AMOLEDs

AMOLED stands for active-matrix organic light-emitting diode. It is a type of OLED display in which each pixel is driven by a dedicated thin-film transistor backplane. The emissive organic layers emit light directly when energized, eliminating the need for a separate backlight used in LCDs. The backplane typically uses thin-film transistors made from materials such as amorphous silicon or LTPS to address individual subpixels across the display.

In an AMOLED display, the active-matrix backplane controls each subpixel (red, green, blue) individually, enabling fast pixel switching and high resolution. Because each pixel emits its own light, true blacks are achievable by turning off selected subpixels, which yields high contrast ratios and wide viewing angles. The displays can be built on glass or flexible substrates, enabling curved or foldable form factors.

Advantages of AMOLED include high contrast ratios, true blacks, fast response times, wide viewing angles, and the potential for thin and light panels. They also offer wide color gamut and energy efficiency for content with predominantly dark elements, though power use varies with image content and brightness.

Limitations and considerations include potential image burn-in or retention with static content, shorter lifespans for blue emitters, and gradual color or brightness shifts as materials age. Manufacturing complexity and material costs are higher than some LCDs, and moisture sensitivity requires robust encapsulation and protective layers.

Applications are widespread in smartphones, tablets, televisions, and wearable devices, where compact size, flexibility, and high contrast are valued. Production involves vacuum deposition of organic layers and a TFT backplane on glass or plastic substrates.