THE STRUCTURE, DEVICE PHYSICS, AND MATERIAL PROPERTIES OF THIN-FILM ELECTROLUMINESCENT DISPLAYS

Thin film electroluminescent (TFEL) displays are complex optoelectroni c devices with challenging material requirements. The multilayer devic e structure includes two electrodes (one metallic and one transparent) , two insulators, and a semiconducting 'phosphor' layer. Each layer ha s unique electronic and optical properties that must be satisfied for device operation. In this article, we review the device structure, the electrical and optical device physics, and the material properties of TFEL displays. Particular attention is given to the phosphor layer pr operties and the radiative recombination phenomenon that is responsibl e for luminescence. The current status of the red, green, blue and whi te TFEL phosphors is also reviewed, and the current and future applica tions are discussed. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A.