Active matrix driven electrophoretic display with in-plane switching layout and driving waveform for reflective and transparent modes

Abstract

In-plane switching electrophoretic display (IPS-EPD) is an emerging field of display technology which achieves particles moving horizontally through a lateral electric field. Compared to vertically driven electrophoretic display (V-EPD), IPS-EPD exhibits the feasibility of transparent display function. However, most of the previous research was hindered by long response time, low optical transmittance, or complex structures. In this paper, we have proposed a newly developed electrode layout and driving waveform for IPS-EPD, achieving a device with fast response time of 0.32 s, high transmittance of 58.07%, good transmittance-contrast ratio of 11.25, and simple structure, which show a significant improvement over other related research. Additionally, we elucidated the physical mechanism for the device through developing a particles motion simulation. Finally, we presented a prototype of an IPS-EPD with TFT panel, which exhibits excellent performance in various application scenarios, making it a possible application prospect in mobile phone cases, glasses, windows, and so on.