DeviceGuru

Samsung Electronics showcased the “world’s first” carbon nanotube (CNT) based color active matrix electrophoretic display (EPD) e-paper device at a trade show in Korea last week. The A4-sized device resulted from a collaboration with Unidym, a specialist in CNT-based transparent electrodes.

Samsung’s CNT-based color e-paper display
(Click image to enlarge; source: Unidym)

Key features of the new CNT-based color e-paper display, as listed by Samsung, include: 14.3-inch (A4) size, 1060 x 750 pixel resolution (90 ppi), 5 percent color gamut (NTSC), quasi-256 gray scale, 15 percent reflectivity, 10:1 contrast ratio, and 0.30mm thickness.

Earlier this year Samsung revealed another claimed EPD first: a CNT-based 2.3-inch black-and-white active matrix EPD.

Unidym CTO Paul Drzaic says these Samsung CNT-based electronic display applications required CNTs featuring…

• Conductivity comparable to the incumbent ITO technology
• Uniformity over large areas in films
• Compatibility with different display technologies and fabrication processes

Principal advantages of EPDs over traditional LCDs, in mobile and handheld applications, according to Unidym, include:

• Lower power consumption (no need for constant display refresh)
• Bright-light readability (viewed via reflected light)
• Can be fabricated on thin, flexible substrates, making them ideal for e-paper applications

Unidym is a developer and manufacturer of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for applications such as touchscreens, flat-panel displays, solar cells, solid-state lighting, fuel cell electrodes, and thin film transistors for printable electronics. Further details are on the company’s website.