Cuttlefish inspire MIT researchers to create extremely efficient reflective displays

Cuttlefish are able to change their skin color quickly. Now scientists from MIT are working to create displays that are extremely efficient - using less than one-hundredth the power of today's TVs. Cuttlefish use chemicals to change the space between membranes on their skin. The researchers have created an artificial electrical system that controls spacing between layers in their display, thus changing the color.

The prototype display is several inches across, and only one micron thick - inside there are around 20 layers of polystrene and responsive poly-2 vinyl. The poly-2 vinyl expands as the voltage increases, becoming thicker, and reflecting longer wavelengths of light. Without electricity it is clear.

The screen can also reflect non-visible wavelengths of light, such as infrared and ultraviolet, depending on the voltage applied. It can produce images using only a few volts because it doesn't create light, it only reflects it. In a dark room with no light, the screen would remain dark.

The researchers also say that the screen is very easy to make, but have a limited viewing angle.

Posted: May 14,2009 by Ron Mertens

Comments

thought of it long time ago while looking on a cuttlefish but couldnt create it

Yes, and I thought of flying cars a long time ago too, but couldn't create them. So what? Does this mean that I somehow am superior to any other daydreamer?

and i thought of going to work on time, but its 5:42 and i'm still here. guess we live in a world of dreamers.

hehe, yea your right
but still i had the urge to say it

besides
thinking of flying cars is too general so this is not a good example for making your point.

i hope im not superior just an everge wise guy :)

These guys have been making this kind of displays for a long time. Although they base it on the butterfly.

very interesting