An electrophoretic display, often referred to as an electronic paper display or e-paper display, is a type of electronic visual display technology used in electronic devices for the purpose of mimicking the appearance of ink on paper. Electrophoretic displays are known for their high contrast, wide viewing angles, and low power consumption, making them particularly suitable for applications such as e-readers, electronic shelf labels, and certain types of signage.
The key feature of electrophoretic displays is the use of microcapsules containing charged particles suspended in a liquid. These microcapsules are typically dispersed in a film or layer and placed between two electrodes. The microcapsules contain positively charged white particles and negatively charged black particles, with the particles being visible through a transparent top electrode.
When an electric field is applied across the display, the charged particles move within the microcapsules, causing them to migrate to the top or bottom of the capsule depending on their charge. This movement results in a visible change in the color of the pixel, allowing for the creation of text and images. Once the electric field is removed, the particles remain in their new position, allowing the display to maintain its state without requiring a continuous power source. This bistable property contributes to the low power consumption of electrophoretic displays.
One of the most well-known implementations of electrophoretic display technology is E Ink, a popular choice for electronic paper displays in e-book readers and similar devices.