Title :
Electrowetting Displays Utilizing Bistable, Multi-Color Pixels Via Laser Processing
Author :
Charipar, Kristin M. ; Charipar, Nicholas A. ; Bellemare, James V. ; Peak, Joseph E. ; Pique, Alberto
Author_Institution :
Mater. Sci. & Technol. Div., Naval Res. Lab., Washington, DC, USA
Abstract :
Electronic paper, or e-Paper, for use in displays has seen rapid growth in the past decade because of its potential as an alternative to traditional transmissive displays. Offering several critical advantages over current display technologies, including high contrast in direct sunlight, wide viewing angles, and compatibility with flexible substrate processing, electrowetting displays (EWDs) have made it to the forefront of e-Paper research and development efforts. Here, we describe a new design for the fabrication of multi-color, bistable electrowetting displays. Using a laser-based process to pattern an in-plane electrode design, liquid can be manipulated out-of-plane. This process relies on electromechanical pressure forcing water in and out of channels, causing colored oil to be displaced. When voltage is removed, the oil remains in its current position, resulting in bistability. We have demonstrated multi-color, bistable pixels that maintain their state at V = 0 for several days, which drastically reduces the power required to drive the display.
Keywords :
colour displays; electrochemical electrodes; electrokinetic effects; electronic paper; flexible displays; laser materials processing; low-power electronics; wetting; bistable pixel; colored oil; direct sunlight display; electromechanical pressure forcing water; electronic paper; electrowetting display; flexible substrate processing; high contrast display; in-plane electrode design patterning; laser based process; laser processing; multicolor pixel; power reduction; wide viewing angle display; Electrodes; Fluids; Indium tin oxide; Ink; Reflectivity; Substrates; Switches; Bistable; displays; electrowetting; laser processing; microfabrication; multi-color;
Journal_Title :
Display Technology, Journal of
DOI :
10.1109/JDT.2014.2364189