Samsung builds foldable touchscreen smartphone prototype

Samsung has built a prototype of a seamless foldable display that opens up to look like that of a regular smartphone.

According to the Daily Mail, the display consists of two active matrix organic-light-emitting-diode (AMOLED) panels covered by a silicone window that prevents scratches and can serve as a touchscreen.

When folded down, they are separated by a gap of just 1mm. But when the screen is opened one panel lies almost completely on top of the other and appears seamless.

The researchers tested the foldable display’s durability by performing 100,000 folding-unfolding cycles. They said the key to success was controlling the optical properties of the materials.

"All the materials in a foldable window unit (glasses and silicone rubber) must have almost the same optical properties and attach to each other strongly without any optical property change," Samsung’s HongShik Shim told PhysOrg.com.

They also found that the relative brightness at the junction decreased by just 6 per cent. Since this difference is hardly recognisable to most people, the deterioration is considered negligible.

This new type of technology has not so far taken off because of the high manufacturing costs.

However, determined to compete with innovative design such as the iPad, a number of major manufacturers are determined to expand research and develop innovative new products with folding screens.

Samsung hopes that its large-screen devices will soon be available with AMOLED technology.