New company masters LCOS microdisplays

Researchers from Ghent University and IMEC have created a new company to accelerate the integration of liquid-crystal-on-silicon (LCOS) microdisplays in day-to-day applications.

Researchers from Ghent University and IMEC have created a new company to accelerate the integration of liquid-crystal-on-silicon (LCOS) microdisplays in day-to-day applications.

Gemidis aims at a low-cost, high-resolution alternative for the existing technology in large-screen monitors.

Backed by nearly a decade of experience in this advanced technology, a first product is ready for commercial sampling.

The spinoff will use the vertically aligned nematic (VAN) liquid crystal to produce its LCOS technology.

VAN liquid crystal is known to be the liquid crystal needed for superior image quality.

Only a few companies can master the technique to integrate it in LCOS microdisplays.

After nine years of usage and improvement of this technology at Ghent University's TFCG microsystems lab, the attained level can now compete with the best in class.

In its first phase, Gemidis will focus its attention on the high-definition rear-projection market and, more specifically, on the home-entertainment market.

LCOS is considered a qualitative and cost-effective alternative to the existing technologies for large-screen applications (over 40in).

The first product, a XGA-W 120Hz LCOS microdisplay of approximately 1 million pixels, is ready for commercial sampling.

The UXGA-W version (better known as 1080i) will be ready by spring 2005.

Further results will include a single-panel solution, as well as a QXGA-W LCOS microdisplay of about 4 million pixels for the professional market.

Gemidis expects both products to be market-ready by the end of 2005.

As of 2006, Gemidis intends to enter the professional market with solutions for the demanding monitor- and simulator-display market.

Here, the key aspect will be to provide higher resolutions for more faithful imaging (CAD, graphical, printing).

Further growth opportunities lie in the great potential of LCOS microdisplays for e-cinema and head-up displays (HUD).

Gemidis will serve optical-engine makers and system integrators as its main client base.

Mass production capacity of 5000 sets per month will be available as of December 2004.

Beside the financial and technological support of IMEC and Ghent University, Gemidis has won the financial backing of venture capitalists GIMV, Fagus (a joint venture between the European Investment Fund (EIF) and Fortis Private Equity), Baekeland-fonds (the seed capital fund of the Ghent University) and business investors.

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