A thin-film transistor (TFT) is a special type of field-effect transistor made by depositing thin films of an active semiconductor layer as well as the dielectric layer and metallic contacts over a supporting substrate. TFTs are widely used in display technologies, such as liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays, due to their ability to control individual pixels efficiently.

Thin-film Transistor

thin-film transistor

A Field-Effect Transistor (FET) is a type of transistor that uses an electric field to control the flow of current, making it a crucial component in modern electronics due to its high efficiency and low power consumption. FETs are widely used in integrated circuits, amplifiers, and switching applications due to their ability to operate at high speeds and with minimal noise interference.

field-effect transistor

active semiconductor layer

A dielectric layer is a non-conductive material that can store electrical energy when subjected to an electric field, commonly used in capacitors and insulating layers in electronic devices. Its effectiveness is characterized by its dielectric constant and breakdown voltage, which determine its ability to store charge and withstand electric fields without failing.

dielectric layer

Metallic contacts are crucial interfaces in electronic devices, enabling efficient charge transfer between different materials. They are designed to minimize resistance and ensure stable electrical performance, often involving careful material selection and surface engineering.

metallic contacts

supporting substrate

display technologies

Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs) utilize liquid crystals combined with polarizers to modulate light and produce images on screens, commonly used in televisions, monitors, and smartphones. They offer advantages such as low power consumption and thin form factors, but require backlighting for visibility, unlike emissive displays like OLEDs.

liquid crystal displays

LCDs

Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) are a type of LED where the emissive electroluminescent layer is a film of organic compound that emits light in response to an electric current. They offer advantages such as better image quality, flexibility, and energy efficiency compared to traditional LEDs, making them ideal for use in displays and lighting.

organic light-emitting diode

OLED displays, or Organic Light Emitting Diodes, offer superior color accuracy, contrast, and energy efficiency compared to traditional LCD screens, by using organic compounds that emit light when an electric current is applied. They are increasingly used in high-end TVs, smartphones, and wearable devices due to their ability to produce vibrant images, deeper blacks, and slimmer form factors.

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