On The Modelling Of Electrowetting Using COMSOL Multiphysics

J.F. Dannenberg, J. Brinkert, and E.A.D. Lamers
Reden b.v., Hengelo (ov.), The Netherlands
Published in 2010

One of the upcoming technologies in displays is that of the electrowetting displays. A surface can be covered by a colored oil or transparent water using a voltage to increase or decrease the wettability of the surface. A simulation of the behavior of such a thin film of oil in water, forced to move due an electrostatic field, has been made using the level-set, two-phase flow application mode and the electrostatic application mode in COMSOL Multiphysics. Using the electrostatic field, a contact angle (depending on the electric field [Lippmann]) can be calculated, as well as an interface pressure (depending on the distance towards an electrode below the surface) between the oil and water. A study has been made of the movement of the oil due to the electrostatic field applied.