An Introduction to Materials Used for Displays

In the modern world, displays have become ubiquitous in many aspects of life, transforming the way we interact with information and entertainment. From televisions and computer monitors to smartphones and digital signage, displays are essential for conveying visual content in many spaces. As they come in various forms, each utilizing different materials and technologies, we will cover the most notable types in this blog.

Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs) are one of the most common types of displays, found in a multitude of devices like computer monitors, televisions, and smartphones. LCDs use liquid crystals, which are substances that exhibit properties between those of liquids and solid crystals. These liquid crystals do not emit light directly, instead modulating light through a backlight or reflector to create images. The arrangement of liquid crystals is altered by applying electric fields, which control the light passage through them, thus producing different colors and images. LCDs are favored for their relatively low power consumption, sharp image quality, and affordability.

Solid-state emissive technologies represent a category of displays where the material itself emits light, with Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLEDs) being a prime example. In OLED displays, organic compounds serve as the individual pixels that emit light in response to an electric current running through them, enabling true blacks and high contrast ratios. Moreover, this technology allows for thinner and more flexible screens compared to traditional LCDs, as OLEDs do not require a backlight. Such attributes make OLED displays highly desirable for high-end televisions, smartphones, and other devices where image quality is paramount.

Once popular for large television screens, Plasma Display Panels (PDPs) are made up of small cells containing electrically charged ionized gasses (plasma) that emit ultraviolet light when electricity is applied. This ultraviolet light then excites phosphor coatings within the cells to produce visible light. Plasma displays offer excellent color accuracy and wide viewing angles, making them suitable for home theaters and public displays. However, they tend to consume more power and are bulkier compared to LCDs and OLEDs, leading to their decline in the consumer market.

Field Emission Displays (FEDs) are another fascinating technology that operates on the principle of field electron emission. In FEDs, electrons are emitted from a cathode and strike a phosphorescent surface, producing light. This method is similar to how traditional cathode ray tube (CRT) televisions work, but on a much smaller scale. FEDs promise high brightness, wide viewing angles, and fast response times, but their complex manufacturing process and high production costs have limited their widespread adoption.

Representing the forefront of display technology are Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLEDs) and Quantum Dot Light Emitting Diodes (QLEDs). OLEDs, as previously mentioned, offer superior image quality with vibrant colors and deep blacks, leading to their increasing use in premium devices from high-end televisions to flagship smartphones. On the other hand, QLEDs use quantum dots to enhance the brightness and color accuracy of LED-backlit LCDs, which are semiconductor nanocrystals that emit specific light wavelengths when illuminated. QLED displays are known for their exceptional brightness and wide color gamut, making them a competitive alternative to OLEDs, especially in brightly lit environments.

For the efficient sourcing of all display components you need for operations, choose Instantaneous Delivery, a procurement platform with over 2 billion featured items. Here, we aim to meet a wide range of project requirements while offering competitive pricing and rapid lead times on everything we stock. You can explore our website with no reservations knowing that we at ASAP Semiconductor consistently follow multiple quality-assurance practices and proudly operate with AS9120B, ISO 9001:2015, and FAA AC 00-56B accreditation, a testament to the caliber of each item presented here on Instantaneous Delivery. With this in mind, we invite you to browse our database and get in contact with us today to see all that we can offer as a dependable sourcing partner.