Definition of active-matrix display

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Photonics Dictionary

active-matrix display: An active-matrix display is a type of flat-panel display technology where each pixel is actively controlled by one or more thin-film transistors (TFTs). This technology is commonly used in liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays.

In an active-matrix display, each pixel is individually controlled by a small transistor or a set of transistors and capacitors. This setup allows for precise control of each pixel's brightness and color, leading to higher resolution and better display quality.

Components:

Thin-film transistors (TFTs): These are semiconductor devices fabricated directly onto the glass substrate of the display. Each pixel has its own dedicated TFT that acts as a switch, controlling the flow of current to the pixel.

Capacitors: They are used to maintain the charge at each pixel until the next refresh cycle, ensuring that the pixels stay lit at the correct intensity.

Advantages:

Higher resolution: The ability to control each pixel individually allows for high-resolution displays with sharp images and text.

Faster refresh rates: Active-matrix displays can refresh images more quickly than passive matrix displays, reducing motion blur and providing smoother video playback.

Better color and brightness control: Each pixel can be precisely controlled for color and brightness, resulting in more accurate and vibrant images.

Applications:

LCDs: Active-matrix LCDs are widely used in smartphones, computer monitors, televisions, and other electronic devices.

OLEDs: Active-matrix technology is also used in OLED displays, providing superior color contrast and faster response times compared to traditional LCDs.

Contrast with passive-matrix displays: In passive-matrix displays, rows and columns of conductive material control the pixels. This method is less efficient, resulting in lower resolution, slower response times, and poorer image quality compared to active matrix displays.

Active-matrix technology is critical for the high-quality displays found in modern electronic devices, offering significant improvements in performance and visual quality over older passive-matrix technologies.

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