Dielectric layer structure and performance

CLEARink显示器公司是一家温哥华技术初创公司，开发新的显示技术。他们的技术是液晶显示器和有机发光二极管的替代品，这些显示器和有机发光二极管的工作功耗很大。CLEARink开发了一种新颖的反射式显示技术，以超低功耗提供视频速率能力。他们的技术是基于使用流体中的带电粒子来控制其新型反射膜对环境光的反射率。当带电粒子在反射膜附近时，反射率被阻碍，提供图像对比度。控制带电粒子的位置是通过在显示器件叠层中的薄导体和电介质层上施加小电压来实现的。精细控制粒子的位置和迁移率以响应所施加的场对于显示器性能是至关重要的，但是会受到导体和电介质层的性质的影响。CLEARink正在寻求进一步优化这种控制以提高对比度和器件响应时间。在这里，我们建议通过检查电介质薄膜的材料性质及其与显示器性能的关系来解决这些问题。SFU 4DLABS的制造和表征能力与我们在表面科学和材料化学方面的专业知识相结合，使与CLEARink的新合作成为理想的选择。使用扫描电子显微镜，X射线衍射和原子力显微镜，介电层的质量将评估与器件性能的关系。与CLEARink技术人员密切合作，我们还将研究采用不同方法沉积的电介质薄膜的器件性能，以及通过物理和化学方法沉积的额外阻挡层进一步改性的电介质薄膜。该项目的预期成果是为CLEARink提供对其显示特性的更好控制，并加速其商业化生产。这将通过增加就业机会，创造财富，为加拿大提供更广泛的利益，并为进一步的高科技发展机会铺平道路。

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