Planar light modulation apparatus having switchable multistable transmittances and/or multistable scattering properties with regard to visible light
US10488729B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 13, 2018 |
| Grant date | Nov 26, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 13, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02F1/172
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A planar light modulation apparatus includes first and second planar, transparent substrates, each with a transparent, electrically conductive coating. The coatings are connectable to an electrical voltage source. A light modulation element in the space between the coatings includes a first dielectric material with a predefinable concentration of particles dispersed therein. While the particles are randomly arranged in the first dielectric material they render the light modulation element substantially nontransmissive for light impinging thereon or cause the light modulation element to appear opaque. Up to about 25° C. or higher and at atmospheric pressure, the first dielectric material is solid or has a viscosity that does not allow the particles to change their alignment based on Brownian motion. The material can be heated with a heating device to lower the viscosity and to allow the particles to alter their alignment in the first dielectric material on the basis of Brownian motion.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.