Clearer picture

Collaboration between the University of Cincinnati, Sun Chemical, Polymer Vision and Gamma Dynamics has resulted in the development of a new display technology that provides visual brilliance equal to conventional printed media.

The electrofluidic display can potentially provide better than 85 per cent white-state reflectance, a performance level the researchers claim is a requirement before consumers will accept reflective displays in applications such as e-books, mobile phones and signage.

In the electrofluidic display, an aqueous pigment is placed inside a tiny reservoir. The reservoir comprises less than 10 per cent of the viewable pixel area and therefore the pigment is substantially hidden from view. 

Voltage is then used to electromechanically pull the pigment out of the reservoir and spread it as a film directly behind a viewing substrate. As a result, the display takes on a colour and brightness similar to that of conventional pigments printed on paper.

When voltage is removed liquid surface tension causes the pigment dispersion to rapidly recoil into the reservoir.