OSRAM to use CDT’s proprietary Light Emitting Polymer display
technology to develop  products for mobile, cellular and automotive applications
CAMBRIDGE, United Kingdom,  – Cambridge Display Technology (CDT), the leading researcher and commercial technology developer of light-emitting polymers (LEPs), today announced that it has granted OSRAM Opto Semiconductors GmbH & Co. OHG (OSRAM OS), a  subsidiary of OSRAM GmbH, a license to manufacture and sell LEP displays up to 1/4 VGA pixel format with rights to license higher information content in the future. The right to manufacture lighting devices is also permitted by the license.

OSRAM OS will initially develop OEM LEP products for mobile, cellular and automotive applications.

OSRAM OS has installed an LEP pilot line in San Jose, California and expects to bring a commercial LEP display manufacturing plant in Penang, Malaysia on stream during 2001.

According to market research from DisplaySearch, organic light emitting diode (OLED) display revenue worldwide is expected to grow from $24 million in 2000 to $3.3 billion by 2005. The OLED display market includes mobile phones, personal digital assistants, digital cameras, camcorders and eventually personal computer and consumer products

David Fyfe, CEO of CDT, said, “We are very pleased that OSRAM has taken this license. They have shown great commitment to the advancement of LEP OLED technology in building a commercial production plant in Malaysia. Together with the commitments already made by CDT’s partners, it is clear that a critical mass of well-resourced corporations has concluded that CDT's LEP technology holds the most promise for the future. CDT is committed to helping these companies in any way that it can as the technology evolves.”

Ruediger Mueller, president and CEO of OSRAM OS, said, “OSRAM regards LEPs as a key innovation for legible displays with low power consumption and minimum size and weight. We will be entering the market for applications in mobile telephony and automotive electronics, and expect the next few years to bring considerable sales potential in this field.”

About OSRAM Opto Semiconductors
OSRAM Opto Semiconductors is a joint venture between OSRAM and Infineon Technologies. OSRAM, one of the three largest lamp manufacturers in the world has a majority interest of 51 percent. The company offers its customers a range of solutions based on semiconductor technology for lighting, sensor and visualization applications. With a workforce of 3,620, OSRAM Opto Semiconductors generated Euro 281 million in sales during the fiscal year 1999/2000 (30 September). OSRAM in total has boosted its worldwide sales by 18 percent to Euro 4.3 (previous year: 3.7) billion. The company operates in more than 140 countries and actually provides jobs for about 36,200 employees. More information available on the Internet: http://www.osram.com and http://www.osram-os.com.