About CDT

Cambridge Display Technology (CDT), a subsidiary of Sumitomo Chemical, is headquartered at Cambourne near Cambridge UK, was originally spun out of Cambridge University in 1992. Today it leads the research and commercialisation of light emitting polymer (LEP) technology used in displays, and with potential application in lighting and photovoltaic applications. This technology is often referred to as OLED (or P-OLED), standing for polymer organic light emitting diode.

CDT holds an extensive patent and know-how portfolio relating to the use of conjugated polymers and the manufacture of devices based on them.

CDT's technologies are based on organic chemicals that emit light when stimulated electrically, and the resulting devices are used in electronic displays for information management, communications and entertainment, potentially including the next generation of large flat-panel televisions.

Features that drive consumer adoption of the technology include extreme thinness and lightness, lower power consumption, very wide viewing angles, high contrast ratio and very fast video response. Display makers believe there is the potential for cost reduction compared with LCD technology.

CDT continues to develop the technology and manufacturing processes with its large team of scientists, and has made dramatic breakthroughs in improved lifetimes, efficiencies and colour values. It develops P-OLED manufacturing processes at its Technical Development Centre near Cambridge, and equipment for inkjet printing of P-OLEDs in conjunction with Litrex Inc., based in Pleasanton, California and vivae in Japan.

CDT's business model is licensing, technology development and technology transfer, as well as the supply of equipment used in the manufacture of P-OLED displays. Manufacturing licenses have been granted to Panasonic, MicroEmissive Displays, Plastic Logic, OSRAM, Add-Vision, Dai Nippon Printing, Delta Optoelectronics, Philips, DuPont Displays and Seiko-Epson.

In 2005, CDT and Sumitomo Chemical formed a Joint Venture called Sumation™. The joint venture, which is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, markets and sells light emitting polymer materials to OLED producers.

Many of the world's display makers have active P-OLED research and development programmes and CDT works with a number of them to jointly develop technology and to accelerate its commercial adoption.