This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: A research team led by Professor Jiwoong Yang of the Department of Energy Science and Engineering at DGIST has developed the world's first foundational technology for an ultrahigh-resolution stretchable quantum dot display (QLED) that can stretch freely like skin while maintaining sharp image quality. The findings were published in Nature Nanotechnology.
Developed in collaboration with a research team led by Professor Moon Kee Choi of UNIST and a research team led by associate director Dae-Hyeong Kim of the IBS (Institute for Basic Science) Center for Nanoparticle Research, the technology is expected to significantly expand the commercial potential of next-generation stretchable displays. "Stretchable displays," which can be freely stretched and deformed, are widely regarded as a key technology for next-generation wearable devices and electronic skin, extending beyond existing foldable and rollable displays. However, conventional technologies stretch only the wires (interconnects) while leaving the light-emitting regions unchanged.
As a result, the proportion of the display area that emits light decreases as the display is stretched, leading to a significant deterioration in image quality. To overcome these limitations, researchers have been actively developing light-emitting devices based on "intrinsic stretchability," in which the pixels themselves stretch like rubber bands. However, precisely patterning soft, rubber-like stretchable light-emitting layers into fine, high-resolution pixels has proven extremely challenging.
In addition, conventional organic electronic composite materials have suffered from significantly reduced color reproduction and brightness. To address these challenges, a joint research team including Yang developed a new fabrication process called "LIFT" for ultrahigh-resolution stretchable QLEDs. The technology chemically bonds quantum dots—light-emitting nanoparticles—with an elastic polymer that can stretch like rubber and then transfers fine patterns onto a surface, much like stamping a seal.
In particular, the team applied a specialized treatment to the surface of the light-emitting layer to improve its electrical conductivity and adhesion, thereby enabling both precise pattern formation and excellent light-emitting performance. Using this technology, the research team created ultrahigh-resolution patterns with a pixel density of up to 16,000 pixels per inch (PPI) and produced high-quality multicolor pixels using stretchable red, green and blue (RGB) light-emitting layers. The newly developed device achieved a maximum brightness of 53,300 nits, far exceeding the previous limit of 15,000 nits or less for stretchable light-emitting devices and representing the highest level reported for stretchable devices.
The device also operated stably without mechanical damage or degradation in image quality even when stretched to approximately 65% beyond its original length. "This study is highly significant because we simultaneously achieved fine pixel fabrication and improved light-emitting performance by precisely controlling surfaces and interfaces while maintaining the stretchability of quantum dot composites," said Yang of DGIST. "By successfully combining the chemical design of materials with precision fabrication technologies, this research will significantly expand the potential for the commercialization of next-generation stretchable displays." Jisu Yoo et al, High-resolution intrinsically stretchable quantum-dot displays through thermally assisted intaglio transfer printing, Nature Nanotechnology (2026).
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