The Flexible Display Center (FDC), a government/industry/academia partnership at Arizona State University, has announced that AU Optronics (AUO) is now an industry partner. The two will collaborate on the development of mixed-oxide thin-film transistors to accelerate the commercial availability of active-matrix organic LED (AMOLED) flexible displays. AMOLED displays have already begun gaining market traction in conventional glass displays for applications such as smart phones because of the crisp, vibrant and rich colors they deliver. The new 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 AU Optronics 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 to participate in the development of viable approaches to commercialization.” The companies will work in active partnership with dedicated engineering teams to advance mixed-oxide transistor technology and the handling capabilities of conventional flat panel display manufacturing processes to accommodate the thin, plastic substrates used for flexible displays. Mixed-oxide thin-film transistors offer a better ability to drive currents and improve the lifetime and stability of transistors used for OLED displays. Nicholas Colaneri, director of the Flexible Display Center, said, “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.” For more information, visit: flexdisplay.asu.edu