Methods for fabricating thermochromic filters
US9188804B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 4, 2014 |
| Grant date | Nov 17, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 4, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/44
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Thermochromic liquid crystal filters are fabricated by providing two polarizers oriented at offset polarity with respect to each other; providing alignment structures adjacent the inner surfaces of the polarizers; placing a plurality of spacers between the polarizers; and filling a space created by the spacers with a thermotropic liquid crystal that acts as a wave block in an isotropic state and acts to rotate the polarization of light in a nematic state. Alternatively, the filters can be created by encapsulating a thermochromic liquid crystal with a polymer material to form a flexible film and orienting the thermochromic liquid crystal in the polymer material to create a structure that functions as a thermochromic optical filter. Such filters can control the flow of light and radiant heat through selective reflection, transmission, absorption, and/or re-emission. The filters have particular application in passive or active light-regulating and temperature-regulating films, materials, and devices, and particularly as construction materials.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.