Abstract: An example liquid crystal film for automotive glass comprises a first base layer, a first conductive layer, a microstructured liquid crystal layer, a second conductive layer, a second base layer, wherein the microstructured liquid crystal layer is disposed between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer. In one embodiment, the microstructured liquid crystal layer comprises a bottom plate, a partition plate, and a liquid crystal mixture. The partition plate comprises sidewalls vertically arranged on the bottom plate, and the bottom plate is attached to the second conductive layer. The partition plate divides a space between the bottom plate and the first conductive layer into a plurality of polygonal receiving spaces. The liquid crystal mixture is positioned in the plurality of polygonal receiving spaces.

Abstract: In one example, a crystal cell comprises: a first substrate, a second substrate, first spacers and second spacers sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate to define a gap between the first substrate and the second substrate, the first spacers being fixedly bonded to each of the first substrate and the second substrate, the second spacers being movable between the first and second substrates, a sealant sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate and enclosing the first spacers and the second spacers, and a liquid crystal enclosed by the sealant, the first substrate, and the second substrate. Examples of a dimmable glass incorporating liquid crystal cells and methods of manufacturing the liquid crystal cells are also provided.

Abstract: Described herein are liquid crystal (LC) assemblies that are dimmable and techniques for manufacturing LC assemblies. In some embodiments, an LC assembly includes a Guest-Host (GH) liquid crystal layer containing nematic liquid crystals, dye molecules, and a chiral dopant. The GH liquid crystal layer is located between a pair of substrates. The LC assembly is a film assembly, with each of the substrates including a flexible film and a conductive layer formed on the flexible film. The substrates are separated by spacers that define a cell gap. The GH liquid crystal layer is configured to transition the LC assembly between darkened and lightened states depending on the voltage across the conductive layers. The flexible films allow the LC assembly to conform to the surface of a window or other rigid surface to which the LC assembly is attached. The LC assembly can be attached via a liquid or film-based adhesive.