Surface electric charge driving of liquid crystal medium by using an ion projection head

Abstract

This study aims at driving a liquid crystal medium without using address electrodes or driving circuits; surface electric charging is used instead. This driving method can yield displays that are more compact and lower in cost. This style of LCD well fits the concept of digital paper. We examined the basic display characteristics of a guest-host PDLC when the surface electric charge is formed using the ion projection method. Repeated image formation and erasure on PDLC device by ion projection and heating were confirmed. Plain display characteristics that were independent of viewing angle were obtained. These results indicate that guest-host type PDLC devices are interesting candidates for realizing the concept of digital paper.