University of Cambridge researchers have combined graphene research with transistor and display processing to create the first transistor-based flexible device. The researchers say the breakthrough is the first step toward the wider implementation of graphene and graphene-like materials into flexible electronics.
The new prototype is an active matrix electrophoretic display that is made of flexible plastic instead of glass. The display's pixel electronics include a solution-processed graphene electrode that replaced the sputtered metal electrode layer. The new 150-pixel-per-inch backplane was generated at low temperatures using Plastic Logic's Organic Thin Film Transistor technology. The graphene electrode was deposited from solution and patterned with micron-scale features to complete the backplane. The backplane was integrated with an electrophoretic imaging film to create an ultra-low power and durable display.
"This is a significant step forward to enable fully wearable and flexible devices," says Cambridge professor Andrea Ferrari. "This cements the Cambridge graphene-technology cluster and shows how an effective academic-industrial partnership is key to help move graphene from the lab to the factory floor."
Ferrari says future demonstrations of the technology could incorporate liquid crystal and organic light-emitting diodes technology to achieve full color and video functionality.
From University of Cambridge
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