A new kind of display technology might involve a material called graphene. Researchers from the Netherlands stumbled upon a new discovery involving the material. They claim that the material changes color as it reflects light during expansion. The scientist believe that this innovation could probably lead to displays with mechanical pixels.
The revelation happened when some researchers were handling panels of silicone oxide coated with graphene. The Verge mentions that the sheets were intentionally pierced with tiny holes, and then the graphene was layered over them. Pressure was then introduced, which caused the material to stretch into convex or concave bubbles. They were able to observe that it changed color by refracting light.
Graphene is described to be very transparent, but a researcher named Santiago Cartamil-Bueno explained to The Verge that they had to use a double-layer of the material. They described the process where as the graphene bubbles inflate or deflate, the light has different distances to travel before it reaches the its destination. A certain spectrum is absorbed then parts are reflected back, which gives it a different color depending on the size of the graphene bubble.
This kind of discovery could allow companies to manufacture more durable and flexible screen. The researchers claim graphene could be an energy efficient alternative than the current LED technology. However, they still believe that more studies and research are needed in make it feasible to mass produce.
The cost of making graphene in larger quantities may also hinder its application as a possible display alternative. Since the pixels created from the process are reportedly small, it would require a dense arrangement in order for an image to properly show up. The Dutch researchers are still trying to find a process to precisely control the pressure in each pixel. It seems that these kinds of displays might take a bit longer to finally reach mass production.