Iridigm Display Corp

About Iridigm Display Corp

Iridigm Display Corporation operated as a developer of reflective flat-panel display technology for the mobile device market before its acquisition. The company was co-founded by Mark W. Miles and Erik Larson. Miles, a MEMS researcher, invented the Interferometric Modulator (IMOD) technology that formed the core of Iridigm's product.

Iridigm's core business revolved around its proprietary iMoD Matrix™ component, a reflective flat-panel color display technology based on micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) and thin-film optics. This technology functions by using microscopic cavities that act as switchable mirrors. In one state, an iMoD element reflects a specific wavelength of light, creating color, while in another state it absorbs light and appears black. This method of creating color via the interference of reflected light offered several advantages over traditional LCD screens, most notably significantly lower power consumption, as power is primarily used only to switch states. The displays were also readable in bright sunlight and could withstand extreme temperatures. The company's business model focused on commercializing this technology for mobile device manufacturers, targeting applications like mobile phones and handhelds. Iridigm designed its manufacturing process to be compatible with existing LCD infrastructure to lower the barrier to adoption.

A significant milestone in the company's history was its acquisition by Qualcomm Incorporated in September 2004. Qualcomm, which already owned approximately 14% of the company, acquired the remaining 86% for about $170 million in cash. The acquisition was a strategic move for Qualcomm to accelerate the time-to-market for iMoD technology, aligning with its strategy of enhancing wireless device capabilities while reducing cost, size, and power consumption. Following the acquisition, Qualcomm formed Qualcomm MEMS Technologies (QMT) to continue the development and commercialization of the technology, later trademarked as "mirasol".