CDT starts research ahead of schedule

Cambridge Display Technology (CDT) has moved into its new 1750m2 facility for light emitting polymer (LEP) technology development almost a month ahead of the original schedule and within budget.

Cambridge Display Technology (CDT) has moved into its new 1750m2 facility for light emitting polymer (LEP) technology development almost a month ahead of the original schedule and within budget.

The US$25 million facility includes a 600m2 state-of-the-art clean room comprising class 1000 and class 100 areas and has already fabricated first displays on 350 x 350mm glass substrates using spin coating polymer deposition techniques.

The facility underpins CDT's commitment to the broad scope commercialisation of LEP technology in electronic displays, general lighting and photovoltaic applications.

It will enable the rapid expansion of CDT's licensing and technology transfer activities, significantly increasing the scale and scope of intellectual property, technology and manufacturing know how available to its licensees.

CDT will use the new facility in joint venture, codevelopment and partnership with strategic partner companies to accelerate the development of LEP polymer materials as well as development of a full range of commercial manufacturing solutions for current and future licensees and partners.

In addition, the facility is planned to eventually produce displays for specialised consumer, medical, industrial, military and other electronic product markets.

"This facility represents a major investment for CDT", said David Fyfe, CEO at CDT.

"CDT is focused on speeding the adoption of its technology and the success of its licensees.

The facility will enable us to perform a wide range of the development activities required by our licensees to ensure their commercial success using our LEP technology.

Our licensees can have confidence that CDT will continue to develop the technology solutions they need to realise the diverse and increasing market potential of LEPs".

CDT has installed approximately $18.5 million of capital equipment in the facility and initial equipment tests have been completed, resulting in first display fabrication.

Transfer of CDT's existing intellectual knowhow from the current 6in research line in Cambridge to the new pilot line has begun as well as scaling up of manufacturing processes and general operations of the new line.

CDT will install four inkjet printing machines from its recently acquired subsidiary Litrex (Pleasanton, CA) in the second half of 2002 giving it the capability to fabricate high resolution monochrome and full colour LEP displays at the new facility.

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