Abstract: A film suitable for use as the light-modulating element of an SPD light valve. The film comprises a cross-linked polymer matrix and has droplets of a liquid light valve suspension distributed in the cross-linked polymer matrix.

Abstract: A film suitable for use as a light-modulating unit of a suspended particle device light valve, comprising a plurality of particles dispersed in a liquid suspending medium, distributed within an optionally crosslinked matrix polymer. The suspending medium is substantially immiscible with the matrix polymer, has a boiling point greater than about 100° C., has an electrical resistivity of at least about 0.8×106 ohms per square, and has an in endex of refraction at 25° C. which differs from that of the matrix polymer by no more than about 0.002.

Abstract: A film suitable for use as a light-modulating unit of a suspended particle device (SPD) light valve. The film comprises a siloxane matrix polymer which has a refractive index>1.4630 and has droplets of a liquid light valve suspension distributed within the matrix. The liquid light valve suspension preferably comprises a polyalkyl (meth)acrylate and/or fluorinated (meth)acrylate suspending polymer and optionally may comprise one or more non-polymeric liquids.

Abstract: A film suitable for use as a light-modulating unit of a suspended particle device (SPD) light valve. The film comprises a siloxane matrix polymer which has a refractive index>1.4630 and has droplets of a liquid light valve suspension distributed within the matrix. The liquid light valve suspension preferably comprises a polyalkyl (meth)acrylate and/or fluorinated (meth)acrylate suspending polymer and optionally may comprise one or more non-polymeric liquids.

Abstract: A film suitable for use as a light-modulating unit of a suspended particle device light valve. The film comprises a matrix polymer and has droplets of a liquid light valve suspension comprising a plurality of particles dispersed in a liquid suspending medium distributed within the matrix. The suspending medium (a) is substantially immiscible with the matrix polymer, (b) has a boiling point at atmospheric pressure greater than about 100° C., (c) has an electrical resistivity of at least about 0.8×106 ohms per square, and (d) has an index of refraction at 25° C. which differs from that of the matrix polymer, measured at substantially the same temperature, by no more than about 0.002.

Abstract: A polyhalide light-polarizing material comprising a complex obtained by reacting: (a) elemental iodine; (b) a hydrohalide acid or an ammonium halide, alkali metal halide or alkaline earth metal halide; (c) a first compound capable of chelating hydrogen, ammonium or metal ions; and (d) a second compound comprising at least one chelating group present in the first compound and either (1) at least one group of the first compound is changed to a different group or (2) the second compound comprises at least one additional group.

Abstract: A film suitable for use as the light-modulating unit of an SPD light valve, the film comprising a cross-linked polymer matrix and having droplets of a liquid light valve suspension distributed in the cross-linked polymer matrix, the liquid light valve suspension comprising particles suspended in a liquid suspending medium, wherein the matrix and the droplets each have a refractive index within a range of from about 1.455 to 1.463 and wherein the refractive index of the droplet and the matrix components of the film are preferably matched as closely as possible within RI 0.005 of each other.

Abstract: A method of making particles of light-polarizing material comprising reacting a precursor suitable for forming polyhalide particles with elemental iodine and a hydrohalide or an ammonium, alkali metal, or alkaline earth metal halide wherein the average size and/or median size of the precursor is less than 1 micron.

Abstract: A film suitable for use as the light-modulating unit of a light valve, is disclosed. The film comprises a cross-linked polymer matrix having droplets of a liquid light valve suspension distributed in the cross-linked polymer matrix. The polymer matrix, prior to cross-linking, comprises a polymer having a Brookfield viscosity of at least 2000 CPs.

Abstract: An improved method for adhering an SPD film to a substrate of a light valve is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of coating either the film or the substrate or both the film and the substrate with an adhesive, placing the film and substrate into contact and adhering the film and the substrate. The improvement comprises the use of an adhesive which is inherently tacky at room temperature or which becomes tacky at an elevated temperature.

Abstract: A method for preparing a film suitable for use as the light-modulating unit of an SPD light valve, which film comprises a cross-linked polymer matrix having droplets of a liquid light valve suspension distributed in the cross-linked polymer matrix. The light valve suspension comprises particles suspended in a liquid suspending medium. The method comprises admixing a UV cross-linkable liquid oligomer or polymer and the liquid light valve suspension, emulsifying the resulting admixture to form an emulsion of the liquid light valve suspension in the UV cross-linkable liquid oligomer or polymer, and cross-linking the UV cross-linkable liquid oligomer or polymer while the mixture is in the form of a thin layer of the emulsion by exposing the layer to UV radiation or to an electron beam, such that the film is not damaged due to such exposing. The oligomer or polymer and the particles are free of deleterious effects on one another.

Abstract: A method of making crystals of a light-polarizing material useful in a liquid light valve suspension with the addition of controlled amounts of water relative to the amount of reactants used in making the particles of the light-polarizing material.

Abstract: Light valve suspensions and light valve films are provided with a UV absorber.