USDC Awards $2.9M Contract
to Potomac Photonics for Advanced Crystallization System
-Potomac Photonics, a Lanham, MD-based miniaturization technology firm, has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Display Consortium (USDC) to develop an advanced crystallization system (ACS) to be used in the manufacture of polysilicon active matrix display backplanes on glass and plastic substrates. The $2.9 million cost-shared project will result in the ability to provide polysilicon films from which thin film transistor (TFT) backplanes can be fabricated. The USDC is a public/private partnership chartered with developing the flat panel display (FPD) industry supply chain. The award to Potomac Photonics further extends the USDC's support for the emerging flexible microelectronics and displays industry.
The use of polycrystalline silicon (poly-Si) for a new class of displays has several advantages, including a reduction in pixel size, integration of driver electronics on the panel, and higher performance TFT backplanes versus those built using amorphous silicon (a-Si). "Processing temperatures for displays built on polyethylene (PEN) or polyester (PET) substrates will need to be at or below 150°C." stated Dr. Paul Wickboldt, a consultant to USDC who is overseeing the project. "For that reason, we need to have a process and manufacturing tool that can effectively convert a-Si into poly-Si without damaging the underlying layers. Many liquid crystal display (LCD) manufacturers, especially those looking to integrate electronics onto the substrate, are recognizing the market advantages for low-temperature poly-Si. Development of the manufacturing infrastructure, however, has lagged that of a-Si, especially for the rapid and reliably- consistent crystallization process. Potomac Photonics' initiation and completion of this project will aid in further developing that infrastructure," added Dr. Wickboldt.
The scope of the project being undertaken by Potomac Photonics includes research and selection of lasers; shaping the laser beam output; development of a beam profile monitor; and, finally, construction of the advanced crystallization system. Duration of the project is expected to be eighteen to twenty-four months.
"Congratulations to Potomac Photonics for this award from the USDC," said Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. "This project will provide important new communication tools for the Army, as well as strengthen Maryland's technology corridor. This is just one more example of the first-rate businesses and workers we have in Maryland."
"I am pleased that Potomac Photonics, a company based in my District, has received such a lucrative contract from USDC. This contract will mean expanded technology development in flat and flexible panel displays, along with a significant economic boost to a company which is located in Maryland's 4th District," stated Rep. Albert R. Wynn (D-MD).
The USDC R&D program is a collaborative effort of private industry and the U.S. Army Research Laboratory, located in Adelphi, MD.
For more information, please contact:
US Display Consortium
Heidi Hoffman
84 W. Santa Clara Street, Ste. 790
San Jose, CA 95113
(408) 993-8111
heidi@usdc.org
About the U.S. Display Consortium
The U.S. Display Consortium is an industry-led public/private partnership providing a common platform for flat panel display and flexible microelectronics manufacturers and developers, FPD users, and the supplier base. Headquartered in San Jose, Calif., the consortium’s primary mission is to fund supply-chain projects and share the results with USDC member companies. The USDC also provides a communication channel among industry, government and the financial communities for display issues; sponsors workshops to broaden the impact of technological developments; and educates consumers on the importance of displays in providing access to information technology. More information about the USDC can be found at www.usdc.org
Potomac Photonics Inc. (PPI), founded in 1982, is expert in the miniaturization of electronic and medical devices using laser-based technologies. Its baseline business is contract services and standardized laser systems. High growth areas are high density interconnects for smaller computer chips and failure analysis tools for chip development and manufacturing. For more information, visit the Potomac Photonics website at www.potomac-laser.com
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