Electro-optical full color display based on nano-particle dispersions

Abstract

Electrokinetic displays are among the most important display technologies because of their low power consumption, wide viewing angle, and outdoor readability. As a result, they are regarded as excellent candidates for electronic paper. These types of displays are based on the controlled movement of charged pigment particles in a non-polar liquid under the influence of an electric field. Free charges practically do not exist in nonpolar colloids due to their low dielectric constant. However, the addition of a surfactant to non-polar colloids often leads to considerable charge-induced effects, such as increased electrical conductivity and particle stabilization. In this project, we aim to develop a novel electrokinetically driven display. An unprecedented display device is proposed, based on the concerted action of electro-osmosis and electrophoresis in a non-polar fluid. This method could reduce the switching time required to display information, and extend the applications of electrokinetic displays, enabling increased video speed and full color in the future.