The ASV (Advanced Super View) technology thus far adopted by Sharp delivers high-resolution images to LCD TVs by precisely controlling the movement of liquid crystal molecules within a complex LCD panel structure. The next generation of TVs, however, must deliver groundbreaking performance in terms of image resolution and energy efficiency. That will require not merely an extension of past developments, but rather further innovation in LCD technology itself.

Thus Sharp has adopted a special material that responds to UV (ultraviolet) radiation and has developed UV2A Technology as a photo-alignment technology for the alignment film in LCD panels. This innovative technology, the result of combining proprietary materials developed by Sharp with UV exposure equipment and processing technologies, provides highly accurate control over the alignment of liquid crystal molecules in accordance with the direction of the radiation. It can be termed “pico-technology” in that it goes beyond nanotechnology to control the tilt angle of liquid crystal molecules, which are only around two nanometers*4 in size, with an accuracy measured in picometers.*5

In addition to eliminating light leakage from the backlight, making it possible to display extremely deep blacks, this technology also enables higher aperture ratios in the LCD panel for the most efficient use of light from the backlight, thereby saving energy while displaying bright, vivid colors. Sharp’s UV2A Technology will also be ideal for enhancing the performance of high-definition 4Kx2K displays and 3D TVs, which are expected to form the next generation of TVs.