New materials transform displays

17 Jun 2002

Electrochromic polymer films prepare to dazzle displays at record speeds.

Researchers from the University of Florida have created a new family of electrochromic polymer films, which have the potential to display a variety of colors on any surface, at fast switching speeds.

By focusing on the electrochromic effect - the process in which molecules change color in response to an electric field - John Reynolds and his research group were able to increase the number of colors that their films could display as well as boost the switching speeds.

According to Reynolds, the technology is analogous to that used in the rear-view mirrors of new cars. Here, an electrochromic gel is sandwiched between two plates of conducting glass to form a mirror. Approaching headlights hit a light sensor in the mirror. This triggers an electric current, forcing the electrochromic molecules to darken, and dims the mirror within five seconds. However, on sandwiching their "multicolor" polymer film between glass plates, Reynold's research group discovered that the films switched color within just half a second.

Today's conducting polymer films are already used in photographic films, printed circuit boards and solid-state capacitors, but Reynolds argues that his team's films also have a range of applications. "Future applications range from multicolored cell phone displays to chemical and biological sensors," he said.

Reynolds is also working with colleagues to develop materials that emit light outside the visible spectrum, which they hope will be useful in fiber-optic telecommunications.