Abstract: A variable transmission window includes a patterned first polarizer and an opposing patterned second polarizer. The first polarizer includes an optically transmissive first substrate; alternating first and second domains attached to the first substrate, the first domains having a polarization axis that is perpendicular to a polarization axis of the second domains; and blackout bars configured to block visible light, each blackout bar overlapping opposing edge regions of adjacent corresponding first and second domains. The second polarizer includes an optically transmissive second substrate; and alternating third and fourth domains attached to the second substrate, the third domains having a polarization axis that is perpendicular to a polarization axis of the fourth domains. The second polarizer may also include blackout bars overlapping opposing edge regions of adjacent corresponding third and fourth domains.

Abstract: Various embodiments include a variable transmission device including a first smart window panel, a second smart window panel, and a mechanical device configured to linearly translate at least a portion of the first panel relative to the second panel. Further embodiments include a method of varying radiation transmission including the steps of providing a variable transmission device, comprising a first smart window panel, a second smart window panel, and a mechanical device and actuating the mechanical device to linearly translate at least a portion of the first panel relative to the second panel.