Active-matrix display employs nanowire transistors

A research group including members from Purdue University, Northwestern University, and the University of Southern California claims it has developed the first active-matrix display based on nanowire transistors, which offer better transparency and flexibility than conventional silicon circuitry. In the proof-of-concept display, indium-oxide-nanowire transistors, indium-tin-oxide electrodes, and plastic capacitors form an array of OLEDs (organic light-emitting diodes).

The display looks like slightly tinted glass when idle, according to the researchers, making the technology particularly suitable for heads-up displays. The demonstration unit supports only row-by-row addressing, but the researchers expect to soon achieve pixel addressing. Moreover, they state, the demonstration display proves that they can create OLEDs that measure 176×54 microns—ideal for small displays in portable consumer-electronic devices—and achieve brightness approaching that of LCD TVs.