Abstract: Semi-retro-reflective total internal reflection-based image displays may be equipped with at least one dielectric layer. The at least one dielectric layer may be deposited on one or more of a front electrode layer, rear electrode layer or pixel walls. This may lead to displays with enhanced brightness, improved electrophoretic particle responsiveness, improved grayscale and chemical stability in the presence of an electrophoretic medium, and improved resistance to high electric fields and high temperatures. In one embodiment, a total internal reflection-based image display comprises a dielectric layer formed by one or more of methods molecular layer deposition, atomic layer deposition, chemical vapor deposition, plasma enhance chemical vapor deposition, spin coating or slot die coating. In another embodiment, a total internal reflection-based image display comprises at least one dielectric layer and at least one surface modification layer.

Abstract: A total internal reflection-based display may be driven by an apparatus and method to move electrophoretically mobile particles into and out of an evanescent wave region to create static and video images. The apparatus may comprise one or more of a host microprocessor/controller, display controller, TIR display panel, frame buffer memory 1, frame buffer memory 2, host interface, temperature/environmental sensor, timing controller, look up table, power management integrated circuit or display panel interface.

Abstract: Color may be achieved in TIR-based image displays by addition of a sub-pixel color filter array (CFA). Color may be enhanced by tuning the size, shape, arrangement and colors of the sub-pixel color filters in the CFA. CFAs comprising of pixels further comprising one to four or more different repeating sub-pixel color filters may be capable of creating a wide gamut of displayable colors. The sub-pixels may be arranged in repeat cells wherein the sub-pixels within the repeat cell may be mapped to one or more pixels. Sub-pixel rendering may be used during driving of a TIR-based display. Sub-pixel rendering uses logical dynamic pixels where a single sub-pixel may be used in one or more pixels depending on the image displayed.

Abstract: Optical states in TIR-based image displays may be modulated by movement of electrophoretically mobile particles into and out of the evanescent wave region at the interface of a high refractive index convex protrusions and a low refractive index medium. The movement of particles into the evanescent wave region may frustrate TIR and form dark states at pixels. Movement of particles out of the evanescent wave region may allow for TIR of incident light to form bright states at pixels. The movement of the particles may be controlled by employing the drive methods of pulse width modulation, voltage modulation or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A total internal reflection-based display may be driven by an apparatus and method to move electrophoretically mobile particles into and out of an evanescent wave region to create static and video images. The apparatus may comprise one or more of a host microprocessor/controller, display controller, TIR display panel, frame buffer memory 1, frame buffer memory 2, host interface, temperature/environmental sensor, timing controller, look up table, power management integrated circuit or display panel interface.

Abstract: Brightness in total internal reflection image displays comprising of a color filter array may be enhanced by tuning the size and shape of the convex protrusions. Each protrusion or group of two or more protrusions may be aligned with a color filter sub-pixel such as red, green or blue, and with a thin film transistor. Each protrusion or group of two or more protrusions may be tuned to a specific size and shape with respect to the color filter sub-pixel it may be aligned with on a pixel by pixel basis. This may enhance the reflectance at the wavelength matching the desired color of the respective pixel.

Abstract: Optical states in TIR-based image displays may be modulated by movement of electrophoretically mobile particles into and out of the evanescent wave region at the interface of a high refractive index convex protrusions and a low refractive index medium. The movement of particles into the evanescent wave region may frustrate TIR and form dark states at pixels. Movement of particles out of the evanescent wave region may allow for TIR of incident light to form bright states at pixels. The movement of the particles may be controlled by employing the drive methods of pulse width modulation, voltage modulation or a combination thereof.