2023-11-19
Likes

In an article published in Light Science & Application, a team of scientists, led by Professor Lingling Shui from the International Joint Laboratory of Optofluidic Technology and System (LOTS) at South China Normal University have developed an interesting reflective display technique based on an electro-microfluidic assembly of particles (eMAP) strategy, offering the advantages of easy fabrication, fast response, and multicolor display performance. 

The colored particles suspended in a water-in-oil droplet are driven to assemble into multiple structures, resulting in a reversible pixel switching performance in a controllable manner according to a strengthened dielectrophoretic effect. The colored particles in a water-in-oil droplet can be driven to slide along the curved water-oil interface to assemble at the bottom or top area to form a planar structure and around the equator to form an annular structure in a continuous way, generating closing and opening states and showing multiple blended colors. The optimized eMAP display (eMAPD) can display multiple colors by driving one group of single-color particles into various assembled structures within a dyed droplet. This allows operation in two distinct ways, which we term "light reflection" and "light transmission" modes. 

image.php.jpeg

Schematic and experimental results of the electro-microfluidic assembly of particles display (eMAPD).

image.php-2.jpeg

Optimization of the droplet pixel.

The single particle system greatly simplifies the driving system and increases the response speed of the display. The primary colors of CMYK are created to validate the feasibility and full-color performance. In addition, the fluidic emulsion system offers a smooth and flexible interface for both encapsulating and manipulating particles, and meanwhile holding the possibility for preparing a flexible display. These scientists summarize the working principle of eMAPD as:
"We design a device enable controlling the movement and assembly of the particles inside the droplet through dielectrophoresis, three main display states can be realized using only a single type of particle. Combined with dielectrophoretic assembly, the spatial height and relative position of the particles can be controlled with relative accuracy. It is worth mentioning that the three states include a 'light transmission' state, which is difficult to achieve with conventional electrophoretic e-paper technology, where the particles assemble at the equator of the droplet, allowing light to pass through the droplet. This provides a combination of reflective and transmissive options for color regulation of e-paper, enhancing the expandability of display colors."
"To improve the display performance, we optimized the particle and droplet materials, the droplet pixel size and shape, and the driving parameters. The working mechanism was interpreted with an electric-flow-light multi-physical model. This eMAPD is capable of displaying multiple colors with excellent reversibility, large viewing angle and semi-bistability."

Characterization and optimization of the eMAPD device.

(a) Pepresentative eMAPD panels showing multiple colors and contrasts for “S”, “C”, “N” and “U” letters based on the yellow-blue and cyan-red system. (b) Photographs of the displayed “flower” and “7” patterns taken from different viewing angles. (c) Photographs showing the displayed “6” pattern being visible after 0, 5,10 and 30 min of power-off.

"The proposed eMAPD has shown the advantages of compatible fabrication, accessible material system and high performance. It would be an excellent candidate to form a green display technology for various application scenes." the scientists forecast.

References

DOI: 10.1038/s41377-023-01333-w

Original Source URL: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41377-023-01333-w 

Funding information: This work was supported by the Key Project of National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 12131010), the Special project for marine economy development of Guangdong Province (GDNRC[2023]26), the International Cooperation Base of Infrared Reflection Liquid Crystal Polymers and Device (2015B050501010) and ARC Grant CE170100026.


Source: https://www.newswise.com/articles/a-reflective-display-based-on-electro-microfluidic-assembly-of-particles-within-suppressed-water-in-oil-droplet-array#carouselExampleControls 

What to read next:

[cctv.com] "Chinese olive" performed in the Asian Cuisine Festival
Students of SCNU performed the Lingnan dance "Chinese olive " as part of the intangible cultural heritage
[csstoday.com] 30 years, School of Law on its way ahead
Looking forward, School of Law will continue to blaze new ground, forge ahead
[Guangzhou Daily] SCNU product for fast virus detection
The nucleic acid detection kit ( based on Q-PCR) for the novel coronavirus developed by professor Shu Wensheng,
[cgtn.com] SCNU set up special subsidies for students from Hubei
It means they need emotional and financial support from society After all, it is the virus we want isolated, not love
[cctv.com] SCNU alumni interviewed on epidemic research work
“The special visit of General Secretary Xi makes me more determined to devote myself to the medical enterprise in China,” Cheng said
[xinhuanet.com] Wu Shibao: Human beings should be in awe of wild animals
In the eyes of most young Chinese, wild animals are no longer associated with delicacies, nutrition or wealth
[xinhuanet.com] Chinese scientists study medical use of cockroaches
Chinese scientists are taking a close look at cockroaches to explore their potential in medical treatment
[nytimes.com] In a Cockroach Genome, ‘Little Mighty’ Secrets
“We’ve uncovered the secret of why people call it ‘xiao qiang,’” he said “Now we want to know the secrets of Chinese medicine ”
[People's Daily] Mine in S China regains vitality through environmental protection
By improving the soil quality, we cut heavy metal contamination and acidification from the source, thus reducing sewage pollution and containing geological hazards
[xinhuanet.com] African volunteer contributes to epidemic prevention in Guangzhou
"Serving as a volunteer has become an important part of my life, " Mubua s efforts also won him praise from other foreigners