Flexible Flat-Panel Displays

摘要

Is the display industry on the cusp of a revolution? Industrious and creative researchers are striving to realize the successful development and mass production of truly flexible flat-panel displays (FPDs), but they face an industry that typically chooses economics over technology. Optimistic display scientists must therefore overcome not only technological barriers, but also the economic challenges of producing financially viable products. Will the pioneers overcome the difficulties they face, or will the desired revolution remain a dream? No one can predict what the future holds, but it is possible for researchers to realize truly flexible displays and bring them to market, potentially enabling a wealth of new product categories. Flexible-FPD technologies offer many potential advantages, including light weight and robust thin profiles; the ability to flex, curve, conform, roll, and fold for extreme portability; high throughput in manufacturing; the ability to be integrated into garments and textiles; and remarkable engineering design freedom, including oddly shaped displays (Fig. 1).