Abstract: A window comprising at least one thermochromic layer and a film comprising multiple layers of polymer with alternating refractive index (MLARI). The thermochromic layer has a reversible change in absorbance of electromagnetic radiation such that the absorbance increases as the temperature of the thermochromic layer increases and the absorbance decreases as the temperature of the thermochromic layer decreases. Particularly useful thermochromic materials are ligand exchange thermochromic materials. In various embodiments, the window may have multiple panes and may incorporate a low-e layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical window-filter including a thermochromic material and a light absorbing material. An absorption of light by the light absorbing material generates heat that causes phase transformation of the thermochromic material. The present invention further relates to a filter for an infrared imaging system having detectors sensitive to radiation in an infrared transmission spectrum. The filter includes a thermochromic material and a light-absorbing material. An absorption of high-power radiation in the infrared transmission spectrum by the light-absorbing material generates heat that causes phase transformation of the thermochromic material to attenuate the high-power radiation while transmitting substantially unaffected low-power radiation in the infrared transmission spectrum.

Abstract: A two-photon absorption (TPA) switch is provided for minimizing which-path information in quantum optic interference. The TPA switch includes a pulse laser, first and second dichroic mirrors, a down-conversion crystal, a reflector, and a beam-splitter. The pulse laser emits a pump photon traveling along a photon-incident direction. The dichroic mirrors are disposed along the incident direction and oriented to enable photons to either pass there-through or perpendicularly reflect perpendicular to the incident direction. The down-conversion crystal is disposed between the dichroic mirrors along the incident direction and is non-critically phase-matched with signal and idler photons controlled by temperance of the crystal. The beam-splitter is disposed along one of the reflection directions to probabilistically reflect one of the signal and idler photons to pass through the crystal.

Abstract: A reflective substrate, the transmittance of visible light of which is improved, and a method of manufacturing the same. The reflective substrate includes a glass substrate, an oxide or nitride film formed on the glass substrate, and vanadium dioxide (VO2) film formed on the oxide or nitride film.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a smart panel and a smart panel. A method of manufacturing a smart panel includes spraying a coating solution including a thermochromic material and a silicon oxide on a surface of a transparent substrate, and drying the coating solution to form a coating film on the surface of the substrate. A smart panel is manufactured in accordance with the above-described method.

Abstract: A thermotropic optical shutter device incorporates coatable, thin-film polarizers with a thermotropic depolarizer. The coatable polarizers provide a mechanism for adjusting the polarizer properties (i.e., absorption, reflection, or diffusion) by changing the thickness of the coating. For example, a thicker film may have a higher relative polarizing efficiency while a thinner film may have a lower relative polarizing efficiency. Using the same base materials and manufacturing process, the contrast ratio and other properties of a thermotropic or thermochromic shutter device (e.g., a liquid crystal-based smart window film) may be adjusted in real time on the manufacturing line.

Abstract: The invention provides a lighting device (100) comprising a light source (10) arranged to generate light source light (11), an optional luminescent material and a thermally variable reflecting element (60). The optional luminescent material (205) is arranged downstream of the light source (10) and is arranged to convert at least part of the light source light (11) into luminescent material light (211). One or more of the light source (10) and the optional luminescent material (205) generate heat when the light source (10) generates light source light (11). The thermally variable reflecting element (60) is arranged downstream of the light source (10) and the optional luminescent material (205). The thermally variable reflecting element (60) has a first state wherein it is substantially reflecting and a second state wherein it is substantially transparent; heat induces a chance from the first state to the second state.

Abstract: A panel including a thermochromic layer. A panel includes a transparent substrate, a plurality of thermochromic layers on the transparent substrate, and a plurality of dielectric layers stacked with the thermochromic layers. The thermochromic layers may include vanadium oxide, in which a chemical stoichiometric ratio of vanadium to oxygen may be about 1:2 or about 2:5.

Abstract: The invention provides composite materials comprising a shape change element and an optical change element, which elements undergo a change in response to an applied stimulus. Also provided are objects that include the subject shape changing materials, as well as methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: A panel including a substrate coated with a thermochromic layer, and a plurality of electric conductive layers formed of an electric conductive material. Here, the infrared ray transmittance of the panel is randomly or desirably adjusted as an electric conductive layer generates heat, and the color tone of the panel may be adjusted as desired by a user.

Abstract: An optical device that includes a wavelength-sensitive optical component, which has an associated thermal time constant, is described. Note that an operating wavelength of the wavelength-sensitive optical component is a function of several physical parameters including temperature. Moreover, the optical device includes a heating mechanism that provides heat to the wavelength-sensitive optical component. Furthermore, the optical device includes a driver circuit that provides a pulse-width modulated signal to the heating mechanism. Note that an average pulse-width modulated heat provided by the heating mechanism, and which corresponds to the pulse-width modulated signal, thermally tunes the wavelength-sensitive optical component to a target operating wavelength. Additionally, note that the target operating wavelength corresponds to a target operating temperature of the wavelength-sensitive optical component.

Abstract: A window includes a plurality of transparent substrates spaced apart from each other in a thickness direction; a light transmittance-adjusting layer on a surface of at least one transparent substrate of the plurality of transparent substrates and having a thermochromic or thermotropic characteristic; and an air circulator configured to circulate a heat transfer medium in a space between the plurality of transparent substrates for changing a light transmittance of the light transmittance-adjusting layer.

Abstract: Thermochromic filters are constructed using absorptive, reflective, or fluorescent dyes, molecules, polymers, particles, rods, or other orientation-dependent colorants that have their orientation, order, or director influenced by carrier materials, which are themselves influenced by temperature. These order-influencing carrier materials include thermotropic liquid crystals, which provide orientation to dyes and polymers in a Guest-Host system in the liquid-crystalline state at lower temperatures, but do not provide such order in the isotropic state at higher temperatures. The varying degree to which the absorptive, reflective, or fluorescent particles interact with light in the two states can be exploited to make many varieties of thermochromic filters. Thermochromic filters can control the flow of light and radiant heat through selective reflection, transmission, absorption, and/or re-emission.

Abstract: An exterior surface covering has a colored outer layer that transmits infrared radiation and an inner layer with a thermochromic pigment that absorbs heat at low temperature and reflects at high temperatures. The outer layer conceals the color change of the thermochromic pigment.

Abstract: A printed dynamic optical illusion printed on a printing device using a plurality of colorants, wherein one or more of the colorants are appearance mutable colorants having spectral characteristics that can be controllably switched between a first colorant state and a second colorant state by application of an appropriate external stimulus, and wherein one or more mutable portions of the optical illusion image are printed using at least one appearance mutable colorant. The mutable portions are controllable such that when they are in a first appearance state the printed optical illusion image has a first illusion state, and when they are in a second appearance state the printed optical illusion image has a second illusion state, thereby changing the optical illusion image from the first illusion state to the second illusion state so as to affect the perception of an optical illusion by a human observer.

Abstract: A system for controlling a printed dynamic optical illusion image, comprising: an item including a printed optical illusion image having one or more mutable portions that can be controllably switched between first and second appearance states by application of an appropriate external stimulus; a stimulus source for providing the external stimulus; and a controller for controlling the stimulus source. The printed optical illusion image is printed on a printing device using a plurality of colorants, one or more of the colorants being appearance mutable colorants having spectral characteristics that can be controllably switched between a first colorant state and a second colorant state by applying the appropriate external stimulus, the one or more mutable portions of the optical illusion image being printed using at least one appearance mutable colorant.

Abstract: An optical device (1) includes a first transparent substrate (10), a thermochromic device (20) covering a surface (11) of the first transparent substrate (10), a second transparent substrate (50), an electrochromic device (40) covering a surface (51) of the second transparent substrate (50) and a thermally insulating volume (30) separating the first transparent substrate (10) and the second transparent substrate (50). The thermally insulating volume (30) is preferably a vacuum volume or a volume (31) filled with gas.

Abstract: An optical phase shifter according to the invention includes the thermo-optical element of which a refractive index with respect to an input optical signal changes dependently on temperature; a temperature change section, having contact with one end of the thermo-optical element and of which a temperature changes so that a temperature of the thermo-optical element becomes a desired temperature; a heat dissipation section being disposed on an opposite side of the thermo-optical element with respect to the temperature change section and going into a state of thermal equilibrium at a temperature different from the temperature of the temperature change section; and a temperature buffer section, being disposed between the temperature change section and the heat dissipation section, having contact with the temperature change section and the heat dissipation section, and having a heat resistance greater than that of the heat dissipation section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for modulating and displaying optical effects, comprising a lighting device (BV) and at least one displaying object (DO) located outside the lighting device, wherein the lighting device (BV) comprises at least one input polarization unit (POE) for influencing polarization, in particular in a location-dependent manner, and at least one modulation unit (OME) for influencing polarization and/or retardance, in particular in a time-dependent and/or location-dependent manner, and wherein the displaying object (DO) comprises at least one object retarder unit (POB) for influencing retardance, in particular in a location-dependent and/or time-dependent manner, the at least one object retarder unit being suitable for reversibly or irreversibly impressing a piece of image information, and an output polarization unit (PE), and wherein the modulated light (Sout) exiting the lighting device (BV) hits the object retarder unit (POB) in order to interact there with the piece of image informat

Abstract: An exterior surface covering has a colored outer layer that transmits infrared radiation and an inner layer with a thermochromic pigment that absorbs heat at low temperature and reflects at high temperatures. The outer layer conceals the color change of the thermochromic pigment.

Abstract: The thermally switched absorptive optical shutter may be a self-regulating “switchable absorber” device that may absorb approximately 100% of incoming light above a threshold temperature, and may absorb approximately 50% of incoming light below a threshold temperature. The shutter may be formed by placing a thermotropic depolarizes between two absorptive polarizers. This control over the flow of radiant energy may occur independently of the thermal conductivity or insulation of the shutter device and may or may not preserve the image and color properties of incoming visible light. This has energy-efficiency implications as it can be used to regulate the internal temperature and illumination of buildings, vehicles, and other structures without the need for an external power supply or operator signals. The shutter device has unique optical properties that are not found in traditional windows, skylights, stained glass, light fixtures, glass blocks, bricks, walls, or other building materials.

Abstract: A thermochromatic device includes an insulating substrate, a color element, a heating element, a first electrode, and a second electrode. The color element is located on the insulating substrate and includes a color-changeable material. A phase of the color-changeable material is changeable between a crystalline state and an amorphous state. A temperature phase change of the color-changeable material is above 40° C. A first reflectivity of the color-changeable material at the crystalline state and a second reflectivity of the color-changeable material the amorphous state are different. The heating element is located adjacent to the color element and includes a carbon nanotube structure. The first electrode and the second electrode are electrically connected to the heating element. A thermochromatic display apparatus using the thermochromatic device is also related.

Abstract: Thermochromic filters are constructed using absorptive, reflective, or fluorescent dyes, molecules, polymers, particles, rods, or other orientation-dependent colorants that have their orientation, order, or director influenced by carrier materials, which are themselves influenced by temperature. These order-influencing carrier materials include thermotropic liquid crystals, which provide orientation to dyes and polymers in a Guest-Host system in the liquid-crystalline state at lower temperatures, but do not provide such order in the isotropic state at higher temperatures. The varying degree to which the absorptive, reflective, or fluorescent particles interact with light in the two states can be exploited to make many varieties of thermochromic filters. Thermochromic filters can control the flow of light and radiant heat through selective reflection, transmission, absorption, and/or re-emission.

Abstract: A panel includes a transparent substrate, a thermochromic layer, and a color modifying layer that includes an organic material. The transparent substrate, the color modifying layer and the thermochromic layer are stacked together.

Abstract: A light blocking member having variable transmittance, a display panel including the same, and a manufacturing method thereof. A light blocking member having a variable transmittance according to one exemplary embodiment includes a polymerizable compound, a binder, and a thermochromic material that exhibits a black color at a temperature below a threshold temperature and becomes transparent at a temperature above the threshold temperature.

Abstract: A variable light transmittance window includes: a substrate configured to transmit light; a thermochromic layer on the substrate; first function thin film layers on opposite surfaces of the thermochromic layer; and second function thin film layers on respective surfaces of the first function thin film layers opposite the thermochromic layer, wherein a difference between refractive indices of the first function thin film layers and the second function thin film layers is greater than a difference between refractive indices of the first function thin film layers and the thermochromic layer.

Abstract: A thermal-chromatic element includes a sealed enclosure, an isolation layer, a first heating element, a thermal-chromatic material layer, a second heating element and an absorption material layer. The isolation layer is disposed in the sealed enclosure and separates the sealed enclosure into a first chamber and a second chamber. The first heating element is configured to heat thermal-chromatic material layer in the first chamber. The thermal-chromatic material layer is disposed in the first chamber. The thermal-chromatic material layer is able to change color by releasing and absorbing water. The second heating element is configured to heat absorption material layer in the second chamber. The absorption material layer is disposed in the second chamber.

Abstract: We present an invention on the synthesis of elastic, bio-compatible functional microstructures wherein the designed electrical functionalities are achieved by mixing conducting nano to micro-particles with PDMS gels. The methodology for constructing planar and three-dimensional microstructures by soft-lithographic technique is presented. Applications such as electrodes, conducting strips, two and three-dimensional microstructures for electrical wiring connections, micro heaters, micro heater arrays, flexible thermochromic displays, and applications for microfluidic devices are demonstrated, all with demonstrated elastic flexibility and fall-proof characteristics while maintaining their functionalities. Results obtained are very promising for the utilization of such composites in future micro-fabrications, especially for the bio-chips and microfluidic devices.

Abstract: A coated article includes a substrate and a thermochromic coating formed on the substrate. The thermochromic coating is a vanadium dioxide layer co-doped M and R, where M is two or more elements selected from a group consisting of titanium, niobium, molybdenum and tungsten, R is one or more elements selected from a group consisting of rhodium, palladium and ruthenium.

Abstract: An optical device includes an optical element that is secured to a base material, a temperature variable element the temperature of which is variable, the temperature variable element being secured to the base material such that light propagates between the temperature variable element and the optical element, a housing that houses the optical element and the temperature variable element, and a heat conducting medium that is disposed at a position that is different from a position of the base material and away from an optical path through which the light propagates, the heat conducting medium physically contacting the optical element and the temperature variable element.

Abstract: A slow light system includes a substrate and a metal layer formed thereon, the metal layer having a graded grating structure formed at a surface thereof, wherein the grating depth of the grating structure is sized such that surface-plasmon polariton dispersion behavior of the grating structure differs at different respective locations along the grating structure. Different wavelengths of incident light waves can be slowed at the respective locations along the grating structure.

Abstract: The invention provides improved conditions for atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition (APCVD) of vanadium (IV) oxide. Specifically, higher quality vanadium oxide (particularly in the form of films) can be obtained by employing concentrations of precursors in the APCVD reaction which are substantially less than those used previously. These conditions improve the reproducibility of the films obtained by APCVD and also prevent particulate formation in the manufacturing apparatus, which in previous work had caused blockages. The films obtained have improved visual appearance, especially color, and/or have improved adhesion to a substrate. The obtained films also show a greater difference in transmission above and below the switching temperature than previous films. The invention also provides doped vanadium oxide, particularly with tungsten. Substrates (e.g. glass substrates) coated with a film of vanadium oxide are also provided.

Abstract: The thermally switched reflective optical shutter is a self-regulating “switchable mirror” device that reflects up to 100% of incident radiant energy above a threshold temperature, and reflects up to 50% of incident radiant energy below a threshold temperature. Control over the flow of radiant energy occurs independently of the thermal conductivity or insulating value of the device, and may or may not preserve the image and color properties of incoming visible light. The device can be used as a construction material to efficiently regulate the internal temperature and illumination of buildings, vehicles, and other structures without the need for an external power supply or operator signals. The device can be tailored to transmit sufficient visible light to see through in both the transparent and reflective states, while still providing significant control over the total energy transmission across the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical bank (1) comprising a carrier (10) for receiving optical components (60, 70) and a crystal (30) that is mechanically connected to the carrier, for changing the frequency of the light irradiated into the crystal (30) from a light source (50). Two rails (12) are arranged essentially in parallel on the carrier (10). The crystal (30) and the carrier (10) are mechanically connected by a surface of the rails (12), facing away from the carrier (10). A heat conducting element (20) is arranged on the crystal, said heat conducting element being applied to the surfaces of the rails (12), that face away from the carrier (10).

Abstract: A composite photonic crystal comprising an inverse opal structure defining an ordered array of voids with a filler composition received within the voids. A property of the filler composition changes in response to a stimulus, such as a temperature change, thereby changing the band gap of radiation that is reflected by the composite photonic crystal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermo-pneumatic actuator having a cavity defined by walls and being hermetically sealed, which is inflated with a working medium that alters the gas pressure thereof when a temperature change occurs. A wall region of the cavity is constructed as a ductile membrane, which can be deflected in at least two working positions located on both sides of a neutral position, in which the membrane is curved in opposite directions to one another. In order to alter the gas pressure in the cavity, and to adjust the membrane from one working position to the other working position, a tempering device is heat-conductively connected to the working medium. In the neutral position, the membrane is compressively loaded such that respectively, it maintains its position in both working positions if no outside force impacts the membrane.

Abstract: Polymers that undergo a reversible phase change in response to being exposed to a light from a laser having a radiation pressure greater than a threshold level. The phase changeable polymers have the ability to reduce the intensity of the laser and can advantageously scatter laser light incident on the polymers. The on-off response of such polymers is in the microsecond range and the light scattering property is independent of laser wavelength. The polymers can beneficially be incorporated into devices to protect human vision and optical instruments that are vulnerable to lasers at high intensities. Methods for making and using such devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: The thermally switched absorptive optical shutter may be a self-regulating “switchable absorber” device that may absorb approximately 100% of incoming light above a threshold temperature, and may absorb approximately 50% of incoming light below a threshold temperature. The shutter may be formed by placing a thermotropic depolarizer between two absorptive polarizers. This control over the flow of radiant energy may occur independently of the thermal conductivity or insulation of the shutter device and may or may not preserve the image and color properties of incoming visible light. This has energy-efficiency implications as it can be used to regulate the internal temperature and illumination of buildings, vehicles, and other structures without the need for an external power supply or operator signals. It also has aesthetic implications since the shutter device has unique optical properties that are not found in traditional windows, skylights, stained glass, light fixtures, glass blocks, bricks, or walls.

Abstract: An energy efficient, thermochromic device that may be used to allow sunlight or solar radiation into a building or structure when sunlight is absent or at high sun angles and substantially blocks solar radiation when sunlight is directly on the window.

Abstract: A monolithic Mach-Zehnder Interferometer (MZI) is provided for photon beam-splitting and beam-combining with accurate super-positioning of the outgoing beams, which creates the interference. The MZI includes a complimentary pair of right-isosceles triangular prisms, and several reflector units. The triangular prisms are configurable to physically join together along associated hypotenuse surfaces that form a beam-splitter interface, thereby producing a rectangular prism having a square cross-section with four outer side surfaces. Each reflector unit forms a right-isosceles mirror that rigidly faces a corresponding surface of the four outer side surfaces of the rectangular prism. The MZI further includes a spacer disposed between the corresponding surface and the each reflector unit.

Abstract: A chromatic element includes a sealed enclosure, an isolation layer, a first heating element, a chromatic material layer and a second heating element. The isolation layer is disposed in the sealed enclosure and separates the sealed enclosure into a first chamber and a second chamber. The first heating element is configured to heat the first chamber. The second heating element is configured to heat the second chamber. The chromatic material layer is disposed in one of the first chamber and the second chamber. The chromatic material layer transfers from the first chamber to the second chamber in a gaseous state.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a first photonic crystal structure having a first photonic band gap distribution and configured to support a first electromagnetic signal, wherein the first photonic band gap distribution may vary according to a second electromagnetic signal.

Abstract: A variable light transmittance window includes: a substrate configured to transmit light; a thermochromic layer on the substrate; first function thin film layers on opposite surfaces of the thermochromic layer; and second function thin film layers on respective surfaces of the first function thin film layers opposite the thermochromic layer, wherein a difference between refractive indices of the first function thin film layers and the second function thin film layers is greater than a difference between refractive indices of the first function thin film layers and the thermochromic layer.

Abstract: A thermochromic smart window and a method of manufacturing the thermochromic smart window including a glass and a thermochromic layer including a vanadium dioxide material formed on the glass. A thermochromic smart window includes a substrate and a thermochromic layer disposed on the substrate, wherein a slope of a graph of a reflectance of the thermochromic layer is at or between 1 and 2%/° C. at a threshold temperature.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a multilayer dielectric optical structure wherein one of the optical materials in the multilayer structure shows an optically isotropic state above and a birefringent state below a characteristic temperature Tc near the room temperature. The optical structure reflects a predetermined wavelength range of electromagnetic radiation above the Tc but allow the same to transmit through below the Tc. The predetermined wavelength can be the near infrared radiation from 700 nm to 2500 nm, and the optical structure rejects solar heat in warm summer days but admits the same to interior on a colder winter day.

Abstract: A chromatic element includes a sealed enclosure, a first heating element, a chromatic material layer, and a second heating element. The sealed enclosure includes an upper sheet and a lower sheet, and defines a room between the upper sheet and the lower sheet. The upper sheet is semitransparent. The first heating element is located on the upper sheet. The second heating element is located on the lower sheet. The chromatic material layer is located in the room. The location of the chromatic layer changes by heat from the first heating element or the second heating element.

Abstract: A window including a frame and a panel. The panel includes a transparent substrate, a far infrared ray emitting layer deposited on the transparent substrate, and a thermochromic layer deposited on the transparent substrate and arranged to be closer than the far infrared ray emitting layer to an outdoor space.

Abstract: The thermally switched reflective optical shutter is a self-regulating “switchable mirror” device that reflects up to 100% of incident radiant energy above a threshold temperature, and reflects up to 50% of incident radiant energy below a threshold temperature. Control over the flow of radiant energy occurs independently of the thermal conductivity or insulating value of the device, and may or may not preserve the image and color properties of incoming visible light. The device can be used as a construction material to efficiently regulate the internal temperature and illumination of buildings, vehicles, and other structures without the need for an external power supply or operator signals. The device has unique aesthetic optical properties that are not found in traditional windows, skylights, stained glass, light fixtures, glass blocks, bricks, or walls.

Abstract: A multifunctional building component is capable of serving as one or more of a window, a wall, a shading device, a roofing element, a color panel, a display, and an energy harvesting, storage, and distribution element.

Abstract: An optical device includes: a light synthesis prism that synthesizes incident light beams which are incident to a plurality of incidence surfaces and outputs the synthesized light beams; a light modulation unit that includes an optical compensation element and a reflective light modulation device; and a fixing member that fixes a reflective polarization element and the light modulation unit to the light synthesis prism so as to correspond to one of the incidence surfaces, wherein the light modulation unit includes a light blocking member that blocks light from reaching the light modulation unit and limits light with which the optical compensation element and the reflective light modulation device are irradiated, to light passing an aperture portion; and a heat insulating member that comes into contact with the light blocking member and the fixing member.