Electrophoretic liquid crystal displays: how far are we?

Abstract

We are in the middle of another revolution in information processing and distribution. After the invention of script and then print, pictures are taking over again. The number of gadgets with displays is larger than the world population. On average, every single person on earth owns at least one device with a display on it. These displays are the portals to everything we do: communicating, reading, shopping, learning, etc. But are they up to the job? The most successful display technology to date is still the liquid crystal display. It is a well-established technology that can be scaled in size from small to large and, depending on the drive electronics, has no significant inherent limits to resolution. However, poor light efficiency and data congestion caused by high pixel densities are still technical challenges in need of good solutions. Could electrophoresis in a liquid crystal host be the answer? The fundamental basics and technical challenges of this interesting new approach will be discussed.