QPC supplies BrightLase platform to laser TV manufacturer

06 Dec 2007

An initial three-year production order is worth $11 million, while a ten-year exclusive supply contract could reach $230 million.

“This signals QPC's entry into the laser TV sector.”

QPC will deliver semiconductor lasers to an international consumer electronics manufacturer for use in rear-projection televisions based on digital-light processing (DLP) and liquid-crystal-on-silicon (LCoS) technologies.

"This contract not only signals QPC's entry into the multibillion dollar high-growth consumer electronics sector for laser TVs but opens up numerous possibilities for utilization in a variety of mobile display applications," said QPC CEO Jeffrey Ungar. "We believe that QPC can become a leader in providing lasers for a new generation of consumer electronics displays."

QPC originally developed its BrightLase high-power laser diodes for industrial and defense markets, but this marks its first major foray into the consumer market.

Applications in mobile phones, PDAs and laptops along with displays for automobiles and cockpits are predicted to grow as the technology develops further.

The BrightLase semiconductor laser platform can produce single-mode single-frequency output powers exceeding 8 W continuous wave, and peak conversion efficiencies greater than 50% in the near IR. High-speed direct modulation, low power consumption and low-cost production are said to make the platform attractive for the laser TV market.

Prototype rear projection laser TVs have been demonstrated by companies including Sony and Mitsubishi, and are said to offer more vibrant colors and wider viewing angles from lightweight, cheaper and slimmer units. "QPC's laser technology should enable a more rapid ramp to production and availability to consumers," commented the company's Paul Rudy.

"Alternative laser approaches based on conventional multi-stage lasers and lower power multiple beam diode lasers are costly, inefficient and difficult to manufacture in high volume," claimed Ungar. "BrightLase offers an ideal solution because of the high power achievable in a single beam from a tiny, energy efficient and low cost chip."