Abstract
Nowadays, numerous developments on microdisplays for portable applications are
on way. These applications are expected to be a very strong market driver for
optical MEMS. Pico-projectors integrated or not in cell phones could be the
next killer application for micro-mirrors.
To be successful, developments have to enable the technical convergence
between MOEMS and solid state lighting (LEDs or laser diodes). Technical
challenges to be solved regarding the lighting source are numerous: will it be
LEDs or LDs? How to manage thermal issues? The speckle and safety issues with
laser? What will be the acceptable cost? ...
This new report from Yole Développement presents market figures and focus on
the market/technical challenges for solid-state lighting to be used for
portable applications with micro-mirrors.
MOEMS ARE FINDING NEW APPLICATIONS !
Micro-mirrors applications are attracting new comers. Although the MOEMS
market is still dominated by Texas Instruments' DLPTM, new challengers are
coming: Microvision, Stanley Electric, Matsushita, Philips ... These players
included TI are all targeting portable consumer applications. What is new, is
that collaborations will be necessary between MEMS companies, LEDs/LDs &
system manufacturers: Novalux, Osram, Luminus, Light Blue Optics, Barco ...
These companies have already announced the developments of lighting source for
portable applications.
Optical MEMS market is still growing since a lot of new products based on
micro mirrors are close to commercialization (bare code readers, head up
displays, head mounted displays, ...). Pocket projectors will contribute to
this growth in 2009 (see figure).
There is already a synergy today between MOEMS and LEDs for consumer
applications. The two examples of MOEMS-based systems with high market
potential for LEDs/HBLEDs are DLP Rear Projection TVs (DLP-RPTVs) and, of
course, compact projectors.
For DLP RPTVs, LEDs can be used as light source as they have longer lifetime
than UHP, more saturated colors, quick switching time, no color wheel is
necessary and they produce less heat. Thinner TV can also be manufactured with
LEDs. Laser diodes are competing with LEDs for this application. Micro
projector is another application as some companies have announced product
launch for 2008.
However technical issues have to be solved:
- cost (FPDs are extremely price sensitive and LEDs must compete with lamps
on price, not just performance),
- performance (projectors require very high lumens/mm2),
- availability for green LEDs,
- safety (laser),
- ...
Thus, mixing SSL & MEMS require innovative solutions mixing optics, thermal
management, electrical power conversion, electronic drive circuitry. A system
engineering approach is then mandatory. Collaborations have already started
between MEMS suppliers and SSL companies to realize an optical engine with a
cost under $ 100. The development of an optical engine could trigger many
applications e.g. HUDs, micro-projectors ... In the short term, Yole
Développement forecasts that mostly LED illumination will be used (see product
road map above).
Companies in the report
Actuality Systems, AgilOptics, Akai, AOptix, Axsun, BasysPrint GmbH, BI
microParts, Denso, Digital Optical Imaging Corp, Envisiontec, EpiCrystals,
Epson, Febit, FhG IPMS, Fujitsu, Hitachi, HP, Hyperscan, InPhase Technologies,
Intermec, JVC, Keyotee, Kodak, Light Blue Optics, Luminus, Miradia,
Mitsubishi, NimbleGen Systems, Nippon Signal, Novalux, Optware, Osram,
Panasonic,Philips, Polychromix, QMT, Raytheon, Reflectivity, Sagem, Samsung,
Sanyo, Silicon Light Machines,Sony, Symbol, TI, Toshiba, Ulis, Vaisala,
Vialux, Visitech...
Who should buy this report
This report targets both devices manufacturers of MEMS and SSL, and also
system manufacturers. Today, there is a gap between the MEMS and SSL industry.
This report aims at filling this gap to help the different companies to
understand the market needs for displays and the technical requirements to
develop optical engines.
Why buy this report
This report is a valuable source of information for the MEMS, solid state
lighting devices manufacturers as well for systems makers. It gives insights
of the technical challenges and market forecast for new micro-mirrors
applications for portable applications. It also gives an overview of the
current status of the MEMS industry and who is doing what for micro projectors
developments.
Market forecast 2006 - 2011 for MEMS and MOEMS for different displays
applications are also presented.
Table of Contents
Executive summary
Definitions and methodology
What are the motivations for the development of a light engine
- Example of products
- The different type of micromirrors
- The different type of light source (LEDs, HBLEDs, LDs)
- Main applications:
- RPTV
- Handheld projectors
- Integrated pico-projectors
- Barcode readers
- Head Mounted Displays (HMDs)
- Head-up displays (HUDs)
- Adaptive front light Signal (AFS) for the automotive
Description of the applications
- Main players
- Status of the development
- Type of MOEMS and light sources
- 2006 - 2011 market forecast
Synthesis and conclusions
Annexes
