Display device having juxtaposed capillary openings for generating variable surface concavities

摘要

A light modulating display device comprises a liquid holding part and an optical part. The liquid holding part comprises a dielectric matrix within which a dielectric, light pervious liquid is axially movable under the influence of an electric field. The optical part comprises a multitude of capillary openings juxtaposed in a plane and extending axially from the matrix to permit the liquid to at least partially fill the openings. The transverse dimension of each opening is variable as a function of axial distance from the plane so that the liquid in each opening acquires a surface concavity depending on the distance of the liquid surface from the plane and hence on the intensity of the electric field. Light incident on the capillary openings is modulated in intensity according to the surface concavities.