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a-Si:H Thin-Film Transistors on Rollable 25-µ;m Thick Steel Foil

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 February 2011

E.Y. Ma
Affiliation:
Department of Electrical Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544
S. Wagner
Affiliation:
Department of Electrical Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544
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Abstract

We report the first amorphous silicon thin film transistors (TFTs) on flexible, ultra-thin substrates of 25 µm thick stainless steel foil. The transistors remain operational under convex or concave bending down to 2.5 mm radius of curvature. Taking advantage of the flexibility and resiliency of these devices, we have successfully fabricated TFTs using only xerographic toner masks printed directly on to the steel substrate and using mechanical alignment in the laser printer to obtain the necessary overlay accuracy. The goal of our work is to develop a foldable active-matrix transistor backplane, at low cost and high throughput, for use in highly rugged and portable applications such as foldable intelligent maps. Our results suggest that such foldable backplane circuits are feasible.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1998

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References

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