Jet-printed active-matrix backplanes and electrophoretic displays

The fabrication of large-area electronics, such as active-matrix pixel circuits in flat-panel displays, is becoming increasingly challenging. Particularly for applications such as electronic paper, flexibility of the display and fabrication at extremely low cost is important. Therefore, novel fabrication methods have to be explored. We have developed jet-printing technology to fabricate active-matrix backplanes for paper-like electrophoretic displays. In three approaches we implement several stages of evolution of the printing technology. First, the photolithographic patterning of photoresist used in conventional fabrication is replaced by digital printing of a wax etch mask. Second, the amorphous silicon semiconductor for the thin-film-transistors is replaced with a printed organic semiconductor. Third, the active-matrix pixel circuit is fabricated in an all-additive printing process. In order to test our backplanes we are developing electrophoretic display media. The media is based on microfabricated cell-structures which contain the electrophoretic ink. Particularly for flexible displays, the cells have to be individually sealed and several methods are being explored.