Grants and Contributions:

Grant or Award spanning more than one fiscal year (2017-2018 to 2018-2019).

CLEARink Displays Corporation is a Vancouver technology start-up developing new display technology. Theirx000D
technology is an alternative to liquid crystal displays and organic light emitting diodes which operate withx000D
significant power consumption. CLEARink has developed a novel reflective display technology that offersx000D
video rate capability with ultra-low power consumption. Their technology is based on the use of chargedx000D
particles in a fluid to control the reflectivity of ambient light from its novel reflector films. When chargedx000D
particles are in the vicinity of the reflector film, reflectivity is hindered, providing image contrast. Control overx000D
of the charged particle location is achieved by applying small voltages to thin conductor and dielectric layers inx000D
the display device stack. Fine control of particle location and mobility in response to the applied fields isx000D
critical for display performance, but can be affected by the properties of the conductor and dielectric layers.x000D
CLEARink is seeking to further optimize this control in order to improve contrast, and device response time.x000D
Here, we propose to address these issues by examining the materials properties of the dielectric thin films andx000D
their connection to display performance. The fabrication and characterization capabilities available at SFU's 4Dx000D
LABS in conjunction with our expertise in surface science and materials chemistry make this new partnershipx000D
with CLEARink ideal. Using scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy, thex000D
quality of dielectric layers will be assessed in relation to device performance. Working closely with CLEARinkx000D
technical staff, we will also investigate device performance with dielectric films deposited by differentx000D
methods, and where dielectric films have been further modified through additional barrier layers deposited byx000D
physical and chemical methods. The expected outcomes of this project are to provide CLEARink withx000D
improved control over their display characteristics and to accelerate their path to commercial production. Thisx000D
will provide broader benefits to Canada through enhanced employment opportunities, wealth generation, andx000D
pave the way for further high technology development opportunities.