Optofluid-based reflective displays

Abstract

Displays can present information like text, images, or videos in a different color (visible light) by activating the materials in pixels. In a display device, pixels are typically of micrometer size and filled with displaying materials that are aligned and controlled by a display driver integrated circuit. Typical reflective displays can show designed information by manipulating ambient light via the microfluidic behavior in pixels driven by electrophoresis, electrowetting, or electromechanical forces. In this review, we describe the basic working principles and device structures of three reflective displays of electrophoresis display (EPD), electrowetting display (EWD), and interferometric modulator display (IMOD). The optofluidic behavior and controlling factors relating to the display performance are summarized.