Electrochemical mirror system and method
US10684522B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 5, 2018 |
| Grant date | Jun 16, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 27, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02F2201/12
- WIPO fieldSurface technology, coating
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A system and method of operating an electrochemical mirror for reversibly controlling the propagation of electromagnetic radiation. The mirror preferably includes a first electrode transmissive substrate which is substantially transparent to the electromagnetic radiation, a second electrode, and an electrolyte containing metal ions between the pair of electrodes. A first cathodic potential is applied across the electrodes to cause the metal ions from the electrolyte to electrodeposit a mirror film on the first electrode transmissive substrate. A second anodic potential is applied across the electrodes to oxidize and strip the metallic mirror film from the first electrode transmissive electrode. After a plurality of deposition and stripping cycles, a cleaning cycle is initiated to remove undissolved reflective material on the first electrode preferably by applying a third potential across the first and second electrodes which is increased to a fourth potential and then decreased back to the third potential.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.