Switchable electrophoretic photomodulator with reduced aperture diffraction

The switchable optical modulator with a patterned polymer structure and electro-optic medium suppresses diffraction, addressing image blurring and enhancing visual clarity in electrophoretic devices.

JP2026523237APending Publication Date: 2026-07-13E INK CORP
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2025576119
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-07-18
Filing Date
2024-06-18
Publication Date
2026-07-13

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing electrophoretic devices suffer from diffraction patterns that enlarge the apparent size of bright light sources, causing image blurring and unpleasant visual effects, particularly when viewing bright objects through non-planar polymer structures.

Method used

A switchable optical modulator with a polymer structure featuring pillar structures and connecting wall elements, which includes a base with wells and cells to house electro-optic medium, allowing charged pigment particles to switch between light-absorbing and light-transmissive states, and employs a patterned distal surface to suppress diffraction.

Benefits of technology

The solution effectively reduces image blurring and diffraction patterns, providing clear and stable optical states without the perception of complex diffraction patterns, enhancing the visual experience through the device.

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Abstract

A switchable optical modulator suppresses aperture and array diffraction, reducing image blurring visible through the film. The optical modulator includes a first translucent substrate, a first electrode on one side of the first translucent substrate, a second translucent substrate, a second electrode on one side of the second translucent substrate, a translucent polymer structure between the first and second electrodes, and an electro-optic medium housed in cells within the polymer structure. The polymer structure includes a base and wall structures defining the cells. Each cell includes a well on the base. The wall structures include pillar structures and connecting wall elements connecting adjacent pillar structures. The pillar structures include distal surfaces parallel to the base and arranged with the wells in a given pattern. The application of a driving voltage between the first and second electrodes causes the electro-optic medium to switch between an absorbent state and a translucent state.
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Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • US10,067,398