Electronic paper, also known as electronic ink (e-ink) or intelligent paper, is a display device that mimics the appearance of ordinary ink on paper. Unlike conventional flat panel displays that emit light, an electronic paper display reflects ambient light, like paper.

    Electronic paper technology has been around for several years and has gained popularity in e-readers, wearable devices, electronic shelf labels, and signage. The most well-known technology for electronic paper displays is E Ink, which is a type of electrophoretic display technology.

    E Ink displays are made up of millions of tiny microcapsules filled with positively charged white particles and negatively charged black particles suspended in a clear fluid. When an electric field is applied, the particles move to the top or bottom of the microcapsules, creating a visible image. This technology allows E Ink displays to be bistable, meaning they require power only when changing the image and can hold an image indefinitely without power.

    One of the key differences between electronic paper and E Ink displays is their underlying technology. While electronic paper is a general term that refers to any type of display that mimics the appearance of ink on paper, E Ink specifically refers to displays that use electrophoretic technology. Other types of electronic paper displays include electrowetting displays, electrochromic displays, and cholesteric liquid crystal displays.

    Electrowetting displays use electric fields to control the movement of colored oil droplets on a hydrophobic surface, creating a visible image. These displays are known for their fast response times and high contrast ratios but may require more power than E Ink displays.

    Electrochromic displays change color when an electric current is applied, making them suitable for low-power applications like smart windows and electronic shelf labels. These displays can be bistable or non-bistable, depending on the specific technology used.

    Cholesteric liquid crystal displays use cholesteric liquid crystals that reflect specific wavelengths of light, creating a colored image. These displays are known for their high reflectivity and wide viewing angles but may have slower response times than other electronic paper technologies.

    In terms of performance, E Ink displays are known for their high contrast ratios, wide viewing angles, and low power consumption, making them ideal for e-readers and other low-power devices. Electronic paper displays, on the other hand, may offer faster response times or color capabilities that E Ink displays do not have.

    Another key difference between electronic paper and E Ink displays is their flexibility. E Ink displays are typically made on rigid substrates like glass or plastic, limiting their flexibility. Electronic paper displays, on the other hand, can be made on flexible substrates like paper or plastic, allowing for more versatile applications.

    In conclusion, electronic paper and E Ink displays are both types of display technologies that mimic the appearance of ink on paper. While E Ink displays use electrophoretic technology and are known for their high contrast ratios and low power consumption, electronic paper displays encompass a broader range of technologies and may offer faster response times or color capabilities. Additionally, electronic paper displays are more flexible than E Ink displays, allowing for a wider range of applications.