Transparent color pixels using plastic MEMS technology for electronic papers

We present a new type of image display device that could be used as, for instance, over-sized rewritable color posters by using a simple MEMS fabrication technique. The mechanism of making colors is based upon the optical interference of the Fabry-Perot interferometer. A thin PEN (polyethylene naphthalate) film with metal half-mirror was laminated over a glass substrate with an optical cavity, and the electrostatic deformation of the film controlled the color of the transmitting light. Color pixels of three primary colors (red, green and blue) were successfully demonstrated with driving voltage ranging from 80 to 120 Vdc.