PCLC flake-based apparatus and method

US8293135B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• University of Rochester · US

Inventors

• Gerald P. Cox · Brockport, US
• Cathy A. Fromen · Raleigh, US
• Kenneth L. Marshall · Rochester, US
• Stephen D. Jacobs · Pittsford, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 21, 2010
• Grant date: Oct 23, 2012
• Expiry date: Dec 21, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G02F1/172
• WIPO field: Basic materials chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A PCLC flake/fluid host suspension that enables dual-frequency, reverse drive reorientation and relaxation of the PCLC flakes is composed of a fluid host that is a mixture of: 94 to 99.5 wt % of a non-aqueous fluid medium having a dielectric constant value ∈, where 1<∈<7, a conductivity value σ, where 10−9>σ>10−7 Siemens per meter (S/m), and a resistivity r, where 107>r>1010 ohm-meters (Ω-m), and which is optically transparent in a selected wavelength range Δλ; 0.0025 to 0.25 wt % of an inorganic chloride salt; 0.0475 to 4.75 wt % water; and 0.25 to 2 wt % of an anionic surfactant; and 1 to 5 wt % of PCLC flakes suspended in the fluid host mixture. Various encapsulation forms and methods are disclosed including a Basic test cell, a Microwell, a Microcube, Direct encapsulation (I), Direct encapsulation (II), and Coacervation encapsulation. Applications to display devices are disclosed.