Definition of active-matrix OLED display

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Photonics Dictionary

active-matrix OLED display: An active matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) display is a type of flat-panel display technology that combines the active matrix addressing scheme with organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). This technology provides high-resolution, high-quality image displays with superior color accuracy, contrast, and response times.

Technology: An AMOLED display uses an active matrix addressing scheme where each pixel is individually controlled by a thin-film transistor (TFT) array. This enables precise control over each pixel's brightness and color.

Structure: Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs): These are organic compounds that emit light when an electric current is applied. Unlike LCDs, which require a backlight, OLED pixels emit light directly, allowing for deeper blacks and higher contrast ratios.

Thin-film transistors (TFTs): Each pixel in an AMOLED display has one or more TFTs that control the current flowing through the OLED. This setup allows for precise control over the light emission of each pixel.

Subpixels: Each pixel typically comprises red, green, and blue subpixels, each with its own OLED and controlling TFT. By varying the intensity of these subpixels, the display can produce a full spectrum of colors.

Advantages:

High resolution: AMOLED displays support high pixel densities, resulting in sharp and detailed images.

Fast response times: They have very fast refresh rates, reducing motion blur and making them ideal for video playback and gaming.

Excellent color and contrast: OLEDs can achieve true blacks (by turning off pixels completely) and high contrast ratios, offering vibrant and accurate colors.

Flexibility: The thin and flexible nature of OLED materials allows for innovative display designs, including curved and foldable screens.

Applications:

Smartphones and tablets: Widely used for their vibrant displays and energy efficiency.

Televisions: High-end TVs use AMOLED technology for superior picture quality.

Wearable devices: Smartwatches and fitness trackers benefit from the low power consumption and flexibility of AMOLED displays.

Laptops and monitors: Increasingly used for premium laptops and monitors to provide high-resolution, high-quality displays.

Contrast with passive matrix OLEDs (PMOLEDs): PMOLEDs use a simpler, grid-based addressing scheme without individual TFTs at each pixel. This results in lower resolution, slower refresh rates, and less precise control over pixel brightness and color compared to AMOLEDs.