The Electrofluidic Display (EFD) Technology currently being commercialized by the recent startup Gamma Dynamics is an exciting entrant into the emerging e-reader market currently dominated by offerings from Amazon (Kindle) and Sony. The basis technology was invented at the University of Cincinnati Novel Devices Laboratory. Commercial development is to be an international collaboration also including Sun Chemical (dyes) and Polymer Vision (flexible displays).

How an EFD Works

Each display pixel has a minute (5-10 percent of area), virtually invisible, reservoir of pigments capable of reproducing about 1000 different colors. When a voltage is applied, pigment is pulled from the reservoir and spreads over the viewing substrate above the pixel. Voltage removal results in liquid surface tension causing the pigment to rapidly return to the reservoir.

EDF Breakthroughs

There are a number of significant technology breakthroughs which make EFD exciting.

Highest white reflectance achievement

Prototype EFD have achieved 55 percent reflectance of ambient light which compares to current electrophoretic displays ability to reflect only 40 percent of ambient light. Significantly, Gamma Dynamics is aiming to achieve a display that can reflect 85 percent of available light. Better use of ambient light and color capability are significant driving factors for an increase in the e-reader market. Better use of ambient light not only means better visibility and contrast but, reduced energy consumption and longer battery life.

Video speed

A truly impressive breakthrough is the extremely fast speed of pixel change (response time) of 1 ms which is a quarter of the very best speed obtainable by current LCD displays. It promises displays able to display text with embedded video or full screen video.

Ultra-thin – Suitability for flexible or rollable displays

LCD manufacturers have made significant advances in making their displays thinner such as edge lit LED backlighting. However, it pales in comparison to the 15 micron optically active layer of and EFD. One of the collaborative commercialization partners, PolymerVision, is enthused with the possibilities of flexible or rollable displays using this technology.

Overall, EFD promises a new and wide array of display products with capabilities well beyond current display technologies.