Sharp 2009 Annual Report Download - page 26

200
0
07
8.0
150 6.0
100 4.0
50 2.0
0
08 090605

liquid crystal particles in a given direction plays a pivotal role in
improving the display characteristics of an LCD TV. Sharp is
currently developing a completely new alignment technology
which uses a light irradiation process to provide an alignment
film with a function to control orientation of liquid crystals.
This new technology will allow greater transmissivity and
contrast, which translate into higher picture quality and lower
power consumption. Additionally, we are using more efficient
power supply circuitry and backlights along with this technol-
ogy to cut the power consumption of LCD TVs.

Sharp has become the first company in the world to com-
mercialize an optical sensor LCD. We used our exclusive
System LCD technology to incorporate an optical sensor
into the transistor layer of an LCD. The result is an optical
sensor LCD with very high resolution (FWVGA: 854 x 480
dots). This allows handwritten input using a pen and
multiple-finger-touch operation. Moreover, there is no
longer the need for touch sensors or a protective layer
inherent in conventional touch screens, allowing a much
more vivid picture along with a slimmer profile. Sharp has
already incorporated an optical sensor LCD as the touchpad
for a notebook computer, enabling handwritten input and
intuitive touch operation in addition to conventional mouse
operations. Development is proceeding with the aim of
adding business card scanning, fingerprint authentication
and other imaging input capabilities to optical sensor LCDs.

Sharp is promoting the development of multijunction com-
pound solar cells that stack layers of different compounds
in order to absorb differing wavelengths of light. Our
triple-junction solar cell, which has separate layers made
of three types of compounds, is already used as a power
source for satellites. These cells have a very high conver-
sion efficiency of more than 30%. We have also produced
concentrator photovoltaic power systems that combine
solar cells using these same compounds and lenses to
achieve a conversion efficiency of more than 40%. We are
expanding the application of this technology for use in dry
regions that receive a lot of direct sunlight. We are also
working to create an ultralight flexible solar cell with a
structure that uses only thin
layers of compounds with
no underlying substrate for
stacking. Sharp will continue
to pursue even higher effi-
ciencies by optimizing the
composition of photovoltaic
materials and increasing the
number of junctions.


Sharp is promoting R&D for new liquid crystal technology to
improve picture quality and reduce power consumption of
LCD TVs. Liquid crystal alignment technology for orienting

Based on the fundamental policy of “selection and concentra-
tion,” Sharp conducts R&D activities with the goal of develop-
ing the technologies needed to constantly create one-of-a-kind
products from the perspective of users. The final objective is
to ensure that customers are satisfied with Sharp products. To
accomplish this objective, we focus on three approaches to
R&D. First is creating unique products through the vertical
integration of our core technologies. Second is leveraging
commodity technologies shared in the company. Third is using
“open innovation” and cooperation with partners to gain
expertise in fields of technology that are new to Sharp. Using
all three approaches allows us to perform R&D that is distinc-
tive, speedy and efficient.
Ultralight flexible solar cells
R&D Expenditures
Sharp Corporation and Consolidated Subsidiaries
Years Ended March 31
(billions of yen) (%)
n Ratio to net sales
 