Abstract: A compound according to Formula IA and IB, reversibly convertible under photochromic and electrochromic conditions between a ring-open isomer A and a ring-closed isomer B is provided. For substitutent groups, Z is N, O or S; each R1 is independently selected from the group consisting of H, or halo; each R2 is independently selected from the group consisting of H, halo, a polymer backbone, alkyl or aryl; or, when both R2 together form —CH?CH— and form part of a polymer backbone; each R3 is independently selected from the group consisting of H, halo, alkyl, alkoxy, thioalkyl or aryl; each R4 is aryl; and each R5 is independently selected from the group consisting of H, halo, alkyl, alkoxy, thioalkyl or aryl.

Abstract: A self-powered variable transmittance optical device, such as a smart window or other device, and associated method are provided. The device comprises one or more transparent substrates, with a switching material disposed thereon or therebetween. The switching material may be a hybrid photochromic/electrochromic material capable of transitioning from a first transmittance state to a second transmittance state with application of electricity, and from second state to first state due to another stimulus, such as UV radiation. Electrodes are coupled to the switching material for applying electricity. An electrical system provides for controllable application of the electricity, and may store energy. Energy is provided by an energy-harvesting power source such as a solar cell or other photovoltaic source, or array thereof, or another device for harvesting vibrational or thermal energy.

Abstract: A control system for a variable transmittance optical filter assembly includes a controller in communicatively coupled to a pair of load terminals, and a memory communicatively coupled to the controller and having encoded thereon statements and instructions executable by the controller to transition the optical filter assembly between operating states when coupled to the pair of load terminals. The controller is operable to perform any one or more of: allowing the optical filter assembly to transition to a dark state by shorting the load terminals together, maintaining the optical filter assembly in a hold mode by applying a pulse width modulated voltage signal across the load terminals, and transitioning the optical filter assembly between operative states by applying a voltage signal having voltage pulses of opposite polarities to the load terminals.

Abstract: A optical filter comprising a variable transmittance layer having a first spectrum in a dark state, and a second spectrum in a faded state; and a color balancing layer having a third spectrum; each of the first, second and third spectra comprising a visible portion; the first and third spectra combining to provide a dark state spectrum approximating a dark state target color; and the second and third spectra combining to provide a fades state spectrum approximating a faded state target colour. The optical filter may further comprise a light attenuating layer. The optical filter may further comprise part of a laminated glass.

Abstract: A switching material comprising one or more than one polymers and an electrolyte comprising a salt and a solvent portion comprising one or more solvents; and one or more compounds having electrochromic and photochromic properties dispersed homogeneously through the switching material; and wherein the switching material is transitionable from a light state to a dark state on exposure to UV light and from a dark state to a light state with application of an electric voltage.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a switchable optical filter comprising a layer of switchable material, the switchable material comprising a photochromic/thermochromic, a photochromic/photochromic, or a photochromic/electrochromic compound; a first light source providing light of a wavelength that causes the switchable material to transition from a faded state to a dark state, or a dark state to a faded state; and a switch for controlling activation of the first light source

Abstract: A compound according to Formula IA and IB, reversibly convertible under photochromic and electrochromic conditions between a ring-open isomer A and a ring-closed isomer B is provided. For substitutent groups, Z is N, O or S; each R1 is independently selected from the group consisting of H, or halo; each R2 is independently selected from the group consisting of H, halo, a polymer backbone, alkyl or aryl; or, when both R2 together form —CH?CH— and form part of a polymer backbone; each R3 is independently selected from the group consisting of H, halo, alkyl, alkoxy, thioalkyl or aryl; each R4 is aryl; and each R5 is independently selected from the group consisting of H, halo, alkyl, alkoxy, thioalkyl or aryl.

Abstract: A self-powered variable transmittance optical device, such as a smart window or other device, and associated method are provided. The device comprises one or more transparent substrates, with a switching material disposed thereon or therebetween. The switching material may be a hybrid photochromic/electrochromic material capable of transitioning from a first transmittance state to a second transmittance state with application of electricity, and from second state to first state due to another stimulus, such as UV radiation. Electrodes are coupled to the switching material for applying electricity. An electrical system provides for controllable application of the electricity, and may store energy. Energy is provided by an energy-harvesting power source such as a solar cell or other photovoltaic source, or array thereof, or another device for harvesting vibrational or thermal energy.

Abstract: A variable transmittance optical filter comprising: a first layer comprising a first substantially transparent substrate with a substantially co-planar (SC) electrode system disposed thereon, the SC electrode system made of transparent electrically conductive material and comprising at least one pair of electrically separate electrodes arranged in a substantially co-planar manner on the first substantially transparent substrate, each pair of electrically separate electrodes comprising a first electrode and a second electrode, a second layer proximate to the first layer and comprising a transition material that darkens in response to a non-electrical stimulus and lightens in response to application of an electric voltage; and an electrical connection system for electrically connecting the SC electrode system to a source of electric voltage.