How Do OLED Screens Work?

OLED stands for organic light-emitting diode, where 'organic' means carbon-based molecules. Each pixel contains thin layers of these materials sandwiched between electrodes; when current flows, electrons and holes recombine and release light. Unlike LCD screens, OLEDs need no backlight, so a pixel showing black is simply switched off. This gives near-perfect contrast, wide viewing angles and very thin, even flexible, displays. Their main weaknesses have been cost and the gradual wear of organic materials, which can cause burn-in of static images.