Backlit displays with UV filter extend life of LCD screens

Mitterteich, Germany 31.08.2004 (PROTEXT/ots) - SCHOTT-Rohrglas has developed two novel types of glass thatprolong the operating life of LCD flat-screen displays. The life expectancy of LCD screens is limited, among otherfactors, by the fact that the backlights - a type ofminiaturized neon tube that makes the image on the displayvisible - emit ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This UV radiationdamages vital plastic components inside the screen. This is why SCHOTT-Rohrglas has developed the two new glasstypes 8688 (tungsten-based) and 8271 (kovar), both of which arecharacterized by a special UV screening effect to protect theplastic components from premature aging. The demands made on the life expectancy of components areparticularly on the rise due to the development of large-formatLCD flat screens, which are increasingly replacing traditionalcathode ray TVs. As opposed to current applications, such as inlaptops or cell phones, TV sets are replaced far more rarely. The UV radiation responsible for the damage to the plasticcomponents occurs in the invisible wavelength range between 254and 313 nm. The two new glass types are the first to allow foran effective UV filter to be incorporated in the glass structureitself exactly within this frequency range, such that no complexcoating is necessary at a later stage. "With these backlights, SCHOTT-Rohrglas has opened up a newbusiness area for the future", explains Andreas Reisse, Head ofthe Business Segment Tubing at SCHOTT-Rohrglas in Mitterteich,Germany. "Our main advantage is that there is currently nocompetitor anywhere in the world who can produce this UVscreening glass", continues Mr. Reisse. Already one of the world's leading manufacturers of specialglass tubes, SCHOTT-Rohrglas plans to triple its sales ofbacklight glass over the next two years - a realistic aim,considering the rapid growth in the market for flat LCD screens. picture caption: Backlight tubes for LCD displays: UV filterextends life of LCD screens remarkably. PI 61/2004, PHOTO:SCHOTT Press photos as high resolution files can be downloaded at: http://schott-multimedia.de/Presse-2/Backlight_tubes/ SCHOTT is an international technology-driven group that seesits core purpose as the lasting improvement of living andworking conditions through special materials, components andhigh-tech solutions. Its main areas of focus are the householdappliances industry, optics and electronics, pharmaceuticals andrenewable energies. SCHOTT has a presence in close proximity to its customersthrough highly efficient production and sales companies in allits major markets. It has 18,700 employees producing worldwidesales of 2 billion euros. The company's technological and economic expertise is closelylinked with its social and ecological responsibility. ots Original Text Service: SCHOTT AG Internet: http://www.presseportal.de No. 61/2004 August 2004 Editor: Matthias Reinig Phone +49 (0) 61 31/ 66-40 94 Fax +49 (0) 61 31/ 66-40 41 E-Mail: matthias.reinig@schott.com http://www.schott.com Contact Information Jörg Döscher SCHOTT-Rohrglas GmbH Erich-Schott-Str. 14 95660 Mitterteich, Germany Phone +49/(0)9633 / 80-252 Fax:

+49/(0)9633 / 80-282 E-Mail: joerg.doescher@schott.com Product Information Dr. Brigitte Hueber Phone +49/(0)9633 / 80-190 Fax:

+49/(0)9633 / 80-282 E-Mail: brigitte.hueber.@schott.com

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