effectively causing the cessation of laser light emission. This function enables the droplets to serve as switchable “laser pixels.” Notably, the research team found that the laser output for each individual droplet within a 2×3 droplet array could be controlled separately.
As the technology advances, further enhancements in both the electrical device configurations and laser performance are anticipated. These improvements are expected to be instrumental in the future commercialisation of laser display technology.
The research has garnered financial support from multiple agencies, including the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS). This backing underscores the significance of the project and its potential implications for future business practices and technological advancements in the field of display systems.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.sciencenewstoday.org/inkjet-printing-technique-creates-electrically-switchable-laser-droplets – Corroborates the development of a technique using an inkjet printer to produce laser-emitting droplets and the ability to switch the emission of light on and off using an electric field.
- https://phys.org/news/2024-12-printable-laser-emitting-droplets-display.html – Supports the innovation of producing laser light sources in large quantities using an inkjet printer and the potential of laser displays to overcome limitations of OLED and liquid crystal displays.
- https://www.sciencenewstoday.org/inkjet-printing-technique-creates-electrically-switchable-laser-droplets – Details the miniaturization and high-density arrangement of the components as essential for viable laser displays.
- https://phys.org/news/2024-12-printable-laser-emitting-droplets-display.html – Explains the method of ejecting specific organic liquid droplets using an inkjet printer and their ability to be densely populated over large areas.
- https://www.sciencenewstoday.org/inkjet-printing-technique-creates-electrically-switchable-laser-droplets – Describes how the application of an electric field changes the shape of the droplets, causing the cessation of laser light emission and enabling them to serve as switchable ‘laser pixels’.
- https://phys.org/news/2024-12-printable-laser-emitting-droplets-display.html – Discusses the control of laser output for individual droplets within an array and the potential for future enhancements in electrical device configurations and laser performance.
- https://www.sciencenewstoday.org/inkjet-printing-technique-creates-electrically-switchable-laser-droplets – Mentions the need for further optimization and improvements for the commercialization of laser display technology.
- https://phys.org/news/2024-12-printable-laser-emitting-droplets-display.html – Highlights the financial support from agencies like the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), underscoring the project’s significance.
- https://www.sciencenewstoday.org/inkjet-printing-technique-creates-electrically-switchable-laser-droplets – Provides details on the potential implications of the research for future business practices and technological advancements in display systems.
- https://phys.org/news/2024-12-printable-laser-emitting-droplets-display.html – Reiterates the study’s publication in Advanced Materials, adding credibility to the research findings.
