Thin-film transistors for large-area electronics

Thin-film transistors (TFTs) are a key technology in large-area electronics and can be manufactured uniformly over large areas-on glass or flexible substrates-at lower processing temperatures and costs than complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS)-based transistors. The transistors are used in established applications such as flat-panel displays and X-ray detectors, and are of potential use in a range of emerging applications. Here we discuss the development of TFTs for large-area electronics. We explore the use of TFTs-which can be based on hydrogenated amorphous silicon, low-temperature polycrystalline silicon, amorphous oxide semiconductors and organic semiconductors-in displays and sensors, as well as digital circuits and memory. We also consider their potential use in emerging applications such as neuromorphic computing. This Review examines the development of thin-film transistors for use in displays, sensors, digital circuits and memory, as well as their potential for future application in emerging technologies such as neuromorphic computing.