New multimodal transistor for brighter display tech

A new approach to display screen technology could halve production costs, reduce harmful waste and deliver brighter, more energy-efficient screens for smartphones, smartwatches and even certain medical devices, according to researchers at the University of Surrey.

Most display screens use complex circuits made up of tiny switches called thin-film transistors (TFTs), which control when each pixel turns on or off and how bright it should be. However, building these circuits requires a lot of time, energy, water and harsh chemicals, making the manufacturing process expensive and resource-heavy.

Now, Dr Radu Sporea and Dr Eva Bestelink from the University of Surrey have unveiled their research, based on a new type of electronic component called a multimodal transistor (MMT). Originally designed as a hardware AI computing element, the MMT also has the ability to simplify display circuits while improving performance and sustainability.

“Our invention challenges decades of industry practice by embracing properties usually seen as flaws. In most displays, engineers try to eliminate the energy barriers that form where metals meet semiconductors because they restrict current flow. But instead of working around them, we’ve made those barriers central to how our transistors operate. Using these effects deliberately, we’ve shown that the electronic circuits at the heart of display screens can be made with fewer components and processing steps — reducing waste, cutting costs and improving performance. And because it works with existing materials and tools, it’s a smarter, more sustainable upgrade for the screens we use every day. For the user, the reduced power requirements in operation will also mean significantly improved battery life,” said Sporea, Associate Professor in Semiconductor Devices.

The MMT’s unique operation enables extremely compact, high-performance circuits that are particularly well suited to devices where size, energy use and image quality are critical — such as smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, automotive displays and future wearable devices.

The technology is already showing promise in simulations, with real-world applications in AMOLED and microLED displays. It can also be integrated into current production lines with minimal disruption.

“I’ve been working on this technology since my undergraduate days at Surrey, where I had the idea to develop a transistor based on neural behaviour, so seeing it evolve into something with real-world potential is incredibly rewarding. We’ve shown that it’s possible to rethink how displays are built without starting from scratch. The MMT lets us design circuits that perform better while also being cleaner and cheaper to make. That’s a win for manufacturers, a win for users and a win for the environment. Beyond displays, it could also have major applications in areas like microfluidics, imaging arrays and hardware AI. We’re still actively researching the AI potential, but the implication for revolutionising manufacturing is clear — especially if we’re to achieve net zero,” said Bestelink, Research Fellow in Thin-Film Devices and Circuits.

Image caption: The University of Surrey’s multimodal transistor (MMT) has the ability to simplify display circuits while improving performance and sustainability. Image credit: University of Surrey.