Nov 18 2010
The Flexible Display Center (FDC) at Arizona State University today announced that AU Optronics (AUO) has become an industry partner of the FDC.
The two companies will collaborate on the development of mixed oxide thin film transistors (TFTs) to accelerate the commercial availability of active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) flexible displays. AMOLED displays have already started to gain market traction in conventional glass displays for applications such as smart phones because of the crisp, vibrant and rich colors they deliver. The FDC-AUO partnership will focus on bringing the benefits of AMOLED displays, including full-color, full-motion video, to flexible substrates.
"We see tremendous potential in partnering with the FDC to advance the development of flexible AMOLEDs," said Yong-Hong Lu, Vice President of AUO Technology Center. "The FDC has significant experience in adapting standard flat panel display manufacturing technologies for use with flexible substrates, which is a critical aspect of being able to bring flexible AMOLEDs to market. Working with the FDC offers us an opportunity to advance leading-edge display technologies for flexible substrates and participate in the development of viable approaches to commercialization."
AUO and the FDC will work in active partnership with dedicated engineering teams to advance mixed oxide transistor technology and the handling capabilities of conventional flat panel display (FPD) manufacturing processes to accommodate the thin, plastic substrates used for flexible displays. Mixed oxide TFTs offer a better ability to drive currents and improve the lifetime and stability of transistors used for OLED displays.
"As one of the leading FPD manufacturers in the world, AUO brings significant expertise in AMOLED display technology and manufacturing," said Nicholas Colaneri, director of the Flexible Display Center at Arizona State University. "This partnership will allow us to combine AUO's manufacturing strength with the FDC's superior approach to handling plastic materials in a conventional flat panel manufacturing environment. Working with AUO further extends our strategy of fostering innovation with leading industrial firms by taking advantage of the Center's unique public, private and military partnership to accelerate the development of advanced technologies."
Source: http://flexdisplay.asu.edu/