Emissive flat panel displays: A challenge to the AMLCD

Abstract

According to some sources, flat panel displays (FPDS) for computers will represent a $20-40B industry by the end of the decade and could leverage up to$100-200B in computer sales. Control of the flat panel display industry could be a significant factor in the global economy if FPDs manage to tap into the enormous audio/visual consumer market. Japan presently leads the world in active matrix liquid crystal display (AMLCD) manufacturing, the current leading FPD technology. The AMLCD is basically a light shutter which does not emit light on its own, but modulates the intensity of a separate backlight. However, other technologies, based on light emitting phosphors, could eventually challenge the @CD`s lead position. These light-emissive technologies do not have the size, temperature and viewing angle limitations of AMLCDS. In addition, they could also be less expensive to manufacture, and require a smaller capital outlay for a manufacturing plant. An overview of these alternative technologies is presented