Shenzhen Enrich Electronics Co.,Ltd

Alternatives for the production of thin film transistor (TFT) conventional processes can facilitate improvements in the performance of LCDs and OLED displays for televisions, smart phones, computers, and tablets.

The researchers grew crystalline silicon thin films on buffered soda-lime glass below 600°C in an Au-Si eutectic alloy with an electron mobility of 188 cm2V-1s-1. They used X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy, cross-sectional scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to characterize the film. The characterization method confirms a highly crystalline continuous silicon film grown on buffered soda lime glass.

The researchers stated that this process can replace low-temperature polysilicon (LTPS) that is used to produce TFTs for large-scale display pixels.

TFTs are typically fabricated using one of three processes: amorphous silicon (a-Si:H), low temperature polysilicon (LTPS), indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO). New research shows that there is an opportunity to replace these processes.

Samples were tested at the University of Binghamton University's Center for Independent Solar Energy (CASP). Tara Dhakal, head of CASP, said: "This study provides a way to improve display quality and reduce costs while also improving the production of electronic devices such as solar cells."

The research results have been published in the international journal Materials Letters.