Abstract: The present invention relates to improved electro-optic rearview mirror elements and assemblies incorporating the same. Area of the effective field of view of the electro-optic mirror element substantially equals to that defined by the outermost perimeter of the element.

Abstract: Syntheses of a new blue EC monomer (ProDOT-MePro), and a new red EC monomer (ProDOP-Et2) are described. Two additional new types of EC monomers based on 3,4-alkylenedioxythiophene include fluorinated EC monomers and an EC monomer including silicon. EC polymer devices having more than one different color EC polymer to enable additional colors to be provided using subtractive color mixing are also described, as well as EC polymer devices incorporating a logo, image, or text, are generally obscured when the device is colored, but become visible when the device is not colored. Also described are EC polymer devices that include a cathodic EC polymer layer, a gel electrolyte, a counter electrode, and a reference electrode. Working prototypes of such devices exhibit significant increases in the speed of transition of the EC device from a colored state to a transparent state.

Abstract: An electrochromic device which includes a display electrode including a conductive layer disposed on a transparent substrate, a counter electrode disposed to face the display electrode, the counter electrode including a white reflective layer, an electrolyte interposed between the display electrode and the counter electrode, a first electrochromic material layer disposed on the display electrode and a second electrochromic material layer disposed on the counter electrode.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrochromic device including at least one display region and at least one non-display region, which are separated from each other, the electrochromic device including a first substrate, a first electrode, an electrochromic layer, an electrolyte layer, optionally an ion storage layer, a second electrode, and a second substrate, which are sequentially formed, wherein the ion storage layer and/or the second electrode are patterned so as to prevent the ion storage layer and/or the second electrode from existing in part or all of said at least one display region; and a display device including the electrochromic device. In the electrochromic device, only the second substrate and electrolyte layer are located between the observer and the electrochromic layer, so that it is possible to prevent a contrast ratio from being degraded due to the ion storage layer and/or second electrode.

Abstract: An electrochromic device includes a first conductive layer, a single-layer or dual-layer ion conductor layer, and a second conductive layer. The layers are deposited using PVD, CVD, PECVD, atomic layer deposition, pulsed laser deposition, plating, or sol-gel techniques.

Abstract: The flat panel display includes an electrochromic device that is a controlling unit. The electrochromic device reversibly makes electrolytic oxidizing and reducing reactions so that coloring and decoloring can be made reversibly, when voltage is applied. With such the construction, the flat panel display controls the voltage applied to the electrochromic device, enabling to selectively display an image on front side or two sides.

Abstract: The invention concerns an electrochromic device comprising a single supporting substrate (1) on which are disposed a working electrode (6) which is electrochromic per se and/or bears an electrochromic material on at least a portion thereof; a counter electrode (3); and a layer of an electrically insulating material (4) separating the electrodes; wherein said electrochromic material has a major surface at least a portion of which forms at least a portion of an external surface of the device. The new device allows deposition of electrochromic coatings on a variety of substrates which need not be transparent.

Abstract: An electrochromic device which includes a display electrode including a conductive layer disposed on a transparent substrate, a counter electrode disposed to face the display electrode, the counter electrode including a white reflective layer, an electrolyte interposed between the display electrode and the counter electrode, a first electrochromic material layer disposed on the display electrode and a second electrochromic material layer disposed on the counter electrode.

Abstract: An optical apparatus is disclosed. The optical apparatus includes: a first optical element having a first polarizing layer containing a material having a refractive index that changes in accordance with the magnitude of applied voltage and first and second transparent electrodes sandwiching both sides of the first polarizing layer in the direction of thickness and polarizing light passing through the first polarizing layer in the direction of thickness; and a second optical element having a second polarizing layer containing a material having a refractive index that changes in accordance with the magnitude of applied voltage and third and fourth transparent electrodes sandwiching both sides of the second polarizing layer in the direction of thickness and polarizing light passing through the second polarizing layer in the direction of thickness.

Abstract: An elongate colored structure comprising: an electrically conductive wire; a dye layer surrounding a length of the conductive wire; and an electrically conductive, light transmissive layer surrounding the dye layer; wherein the dye layer is capable of changing its color when a voltage is applied between the conductive wire and the light transmissive layer.

Abstract: The present invention is an active matrix electrochromic display architecture where the active components are placed on the backplane of the display, thereby maximizing the viewable pixel area. The cathode of the electrochromic pixel is placed on top of the active components, with respect to the viewer, thereby allowing the active components to be as large as desired while not interfering with the viewable area of the pixel.

Abstract: A combined electrochromic/electroluminescent device includes at least one pixel 101-104. Each pixel includes a substrate 107 having an electrically conductive surface 105, and an electrochemically active counter electrode layer 110 disposed on the electrically conductive surface. An electrolyte layer 115 which provides electrolytes is disposed on the counter electrode 110. An electrically conductive layer 125 is disposed on the electrolyte layer 115. An electroactive layer 130 is disposed on the electrically conductive layer 125, the electroactive layer providing both electroluminescence and an electrochromically active working electrode, wherein the electrically conductive layer 125 provides transport of electrolytes therethrough.

Abstract: A method of an electrophoretic display (EPD) having an organic thin film transistor thin film (OTFT) control circuit. The method includes: providing an EPD module including a plurality of EPD units on a common substrate, wherein each of the EPD units includes a cell having optical characteristic (or performance) that can be capacitively switched; coating a plurality of pixel electrodes on a side of the EPD module; and preparing the OTFT control circuit by directly coating a plurality of OTFT layers on the side of the EPD module supporting the pixel electrodes.

Abstract: Electrode structures including transparent electrode structures, in particular self supporting electrode structures, are described herein. Further, applications of the herein novel electrode structures are provided, including electronic writing tablets, electronic paper and fabrication methods for electronic writing tablets and electronic paper. The electrode structure may be transparent and self-supporting, thereby providing a novel electrode structure as compared to conventional transparent electrodes.

Abstract: A method for contacting patterned electrode devices includes the steps of providing a porous substrate, depositing electrically conductive material to form at least one electrode on a front-side of the porous substrate and depositing at least one electrically conductive back-side contact trace on the back-side of the substrate. A portion of the electrically conductive material penetrates into the substrate. A device is formed including the electrode on the front side of the substrate, wherein the electrode is electrically coupled by a conducting channel including the electrically conductive material through the substrate to the back-side contact trace.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrochromic mirror, comprising a transparent substrate; an electrochromic film that develops color reductively having the transparent substrate on or above the surface thereof; a light-reflecting film allowing transmission of hydrogen or lithium atoms formed on the side of the electrochromic film opposite to the transparent substrate; a substrate having an electrically conductive area at least on one surface facing the light-reflecting film; and an electrolyte solution at least containing a hydrogen ion and an oxidizable material containing neutral molecules or negative ions and that is sealed between the light-reflecting film and the conductive area of the substrate; wherein (i) the light-reflecting film has electrical conductivity, or (ii) a transparent electrode film having electrical conductivity is formed between the transparent substrate and the electrochromic film, further comprising a dielectric film having a hydrogen or lithium ion conductivity formed between the

Abstract: A power distribution system is provided for an automobile mirror assembly or the like, and includes a flexible membrane having electrical traces electrically connected to the vehicle electrical system, and connecting sites for electrically connecting to various power consumers in the mirror assembly.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electro-optical device having a curved display surface with high reliability is provided. A liquid crystal panel 100 comprising a TFT array substrate 10 and a counter substrate 20, each composed of a glass substrate or a quartz substrate, is thinned down to, for example, a thickness of 25 ?m by a polishing process or an etching process. Subsequently, a first polarizing plate 140, first spacers 260, the liquid crystal panel 100, second spacers 270, and a second polarizing plate 150 are superposed on a base 210 having a curved surface 220 in this order, and then the outer circumference of the second polarizing plate 150 is pressed against the base 210 while curving the second polarizing plate 150 along the curved surface 220 of the base 210. Then, in order to maintain such a curved state, the second polarizing plate 150 is fixed to the base 210 by a double-faced tape 280.

Abstract: A locally distributed electrode is made by placing a conducting metallic oxide layer and a counter electrode in contact with a noble metal electroplating solution and applying a negative potential to the metallic oxide layer relative to the counter electrode, such that the noble metal is electrodeposited from the solution preferentially at defect sites on a surface of the metallic oxide layer. The noble metal nuclei are selectively electrodeposited at the defect sites to form a locally distributed electrode made up of a dot matrix of metallic islands. For reversible electrochemical mirror (REM) devices, the presence of the noble metal renders mirror metal electrodeposition at the defect sites reversible so that the defects become part of the dot matrix electrode and extraneous deposition of the mirror metal on the conducting metallic oxide is avoided.

Abstract: An electrically conductive metallic clip used for lead-out electrodes of an EC mirror has all-shaped section. One of an opposed side pieces of the clip is disposed at the side of an electrically conductive film and is formed in a planar shape. The other side piece disposed at the side of a glass substrate is configured in a curved shape and has a terminal that is outwardly round-opened. A central portion of the other side piece is formed in a convex shape so that an opening thereof is narrowed. When a sealing resin expands, an occurrence of poor contact between a lead-out electrode portion and the clip is prevented. Moreover, good workability for attaching the clip to the substrate is realized. Furthermore, the lead-out electrode is prevented from being damaged. Additionally, the clip is prevented from being deformed when the clip is fitted onto the substrate.

Abstract: An electrochemical device comprising at least one substrate (1,7), at least one electroconductive layer (2,6) at least one electrochemically active layer (3,5) capable of reversibly injecting ions, and an electrolyte (4), wherein the electrolyte (4) is a layer or a multilayer stack comprising at least one layer (4b) made of an ionically conductive material capable of reversibly injecting said ions but whose overall degree of oxidation is maintained essentially constant.

Abstract: The invention includes many applications for electrochromic devices that require neutral colors and patterned electrodes. It uses novel materials, ways of making the materials, device configurations and applications. In one aspect, the device also includes electrical leads (115,116), transparent conductor layers (135,136), patterned EC layers (143,144), an etch line (99) and a substrate (125).

Abstract: An electrophotographic display includes a plurality of microcapsules each encapsulating therein an insulating liquid and a plurality of charged electrophoretic particles dispersed in the insulating liquid, a first substrate and a second substrate disposed opposite to each other so as to sandwich the plurality of microcapsules, and a plurality of electrodes capable of being supplied with a voltage. A voltage is applied between the plurality of electrodes to move the charged electrophoretic particles between a first internal wall portion of each microcapsule an external surface of which contacts the first substrate and a second internal wall portion of each microcapsule an external surface of which is substantially out of contact with both the first and second substrate, thereby to switch a display state.

Abstract: This invention discloses novel ways of making electrooptic devices where the electrodes are made from conductive yarns. This allows fabrication of flexible and large area devices at an attractive cost.

Abstract: An electrochromic device is disclosed having a self-cleaning, hydrophilic optical coating. The electrochromic device preferably forms an external rearview mirror for a vehicle The coating preferably includes alternating layers of a photocatalytic material having a high index of refraction and a hydrophilic material having a low refractive index More specifically, the coating includes a first layer having a high refractive index, a second layer having a low refractive index, a third layer of titanium dioxide, and a fourth layer of silicon dioxide provided as an outermost layer. The disclosed optical coating exhibits a reflectance at the front surface of the reflective element that is less than about 20 percent, and has sufficient hydrophilic properties such that water droplets on a front surface of the optical coating exhibit a contact angle of less than about 20°.

Abstract: An electrochemical device comprising at least one substrate (1, 7), at least one electroconductive layer (2, 6) at least one electrochemically active layer (3, 5) capable of reversibly injecting ions, and an electrolyte (4), wherein the electrolyte (4) is a layer or a multilayer stack comprising at least one layer (4b) made of an ionically conductive material capable of reversibly injecting the ions but whose overall degree of oxidation is maintained essentially constant.

Abstract: An electrophoretic device 20 is provided which includes a circuit board 1 provided with a plurality of pixel electrodes 3, a transparent electrode (counter electrode) 4 opposed to the individual pixel electrodes 3, an electrophoretic dispersion layer 11 containing an electrophoretic dispersion 11, the electrophoretic dispersion layer 11 being partially interposed between the electrodes, a plurality of thin-film transistors 30 disposed on a surface of the circuit board 1 remote from the electrophoretic dispersion layer 11, and conducting parts 8 extending through the circuit board 1 and electrically connecting the pixel electrodes 3 and the thin-film transistors to each other.

Abstract: An electrochromic device, such as a window or mirror, is disclosed that includes first and second substrates each having an inner surface spaced apart from one another to define a chamber, first and second electrodes carried on the inner surface of the second substrate and disposed thereon to be electrically isolated from one another, and an electrochromic medium disposed in the chamber. The electrodes may be disposed on the inner surface of the second substrate in substantially co-planar relation. Alternatively, the electrodes may be arranged in a stacked relation, with a layer of dielectric material provided therebetween.

Abstract: An electrochromic device, such as a window or mirror, is disclosed that includes a transparent first substrate having an inner surface, a second substrate having an inner surface spaced apart from the inner surface of the first substrate so as to define a chamber therebetween, first and second electrodes carried on the inner surface of the second substrate and disposed thereon so as to be electrically isolated from one another, and an electrochromic medium disposed in the chamber between the inner surfaces of the first and second substrates. The electrochromic medium may be in solution-phase. Also, the electrodes may be disposed on the inner surface of the second substrate in substantially co-planar relation. Alternatively, the electrodes may be arranged in a stacked relation, with a layer of dielectric material provided therebetween.

Abstract: An electrochromic anti-glare mirror is provided in which incorrect assembly can be prevented, assemblability can be improved, a number of work processes can be reduced, and costs can be reduced. The electrochromic anti-glare mirror includes an electrochromic layer which is provided at a rear surface side of a substrate glass, and in which an electrochromic film is nipped between a transparent conductive film and a reflective conductive film. By energizing the electrochromic film between the transparent conductive film and reflective conductive film, the electrochromic film is electrically made to color. Wires for electrochromic anti-glare for energizing the electrochromic film between the transparent conductive film and the reflective conductive film are printed on the printed circuit board. As a result, there is no need for complex work for installing and connecting cords as in conventional structures in which wires are cords.

Abstract: A matrix display (20) comprises pixels based on switching elements (30) which comprise a switchable layer which can be switched from one chemical state to another, the optical properties of said chemical states being different. Voltage-limiting devices (41, 42) preventing pixel degradation are arranged on the switching elements (30).

Abstract: An electrochromic window assembly includes: a first transparent substrate having a first conductive coating on a surface thereof; a second transparent substrate having a second conductive coating on a surface thereof, the first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate being spaced from each other to define a chamber therebetween; an electrochromic medium contained in the chamber, the electrochromic medium having a luminous transmittance that varies upon application of an electrical potential through the electrochromic medium; a plurality of first spaced facilities contacting the first conductive coating and capable of delivering electrical current to the first conductive coating; and a plurality of second spaced facilities contacting the second conductive coating and capable of delivering electrical current to the second conductive coating to establish the electrical potential through the electrochromic medium.

Abstract: An automotive mirror includes a mirror element, a housing for accepting and retaining the mirror element and a receiver circuit mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) contained within the housing. The receiver circuit includes a helical antenna with a substantially noncircular cross-section.

Abstract: A method for producing a cell for an electrochromic mirror by laminating two electrically conductive substrates which comprises the step of placing at least two plates each having at least one linear portion and provided with in a predetermined position with a punched-out portion having a shape corresponding to that of said substrate, such that each of said linear portions is located on the same line or on each of two lines offset from each other, in a juxtaposed relationship at a predetermined interval; the step of positioning said two substrates by inserting them into each of said punched-out portions; the step of shifting one of said plates holding said substrates therein over the other plate such that the substrates are located in a superposed relationship to each other; and the step of laminating said substrates.

Abstract: A display device utilizes a plurality of pixels arranged in a predetermined configuration for recording and displaying information. Each pixel includes a substrate and a light modulating material for selectively modulating a predetermined wave length of light by transitoning between a first and a second state in response to a heater element. The light modulating material in the first state causes destructive interference in the predetermined wave length of light and in the second state causes constructive interference in the predetermined wave length of light. The pixel structure is buried within an aerogel thereby minimizing the heat dissipation rate from the pixels.

Abstract: Reversible electrochemical mirror (REM) devices typically comprise a conductive oxide mirror electrode that is substantially transparent to radiation of some wavelengths, a counter electrode that may also be substantially transparent, and an electrolyte that contains ions of an electrodepositable metal. A voltage applied between the two electrodes causes electrodeposition of a mirror deposit on the mirror electrode and dissolution of the mirror deposit on the counter electrode, and these processes are reversed when the polarity of the applied voltage is changed. Such REM devices provide precise control over the reflection and transmission of radiation and can be used for a variety of applications, including smart windows and automatically adjusting automotive mirrors. According to the present invention, measurements of the sheet resistance of the mirror electrode in a REM device are correlated with the thickness of electrodeposited mirror metal and can be used to monitor the reflectance of the device.

Abstract: An improved electrochromic rearview mirror for motor vehicles, the mirror incorporating thin front and rear spaced glass elements having a thickness ranging from about 0.5 to about 1.5. A layer of transparent conductive material is placed onto the mirror's second surface, and either another layer of transparent conductive material or a combined reflector/electrode is placed onto the mirror's third surface. A chamber, defined by the layers on the interior surfaces of the front and rear glass elements and a peripheral sealing member, contains a free-standing gel comprising a solvent and a crosslinked polymer matrix. The chamber further contains at least one electrochromic material in solution with the solvent and interspersed in the crosslinked polymer matrix.

Abstract: A power-saving, highly-reversible optical device is provided. The transmittance through the device is well controlled within a visible ray range. The device has good spectral characteristics while shielded from light, and the electrodes in the device are prevented from being in overpotential condition. The device has a long life, and is protected from being discolored and deteriorated in cycle use. Also, an electrolytic solution to be used in the device is provided. The optical device comprises a solution as so put between working electrodes and a counter electrode that driving control of these electrodes brings about deposition or dissolution of silver. In this, the solution is prepared by dissolving a silver salt in a solvent, to which are added a supporting salt of an alkali metal halide such as LiBr or the like, and an alkanolamine, and optionally coumarin and a mercaptoalkylimidazole.

Abstract: A reversible electrochemical mirror device includes a substantially transparent first electrode having a textured surface, and a second electrode which may be distributed in localized areas. An electrolytic solution, disposed between the first and second electrodes, contains ions of a metal which can electrodeposit on the electrodes. A negative electrical potential applied to the first electrode causes deposited metal to be dissolved from the second electrode into the electrolytic solution and to be electrodeposited from the solution onto the textured surface of the first electrode, thereby affecting the reflectivity of the device for electromagnetic radiation. Because of the textured surface, light striking the first electrode is diffusely reflected, making the device desirable for architectural and automotive glass applications. A surface modification layer applied to the first electrode ensures that the electrodeposit is substantially uniform.

Abstract: A dynamic optical path length modulator for optical interferometry, holography and tomography is disclosed. The optical path length in a beam path is changed in that the light beam in question is guided through a double mirror arrangement which is formed of two plane mirrors which are parallel to one another and are rotatable about a common axis. A path length-dependent dispersion of any desired magnitude can be introduced into the beam path by the arrangement of plane plates and prisms.

Abstract: A mirror and housing assembly includes a multi-layer electrochromic (EC) mirror subassembly supported by a carrier. The EC mirror subassembly includes a front transparent element and a rear element, each having front and rear surfaces, a reflector on one of the surfaces of the rear element, and further includes a seal spacing the front and rear elements apart to define a chamber therebetween. An EC material, such as solution phase, gel phase, solid phase, or a hybrid EC material, fills the chamber and is electrically connected to a control for controlled dimming of reflections from the reflector. The front and rear elements each are characteristically very thin, such as about 1.6 mm to 0.8 mm, or more preferably 1.2 mm to 1.0 mm, and most preferably 1.1 mm, such that the EC mirror subassembly is characteristically surprisingly and unexpectedly low in weight.

Abstract: An electrochromic unit (1) having an electrochemical cell with at least two electrodes (3, 4) applied to a carrier, an electrolyte (2) located between the electrodes (3, 4) and an electrochromic material (7), such as an electrochromic polymer, applied to one of the electrodes (3), is characterized by a proton exchange membrane (2) as a solid electrolyte and carrier for the bilaterally applied electrodes (3, 4), the electrochromic material (7) being positioned on the side of the electrode (3) carrying it remote from the membrane (2).

Abstract: An electrochemical mirror includes a transparent first electrode and a second electrode. An electrolytic solution, disposed between the first and second electrodes, contains ions of a metal which can electrodeposit on the electrodes. A negative electrical potential applied to the first electrode causes deposited metal to be dissolved from the second electrode into the electrolytic solution and to be electrodeposited from the solution onto the first electrode, thereby affecting the reflectivity of the mirror for electromagnetic radiation. A surface modification layer applied to the first electrode ensures that the electrodeposit is substantially uniform, resulting in a mirror layer which increases the reflectivity of the mirror. A positive electrical potential applied to the first electrode causes deposited metal to be dissolved from the first electrode and electrodeposited from the solution onto the second electrode, thereby decreasing the reflectivity of the mirror.

Abstract: An electrochromic device (10) of reversible light-transmissivity comprises a pair of spaced-apart window plate members (11, 13) bearing electrically-conductive surface layers (12, 14) and containing an electrochromotropic electrolyte solution in the intervening space (16). The electrolyte comprises an aqueous inorganic solution of a silver salt and may further comprise a salt of a transition metal. The electrolyte solutions are responsive to varying applied voltages by transitioning between solution phases of varying light-transmissivity which, depending upon solution composition, may be persistent or passively reversible.

Abstract: An electrode for an electrochromic device is disclosed having an electrically conductive substrate and a plurality of capacitive members arranged on the substrate, each of the capacitive members containing fine particles bound together with a binder, the fine particles having electric capacity of not less than 1 farad/g, the binder in the capacitive member having degree of swelling of not higher than 20 mass % when measured after the binder in the capacitive member is immersed in .gamma.-butyrolactone at 25.degree. C. for 24 hours. Also disclosed is an electrochromic device having the above electrode as a counterelectrode, an electrochromic electrode, and an electrolyte interposed therebetween.

Abstract: A flat type all-solid electrochromic anti-glare mirror includes a flat, transparent glass substrate, the back face of which is coated with a transparent conductive coating, an all-solid electrochromic layer, and a conductive-reflective coating. In the above, the outer surface of the conductive-reflective coating and the electrochromic layer is fully covered with a resin layer made of a material that has resistance to wetness, moisture, and corrosion and functions to block migration of ions, without the use of a sealing glass plate.

Abstract: An electrochemical mirror includes a transparent first electrode and a second electrode distributed in localized areas. An electrolytic solution is disposed between the first and second electrodes and contains ions of a metal which can electrodeposit on the first and second electrodes. A negative electrical potential applied to the first electrode causes deposited metal to be dissolved from the second electrode into the electrolytic solution and to be electrodeposited from the solution onto the first electrode, thereby affecting the propagation of electromagnetic radiation through the mirror. A surface modification layer applied to the first electrode ensures that the electrodeposit is substantially uniform, resulting in a mirror layer which increases the reflectivity of the mirror.

Abstract: A process for synthesizing iron(III) hexacyanoferrate(II) as a blue insoluble product on the surface of a working electrode is disclosed which comprises immersing a pair of electrodes in a solution mixture of an iron(III) ion-containing solution and a hexacyanoferrate(III) ion-containing solution and effecting electrolysis with one of the electrodes as an anode and the other as a cathode, whereby iron(III) hexacyanoferrate(II) is deposited on the surface of the cathode.

Abstract: An electrochromic display device and method are disclosed. The device comprises an ionically isolative layer containing an electrochromic material in contact with an electrolyte layer and a working electrode. The working electrode is positioned on a first side of a substrate, while a counter electrode is positioned on an opposite side of the substrate. The counter electrode is electrically coupled to the electrolyte layer on the substrate first side through one or more openings extending through the substrate. In another embodiment, ionically isolative and electrolyte layers are also provided in contact with the counter electrode on the backside of the substrate to create a double sided display. The method comprises reversible electrochromic effects of the electrochromic materials contained in either the ionically isolative layers or the electrolyte layers.

Abstract: A label for electrochemical cell employs an electrochromic material so that when the material is connected to power provided by the electrochemical cell, the material will undergo a visible change as a result of a chemical reaction.