Stretching the display in one direction causes an equal stretch distribution on the other side, which prevents image distortion. (Image Credit: Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM))
Researchers at the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM) recently developed a new meta-display technology that stretches up to 25% without distorting the image. The team used metamaterials along with mechanical properties not found in nature to achieve this capability. This has potential applications for electronic devices, wearable medical devices, beauty, and healthcare.
The researchers applied mechanical metamaterials featuring a negative Poisson’s ratio to a circuit board. Poisson’s ratio refers to shrinking the materials’ width as it’s stretched lengthwise. So stretching a -1 Poisson’s ratio metamaterial lengthwise equalizes the stretching effect on its width. Overall, the meta-display contains micro-LEDs specifically connected and hinged at the corners. This design makes it possible to stretch the 3-inch screen in any direction, leading to the other side being evenly stretched as well. As a result, the small gaps between each microLED increase, enlarging the image without generating distortion due to the unaffected aspect ratio.
The manufacturing of curved displays that use meta-displays to display images and devices that can be attached to the skin. (Image Credit: Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM))
The team is now planning on conducting follow-up research on micro-LED displays for ultra-realistic metaverses. In addition, the team founded YTS Micro-Tech and MCK-Tech, which aim to promote the use of these technologies. Also, they are exploring ways to commercialize meta-display technologies, allowing them to be used on various electronic devices later on. Other possible applications include wearing it on non-wrinkled skin for medical devices, beauty, and healthcare.
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