Abstract: A conductive film includes an elongated film base, a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer and a third conductive layer in this order. The elongated film base has a longitudinal direction and a width direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. The width direction dimension of the elongated film base is greater than or equal to 1 m. The first conductive layer is an indium-based oxide layer. The second conductive layer is a metal layer. The third conductive layer is an oxidized metal layer having a thickness of 1 nm to 15 nm formed by sputter deposition.

Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror with a mirror glass that is embedded in a mirror head, where the mirror head is pivotably supported against a mirror base by being fastened to the vehicle, where the mirror glass includes at least two mirror parts having different radii of curvature, in that a separating line between the mirror parts passes through the area that meets the imaging specifications.

Abstract: The present invention provides an organic compound to be used in an electrochromic device. The organic compound has excellent oxidation-reduction repeating characteristics and shows high transparency in the bleached state without showing light absorption in the visible light region. The organic compound has a structure represented by Formula [1] according to Claim 1. In Formula [1], A1 and A2 represent substituents, and at least one of A1 and A2 is an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, or an optionally substituted aryl group. R1 represents a substituent, X represents an electrochromic portion, and n is an integer of 1 to 3.

Abstract: An electrochromic display device comprises: a first electrode substrate; a second electrode substrate; an electrochromic fluid distributed between the first and the second electrode substrate; and a dividing wall located between the first and the second electrode substrate, contacting the first and the second electrode substrate, respectively, and used for isolating the electrochromic fluid into various pixel areas. The electrochromic display device has no interference occurred between adjacent pixel areas. A method for producing such an electrochromic display device is further disclosed.

Abstract: A complimentary polymer or “dual-polymer” electrochromic device and methods of preparing the same are provided.

Abstract: A flexible transparent electrochromic device, which includes the following components, each of which is a flexible film: a working electrode comprising a transparent conducting substrate supporting an working electrode active material; a counter electrode including a transparent conducting substrate supporting a counter electrode active material; a solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) including a solution of a lithium salt in a polymer solvent. A method for preparing an electrochromic device includes the steps of: preparing a working electrode film, preparing a counter electrode film, preparing a polymer electrolyte film, and assembling the electrodes and the electrolyte, the method being implemented continuously.

Abstract: An electronically switchable privacy film suitable for use in display devices are described. The electronically switchable privacy film comprises a pair of mutually opposing transparent electrodes; an optically transparent microstructured layer disposed between the transparent electrodes, the microstructured layer comprising a plurality of microstructured ribs extending across a surface thereof such that the microstructured ribs form an alternating series of ribs and channels; and electronically switchable material disposed in the channels, the electronically switchable material being capable of modulation between high and low light scattering states upon application of an electric field across the transparent electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lighting control system, comprising a control unit comprising a memory in which control programs are recorded. The control programs are capable of controlling the optical transmission through an active window pane with electro-controllable optical transmission properties and are capable of controlling an electro-controllable lighting device. The system furthermore comprises a coloration sensor for measuring a value representative of a coloration of the light. The control programs are capable of controlling the lighting generated by the lighting device as a function of the value supplied by the coloration sensor.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods of inserting lithium into an electrochromic device after completion. In the disclosed methods, an ideal amount of lithium can be added post-fabrication to maximize or tailor the free lithium ion density of a layer or the coloration range of a device. Embodiments are directed towards a method to insert lithium into the main device layers of an electrochromic device as a post-processing step after the device has been manufactured. In an embodiment, the methods described are designed to maximize the coloration range while compensating for blind charge loss.

Abstract: An exterior mirror reflective element for a vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a front glass substrate having a transparent conductive coating established at a second surface thereof and a rear glass substrate having a metallic reflector coating established at a third surface thereof, with an electro-optic medium disposed between the second surface of the front glass substrate and the third surface of the rear glass substrate. An electrically conductive clip is disposed along and bridges a perimeter edge of the rear glass substrate to establish electrically conductive connection to the metallic reflector coating at the third surface of the rear glass substrate. A solder joint is established at the electrically conductive clip, and the solder is decoupled from the metallic reflector coating at the third surface of the rear glass substrate.

Abstract: Described is an electrochromic nanocomposite film comprising a solid matrix of an oxide based material, the solid matrix comprising a plurality of transparent conducting oxide (TCO) nanostructures dispersed in the solid matrix and a lithium salt dispersed in the solid matrix. Also described is a near infrared nanostructured electrochromic device having a functional layer comprising the electrochromic nanocomposite film.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds of the general formula (S-A)n-T, in which at least one fluorescent group S is linked to a phosphorescent group T via a divalent group A, to the use thereof in an electronic device, and to a formula to a formulation and an electronic device which comprise the novel compounds.

Abstract: An electro-optic medium comprises at least one leuco dye such that the electro-optic medium can develop at least two differing colors upon exposure to two or more differing stimuli. The medium allows for development of differing colors in differing areas of the medium, thus allowing formation of intrinsic color within differing areas of a single layer of the same electro-optic medium. In an electrophoretic medium, the colors may be developed within the electrophoretic particles or within the fluid in which the particles are dispersed.

Abstract: A control circuit and a method for maintaining light transmittance of an electrochromic device are revealed. An input power source is turned off once a current input into an electrochromic device is decreased to a preset value. Then a voltage between two electrodes of the electrochromic device is detected. When the voltage between two electrodes of the electrochromic device is dropped to a preset value, the input power source is restored. According to the above steps, the coloration of the electrochromic device is maintained within a preset range. Thus light transmittance of the electrochromic device is kept at a certain range.

Abstract: The present invention provides transparent conductive oxide (TCO) thin films with improved optical and electrical properties and methods of making the same. More specifically, the invention provides on-line processes for producing TCO thin films that allow for improvements in optical properties and post-production improvements in electrical properties of the TCO.

Abstract: Electrochromic device laminates and their method of manufacture are disclosed.

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: An organic electrochemical transistor (OECT) that may be used as a biosensor is built up by layers applied to a monofilament. A first conducting layer applied to the monofilament includes generally cylindrical source and drain contacts with a gap therebetween. An electro-active layer of an organic material altering its electrical conductivity through a change in redox state is in electrical contact with the source and drain contacts, and has a transistor channel interface for contacting an electrolyte. A gate electrode is spaced apart from the first monofilament, and may comprise a cylindrical layer built up on another length of monofilament.

Abstract: A display device (100A) according to the present invention includes a first substrate (11), a second substrate (21) facing the first substrate (11), a first electrode (15) formed on the first substrate (11), a second electrode (25) formed on the second substrate (21), and an electrochromic layer (17) provided between the first electrode (15) and the second electrode (25) and containing an oxidation coloring-type dye and a reduction coloring-type dye.

Abstract: This disclosure provides spacers for smart windows. In one aspect, a window assembly includes a first substantially transparent substrate having an optically switchable device on a surface of the first substrate. The optically switchable device includes electrodes. A first electrode of the electrodes has a length about the length of a side of the optically switchable device. The window assembly further includes a second substantially transparent substrate a metal spacer between the first and the second substrates. The metal spacer has a substantially rectangular cross section, with one side of the metal spacer including a recess configured to accommodate the length of the first electrode such that there is no contact between the first electrode and the metal spacer. A primary seal material bonds the first substrate to the metal spacer and bonds the second substrate to the metal spacer.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to electrochromic (EC) devices, assemblies incorporating electrochromic devices, and/or methods of making the same. More particularly, certain example embodiments of this invention relate to improved EC materials, EC device stacks, high-volume manufacturing (HVM) compatible process integration schemes, and/or high-throughput low cost deposition sources, equipment, and factories.

Abstract: An electrochromic device including: (a) a first substantially transparent substrate having an electrically conductive material associated therewith; (b) a second substrate having an electrically conductive material associated therewith; (c) an electrochromic medium contained within a chamber positioned between the first and second substrates which includes: (1) a solvent; (2) an anodic material; and (3) a cathodic material, wherein both of the anodic and cathodic materials are electroactive and at least one of the anodic and cathodic materials is electrochromic; (d) wherein a seal member, the first substrate, the second substrate, and/or the chamber includes a plug associated with a fill port; and (e) wherein the plug is at least partially cured with an antimonate photo initiator and/or is a one- or two-part plug which comprises a resin or mixture of resins that are substantially insoluble and/or substantially immiscible with an associated electrochromic medium while in the uncured state.

Abstract: A window assembly comprises a plurality of dynamic electrochromic zones formed on a single transparent substrate in which at least two electrochromic zones are independently controllable. In one exemplary embodiment, the window assembly comprises an Insulated Glass Unit (IGU), and at least one transparent substrate comprises a lite. In another exemplary embodiment, the IGU comprises at least two lites in which at least one lite comprises a plurality of independently controllable dynamic zones.

Abstract: A mirror reflector sub-assembly for a vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror reflective element having a glass substrate. A principal reflector portion has a first radius of curvature and an auxiliary reflector portion includes a curved recess having a second radius of curvature smaller than the first radius of curvature. The curved recess is established at the second surface of the glass substrate by physical removal of glass from a portion of the substrate. The mirror reflective element is supported at a side of a mirror back plate and an opposing side of the mirror back plate is adapted for attaching the mirror back plate to a mirror actuator of an exterior rearview mirror assembly equipped with the mirror reflector sub-assembly. A heater pad is disposed at the second surface of the glass substrate between the mirror reflective element and the mirror back plate.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing electrochromic windows are described. An electrochromic device is fabricated to substantially cover a glass sheet, for example float glass, and a cutting pattern is defined based on one or more low-defectivity areas in the device from which one or more electrochromic panes are cut. Laser scribes and/or bus bars may be added prior to cutting the panes or after. Edge deletion can also be performed prior to or after cutting the electrochromic panes from the glass sheet. Insulated glass units (IGUs) are fabricated from the electrochromic panes and optionally one or more of the panes of the IGU are strengthened.

Abstract: A multi-layer device comprising a first substrate, a first electrically conductive layer and a first current modulating structure on a surface thereof, the first current modulating structure comprising a composite of a resistive material and a patterned insulating material, the first current modulating structure having a cross-layer resistance to the flow of electrical current through the first current modulating structure that varies as a function of position.

Abstract: A transmittance control method of electrochromic element, mainly comprising the following step: firstly, a total current flux input required is obtained by adding current value of each second together by the relationship between different current value and different rate of change of the electrochromic element obtained in terms of the same transmittance and different input voltages, then the total current flux for fixed transmittance is input into the electrochromic element in usage so as to achieve a transmittance of fixed value. In this manner, the electrochromic element can quickly achieve a transmittance of fixed value in precise manner, without repeated adjustment. Further, there is not such case happened as to influence the accuracy of its transmittance even after aging time lapse.

Abstract: A multi-layer device comprising a first substrate and a first electrically conductive layer on a surface thereof, the first electrically conductive layer having a sheet resistance to the flow of electrical current through the first electrically conductive layer that varies as a function of position.

Abstract: Controllers and control methods apply a drive voltage to bus bars of a thin film optically switchable device. The applied drive voltage is provided at a level that drives a transition over the entire surface of the optically switchable device but does not damage or degrade the device. This applied voltage produces an effective voltage at all locations on the face of the device that is within a bracketed range. The upper bound of this range is associated with a voltage safely below the level at which the device may experience damage or degradation impacting its performance in the short term or the long term. At the lower boundary of this range is an effective voltage at which the transition between optical states of the device occurs relatively rapidly. The level of voltage applied between the bus bars is significantly greater than the maximum value of the effective voltage within the bracketed range.

Abstract: A method of coating a rear glass substrate for an electrochromic reflective element includes providing a fixture having a recess and a masking element extending from a perimeter region of the recess over a portion of the recess. The masking element includes a disc portion and an arm portion extending between the disc portion and the perimeter region of the recess of the fixture. A rear glass substrate is positioned in the recess and the masking element extends over and is spaced from the surface of the glass substrate. The glass substrate surface is coated with a mirror reflector coating. The masking element is shaped such that the mirror reflector coating is deposited at the surface behind the arm portion but is substantially not deposited behind the disc portion so as to establish a window region through the mirror reflector coating at the glass substrate surface.

Abstract: Photochromic spectacles which use solar energy as the power source include a frame, two lenses arranged in the frame, and a driving circuit. Each lens includes a substrate, an electrochromic film and a solar cell film. The solar cell is a transparent and outer film and absorbs infrared light and ultraviolet light from the sun, to convert the infrared and ultraviolet light to electrical power. The driving circuit is arranged on the frame and electrically connected with the electrochromic film and the solar cell, the driving circuit can be switched to apply or not to apply electrical power generated by the solar cell film to the electrochromic film to darken the spectacles.

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 novel method and apparatus for performing the method is disclosed the apparatus comprises a laser (17), at least one ink jet print head (14), means for holding a transparent substrate having a transparent conductive layer, means (22) for adjusting the relative positions of the laser and at least one ink jet print head to the transparent conducting layer (2) and a controller to control the laser and ink jet print head whereby in a first step to inkjet print one or more coarse metal borders (15) onto the deposited TCM layer and in a second step by means of a single laser ablation process, ablating tracks in both the metal border and underlying TCM layer to form a plurality of discrete electrical busbars (12) and optionally also to form electrodes in the remainder of the TCM layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved electro-optic rearview mirror elements and assemblies incorporating the same.

Abstract: This invention discloses how electrooptic devices including electrochromic devices that can be fabricated as tags or labels; and further the materials used, device structures and how these can be processed by printing technologies and on flexible substrates. In addition, systems using displays of such devices and their integration with other components are described for forming labels and tags, etc, that may be actuated wirelessly or powered with low voltage and low capacity batteries.

Abstract: An electro-optic element comprises a first substrate, including first and second surfaces. The first substrate contains at least a first layer of electrically conductive material that is deposited on the second surface and is substantially transparent. The element also comprises a second substrate including third and fourth surfaces, the second substrate containing a second layer of electrically conductive material deposited on the third surface. The first and second substrates are disposed in a parallel and spaced-apart relationship to define a gap between the second and third surfaces, the gap containing an electro-optic medium, and each substrate with a width and a height such that the ratio of width to height is less than or equal to 2. In addition, the element is configured such that a relative darkening timing factor substantially across the element is less than a factor of 3.

Abstract: An optical apparatus includes first and second substrates disposed to oppose each other, the first substrate having a first electrode provided on a surface of the first substrate nearer to the second substrate, and the second substrate having a second electrode provided on a surface of the second substrate nearer to the first substrate, and an electrolyte layer sandwiched between the first and the second substrates, and containing electro-deposition material including silver, wherein when potential of the first electrode is used as reference, a first voltage of positive polarity is applied in a first period to the second electrode, and a second voltage of positive polarity lower than the first voltage is applied in a second period after the first period to the second electrode.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a mirror casing and an electro-optic reflective element. The reflective element has an electro-optic active region where an electro-optic medium is disposed and bounded by a perimeter seal. A transparent electrically conductive coating is established at the rear surface of the front substrate at the electro-optic active region. A perimeter portion of the front substrate extends beyond a corresponding perimeter portion of the rear substrate to establish a user input region that is outboard of the electro-optic active region. A user input, such as a touch sensor, is disposed at the user input region, and the user input is not in electrical contact with the transparent electrically conductive coating at the rear surface of the front substrate. The user input is operable to detect the presence or touch of a person's finger at the user input region.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein provide an electrochromic device. In an exemplary embodiment, the electrochromic device includes (1) a substrate and (2) a film supported by the substrate, where the film includes transparent conducting oxide (TCO) nanostructures. In a further embodiment, the electrochromic device further includes (a) an electrolyte, where the nanostructures are embedded in the electrolyte, resulting in an electrolyte, nanostructure mixture positioned above the substrate and (b) a counter electrode positioned above the mixture. In a further embodiment, the electrochromic device further includes a conductive coating deposited on the substrate between the substrate and the mixture. In a further embodiment, the electrochromic device further includes a second substrate positioned above the mixture.

Abstract: One object of the present invention is to provide an electrochromic device having improved insulating film structure to reduce electrical leakage. The improved structure includes a lower conductive layer, upper conductive layer, an electrochromic electrode layer, a counter electrode layer, and at least one ion-conductor layer sandwiched between the electrochromic electrode layer and the counter electrode layer. The lower conductive layer and the electrochromic electrode layer are scribed and the gap formed from the scribing is filled with the layers formed above the electrochromic electrode layer. In some aspects, the ion-conductor layer is also scribed with the lower conductor and electrochromic electrode layers and the gap formed from the scribing is filled with the layers formed above the ion-conductor layer. In further aspects, the insulating film may include one or more buffer layers formed above an ion-conductor layer, further separating the upper conductive layer from the lower conductive layer.

Abstract: Ligand exchange of thermochromic, LETC, systems exhibiting a reversible change in absorbance of electromagnetic radiation as the temperature of the system is reversibly changed are described. The described LETC systems include one or more than one transition metal ion, which experiences thermally induced changes in the nature of the complexation or coordination around the transition metal ion(s) and, thereby, the system changes its ability to absorb electromagnetic radiation as the temperature changes.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for creating monolithically integrated electrochromic devices which may be a flexible electrochromic device. Monolithic integration of thin film electrochromic devices may involve the electrical interconnection of multiple individual electrochromic devices through the creation of specific structures such as conductive pathway or insulating isolation trenches.

Abstract: Electrochromic devices and methods may employ the addition of a defect-mitigating insulating layer which prevents electronically conducting layers and/or electrochromically active layers from contacting layers of the opposite polarity and creating a short circuit in regions where defects form. In some embodiments, an encapsulating layer is provided to encapsulate particles and prevent them from ejecting from the device stack and risking a short circuit when subsequent layers are deposited. The insulating layer may have an electronic resistivity of between about 1 and 108 Ohm-cm. In some embodiments, the insulating layer contains one or more of the following metal oxides: aluminum oxide, zinc oxide, tin oxide, silicon aluminum oxide, cerium oxide, tungsten oxide, nickel tungsten oxide, and oxidized indium tin oxide. Carbides, nitrides, oxynitrides, and oxycarbides may also be used.

Abstract: There is provided an EC device having stability against redox reaction cycles, high transparency, i.e., the EC device does not absorb light in the visible region in a bleached state, and having excellent response speed. The electrochromic device includes a pair of electrodes and a composition arranged between the pair of electrodes, the composition containing an electrolyte and an organic electrochromic compound, in which the organic electrochromic compound includes an electrochromic portion that exhibits electrochromic properties and an aromatic ring directly bonded to the electrochromic portion, the electrochromic portion forms one conjugated plane, an atom of the aromatic ring and adjacent to an atom bonded to the electrochromic portion has a substituent having a volume equal to or larger than the volume of a methyl group, and a cathodically electrochromic organic compound is further contained in addition to the organic electrochromic compound.

Abstract: A cover for use in connection with a mirror of a vehicle is provided. The cover is provided with a lens having an electrically activatable material. The lens is positioned in front of the vehicle mirror. The electrically activatable material blocks visible light directed towards the vehicle mirror such that the electrically activatable material prevents the visible light from being reflected off of the vehicle mirror when the electrically activatable material is set to a light inhibiting state. A device that holds the lens is securable to the vehicle mirror. The electrically activatable material of the lens is configured to be switched to the light inhibiting state in response to user operation such that the lens prevents reflection of the visible light off of the vehicle mirror to reduce observability of the vehicle mirror.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for manufacturing an electrochromic article, comprising the following successive steps: (a) deposition of a layer of an electrochromic compound on the surface of a transparent or translucent electroconductive substrate; (b) deposition of a redox agent, which is a reducing agent or an oxidizing agent for the electrochromic compound, on the layer of electrochromic compound at a multitude of discrete points or areas thereon; (c) bringing the layer of electrochromic compound, deposited in step (a), and the redox agent, deposited in step (b), into contact with a liquid electrolyte for a time long enough to allow the electrochromic compound to be reduced or oxidized by the redox agent; and (d) elimination of the electrolyte by rinsing and/or drying, the layer of electrochromic compound being a porous layer of open porosity and/or an electrically conductive layer.

Abstract: Compounds having the formula LiaEC1M1bM2cOx, wherein “a” ranges from about 0.5 to about 3; b+c ranges from about 0.1 to about 1; c/(b+c) ranges from about 0.1 to about 0.9; and wherein x is about 0.1 to about 50, are disclosed. Methods of making these compounds as well as their use in thin film materials and electrochromic devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: A window glazing (10) suitable for use in automotive applications wherein a switchable film (18) is protected from UV exposure and over-temperature exposure by a coating (14) that reflects IR and UV light in combination with an interlayer (16) that absorbs UV light.

Abstract: An electrochromic thin film, an electrochromic device, and a manufacturing method thereof are disclosed. The electrochromic device comprises: a first substrate and a second substrate provided opposite to each other, a first transparent electrically-conductive layer provided on the inner side of the first substrate, a second transparent electrically-conductive layer provided on the inner side of the second substrate, an organic-inorganic electrochromic thin film provided between the first transparent electrically-conductive layer and the second transparent electrically-conductive layer. The organic-inorganic electrochromic thin film is obtained by forming a mesh-like microsphere-film on the first transparent electrically-conductive layer; forming an inorganic electrochromic film in the voids of the microsphere-film and removing the microsphere-film; and making the inorganic electrochromic film and an organic electrochromic solution undergo a polymerization reaction.

Abstract: An extended field of view exterior mirror element suitable for use in a driver-side exterior sideview mirror assembly includes a reflective single glass element having a substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion and a curved outboard reflective glass portion. The substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion has a radius of curvature greater than at least approximately 12,000 millimeters and provides a first primary field of view rearward of the vehicle that subtends an angle that is not greater than approximately 20 degrees with respect to the driver-side of the vehicle. The curved outboard reflective glass portion provides a second auxiliary field of view rearward of the vehicle that encompasses a blind spot of the substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion. The reflective single glass element includes a demarcation that generally demarcates the substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion from the curved outboard reflective glass portion.