Sharp 2007 Annual Report Download - page 28

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R&D STRATEGY
Sharp advances a fundamental R&D policy of “selection and
concentration.” Apart from conducting R&D to strengthen core
businesses, including LCD TVs, mobile phones and solar cells,
Sharp focuses on themes that are expected to translate into future
business pillars. To improve R&D efficiency and minimize R&D risk,
we make the most of opportunities generated by industry-
academia-government collaboration.
Ultra-high resolution LCDs
Sharp recently developed a 64-inch ultra-high resolution
direct-view LCD panel with “4K x 2K” - one kind of digital cinema
system specification - making this a world first. The 8.84 million
(4,096 x 2,160) pixel display is roughly four times that of full high-
definition panels, offering
breathtakingly clear images
far superior to high-
definition broadcasting.
Going forward, Sharp seeks
to contribute to the evolution
of visual entertainment by
developing LCD panels that
provide stunning pictures
and bring scenes to life.
Triple-junction thin-film solar cells
Sharp has succeeded in the development of triple-junction thin-film
solar cells, which boast higher conversion efficiency than
conventional tandem (two layer) cells. This new architecture boosts
module conversion efficiency to 10% and cell conversion efficiency
to 13%, ranking it in the top tier in the industry for products
manufactured in volume. These newly developed thin-film solar
cells can be fabricated on the same equipment as tandem cells,
providing major cost benefits. Sharp will be working hard on further
R&D to encourage the widespread use of thin-film solar cells.
Next-generation memory technology
There are high expectations for RRAM (Resistance Random Access
Memory), a next-generation nonvolatile memory capable of
programming speed at about 100 times faster than flash memory.
Sharp has developed fundamental technology for a new method of
high-speed data programming for RRAM. In the future Sharp will
pursue further R&D, including IC integration and microfabrication
technologies for the memory elements, aiming at the practical
implementation of RRAM technology.
Biosensing technology
Sharp conducts R&D for application in the healthcare sector based
on cutting-edge biotechnology and sensing technology. Work is
currently being done on a
protein chip, which can
recognize changes in health
condition by identifying changes
in protein constituents in the
body. The chip is expected to
have practical application as a
precise diagnostic tool for the
early discovery of illness.
High-power blue-violet laser diode
Sharp has developed the high-power blue-violet laser diode that
achieves a power output of 210mW*1, the industry’s highest*2. This
device enables high-speed recording on next-generation DVDs,
including Blu-ray Discs and HD DVDs. It makes full use of crystal
growth technology Sharp
nurtured in the development
of infrared and red laser
diodes to realize high power
and reliability. Sharp is looking
to further boost power in the
laser diode to contribute to the
evolution of next-generation
DVD equipment.
*1 In pulsed operation
*2 As of March 2007
Organic electronic devices
Sharp promotes R&D into organic electronic devices at Todai-Sharp
Laboratories established at the University of Tokyo in 2005. Here, a
technique has been developed to form organic materials at
Since its earliest days, Sharp has had a predisposition for
creativity, with our R&D activities concentrating on devising
one-of-a-kind products and one-of-a-kind devices. An
aggressive patent strategy, meanwhile, helps build strong
business foundations.
R&D AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
“4K x 2K” ultra-high resolution LCD
Examination of protein chip
Blue-violet laser diode with industry’s
highest power level