Optical Rewritable Electronic Paper

Abstract

We developed new principle of electronic paper that is one side (for 2D image) or double side (for stereoscopic 3D image) light printable rewritable matter with polarization dependent gray scale. It consists of one or two liquid crystal displays based on Optical Rewritable (ORW) technology, which is the development of rotation azo-dye photoalignment. Each ORW display uses bare plastic or polarizers as substrates. The conductor is not required, as the image is formed by rewritable states of azimuthal direction, which results in 2D pattern of the liquid crystal twist angle. Continuous grey image maintains proper performance even when the device is bent. Simple construction provides durability and low cost, thin substrates minimize parallax for 3D image. Fluorescent dye dopant of liquid crystal partly absorbs light in blue and re-emit in green specter range improving photopic reflection and enhancing color of the ORW e-paper.