OSRAM Opto puts OLED focus on lighting applications

LEDS Magazine reports that OSRAM Opto Semiconductors is to cease production of passive-matrix displays based on organic LEDs (OLEDs) at the end of the year. The company says that it will now concentrate its OLED activities on developing market-ready OLED lighting products.

Since the end of 2003, Osram Opto Semiconductors has been manufacturing and marketing passive matrix displays based on OLEDs under the brand name of Pictiva(tm). Worldwide demand for the displays, which are used predominantly in communication systems, industrial applications and mobile consumer electronics, has lagged far behind the companys expectations.

Against this background, Osram Opto Semiconductors has decided to withdraw from the display business and concentrate exclusively on the core business of lighting.

Rüdiger Müller, CEO at Osram Opto Semiconductors, commented: 'We have decided for strategic reasons to withdraw from the passive matrix display business and close our production line in Penang. Obviously we shall honor our obligations toward our customers and employees and look for constructive solutions in close cooperation with these groups.'