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US 6,241,921 B1Granted
Heterogeneous display elements and methods for their fabrication
AssigneeMassachusetts Institute of Technology
InventorsJoseph M. Jacobson, Hidekazu Yoshizawa
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Optically heterogeneous display elements utilize fused pigment particles, which may be manufactured with polymer shells having desired charge, photoresponse, or density characteristics. The particles may be microencapsulated prior to formation of the display element, so that the element is formed internally within the container in which it is permanently housed. The element may function as a bichromal display, a light valve, or a programmable magnetic element.
Claims11
A method of forming an optically heterogeneous display element, the method comprising the steps of:
- a. encapsulating a suspension of particles, the suspension comprising a mixture of first particles each having a first physical characteristic and second particles each having a second physical characteristic, the first and second particles having different optical properties, the first and second physical characteristics conferring a differential response to an external stimulus;
- b. applying the external stimulus to the encapsulated particles to separate the first and second particles;
- and
- c. fusing the separated first particles to form a first discrete element and joining the separated second particles to form a second discrete element.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.