LCD nanotechnology gets big research boost

Researchers hope that carbon nanotubes can be used to make flat panel TVs and monitors using field emission displays.

Other patents are related to electroluminescent panels, also with obvious applications for the computer and TV business.

According to research by the Nikkei Research Institute, Sony, Hitachi, Fuji, Canon, Matsushita, Toshiba, Nikon and NEC have all filed a flurry of patents related to nanotechnology.

In a separate development, a Hitachi subsidiary said it had successfuly started sampling carbon nanotube technology only 120 nanometers long, and included into conductive plastic sheets. It will start shipping applications by 2005.

Some patents look to the future of photolithography, which is used to make semiconductors. Current technology is reaching the end of the road. µ

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