Static active-matrix OLED display without pixel refresh enabled by amorphous-silicon non-volatile memory

Yifei Huang Bahman Hekmatshoar (SID Student Member) Sigurd Wagner James C. Sturm Abstract — An active-matrix organic light-emitting-diode (AMOLED) display which does not require pixel refresh is demonstrated. This was achieved by replacing the thin-film transistor (TFT) that drives the OLED with a non-volatile memory TFT, in a 2-transistor pixel circuit. The threshold voltage of the non-volatile-memory TFT can be changed by applying programming voltage pulses to the gate electrode. This approach eliminates the need for storage capacitors, increases the pixel fill factor, and potentially reduces power consumption. Each pixel can be individually programmed or erased using a standard active-matrix addressing scheme. The programmed image is stored in the display even if power is turned off.