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The Future

Take a peek at some of the next-generation device technologies we are developing

Sharp Corporation has a rich heritage of research and development, pioneering new markets with advanced technologies that enrich our lives. New device technology from Sharp has consistently been the key to unique, world-first products. No greater example exists than LCDs: today we just have to glance at our smartphone to appreciate how LCD display technology from Sharp has revolutionised our daily activity.

But what of the future?

Sharp invests strongly in advanced R&D to stay at the cutting edge of technology development. Sharp has numerous global R&D laboratories and here in Europe we are fortunate to have a close relationship with Sharp Laboratories of Europe (SLE).

Here are just some of the exciting technology developments that are on-going and which we plan to commercialise in the near future.

Energy harvesting solar cells

Sharp’s latest energy harvesting technology generates six times more power than conventional photo-voltaic devices for a given surface area. The technology is targeted for applications where the current dependence on batteries needs to be reduced, for example in maintenance-free sensor applications or wearable devices. Development targets include:

  • Use with ambient LED and CCFL lighting and effectiveness in low light levels (<10lux)
  • Easy system integration, small-footprint, maintenance-free solutions
  • An ideal match for Sharp's Memory in Pixel (MiP) LCD for low power display solutions

We are currently exploring the application of energy harvesting technology with a number of our customers.

UV lasers

Deep ultraviolet (UV) light will feature in some of the most important new products of the next decade. This light sterilises harmful bacteria and viruses and will be used in products which create a healthier living environment by disinfecting surfaces, air and drinking water. Deep UV also interacts strongly with many important molecules – from proteins to pollutants – and thereby enables new sensor technologies for monitoring chemical or biological compounds. These sensors will make healthcare, homes and workplaces smarter and safer.

Sharp’s solid-state UV lasers are made possible by advances in semiconductor, material and optical technologies. These lasers emit deep UV light at wavelengths between 210 nm and 230 nm and this light is particularly useful for chemical and biological sensing.

We are currently applying the newly-developed components into original sensor technologies in collaboration with potential customers.

More details about the UVC laser module technology and applications are introduced in a White Paper available from Optics.org.