Thin Film Transistor Array Based Active Matrix Flat Panel Displays—Past and Next Application in Immersive Displays

The availability of high-quality flat panel displays today can be contributed to the advancement of the thin film transistor technology that enables the tight-control of the transmission, emission, or reflection of light from individual pixels in a large array. The development history of amorphous silicon, polycrystalline silicon, and metal oxide thin film transistors for commercial liquid crystal, organic light emitting device, micro-light emitting device, and electrophoretic displays are reviewed. Characteristics of these transistors are compared and limitations on applications are discussed. The trend of market growth of these displays is examined. Examples of the thin film transistor array in non-display products are shown. The advancement in two thin film transistor active matrix areas − flexible displays/electronics and smart display systems − have been identified and discussed as critical to the emerging high performance immersive displays.