Tempe, AZ--Arizona State University's Flexible Electronics and Display Center (FEDC) has successfully manufactured the world's largest flexible color organic light-emitting display (OLED) prototype using mixed-oxide thin-film transistors (TFTs). Measuring 14.7 diagonal inches (nearly twice as large as the previous record-setting device developed by the FDC), the device was developed at the FEDC in conjunction with Army Research Labs scientists.
"Mixed oxide TFTs offer a highly cost-effective approach for manufacturing displays that deliver high performance, including vibrant colors, high switching speeds for video and reduced power consumption - all features that will be required for the next generation of consumer electronics," said Nick Colaneri, Director of the FEDC. "Furthermore, mixed oxide TFTs can be manufactured on existing amorphous silicon production lines, eliminating the need for specialized equipment and processing, thereby reducing costs compared to competitive approaches."
The new device also meets a critical target set by the U.S. Department of Defense to advance the development of full-color, full-motion video flexible OLED displays (http://www.laserfocusworld.com/articles/print/volume-45/issue-1/features/flexible-displays-metal-foil-backed-oled-displays-will-soon-be-rollable.html) for use in thin, lightweight, bendable and highly rugged devices. This latest version includes advancements in both the OLED materials to enhance performance as well as the encapsulation processes used to protect the display.
SOURCE: The Flexible Electronics and Display Center; http://flexdisplay.asu.edu/