Display innovation has been going on in the tech industry, and we have seen so many new types of displays. From foldable displays to mini-LED displays, these innovations have played a huge role in the modern tech we use every day. But now, researchers have taken this innovation to a new level.

Researchers at POSTECH (Pohang University of Science and Technology) have unveiled the first pixel-based local sound OLED panel. This panel integrates audio playback directly into the display surface.

How did the Researchers achieve this? 

Led by Professor Su Seok Choi and Ph.D. candidate Inpyo Hong, the researchers used ultra-thin piezoelectric exciters placed beneath the OLED layers. These exciters convert electrical signals into localised vibrations, making individual pixels vibrate to produce sound. They made sure that each pixel-speaker is isolated, so audio from one spot doesn’t bleed into another. 

They also engineered special frame structures around pixels to confine sound to exact zones, smooth out frequency response and reduce distortion across a wide range of sounds. 

The team also showcased a 13-inch OLED panel, about the size of a tablet or laptop screen. The pixels in this display act like tiny speakers. This eliminates the need for bulky external speakers or soundbars, making future devices more efficient.

Real World Applications

OLED screens are already known for their thinness and picture quality. This innovation can make these displays even more useful by enabling truly localised sound experiences. For example, in a car, the driver could hear navigation instructions while the passenger listens to music. In virtual reality or smartphones, spatial sound could dynamically adapt to the user’s head or hand movements, enhancing realism and immersion. This technology could also improve sound quality on laptops, which often suffer due to space constraints.

Right now, it’s just a working prototype. But as it matures, this technology could significantly improve the sound quality of mobiles and smaller devices. If implemented well, it could be the future of immersive audio-visual experiences.