Think your new flat-screen TV is slick?

Imagine a flat-screen TV as light and thin as paper and so flexible you can roll it up and store it in a mailing tube. When you’re ready to watch something, you just hang it with a couple of thumbtacks and you’re ready to go.

Incredible science fiction? Maybe not. Bridgestone researchers have already created a material that does many of these things.

Called “Quick-Response Liquid Powder Display” or “QR-LPD,” it’s a paper-thin material with transparent electrodes and a powder (that behaves like a liquid) inside. When activated, the pigments appear, creating the desired image. The material is durable and can retain an image for a year or more, even when powered off.

So, one day, when you’re finished watching TV, your computer might automatically upload your favorite vacation photo, with that enhancing your room décor while the TV is off. And you can change it anytime!

On the commercial side, QR-LPD has been used for computer-controlled shelf price tags and information boards. Full-color computer and movie displays no thicker or heavier than paper may also be possible. Watch this space for further news!