Abstract: A process for manufacturing a light-modulating device comprising manufacturing (using known techniques, in particular, of extrusion, rolling, calendaring and coating) a film sheet or strip formed of at least one layer of electrolytic material applied to a counter-electrode in the form of a preferably flexible film, sheet, strip, or equivalent; and cutting out elements in the form of dots, segments or strips in this composite sheet or film (by means of known techniques, in particular, punching, stamping and laser cutting).

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a light-modulating device comprising picture element, the process comprising steps of applying (by means of the "thick film" techniques such as silk-screen techniques) a layer of electrolytic material, and then applying a layer of counter-electrode material divided into portions of a layer defined and distributed according to a surface pattern coordinated with a surface pattern of transparent electrodes.

Abstract: A light-modulating cell comprises at least a first electrode (which is transparent and electronically conducting); a second electrode (separated transversely from the first electrode and electronically conducting); at least one layer or electrolytic material interposed between the two electrodes and in contact with them in the region of a picture element; electrical connection zones for conducting electrical current to the electrodes. The zones are enable application to the working electrode of an electrical voltage negative with respect to that of the second electrode, and, further enable flow between the electrodes of a current whose direction is opposite to that of the electrical current resulting from the application of the previous voltage. This cell enables writing at least one picture element; maintaining such a picture element in the written state; and erasing such a picture element.

Abstract: An elementary light-modulating device comprises a light-modulating cell, and other components. The light modulating cell comprises a first transparent electrode, a second electronically conductive electrode, and at least one layer of electrolytic material interposed between the two electrodes and in contact with them in the region of a picture element. The electrolytic material comprises a homogeneous mixture of solid consistency, of at least a water-soluble salt of at least one metal cathodically deposited from an aqueous solution of one of its simple or complex ions, an initially water-soluble film forming polymer resin, and water. The electrolytic material has ionic conductivity and a deformability, and can be formed in layers. The cell further comprises electrical connection zones for conducting electrical current to the electrodes.

Abstract: An electrolytic material intended for a process relating to a light-modulating cell involving electrochromic reflection or transmission. The electrolytic material is a homogeneous mixture of solid consistency, comprising at least (a) a water-soluble salt or salts of one metal which can be cathodically deposited from an aqueous solution of one of its ions; (b) one initially water-soluble film-forming polymer resin; and (c) water. The material has ionic conductivity and deformability, and can be formed in a thin continuous layer. It has at least the functions of participating in the erasure of a picture element earlier written in the light-modulating cell, and of enabling the flow of electrical current between a working electrode and a counter-electrode during writing and erasure steps.

Abstract: An electrochromic light-modulating process, by reflection or transmission, in which an electrolytic material comprises a mixture of solid consistency of a (a) water-soluble salt of a metal which can be cathodically deposited from an aqueous solution of one of its ions, (b) an initially water-soluble film-forming polymer resin, and (c) water. A layer of electrolytic material is produced. A first transparent electrode is arranged in contact with a first face of the layer. A second electrode is arranged in contact with a second face of the layer, thus forming an elementary light-modulating cell. During a write phase of a certain duration, there is applied to the working electrode an electrical voltage which is negative with respect to that of the second electrode, such that, during this write phase, there is written at least one picture element.