Microcup® Electronic Paper

One application of the SiPix Microcup® is flexible, low-power electronic paper module. This module is highly reflective and may be used to produce with paper-like readability. Unlike existing display technologies, SiPix e-paper has image memory - the display content remains after the power has been removed. Due to this benefit, extremely low-power portable devices may be created. Because of the Microcup® architecture, SiPix e-Paper is known to be environmentally robust and highly resistant to impact and pressure.

Fabrication

SiPix e-paper is created by inserting electrically-charged white particles and dielectric fluid within the Microcup® during roll-to-roll© manufacturing. Once the e-paper is laminated to a patterned conductor with adhesive (see illustration below), the e-paper display may be driven. Note that the visible side is the bottom layer of the Microcup® manufacturing process.

Optical Principles

Under the influence of an applied electric field, the charged particles migrate through the dielectric fluid. If the white particles are at the visible surface, that area of the display reflects a white color to the viewer. Otherwise, the display will reflect the alternate color, which presently is either black, red, green blue, or gold. Grayscale may be produced by modulating the electric field across the Microcup® film.

Both monochrome and area color displays may be produced with SiPix e-Paper. Our material has a viewing angle that is approximately 180°. To discover how this technology will enable solutions to your current display applications, please contact us.