Traditional display screens rely on thin-film transistors (TFTs) to control each pixel's brightness and on-off state. However, producing these circuits is expensive and resource-intensive, involving substantial energy, water, and harsh chemicals. The MMT, initially conceived as a hardware AI computing element, addresses these challenges by reducing the number of components needed and simplifying the production process.
"Our invention challenges decades of industry practice by embracing properties usually seen as flaws," said Dr. Radu Sporea, Associate Professor in Semiconductor Devices at the University of Surrey. "In most displays, engineers try to eliminate the energy barriers that form where metals meet semiconductors because they restrict current flow. But instead of working around them, we've made those barriers central to how our transistors operate.
"Using these effects deliberately, we've shown that the electronic circuits at the heart of display screens can be made with fewer components and processing steps - reducing waste, cutting costs and improving performance. And because it works with existing materials and tools, it's a smarter, more sustainable upgrade for the screens we use every day. For the user, the reduced power requirements in operation will also mean significantly improved battery life."
The MMT is particularly suited to compact, high-performance circuits needed for smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, automotive displays, and next-generation wearable devices. It also integrates seamlessly into existing production lines, potentially transforming AMOLED and microLED display manufacturing with minimal disruption.
"I've been working on this technology since my undergraduate days at Surrey, where I had the idea to develop a transistor based on neural behaviour, so seeing it evolve into something with real-world potential is incredibly rewarding," said Dr. Eva Bestelink, Senior Research Fellow at the University of Surrey's Advanced Technology Institute. "We've shown that it's possible to rethink how displays are built without starting from scratch.
"The MMT lets us design circuits that perform better while also being cleaner and cheaper to make. That's a win for manufacturers, a win for users and a win for the environment. Beyond displays, it could also have major applications in areas like microfluidics, imaging arrays and hardware AI. We're still actively researching the AI potential, but the implication for revolutionising manufacturing is clear - especially if we're to achieve Net Zero."
The researchers will present their findings at this year's Display Week 2025 Technical Symposium in San Jose, California, from May 11 to 16. The multimodal transistor (MMT) is already patented in the US and represents the culmination of over two decades of pioneering research in thin-film electronics at the University of Surrey.
Research Report:Multimodal Transistor for Advanced Display Technologies
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