A Japanese semiconductor technology R&D manufacturer Athene has developed a new technology for manufacturing high precision OLED panels, according to a Nikkei Asian Review report.

Shadow Masks (Fine Metal Masks, FMM) are required, when OLED materials are deposited onto glass substrates through thermal process. Once temperatures exceed 60 degrees Celsius, though, the metal mask might expand and deform. Athene’s technology involves strengthening the Shadow Mask, by adding nickel and iron materials. The upgraded Shadow Mask can withstand temperatures of 100 degrees Celsius and above without deformations. The improved Shadow Masks can raise OLED panels pixel density to above 500 ppi, about double that of current OLEDs.

Athene plans to invest billions of Japanese Yen to set up an OLED Shadow Mask production line in Fujisawa City of Kanagawa Prefecture, so it can deliver the new Shadow Masks to OLED panel manufacturers by 2015. The company expects revenues to reach over JYP 100 million (US $920,000) during first quarter of 2015.