Abstract: Various plasmonic structures in the form of electrochromic optical switches are described which exhibit relatively high optical switching contrast. The switches generally include a collection of nanoslits formed in a thin electrically conductive film. An electrochromic material is disposed on the conductive film and along the sidewalls of the nanoslit(s).

Abstract: A gray scale drive scheme for passive matrix displays, more specifically cholesteric liquid crystal displays. Prior to writing an image, the display can be given a black appearance by first driving the pixels to a homeotropic state, then driving the pixels to a focal conic state. The drive scheme then resets pixels by driving the selected pixels to a homeotropic state. Selecting and non-selecting row voltage signals are then used in combination with column voltage signals to write an image to the display.

Abstract: An electrode that includes a transparent substrate having a first and second surface; a conductive layer disposed on the second surface of the substrate; and an electrode layer disposed on the conductive layer, wherein the electrode layer includes doped tin oxide nanoparticles and an organic binder, and wherein the electrode layer is transparent. Also disclosed is a method of making such an electrode and electrochromic articles including such an electrode.

Abstract: A gray scale drive scheme for passive matrix displays, more specifically cholesteric liquid crystal displays. Prior to writing an image, the display can be given a black appearance by first driving the pixels to a homeotropic state, then driving the pixels to a focal conic state. The drive scheme then resets pixels by driving the selected pixels to a homeotropic state. Selecting and non-selecting row voltage signals are then used in combination with column voltage signals to write an image to the display.

Abstract: A hydrogen gas sensor and/or switch fabricated from arrays nanowires composed of metal or metal alloys that have stable metal hydride phases. The sensor and/or switch response times make it quite suitable for measuring the concentration of hydrogen in a flowing gas stream. The sensor and/or switch preferably operates by measuring the resistance of several metal nanowires arrayed in parallel in the presence of hydrogen gas. The nanowires preferably comprise gaps or break junctions that can function as a switch that closes in the presence of hydrogen gas. Consequently, the conductivity of the nanowires of the sensor and/or switch increases in the presence of hydrogen.

Abstract: An electrode that includes a transparent substrate having a first and second surface; a conductive layer disposed on the second surface of the substrate; and an electrode layer disposed on the conductive layer, wherein the electrode layer includes doped tin oxide nanoparticles and an organic binder, and wherein the electrode layer is transparent. Also disclosed is a method of making such an electrode and electrochromic articles including such an electrode.

Abstract: A hydrogen gas sensor and/or switch fabricated from arrays nanowires composed of metal or metal alloys that have stable metal hydride phases. The sensor and/or switch response times make it quite suitable for measuring the concentration of hydrogen in a flowing gas stream. The sensor and/or switch preferably operates by measuring the resistance of several metal nanowires arrayed in parallel in the presence of hydrogen gas. The nanowires preferably comprise gaps or break junctions that can function as a switch that closes in the presence of hydrogen gas.

Abstract: A hydrogen gas sensor and/or switch fabricated from arrays nanowires composed of metal or metal alloys that have stable metal hydride phases. The sensor and/or switch response times make it quite suitable for measuring the concentration of hydrogen in a flowing gas stream. The sensor and/or switch preferably operates by measuring the resistance of several metal nanowires arrayed in parallel in the presence of hydrogen gas. The nanowires preferably comprise gaps or break junctions that can function as a switch that closes in the presence of hydrogen gas.