Optical modulator with vibration source

Abstract

Some embodiments relate to an optical modulator. The optical modulator includes an optical layer extending between a first substrate and a second substrate. Particles in a fluid of the optical layer can be modulated, thereby changing an optical property of the optical modulator. The optical modulator includes a vibration source configured to deliver a mechanical wave to at least a portion of the first substrate and / or the second substrate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The currently disclosed topics involve optical modulators, optical modulator methods, and computer storage media. Background Technology

[0002] Known optical modulators are disclosed in WO2022023180 (included herein by reference). Known optical modulators include transparent or reflective substrates. Multiple electrodes are applied to the substrate in a pattern spanning the substrate. A controller can apply a potential to the electrodes to obtain an electromagnetic field between the electrodes, thereby providing electrophoretic motion of particles toward or away from the electrodes. Summary of the Invention

[0003] It would be advantageous to have an improved optical modulator and an improved substrate that can be used in the improved optical modulator.

[0004] Some embodiments relate to optical modulators. The optical modulator includes an optical layer extending between a first substrate and a second substrate. Particles in a fluid within the optical layer can be modulated, thereby altering the optical properties of the optical modulator. The optical modulator includes a vibration source configured to transmit mechanical waves to at least a portion of the first substrate and / or the second substrate.

[0005] For example, the vibration source may be configured to transmit shear waves to at least a portion of the first substrate and / or the second substrate, and / or to transmit pressure waves (e.g., sound waves) to the fluid.

[0006] For example, such vibration can facilitate the cleaning of the light modulator, such as by removing or making it easier to remove contaminants, such as moisture. For example, such vibration can facilitate the acceleration of particle dispersion in the optical layer, thereby accelerating the transition of the light modulator between optical states (e.g., from a more transparent state to a less transparent state).

[0007] In one embodiment, one or more spacers are disposed between a first substrate and a second substrate to maintain cell spacing between the first substrate and the second substrate. The one or more spacers include a vibration source arranged to create cell spacing vibration.

[0008] One aspect is a method for an optical modulator, and a method for manufacturing a substrate according to one embodiment. One embodiment of the method can be implemented on a computer as a computer-implemented method, or implemented in dedicated hardware, or a combination of both. Executable code for one embodiment of the method can be stored on a computer program product. Embodiments of the computer program product include memory devices, optical storage devices, integrated circuits, servers, online software, etc. Preferably, the computer program product includes non-transitory program code stored on a computer-readable medium for executing one embodiment of the method when the program product is executed on a computer.

[0009] In one embodiment, the computer program includes computer program code that, when run on a computer, is adapted to perform all or part of the steps of one embodiment of the method. Preferably, the computer program is embodied on a computer-readable medium. Another aspect of the subject matter disclosed herein is a method for making a computer program downloadable. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Further details, aspects, and embodiments will be described only by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings, elements corresponding to those already described may have the same reference numerals. In the drawings, Figure 1a An embodiment of one implementation of the building block is illustrated schematically. Figure 1b An embodiment of one implementation of the substrate is schematically shown. Figure 1c An embodiment of one implementation of the substrate is schematically shown. Figure 1d An embodiment of one implementation of the substrate is schematically shown. Figure 1e An embodiment of one implementation of the substrate is schematically shown. Figure 1f An embodiment of one implementation of the substrate is schematically shown. Figure 1g An embodiment of one implementation of an optical modulator is schematically shown. Figures 2a to 2f An embodiment of one implementation of the substrate is schematically shown. Figure 3a An embodiment of one implementation of an optical modulator is schematically shown. Figure 3b An embodiment of one implementation of an optical modulator is schematically shown. Figure 3c An embodiment of one implementation of a car is illustrated schematically. Figures 4a to 4c An embodiment of an optical modulator is schematically shown. Figure 5a An embodiment of one implementation of a substrate used in one embodiment of an optical modulator is schematically illustrated. Figure 5b An embodiment of one implementation of a substrate used in one embodiment of an optical modulator is schematically illustrated. Figure 5c A side view schematically illustrates an embodiment of an optical modulator. Figure 5d A side view schematically illustrates an embodiment of an optical modulator. Figure 6a A side view schematically illustrates an embodiment of an optical modulator. Figure 6b A side view schematically illustrates an embodiment of an optical modulator. Figure 6c A side view schematically illustrates an embodiment of an optical modulator. Figure 6d A side view schematically illustrates an embodiment of an optical modulator. Figure 6e An embodiment of one implementation of a substrate used in one embodiment of an optical modulator is schematically illustrated. Figure 6f An embodiment of one implementation of a substrate used in one embodiment of an optical modulator is schematically illustrated. Figure 6g An embodiment of one implementation of a substrate used in one embodiment of an optical modulator is schematically illustrated. Figure 6h A side view schematically illustrates an embodiment of an optical modulator. Figure 7 An embodiment of one implementation of an optical modulator is schematically shown. Figure 8a An embodiment of a control method for an optical modulator method is schematically illustrated. Figure 8b An embodiment of a control method for an optical modulator method is schematically illustrated. Figure 9aA computer-readable medium having a writable portion, said writable portion comprising a computer program according to one embodiment, is schematically illustrated. Figure 9b A representation of a processor system according to one embodiment is shown schematically.

[0011] Reference tag list The following list of references and abbreviations is used in some of the drawings and is provided for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the drawings, and should not be construed as limiting the claims.

[0012] 10. Optical modulator 11 First substrate 12 Second substrate Electrodes 13, 13a, 13b Electrodes 14, 14a, 14b 15 Fluids 16 Controllers 30 pieces 20 cars 21 Optical modulator 40 Optical modulator 41 First substrate 42 Second substrate 43 Third substrate 46 Controller 100-102 base plate 111-114 Main Line Main lines 121-124 131-134 Interdigitated Electrodes 140 building blocks Building blocks 141-144 110, 120 drive bus 110', 120' drive bus Connection area 119, 129 Directions 191, 192 603-604 base plate Building blocks 611-622 Building blocks 651-662 151 Spacer 500 substrates for optical modulators 510, 520 drive bus Main lines 511 and 521 Vibration sources 531 and 532 533 Vibration Source 501, 502 base plate Vibration sources 534 and 535 541 particles 540 optical layer Vibration sources 542 and 543 571, 572 Actuators 575, 578 Diaphragm Fixtures 573, 574, 577 576 Connector 504 piezoelectric layer 503 Dielectric Layer 544-547 Electrodes 145 Building Blocks 536 Vibration Source 146 building blocks 512 Main Line 537 Vibration Source 551 Connecting element Vibration sources 561 and 562 538 Vibration signal circuit 563 Spacer 600 substrates 631 droplets 610 Droplet Detector 1000, 1001 Computer-readable media 1010 writable portion 1020 Computer Program 1110 Integrated Circuits 1120 Processing Unit 1122 Memory 1124 Application-Specific Integrated Circuit 1126 Communication Components 1130 Interconnect 1140 Processor System Detailed Implementation

[0013] While the subject matter disclosed herein allows for many different forms of implementation, one or more specific implementations are shown in the accompanying drawings and will be described in detail herein. It should be understood that this disclosure should be regarded as exemplary principles of the subject matter disclosed herein and is not intended to limit it to the specific implementations shown and described.

[0014] In the following text, for the purpose of understanding, the elements of the implementation scheme are described in the operation. However, it will be apparent that the corresponding elements are arranged to perform the functions described herein.

[0015] Furthermore, the subject matter disclosed herein is not limited to embodiments, but also includes every other combination of features described herein or recited in different dependent claims.

[0016] This document describes an embodiment of an optical modulator including a vibration source configured to transmit mechanical waves to at least a portion of a substrate within the optical modulator. The vibration source may also (or alternatively) transmit the mechanical waves to a fluid within an optical layer.

[0017] This vibration source is useful for improving particle dispersion in optical modulators. Therefore, the optical modulator transitions to an opaque state more quickly and / or achieves uniform opacity more rapidly. This vibration source can also be used to clean optical modulators. By applying mechanical waves to the substrate, some or all of the dirt, grime, and / or moisture attached to the substrate in the optical modulator is removed. Therefore, the optical modulator requires less manual cleaning.

[0018] The optical modulator includes: a first substrate; a second substrate disposed opposite to the first substrate; and an electrode system extending across at least the first substrate on a side facing the second substrate. Extending between the first and second substrates is an optical layer comprising a fluid comprising particles. By applying a potential to the electrode system, an electric field in the optical layer is modulated, which in turn causes movement of the particles in the optical layer. Due to the new distribution of the particles in the optical layer, light passing through the substrate is modulated (typically, also visible). The electrode system extending across the substrates may include one or more electrodes extending across the substrates. The electrode system may be applied to one of the first and second substrates, or to both. Typically, the electrode system is applied to the side of the substrate facing the optical layer and may be in fluid contact, although this is not required.

[0019] Many implementations of the optical modulator are possible. For example, particles can be moved by electrophoretic forces and / or by dielectrophoretic forces. Various types of optical layers and electrode systems are also possible. Some types of optical layers use electrode systems with two electrodes (one on each side), while others use three electrodes (two on one side and one on the other). Some optical layers and electrode systems use four or even more electrodes. We will refer to these implementations as dual-electrode, triple-electrode, or quadruple-electrode systems to indicate the type of optical layer.

[0020] Furthermore, the vibration source can be of various types and arranged in various ways. For example, the vibration source can be applied to the surface of the substrate facing the optical layer, or to the surface of the substrate away from the optical layer. The side of the substrate facing the optical layer is also referred to as the optical layer side. It is advantageous to have electrodes on the optical layer side because it increases the effect of the electrode system in the optical layer, but this placement is not necessary; for example, the electrode system can be placed on the opposite side.

[0021] The vibration source may include one or more of the following: variations of vibration technology, such as piezoelectric actuators, electrostatic actuators, thin-film ultrasonic transducers, and others. The vibration source may also include, or alternatively include, one or more of the following: electromagnetic actuators, electrostatic actuators, and mechanical exciters. The latter group may advantageously be applied to the back surface of the substrate.

[0022] The disclosed substrate is used, for example, in optical modulators, particularly in dynamic glass. The substrate is transparent, and at least one electrode is applied to one side of the substrate, the electrode extending in a pattern across one side of the first substrate. At least one of the first and second substrates is transparent. In glass applications, both substrates are transparent. In other applications (e.g., displays), one of the two substrates may be opaque.

[0023] Dynamic glass (also known as smart glass) can include a system in which the transparency or optical properties of the glass material are altered in response to external electrical input. This system allows for active control of light and heat transmission, thereby enhancing energy efficiency and user comfort in a variety of building or vehicle applications.

[0024] Figures 1a to 4c Several embodiments of electrode systems on a first substrate and a second substrate are provided, and how they can be implemented or used in an optical modulator. Figure 5a The subsequent figures focus on the vibration source and / or how the electrode system interacts with it.

[0025] Some known optical modulators that may include a vibration source are based on the principle of electrophoresis. For example, the substrate may include a plurality of interdigitated electrodes (e.g., two electrodes) applied to the substrate, each of the plurality of electrodes being arranged in a pattern across the substrate, and the plurality of interdigitated electrodes being arranged alternately on the substrate relative to each other. Having a plurality of interdigitated electrodes allows for localized control of the electric field to achieve controlled electrophoresis of particles.

[0026] Electrophoretic light modulators are interpreted more broadly herein and are used as illustrative embodiments. In one embodiment, the light modulator includes a first substrate and a second substrate. According to one embodiment, at least one of the first and second substrates may have a perforated electrode. For example, the first and second substrates may be arranged with their inner sides facing each other. Using a substrate according to one embodiment has, for example, the effect of reducing optical interference. An optical layer is disposed between the first and second substrates. Electrodes are arranged to modulate an electric field in the optical layer. The optical layer includes a fluid comprising particles, wherein the particles are charged or capable of being charged. The particles can be moved under the control of the electric field. For example, a controller may be configured to apply a potential to the electrodes to obtain an electromagnetic field at the electrodes, thereby providing electrophoretic motion of the particles toward or away from one of the at least one driving electrode, resulting in modulation of the optical properties of the light modulator.

[0027] The following review of several known optical modulators illustrates some choices in technology and electrodes. These known substrates can be advantageously modified by perforating the electrodes, reducing electrode resistance, and increasing opacity. These embodiments also illustrate optical modulators with different numbers of electrodes on the substrate.

[0028] International patent applications WO2011012499A1 (incorporated herein by reference) and WO2011131689 (incorporated herein by reference) disclose light modulators in the form of electrophoretic display devices, such as electronic ink displays. The pixels of the display include accumulation electrodes and field electrodes. The accumulation electrodes are arranged at a storage region to accumulate charged particles remote from a hole region, and the field electrodes occupy a field electrode region that is at least a portion of the hole region of the pixel. The charged particles are movable between the accumulation electrodes and the field electrodes. In one embodiment, both electrodes are applied to a single substrate. The accumulation electrodes and / or field electrodes may be perforated.

[0029] U.S. Patent 10,921,678, entitled 'Electrophoretic device' (incorporated herein by reference), illustrates an electrophoresis apparatus having only one patterned electrode on one of two substrates. For example, a substrate having the electrode according to US10,921,678 can be replaced with a substrate including a single electrode according to one embodiment. For example, one embodiment includes a first transparent substrate and a second substrate, the first transparent substrate having a field electrode, and the second substrate opposite the first substrate and having an accumulation electrode. The first and second substrates surround a pixel having fluid and particles. In use, an electromagnetic field applied to the field electrode and the accumulation electrode provides movement of the particles away from and towards the field electrode and the accumulation electrode. Any of these enumerated electrophoretic light modulators or dielectric electrophoretic light modulators can be adapted by including one or more vibration sources according to one embodiment.

[0030] U.S. Patent 8,054,535B2 (included herein by reference) and U.S. Patent 8,384,659B2 (included herein by reference) illustrate alternative embodiments of an electrophoretic light modulator in one of two substrates having two patterned electrodes.

[0031] Patterned electrodes are also used in dielectric electrophoretic modulators. For example, U.S. patent applications US2005185104A1 (incorporated herein by reference) and US20180239211A1 (incorporated herein by reference) disclose dielectric electrophoretic modulators having substrates with patterned electrodes. Any of these cited electrophoretic or dielectric electrophoretic modulators can be adapted by including one or more vibration sources according to one embodiment.

[0032] The paper “Reversible Metal Electrodeposition Devices: An Emerging Approach to Effective Light Modulation and Thermal Management” (included by reference) also illustrates a substrate on which patterned electrodes are applied. A vibration source according to one embodiment may be included herein.

[0033] One embodiment of the substrate can be used in an electrochromic device (ECD). An electrochromic device (ECD) controls optical properties, such as optical transmission, absorption, reflection, and / or emission, in a continuous but reversible manner when a voltage (electrochromic) is applied. This property enables the electrochromic device to be used in applications such as smart glass, electrochromic mirrors, and electrochromic display devices. A vibration source according to one embodiment may be included herein.

[0034] Electrochromic devices in, for example The paper “Silver grid electrodes for faster switching ITO-free electrochromic devices” by [Authors' Name] is described (included herein by reference). This paper describes the fabrication of an electrochromic device, in this case, one that does not contain ITO. A vibration source according to one embodiment may be included herein.

[0035] Electrochromic devices utilize conductive electrodes applied to a substrate. The cited paper uses a silver grid made of silver ink as the conductive electrode. Electrochromic devices may include electrochromic materials. The cited paper uses poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)polystyrene sulfonic acid (PEDOT:PSS). In an electrochromic device, at least one electrode (e.g., a conductive electrode) is applied to the substrate. The electrodes are arranged in a pattern spanning the substrate. The cited paper discloses two different grid patterns: a conventional honeycomb design and a conventional stepped design. See Table 1 and Figure 3 of the cited paper. A vibration source according to one embodiment may be included here.

[0036] Electrodes can be applied to a substrate via screen printing; in the case of the cited paper, the substrate is polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Typically, the electrodes are conductive materials, such as metals or metal oxides. In the cited paper, silver ink was used to screen print a grid onto the PET using a RokuPrint RP 2.2 apparatus with a 180-wire screen. Samples were allowed to dry in an oven at 130°C for 15 minutes. On top of these silver grids, one or two layers of PEDOT:PSS SV3 were subsequently printed via screen printing. A vibration source according to one embodiment may be included here.

[0037] Another embodiment of the electrochromic device is given in U.S. Patent 5,161,048 (incorporated herein by reference) entitled “Electrochromic window with metalgrid counter electrode and acidic polyelectrolyte”. For example, the electrochromic device may include a transparent electrochromic film and an ion-conducting layer disposed between a pair of electrodes. A metal grid electrode is distributed to the electrodes. Figure 1 of the patent illustrates the metal grid according to the cited patent. To form the counter electrode, the metal grid is disposed adjacent to a second glass substrate.

[0038] For example, in one embodiment of the electrochromic device, the electrochromic device may include a transparent substrate, conductive electrode components, a transparent electrochromic film in contact with the conductive electrode components, an ion-conducting polymer in contact with the electrochromic film, and a patterned conductive electrode in contact with the ion-conducting polymer. A vibration source according to one embodiment may be included.

[0039] The substrate according to one embodiment can be advantageously applied in several other technologies. For example, the optical modulator can be a dielectric electrophoretic optical modulator, such as that shown in US20050185104A1 (incorporated herein by reference). A vibration source according to one embodiment may also be included herein.

[0040] The substrate according to one embodiment can also be used in other electrowetting and OLED applications. In OLED and electrowetting, electrodes need to be located on only one substrate. The substrate with electrodes can be a substrate according to one embodiment including a vibration source.

[0041] Other dynamic glass technologies can also be used.

[0042] For example, an optical layer used for a light modulator, such as in dynamic glass, may employ LCD (liquid crystal display) technology. For instance, the optical layer may include liquid crystal molecules that can be aligned to control the amount of light passing through the display. When an electric current is applied to the liquid crystal molecules, they change their alignment and modify the way light passes through the material. An optical layer with LCD material may be placed between two layers of glass or plastic and connected to a circuit. By controlling the current applied to the LCD material, the amount of light passing through the glass can be adjusted. A vibration source according to one embodiment may be included here.

[0043] Optical layers used for light modulators, such as in dynamic glass, can utilize suspended particle device (SPD) technology. The optical layer may comprise particles suspended within a film or laminate. By applying an electric current to the SPD film, the particles align and modify the amount of light passing through the material, thereby allowing dynamic control of the glass. When the current is turned off, the suspended particles randomize and allow more light to pass through, creating a bright or transparent effect. When the current is turned on, the particles align and absorb more light, creating a darker or tinted effect. A vibration source, according to one embodiment, may be included here.

[0044] In applications using glass-based optical modulators, both substrates are typically transparent. In other applications, such as televisions and e-readers, only one substrate may be transparent.

[0045] Figure 1bAn embodiment of one implementation of the substrate is schematically illustrated. The substrate is particularly useful in optical modulators (e.g., one type of optical modulator described herein). An electrode system spanning the substrate is applied in the form of multiple interdigitated electrodes. Figure 1b The image shows two interdigitated electrodes. The substrate also includes at least one vibration source configured to transmit mechanical waves to at least a portion of the substrate; these are not shown in... Figure 1b As shown in the figures, but in other figures in this article, in particular Figure 5a As shown in the following diagrams.

[0046] An exemplary use of the substrate is in an electrophoretic light modulator. Typically, an electrophoretic light modulator includes at least two substrates, each having at least two electrodes located at each substrate; although this is not mandatory, for example, an electrophoretic light modulator may include a single substrate having two electrodes and an opposing substrate having one electrode. In any case, preferably, at least one substrate in the light modulator is a substrate according to one embodiment.

[0047] One embodiment of the optical modulator includes a first substrate and a second substrate according to one embodiment. The first substrate and the second substrate are arranged with their inner sides facing each other. At least one electrode is applied to the inner side of the first substrate. An optical layer is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. A controller is configured to apply a potential to the at least one electrode, thereby causing modulation of the optical properties of the optical modulator. One or both of the first substrate and the second substrate are transparent and / or translucent.

[0048] There are many different types of optical modulators that utilize at least one electrode applied to a substrate. The optical layer and controller can be arranged to modulate optical properties using effects that depend on the potential on the electrodes; embodiments include dielectrophoresis and electrophoresis. For example, optical modulation can include modulation of particles disposed in the optical layer. The number of electrodes can range from one electrode on a single substrate to multiple electrodes on one or two substrates.

[0049] The optical layer disposed between the first and second substrates may include particles, such as particles suspended in a fluid. The controller may be configured to apply a potential to the electrodes to cause the particles to move, thereby modulating the optical properties of the light modulator.

[0050] In one embodiment, the particles comprise charged particles or particles capable of carrying a charge, and the controller is configured to apply a potential to the electrodes to obtain an electromagnetic field, thereby providing electrophoretic motion of the particles. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic field is arranged between at least two electrodes, which are arranged on the same substrate or on different substrates.

[0051] In one embodiment, the particles include dielectric particles, and the controller is configured to apply a potential to the electrodes to apply an electric field gradient to the particles, thereby enabling the particles to move under the action of dielectric force.

[0052] The controller can apply electrical signals to one or more electrodes. Implementations for controlling the dielectrophoresis force can use signals including DC and / or AC signals.

[0053] Figure 1b The image shows two electrodes on the same surface. The two electrodes are... Figure 1b Two different dashed line styles are used to indicate this. More than two electrodes may exist on the same side of the substrate, for example, to allow for finer-grained control of the voltage difference across the substrate. Electrodes are applied to the same side of the substrate. Electrodes can be applied to the substrate by lithography (e.g., using a mask representing the electrode pattern). Electrodes can also be applied by embedding them into the substrate.

[0054] The electrodes are electrically connected, for example, the electrodes have the same potential at all points. The electrodes may include drive buses and main lines. At least the main lines of the other electrode are interdigitated. Typically, the electrodes extend across the substrate in a generally straight line, while the main lines are coiled.

[0055] In one embodiment, each of the two substrates of the optical modulator has two electrodes disposed on its inner surface. However, as mentioned, multiple electrodes on one or both substrates are not necessary. For example, one embodiment of the optical modulator includes a first substrate and a second substrate. For example, the first substrate may include one electrode, and the second substrate may not include an electrode. For example, the first substrate may include two electrodes, and the second substrate may include one electrode. For example, the first substrate may include two electrodes, and the second substrate may include two electrodes. For example, the first substrate may include more than two electrodes, and the second substrate may include two or more electrodes.

[0056] However, optical modulators (where each substrate includes two electrodes) are used as a heuristic embodiment. A substrate design characterized by two electrodes can be adapted to have a single electrode, for example, by connecting both electrodes or by removing one of them. Adapting the substrate in this way makes it suitable for use in different technologies.

[0057] Each of the plurality of electrodes is arranged in a pattern spanning the substrate. The electrodes are arranged alternately on the substrate relative to each other. Typically, the electrodes comprise a plurality of main lines, each extending across the substrate. The main lines of the electrodes are alternating, for example, interdigitated. For example, in Figure 1bIn this configuration, the first electrode includes main lines 111-114, and the second electrode includes main lines 121-124. Each electrode is driven by its own drive bus. Figure 1b Two drive buses are shown: drive bus 110 and drive bus 120. Electrodes are also used to connect the main lines together. For example, in Figure 1b In this embodiment, drive bus 110 drives and connects to main lines 111-114; drive bus 120 drives and connects to main lines 121-124. More main lines than the four shown in this embodiment may exist. Using main lines is advantageous because it reduces the length of the electrodes, but it is not necessary. A design using only one main line per electrode is not impossible, although having multiple main lines is advantageous.

[0058] Multiple main lines of the first electrode and the second electrode are alternately arranged on the substrate relative to each other.

[0059] In this embodiment, there are no other connectors between the main lines of the electrodes besides a common drive bus. In one embodiment, the electrode includes a grid electrode, meaning it may have additional electrical connectors that can be added between the electrode lines of the same electrode. This increases the reliability of the electrode. Typically, such additional connectors cross the electrode lines of another electrode, which can be addressed by partially placing the additional electrical connector at a different level relative to the substrate and the level of the electrode lines it intersects with. For example, the entire electrode can be placed at a different level than the other electrode. In this way, the additional connector can be placed without causing a short circuit.

[0060] One inspiring application of the substrate (such as substrate 100) is in smart glass (e.g., light modulators), which can be used in homes, offices, greenhouses, automobiles, etc. The transparency or reflectivity level of the smart glass can be electrically adapted. For example, in smart glass, two substrates (such as substrate 100) are stacked such that the sides with two electrodes face each other. A fluid containing particles is surrounded between the two substrates. Smart glass implementations are further discussed below. In one implementation, electrodes (e.g., two or more electrodes) are applied to one surface of each substrate. One, two, or more electrodes may also be present on another surface of substrate 100, for example, to facilitate stacking three or more substrates.

[0061] The following embodiments illustrate examples of modulating transparency or reflectivity levels. The light modulator can be adapted for other optical effects. For example, embodiments can be modified for different levels of translucency rather than different levels of transparency, if desired. The type of particles used in one embodiment can be changed, for example, to particles that absorb or reflect different wavelengths, and to particles with different degrees of specular or diffuse reflection. For example, in one embodiment, the light modulator can modulate different levels of reflection. The particles can also emit light. Stacking multiple optical layers further increases the possibilities.

[0062] Two sets of alternating main circuits are sufficient to provide electrically adaptable glass; due to the alternating sets, the electric field at any part of the substrate can be controlled, as the two opposing electrodes define portions from two opposing sides.

[0063] Interestingly, the pattern of electrodes extending across the substrate can be created by multiple repeating building blocks. For example... Figure 1b As shown, the electrodes on substrate 100 are shown in four blocks: blocks 141, 142, 143, and 144, all of which are substantially identical. The number of building blocks can be greater than four. The building blocks are repeated in two directions across the substrate (e.g., a first direction 191 (e.g., the x-direction shown horizontally in the figure) and a second direction 192 (e.g., the y-direction shown vertically in the figure)). Using building blocks is advantageous because it allows for fabrication using a stepper; however, the use of building blocks is not mandatory.

[0064] For example, Figure 1a An embodiment of one implementation of building block 140 is schematically illustrated. Building block 140 includes a plurality of interdigitated electrodes that extend across the building block in at least two directions. Figure 1a Four electrodes are shown: electrodes 131-134. When a building block repeats across a substrate in two directions, the electrodes in the building block form electrodes, such as multiple main lines forming electrodes. Note that building blocks are typically connected in a substrate electrode design tool. Typically, a building block includes more than four electrode lines. For example, in a series of embodiments, between 8 and 12 main lines are used. However, the number of electrode lines can be higher. For example, a building block may include many short electrode lines near the edge, which connect to lines in other building blocks when the block repeats. Considering these short offshoots, the number of lines can increase to, for example, up to 50. Obviously, the number of electrode lines can also increase when using larger building blocks. In one embodiment, the number of electrode lines in a building block is between 8 and 50, or between 8 and 25, etc.

[0065] Electrodes formed by repeating building blocks are connected to the drive bus. Typically, electrode lines in a building block are connected to electrode lines in adjacent blocks by merging the corresponding electrode lines; however, this is not necessary, and connection areas for connecting the corresponding electrode lines can be inserted between repeating building blocks.

[0066] This step connects multiple main circuits together to form a single electrode. Figure 1b Two connection areas 119 and 129 are shown, in which the main line belonging to the same electrode is connected to drive bus 110 and drive bus 120 respectively.

[0067] Will Figure 1a The electrodes shown are in conjunction with Figure 1b The dashed lines are of the same style, alternating. In fact, in this embodiment, what happens is... Figure 1a The specific electrodes of a building block will always terminate at either the first electrode or the second electrode, as indicated by the dashed pattern in this case. However, this is not always the case. An electrode in a building block may terminate as part of the first electrode or as part of the second electrode. This can vary, for example, due to the parity of the number of electrodes in the building block, the repeating pattern of the building block, etc.

[0068] For example, for an optical modulator with two electrodes, a repeating building block with a specific pattern can be used, where alternating main lines can be assigned to the two electrodes. However, for an optical modulator with three electrodes, a repeating building block with the same pattern can be used, where each subsequent set of three main lines can be assigned to the three electrodes.

[0069] also, Figure 1a The building blocks shown are square, but this is not necessary. For example, the building blocks can be rectangular. In one implementation, the shapes of the building blocks can form a so-called tessellation. For example, the building blocks can be triangles, hexagons, or even combinations of planar filled shapes.

[0070] As stated, Figure 1a and Figure 1b This is illustrative. This is especially true for depictions of electrodes. Figure 1a The electrodes shown are straight; however, in one embodiment, the electrodes on the building block are more coiled, for example, curved. By adapting the shape of the electrodes, undesirable diffraction effects can be altered.

[0071] In one embodiment, the tunable mirror includes a light modulator according to one embodiment. For example, the tunable mirror includes a transparent substrate, an optical layer, and a reflective substrate. One or both of the substrates are substrates according to one embodiment. The tunable mirror may be electrophoretic. Typically, each substrate has two electrodes, but this is not required.

[0072] Figure 1c An embodiment of one implementation of substrate 101 is schematically illustrated. Substrate 101 is similar to substrate 100, except for how the main lines formed by electrodes on the building blocks are connected to the drive bus. Figure 1a In this configuration, a connection area is inserted between the repeating building blocks and drive buses 110 and 120. Within this connection area, main lines belonging to the same electrode are connected to the same drive bus. Figure 1c In this configuration, the drive bus is located adjacent to the building block. To prevent the drive bus from connecting to the main lines of different electrodes, some building blocks were modified.

[0073] For example, building block 141 can be a copy of building block 140, but electrode 134 is shortened so that main line 122 (of which line 134 is a part) is not connected to bus 110. Figure 1c In the building blocks, the components are largely the same, except that disconnectors are introduced into some electrodes of the building block close to the drive bus to avoid connecting the main line to the drive bus. Although Figure 1c All building blocks shown are modified in this manner, but in one implementation, most building blocks will not be modified, such as those not adjacent to drive buses 110, 120.

[0074] Figure 1d An embodiment of one implementation of substrate 102 is schematically illustrated. In one embodiment, electrodes in the building blocks are each connected to the same opposite side of the building blocks. This results in main lines formed by the electrodes on the building blocks connecting opposite sides of the substrate. In this case, only two drive buses (e.g., each drive bus extending along opposite sides of the substrate) are sufficient to connect and drive the electrodes.

[0075] However, it is not required that the electrodes in a building block connect to opposite sides of the building block. While typically all electrodes in a building block will connect to both sides of the building block, these sides are not required to be opposite. The reason for this is that the electrodes can be continued through the next building block. In this case, most main lines will still connect to the same two opposite sides, but this may not happen at the edges of the substrate because there are no other building blocks there to continue carrying electrodes. To allow for more complex electrode designs on the building blocks, main lines can be connected to the drive bus from both sides, such as the two sides adjacent to the same corner of the substrate.

[0076] Figure 1d The diagram shows drive buses 110' extending along both sides of the substrate and drive buses 120' extending along the other two sides of the substrate.

[0077] The advantage of this configuration is that the drive buses can be fabricated in the same plane. However, this is not mandatory. If desired, the drive buses can be connected from three or four sides to, for example, further increase the design freedom of the building blocks. Several embodiments are given in this paper.

[0078] Note that overlapping of electrodes (e.g., drive buses) and / or main lines is permitted. This is possible, for example, by forming a portion of dielectric material between the electrodes. For instance, such overlapping electrodes may be located partially or entirely in different planes of the substrate.

[0079] For example, in one embodiment, a first electrode may be provided. Then, a dielectric is partially provided, and finally, a second electrode is provided. The dielectric is arranged to at least cover the intersection of the first and second electrodes. Through-holes may be used for the lower first electrode, for example, to connect to the lower first electrode. The electrode arrangement may include the arrangement of a drive bus.

[0080] Figure 1e An embodiment of one implementation of substrate 602 is schematically illustrated. Figure 1e In this process, the building blocks are copied multiple times. To obtain substrate 602, the building blocks are copied by repeated translations in the x and y directions. Figure 1e Each building block shown can be obtained by directly translating any other building block.

[0081] Figure 1f An embodiment of one implementation of substrate 603 is schematically illustrated. In substrate 603, building blocks are repeated across the substrate. In this embodiment, the building blocks (in this case, in two directions) are translated and mirrored.

[0082] Building block 611 has been mirrored in the y-direction to form building block 621. Building block 621 has been placed directly at the bottom of building block 611. Building block 611 has been mirrored in the x-direction to form building block 612. Building block 612 has been placed directly to the right of building block 611. Building block 611 has been mirrored in both the x-direction and the y-direction to form building block 622. For example, mirroring can be done using one side of the building block as the mirror axis.

[0083] By using mirrored building blocks, it is ensured that the drive buses of the same electrode terminate close to each other on the substrate. By merging these drive buses, wrinkling is avoided and diffraction is reduced.

[0084] In one embodiment, at least the electrodes on the substrate have mirror symmetry; in another embodiment, the electrodes and drive bus have mirror symmetry. For example, the substrate is symmetrical with respect to the x-axis and / or with respect to the y-axis. This is an important advantage in manufacturing because it allows the top and bottom substrates to be identical. It eliminates the need to manufacture separate substrates for the top and bottom of the optical modulator, and also eliminates the need to track individual types of substrates. Furthermore, the symmetry of the substrates allows a broken top substrate to be replaced by a broken bottom substrate, and a broken bottom substrate to be replaced by a broken top substrate, since they are identical. Straight lines (e.g., drive buses along the axis of mirror symmetry) are useful because the design can be mirrored. Using building blocks in both mirrored and non-mirrored forms facilitates the creation of mirror-symmetrical designs.

[0085] This is particularly advantageous when fabricating patterned electrodes using photolithography, as the same substrate pattern can be used for both substrates of the optical modulator, thus limiting production costs. The presence of straight bus bars attached to the building blocks or a portion of each building block facilitates this effect. In the absence of straight bus bars, it is possible to have a symmetrical design in one direction to use the same electrode pattern for all substrates, for example, by locally modifying the electrode design at the edges of the symmetrical lines. In one embodiment, the electrode pattern has at least one symmetry in one direction, for example, by using tiled building blocks in a mirror and / or rotational manner, enabling the electrode pattern to span the substrate.

[0086] Figure 1g An embodiment of one implementation of an optical modulator is schematically illustrated, illustrating a separator. One of two substrates and an electrode system (in this case, two interdigitated electrodes) are shown. For example, Figure 1g The other substrate of the optical modulator can have a similar design. Figure 1g The diagram shows a spacer. One such spacer is designated 151. A spacer is a small structure placed at various points on a substrate to maintain a constant distance between two substrates. The spacer can be dielectric, for example, formed of the same material as one of the substrates. Spacers can also be used for other purposes, particularly for including a vibration source between two substrates. In this case, electrical lines can extend toward the spacer to vibrate it and / or provide power to the vibration source within the spacer. Further details are provided herein.

[0087] Figures 2a to 2f An embodiment of a substrate with interdigitated electrodes is schematically shown. These can be embodied on a substrate with two electrodes, for example, by means of alternately connected electrodes. Figures 2a to 2dIt can also be embodied on a substrate having multiple electrodes, for example by sequentially connecting three or four or more electrodes.

[0088] Figure 2e and Figure 2f A design with two electrodes on the surface of a substrate is shown. Either design can be modified to have only a single electrode on the substrate surface, for example, by removing one of the two electrodes. For example, such a modified design could be used in an optical modulator using a substrate with a single electrode.

[0089] Without cross electrodes, the illustrated design can be implemented in a single plane. Specifically, if these designs are connected to two drive buses, cross electrodes are not required. When using more than two electrodes, or if using more complex electrode patterns, electrode crosses can be used, or may even be necessary. However, such crosses are possible, for example, by placing a dielectric material between the electrodes at the location where the two electrode lines cross. For example, such an insulator can be placed at the cross location. For example, the first electrode is located on a first plane of the substrate, and the second electrode is located on a second plane of the substrate.

[0090] According to one embodiment, two substrates can be combined to form an optical modulator. Optical modulators are particularly suitable for glass. An exemplary embodiment of an optical modulator is shown below.

[0091] Figure 3a An embodiment of a light modulator 10 that can be applied to smart glass is schematically shown.

[0092] Reference is made to patent application PCT / EP2020 / 052379, which is incorporated herein by reference; this application includes an advantageous design for an optical modulator, which may be further improved, for example, by including electrodes, building blocks and / or substrates as explained herein.

[0093] The optical modulator 10 is capable of electronically switching between a transparent and opaque state, and between an opaque and transparent state, or between a non-reflective and reflective state, and between a reflective and non-reflective state. The optical modulator 10 includes a first substrate 11 and a second substrate 12 arranged opposite to each other. At least two electrodes are applied to the inner side of the first substrate 11: shown as electrodes 13a and 13b. These at least two electrodes are collectively referred to as electrode 13. At least two electrodes are applied to the inner side of the second substrate 12: shown as electrodes 14a and 14b. These at least two electrodes are collectively referred to as electrode 14. One or more of the substrates 11 and 12 may be provided with a vibration source.

[0094] A fluid 15 is disposed between the substrates. The fluid includes particles 30 (e.g., nanoparticles and / or microparticles), wherein the particles are charged or capable of carrying a charge. For example, the particles may inherently carry a charge on their surface. For example, the particles may be surrounded by charged molecules.

[0095] The electrodes are arranged to drive the particle 30 toward or away from the electrodes in response to an applied electric field. Optical properties, particularly the transparency or reflectivity of the light modulator, depend on the position of the particle 30 in the fluid. For example, connectors may be provided for applying an electromagnetic field to the electrodes.

[0096] At least one, but preferably both electrodes 13 and 14, are electrodes according to one embodiment, although they are shown schematically in the figure.

[0097] In one embodiment, substrates 11 and 12 are optically transparent outside the electrodes, typically >95% transparent at the relevant wavelengths, such as >99% transparent. When the electrodes are taken into account, the transparency is much lower, for example, 70%. The term "optical" can refer to wavelengths visible to the human eye (about 380 nm to about 750 nm) (where applicable) and can also refer to a wider range of wavelengths (including infrared (about 750 nm to 1 µm) and ultraviolet (about 10 nm to 380 nm) and sub-selections thereof) (where applicable). In exemplary embodiments of the optical modulator, the substrate material is selected from glass and polymers.

[0098] In another embodiment, one substrate (such as bottom substrate 12) may be reflective or partially reflective, while top substrate 11 is transparent. Optical properties (especially the reflectivity of the light modulator) depend on the position of the particles 30 in the fluid. When the panel is in the open state (vertically driven), the particles will be mostly located between the opposing electrodes of the two substrates, so that incident light can pass relatively unobstructed through the transparent top substrate and optical layer, and be reflected or partially reflected on the bottom substrate.

[0099] The distance between the first substrate and the second substrate is typically less than 30 µm, such as 15 µm. In an exemplary embodiment of the optical modulator, the distance between the first substrate and the second substrate is less than 500 µm, preferably less than 200 µm, preferably less than 100 µm, and even more preferably less than 50 µm, such as less than 30 µm.

[0100] In one embodiment, the modulator may be disposed in a flexible polymer, and the remainder of the device may be disposed in glass. The glass may be rigid or flexible. If desired, a protective layer may be disposed on a substrate. If more than one color is used, more than one layer of flexible polymer may be disposed. The polymer may be polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) (optionally having a SiN layer), polyethylene (PE), etc. In another embodiment, the device may be disposed in at least one flexible polymer. Therefore, the modulator can be attached to any surface, for example, by using an adhesive.

[0101] Particle 30 may be adapted to absorb light, thereby preventing certain wavelengths from passing through. Particle 30 may reflect light; for example, the reflection may be specular, diffuse, or a mixture of specular and diffuse reflection. The particle may absorb some wavelengths and reflect others. The particle may also, or alternatively, emit light using, for example, phosphorescence, fluorescence, etc. Even fluids may emit light, and their emissivity may be modulated by changing the position of the particles.

[0102] In one exemplary embodiment of the optical modulator, the nanoparticles have a size of 20 nm to 1000 nm, preferably 20 nm to 300 nm, and more preferably less than 200 nm. In one exemplary embodiment of the optical modulator, the nanoparticles / microparticles may comprise a coating on a pigment, and preferably include a core. In one exemplary embodiment of the optical modulator, the coating of the particles is made of a material selected from conductive and semiconductive materials.

[0103] In one exemplary embodiment of the optical modulator, the particles are adapted to absorb light with wavelengths from 10 nm to 1 mm, such as light from 400 nm to 800 nm, 700 nm to 1 µm, and 10 nm to 400 nm, and / or to absorb a portion of light (filter) whose wavelength range falls within 10 nm to 1 mm, as well as combinations thereof.

[0104] In one exemplary embodiment of the optical modulator, the particles are charged or capable of being charged. For example, the charge on the particles can be from 0.1e to 10e per particle (5... 10 -7 Up to 0.1 C / m 2 ).

[0105] In one exemplary embodiment of the optical modulator, the amount of fluid present is 1 g / m³. 2 Up to 1000 g / m 2 Preferably 2 g / m 2 Up to 75 g / m 2 More preferably 20 g / m 2 Up to 50 g / m2 Such as 30 g / m 2 Up to 40 g / m 2 A significant advantage of the layout of this invention is that it allows the use of less fluid, and similarly, fewer particles.

[0106] In one exemplary embodiment of the optical modulator, the amount of particles present is 0.01 g / m². 2 Up to 70 g / m 2 Preferably 0.02 g / m 2 Up to 10 g / m 2 Such as 0.1 g / m 2 Up to 3 g / m 2 .

[0107] In one exemplary embodiment of the optical modulator, the color of the particles is selected from cyan, magenta, and yellow, as well as from black and white, and from combinations thereof.

[0108] The optical modulator can also be configured to modulate only or primarily invisible light, such as UV or near IR, for example, in the range of about 10 nm to 380 nm and in the range of about 750 nm to 1 µm, respectively.

[0109] In one exemplary embodiment of the optical modulator, the fluid includes one or more of surfactants, emulsifiers, polar compounds, and compounds capable of forming hydrogen bonds.

[0110] Fluid 15 can be a nonpolar fluid with a dielectric constant less than 15. In one exemplary embodiment of the optical modulator, the fluid's relative permittivity... Less than 100, preferably less than 10, such as less than 5. In an exemplary embodiment of the optical modulator, fluid 15 has a dynamic viscosity greater than 10 mPa·s.

[0111] Electrodes 13a, 13b and electrodes 14a, 14b are in fluid contact with the fluid. The fluid may be in direct contact with the electrodes or indirect contact, for example, the fluid may allow a second medium to contact the electrodes, such as through a porous layer. In one embodiment, the electrodes cover approximately 1% to 30% of the substrate surface. In one embodiment, the electrodes comprise a resistivity of less than 100 Ω·cm. The conductive material (at 273 K; for comparison, the typically used ITO has 105 K) This is similar to having a conductivity >1 at 20ºC. 10 7 S / m).

[0112] In one embodiment of the optical modulator, the electrodes comprise copper, silver, gold, aluminum, graphene, titanium, indium, and combinations thereof, preferably copper. The electrodes may be embedded in the polymer substrate in the form of microwires; for example, copper microwires.

[0113] A connector is provided for applying an electromagnetic field to electrodes, wherein the applied electromagnetic field provides motion of nanoparticles and microparticles from a first electrode to a second electrode, and from a second electrode to a first electrode. A connector for applying an electromagnetic field to electrodes may be provided. For example, in an exemplary embodiment of an optical modulator, the current is between -100 µA and +100 µA, preferably between -30 µA and +30 µA, more preferably between -25 µA and +25 µA. For example, a power supply may be electrically connected to at least two electrodes. The power supply may be adapted to provide waveform power. At least one of amplitude, frequency, and phase may be adaptable to provide different states in the optical modulator. For example, these aspects of the power may be adapted by a controller.

[0114] The optical modulator 10 may include one or more segments, each segment being a single optically switchable entity, and the size of the segment may be variable. A substrate surrounds a volume, which may be at least partially a segment.

[0115] This device may include driver circuitry that alters the appearance of a segment by applying an electromagnetic field. Therefore, the appearance of the optical modulator, or one or more portions thereof, can also be changed. For example, the segment may have a diameter of at least 1 mm. 2 The area. This design allows for stacking to accommodate more colors; for example, for full-color applications, stacks of two or three modulators can provide most or all of the colors separately.

[0116] Having one or more segments allows the light modulator to be locally controlled; this is advantageous for some applications, but not essential. For smart glass, the light modulator can be used with or without segments. For example, when applied to smart glass, transparency or reflectivity can be locally controlled, such as blocking sunlight spots without reducing the overall transparency or reflectivity of the window. The segments can be relatively large, for example, having a diameter of at least 1 mm or at least 1 cm.

[0117] In one exemplary embodiment of the optical modulator, substrates (11, 12) are aligned, and / or electrodes (13, 14) are aligned. For example, electrodes 13a, 13b and electrodes 14a, 14b may be aligned opposite each other. In the aligned substrates, when viewed in a direction orthogonal to the substrates, the electrodes on the different substrates fall behind each other. When the optical modulator is disassembled, both substrates are arranged with their electrode faces upward, and the electrode patterns are mirror images of each other.

[0118] Aligning substrates can increase the maximum transparency or maximum reflectivity of an optical modulator. On the other hand, when selecting an optical modulator for more criteria than just transparency or reflectivity ranges, it may be better to misalign or not fully align the two substrates. Optical modulators can be stacked. For example, two stacked optical modulators can be made from three substrates, with the middle substrate having electrodes on both of its surfaces. In one embodiment of the optical modulator, optionally at least one substrate 11, 12 of the first optical modulator is identical to substrate 11, 12 of at least one second optical modulator. For stacked modulators, alignment can also increase maximum transparency or maximum reflectivity, but may be detrimental to other considerations (e.g., diffraction).

[0119] Figure 3b An embodiment of one implementation of the optical modulator 40 is schematically shown. The optical modulator 40 is similar to the optical modulator 10, except that it includes multiple optical layers; in the illustrated embodiment, it includes two optical layers. More than two optical layers may be present. Each optical layer is disposed between two substrates. The optical modulator 40 can be viewed as... Figure 3a The image shows a stacked dual-substrate optical modulator. As shown, the optical modulator 40 includes three substrates: a first substrate 41, a second substrate 42, and a third substrate 43. An optical layer is located between substrates 41 and 42, and another optical layer is located between substrates 42 and 43. These optical layers may be similar to those in the optical modulator 10. A controller 46 is configured to control the current on the electrodes of the substrates. For example, in… Figure 3b In this configuration, the controller 46 can be electrically connected to at least eight (4 times 2 equals 8) electrodes.

[0120] Interestingly, the particles in the multiple optical layers can be different, allowing multiple layers to be used to control multiple optical properties of the light modulator. For example, particles located in different optical layers can absorb or reflect different wavelengths, such as having different colors. This can be used to create different colors and / or different color intensities on the panel via controller 46. For example, a quad-substrate panel can have three optical layers with particles of different colors (e.g., cyan, yellow, and magenta). By controlling the transparency or reflectivity of different colors, a broad color spectrum can be created.

[0121] The substrate surface facing another substrate may be provided with two or more patterns, as in one embodiment. For example, outer substrates 41 and 43 may receive electrodes only on the inner side, while the inner substrate (e.g., substrate 42) may have electrodes on both sides.

[0122] Substrate 41 and substrate 42 can be considered together as one embodiment of an optical modulator. Similarly, substrate 42 and substrate 43 can be considered together as one embodiment of an optical modulator.

[0123] One or more of substrates 41, 42 and 43 may be provided with a vibration source.

[0124] Figure 3c An embodiment of one implementation of a car 20 with a smart glass window 21 is schematically shown. This is a particularly advantageous implementation because the level of incident light changes frequently and rapidly during driving. The advantage of using smart glass in a car is that the light level can be maintained at a constant level by adjusting the transparency of the car window. Furthermore, reduced diffraction effects improve safety because they reduce driver distraction. The car 20 may include a controller configured to control the transparency or reflectivity of the window 21.

[0125] Smart glass can also be used in other glass applications, especially where the amount of incident light is variable, such as in buildings, offices, homes, greenhouses, and skylights. Skylights are windows installed in the ceiling to allow sunlight into a room.

[0126] The optical modulator can have two optical states, such as a transparent state and a non-transparent state, or a non-reflective state and a reflective state. The optical modulator (e.g., optical modulator 10 or optical modulator 40) can be configured as follows: - Switching to the second optical state (e.g., a non-transparent or reflective state) is achieved by: creating an alternating voltage on at least one of the first and second substrates; applying an alternating current between at least the first and second electrodes on the first substrate; and / or applying an alternating current between the first and second electrodes on the second substrate. - Switching to the first optical state (e.g., transparent or non-reflective state) is achieved by: creating an alternating voltage between the first substrate and the second substrate, applying an alternating current between the first electrode on the first substrate and the first electrode on the second substrate, and / or applying an alternating current between the second electrode on the first substrate and the second electrode on the second substrate.

[0127] The electrode pattern on the first substrate is arranged at least partially in the same pattern as the second electrode on the second substrate. Typically, the electrodes are opposite each other, but the patterns of the first electrode and the second electrode may also be shifted relative to each other.

[0128] The protective coating may be applied to at least a portion of the inner surface region of at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate.

[0129] The drive signal applied to the electrodes typically has a varying voltage. For example, the power supply can operate at an AC frequency to switch between a transparent state and a non-transparent state. This signal can have a frequency, for example, between 1 Hz and 1000 Hz. A balanced electrolytic current can be obtained by continuously switching the polarities of the electrodes with opposite charges on the first substrate and on the second substrate and / or between the first and second substrates.

[0130] Figures 4a to 4b A side view of one embodiment of an optical modulator in use is schematically shown. Only the electrodes are shown in this figure. The vibration source is not shown in these figures.

[0131] An electric field is applied to electrodes on a substrate, generating electricity on the particles. Using this effect, the particles can be moved back and forth, thus creating different states of transparency or reflectivity in the light modulator. A controller can control the electric field, such as its amplitude, frequency, and phase. In one embodiment, the controller is connected to at least four electrodes: two electrodes per substrate. However, more electrodes can be used and connected to the controller; for example, more than two electrodes can be used on the substrate for better fine-tuning of grayscale and can be used to drive the substrate to a non-transparent or reflective state. Multiple electrodes can also be used to support multiple segments on the substrate.

[0132] Figure 4a This illustrates an optical modulator without an applied electric field. Figure 4a In the process, no electricity has yet been applied to the particles 30 suspended in the fluid 15.

[0133] exist Figure 4a In the configuration shown, the conductive electrode pattern arranged on the top substrate is completely or substantially aligned with the conductive electrode pattern on the bottom substrate. The conductive electrode pattern may be disposed on a transparent or (partially) reflective glass substrate, or may be embedded in a plastic substrate, etc.

[0134] Alignment between the top and bottom electrode patterns helps to broaden the range of achievable levels of transparency or reflectivity. However, alignment is not necessary, as a similar effect can be obtained without alignment. A similar range of transparency or reflectivity can be achieved without alignment.

[0135] Note that in these embodiments, references to top substrate and bottom substrate refer to the higher substrate or the lower substrate on the page. The same substrate may also be referred to as, for example, front substrate and rear substrate, because in glass applications, the substrates will be vertically aligned rather than horizontally aligned.

[0136] Figure 4b A light modulator is illustrated, in which, for example in example P1, a potential of +V1 is applied to each microwire electrode on the top substrate, while a negative voltage, such as -V1, is applied to each microwire electrode on the bottom substrate. Thus, in this case, the same positive potential is applied to all electrodes 13, and the same negative potential is applied to electrode 14. The potential difference causes negatively charged particles to flow to the vicinity of the electrodes on the top substrate, where the particles will be substantially aligned with the top electrodes. As a result, if both the top and bottom substrates are transparent, the transparency of the light modulator 10 will increase. Similarly, if, for example, the top substrate is transparent and the bottom substrate is reflective, the reflectivity of the light modulator 10 will increase. If the solution contains positively charged particles, they will flow to the vicinity of the electrodes on the bottom substrate, where those particles will be substantially aligned with the bottom electrodes.

[0137] Similar transparency can be achieved in the second instance P2 (where the voltages of the top and bottom electrodes are opposite to those in instance P1) in the open state. In instance P2, each electrode on the top substrate is now supplied with a negative potential -V1, while the aligned electrodes on the bottom substrate are supplied with a positive potential. This state is similar to... Figure 4b The state shown is reversed, but the top and bottom substrates are interchanged. In this configuration, the transparency of the light modulator 10 is also high. If reflective particles are used, the reflectivity is low.

[0138] Interestingly, by using electrodes on the top substrate (e.g., Figure 4b The positive potential at electrode 13 (and the negative potential on electrode 14) shown in the figure are different from the electrodes on the bottom substrate (e.g., Figure 4b Switching between positive potentials at electrode 14 (shown in the diagram) can maintain transparency or non-reflectivity while reducing corrosion damage to the electrode. This alternating electric field can be achieved by applying alternating potentials to the top and bottom electrodes.

[0139] Applying an AC waveform is optional, but it is an effective measure to increase the lifetime of the optical modulator by reducing corrosion. For example, when using copper electrodes, corrosion may occur because copper ions are dissolved in an ionic fluid at one substrate and flow to the electrode on the opposite substrate, where they deposit. By applying a waveform, the direction of copper ion transport is frequently reversed, thereby reducing corrosion damage. Between two instances P1 and P2, the corrosion current between the two substrates is balanced, or substantially balanced, for example, >95% balanced, for example, as the corrosion rate of the top electrode occurs, there is balanced copper deposition on the bottom electrode between each time instance P1 and P2 and between each time instance P2 and P1. Therefore, particles continuously change or migrate between the top and bottom electrodes, and the optical modulator or smart window is always open, while the dynamic electrolytic current between the top and bottom electrodes is constant, resulting in no net loss of electrode material on the top and bottom substrates, or a negligible net loss of electrode material.

[0140] Figure 4c This illustrates how a reduced transparency state or an increased reflectivity state can be obtained. An alternating voltage is applied to the same substrate. For example, in one embodiment, a potential +V2 is applied to the first electrode, and the next immediately adjacent electrode has an opposite potential -V2, etc., as shown in FIG8c. This can be achieved by applying a potential +V2 to electrode 13a and an opposite potential -V2 to electrode 13b. On opposing substrates, a potential +V2 can be applied to electrode 14a, and an opposite potential -V2 can be applied to electrode 14b. For example, the electrodes can be arranged such that the electrodes on the substrates are aligned; the electrode on the top substrate has an electrode opposite to the electrode on the bottom substrate, and the electrode on the bottom substrate has an electrode opposite to the electrode on the top substrate. For example, to reduce transparency or increase reflectivity, opposing electrodes can receive the same potential, while adjacent electrodes receive opposite potentials. One embodiment is shown in... Figure 4c In the figure, four electrodes are indicated by reference numerals 13a, 13b, 14a and 14b, and the remaining electrodes continue to alternate.

[0141] By using this AC drive cycle between the top and bottom substrates, diagonal and lateral electric fields are generated between the two substrates, resulting in disordered diffusion of particles and thus creating the off state of the optical modulator. As a result of this configuration, particles migrate diagonally and laterally between the top and bottom substrates, and particle diffusion into the visible aperture of the optical modulator contributes to both the off and opaque states of the optical modulator.

[0142] As for Figure 4b In the transparent state shown, a waveform can be applied to the electrodes, such that, for example... Figure 4bThe electrode with a positive potential shown becomes a negative potential, and the electrode with a negative potential becomes a positive potential. For example... Figure 4b Applying waveforms, for example, between electrodes 13a and 13b and between electrodes 14a and 14b, can reduce corrosion damage to the electrodes.

[0143] By using interdigitated line configuration Figure 1a , Figure 1b , Figures 2a to 2f The top and bottom electrode configurations shown in the plan view allow for AC drive cycles.

[0144] Figure 4b and Figure 4c The degree to which transparency or reflectivity increases or decreases depends on the voltage difference and frequency difference. By changing the voltage difference, the amount of increase or decrease in transparency or reflectivity can be controlled. For example, a curve representing transmittance relative to voltage can be determined (e.g., measured). To obtain a specific transmittance level (e.g., a specific transparency, such as a specific grayscale level), a corresponding voltage (e.g., AC voltage) can be applied. By interpolating the transparent state signal or the non-transparent state signal, the level between transparency and non-transparency can be obtained. Similarly, a curve representing light reflection relative to voltage can be determined (e.g., measured). To obtain a specific reflectivity level, a corresponding voltage (e.g., AC voltage) can be applied. By interpolating the reflective state signal or the non-reflective state signal, the level between reflection and non-reflection can be obtained.

[0145] Different electrode patterns can be used in optical modulators. Each electrode pattern can provide a range of grayscale achievable by the optical modulator (e.g., a level of transparency or reflectivity). However, the specific grayscale range of any particular electrode pattern can differ from that of another electrode pattern. In other words, although different patterns give increased transparency or reflectivity or increased opacity, the precise response to the driving signal depends on many factors (including the specific pattern used). Variations in the optical properties of the optical modulator can have fine resolution (e.g., less than 1 mm). Note that pixelation of the optical modulator is not required to achieve different optical patterns visible in the optical modulator (e.g., logos).

[0146] This effect can be used to embed a visible image into an optical modulator by locally altering the electrode pattern on the substrate of the optical modulator. For example, due to different electrode patterns, gray levels with permanent gray-level offsets relative to each other can be locally achieved. For example, by locally altering the electrode pattern or its pitch, the maximum transparency or maximum reflectivity can be changed.

[0147] As a result, regions on the light modulator have different grayscale intensities (e.g., different grayscale values) or different tinting intensities. However, these regions can have the same tinting point. In one embodiment, these regions can be switched along with the rest of the window, despite the different rates. For example, even if the same voltage is applied to electrodes in two different regions, they will result in different transparency states (e.g., different transmittance levels) due to different electrode patterns. For example, the curve representing transmittance versus voltage can be shifted. For example, if the voltage control is changed in the same way in both regions, the light transmittance in these two regions will change, but by different amounts. A region can also be less responsive to the drive signal by reducing the electrode density; in particular, a region can be completely unswitched, for example, by not applying electrodes in that region.

[0148] For example, electrode materials can be copper, aluminum, gold, indium tin oxide (ITO), etc. ITO is transparent, while Cu / Al is reflective; therefore, using different electrode materials can yield different appearances, independent of the driving voltage. Similarly, different materials with different resistances will generate different electric fields. For example, even when driven with the same voltage, ITO will have a smaller electric field.

[0149] One embodiment of the method for modulating light includes applying a potential to a plurality of electrodes (in one embodiment, the plurality of electrodes are applied to two opposing substrates) to obtain an electromagnetic field between the plurality of electrodes, thereby providing electrophoretic motion of particles toward or away from one of the plurality of electrodes, resulting in modulation of light illuminating through the substrates, wherein the two opposing substrates are as in one embodiment.

[0150] Multiple operating modes are supported through one implementation of a four-electrode optical modulator system.

[0151] Horizontal drive Horizontal drive is a mode that creates a transverse electric field along the substrate. An optical modulator can apply an alternating voltage to interdigitated electrodes, causing particles in the optical layer to move parallel to the substrate, thereby reducing transparency.

[0152] Vertical drive Vertical drive is a mode in which particles are aligned orthogonally to the substrate. Electrodes facing each other on opposite substrates receive different voltages.

[0153] Maintain grayscale The optical modulator driving system can apply zero voltage to the electrodes most of the time, but if the gray level decreases due to particle dispersion, the electrodes can be driven vertically for a short period of time.

[0154] In all three modes, the drive can use either a DC signal or an AC signal. Preferably, an AC signal is used.

[0155] Figure 5a An embodiment of one implementation of a substrate 500 used in one implementation of an optical modulator is schematically shown.

[0156] The substrate 500 includes an electrode system extending across the substrate. In this embodiment, the electrode system is in the form of two interdigitated electrodes, for example, according to... Figures 2a to 2f The electrode system may be any design shown, or another design. The electrode system may be any other electrode system for an optical modulator, many of which are known, and some of which are described herein.

[0157] The first electrode of the electrode system includes an optional drive bus 510 and multiple main lines extending across the substrate. One of the main lines of the first electrode is indicated by reference numeral 511.

[0158] The second electrode of the electrode system includes an optional drive bus 520 and multiple main lines extending across the substrate. One of the main lines of the second electrode is indicated by reference numeral 521.

[0159] The main lines of the first electrode and the second electrode are interdigitated, for example, the main lines of the first electrode and the second electrode alternately cross the substrate.

[0160] To complete the optical modulator, the first substrate 500 can be combined with a second substrate. Numerous options exist for the first substrate, and also for the second substrate and its electrode system (if any). For example, the electrode system of the second substrate can be identical to, but mirrored, that of the first substrate, so that the main circuitry on the first and second substrates is aligned with each other. An optical layer surrounds the first and second substrates. The optical layer includes a fluid comprising particles.

[0161] The position of the particles can be modulated by applying an electric potential to the electrode system, thereby modulating the light passing through the substrate.

[0162] For example, the light modulator can be connected to a controller to control the potential in the electrode system. For instance, in a typical embodiment, a first substrate includes two interdigitated electrodes, and a second substrate includes two interdigitated electrodes. A controller is connected to or can be connected to all of these electrodes. For example, a controller such as controller 16 or controller 46 can be used. Typically, the controller includes a processor system (e.g., one or more microcontrollers) and memory storing computer processor instructions that, when executed, cause the processor system to control the light modulator, for example, to control the light modulator to transition between different optical states (e.g., different levels of transparency).

[0163] In one embodiment, the dynamic glass or smart glass for a window includes a light modulator as described in one embodiment.

[0164] The optical modulator includes at least one vibration source disposed on a surface of a first substrate and / or a second substrate. Figure 5a One of the first substrate and the second substrate is shown, and vibration sources 531 and 532 are shown. More than two vibration sources may be present.

[0165] The vibration source is configured to transmit mechanical waves to at least a portion of the substrate. The mechanical waves include periodic displacement and / or periodic pressure changes of the material, thus distinguishing them from electromagnetic waves.

[0166] Mechanical waves can propagate through a substrate, for example, as shear waves. Mechanical waves can also propagate through fluids, either directly from a vibration source or indirectly as a secondary effect (after the wave has traveled a distance from the vibration source through the substrate, it propagates from the substrate to the fluid at that distance). Inverse effects are also possible; mechanical waves primarily propagating to the fluid in the optical layer (e.g., through a vibration source enclosed within the optical layer) can cause mechanical waves in the substrate.

[0167] Therefore, mechanical waves can include substrate waves and / or fluid waves. Note that because the fluid is surrounded between the first and second substrates, the fluid wave is a closed-loop fluid wave. Substrate waves facilitate the cleaning of the substrate, for example, by removing contaminants (including moisture). Fluid waves facilitate the dispersion of particles, for example, during horizontal actuation. Both types of waves facilitate the removal of stuck particles, for example, particles that have been fixed to the substrate.

[0168] Mechanical waves can be transverse and / or longitudinal. Typically, substrate waves are transverse, although they may have a longitudinal component. Typically, fluid waves are longitudinal, although a transverse component may exist, for example, due to particles in the fluid.

[0169] In one implementation, the vibration source is configured for sound waves (also referred to as pressure waves), such as longitudinal fluid waves propagating through a fluid. Sound waves include periodic dense and rarefied states in the fluid.

[0170] Note that when the system is driven to disperse particles (e.g., during horizontal drive), even most of the standing waves in the fluid will significantly affect the dispersion. This is because the electric field in the optical layer is typically non-uniform, but includes regions where particles are moved more or less. In some regions, the forces acting on the particles may not actually exist; these regions are called static or dead zones. Although the presence of static zones does not necessarily prevent the attainment of a completely opaque state, they reduce the transition rate because particles naturally float outside these zones. Even if some movement is initiated within the particles, it is unlikely that the particles will remain trapped in the static zones for an extended period.

[0171] The vibration source can be controlled to generate mechanical waves with specific amplitude, frequency and phase, and transmit the mechanical waves to at least a portion of the surface of the optical modulator or a specific area on the surface of the optical modulator.

[0172] The optical modulator can be connected to, or can be connected to, another controller configured to control the mechanical waves generated by a vibration source, for example, by sending an electronic signal to the vibration source to cause the vibration source to generate mechanical waves. The other controller can be configured to generate mechanical waves with a specific amplitude and / or frequency, and optionally a specific phase. Preferably, the controller controlling the optical properties of the optical modulator and the other controller are integrated into a single controller, thereby controlling both aspects. From this point onward, it will be assumed that this integration has occurred, even if, where desired, the controller can be split into two controllers controlling these different aspects.

[0173] In one embodiment, multiple vibration sources may be present, distributed across at least one of the first and second substrates. For example, Figure 5a Two vibration sources are shown. For example, the vibration sources can be arranged in a symmetrical pattern (e.g., point-symmetric around the center of the substrate), an asymmetrical pattern, or even a random pattern. Although the electrode systems on the first and second substrates can be aligned with each other, the vibration sources on the opposite substrates can be arranged at different locations (e.g., non-overlapping locations) to increase the combined reach of the vibration sources.

[0174] Preferably, the mechanical wave is transmitted at least to the central region of the surface of at least one of the first and second substrates, but more preferably to the entire surface of at least one of the first and second substrates. Figure 5a In this configuration, the vibration source is positioned away from the center and close to the side of the substrate. Figure 5bAn embodiment of a substrate used in one implementation of an optical modulator is schematically shown. Figure 5b An embodiment of a substrate with a single vibration source is shown, which is arranged at the center of the substrate. This maximizes the accessibility of the vibration source. More than one vibration source may be applied at the center or applied near the center.

[0175] Figure 5c A side view schematically illustrates one embodiment of an optical modulator. The optical modulator includes two substrates: substrate 501 and substrate 502. Each substrate can be a substrate as shown in one embodiment, for example, substrate 500. Figure 5c In this configuration, vibration source 534 is applied to the side of the first substrate 501 facing the optical layer. Vibration source 535 is applied to the side of the second substrate 502 facing the optical layer. That is, the vibration sources are enclosed within the optical layer. Figure 5c The image shows optical layer 540 and schematic particle 541. Note that particle 541 extends throughout the optical layer and is not limited to the left portion shown schematically.

[0176] Figure 5d A side view schematically illustrates one embodiment of an optical modulator. The optical modulator includes two substrates: substrate 501 and substrate 502. Each substrate can be a substrate as shown in one embodiment, for example, substrate 500. Figure 5d In this configuration, vibration source 542 is applied to the side of the first substrate 501 that is away from the optical layer. Vibration source 543 is applied to the side of the second substrate 502 that is away from the optical layer. That is, the vibration sources are located outside the optical layer.

[0177] Figure 5c and Figure 5d The options illustrated can be combined. For example, a vibration source can be applied to both the inner and outer sides of the optical layer. For example, from Figure 5c The substrate 501 can be used with... Figure 5d The substrate 502 is assembled.

[0178] Various types of vibration sources can be used.

[0179] In one embodiment, the vibration source includes a vibrating diaphragm that is partially or completely surrounded by a fluid (e.g., a liquid) in the optical layer. The vibrating diaphragm is configured to provide pressure waves to the fluid. The vibrating diaphragm and / or the pressure waves may also cause vibration of one or both substrates. Figure 6a A side view of one embodiment of an optical modulator is schematically shown. Figure 6a Two designs of a vibration source including a diaphragm are shown.

[0180] In the first option, the diaphragm 575 is clamped on both sides. Clamps 573 and 574 are shown. The diaphragm 575 can be a strip, in which case clamps 573 and 574 can be different. Alternatively, clamps can surround the diaphragm 575, such as a disc-shaped diaphragm with an annular clamp. In this case, clamps 573 and 574 can be part of the same clamp. The vibration source can be positioned by connecting clamps 573 and 574 to a substrate (e.g., by positioning them on a surface or holding them in place with wires, spacers, etc.). A control connector and / or power supply connector 576 is shown, in this case leading to one side of the optical modulator.

[0181] In the second option, the diaphragm 578 is clamped on one side. A clamp 577 is shown. The diaphragm 578 can be a strip. The vibration source can be positioned by attaching the clamp 577 to a surface (as shown) or by holding it in place with wires, spacers, etc. Control and / or power supply connections are not shown separately. For example, control and / or power supply connections may include electrode lines on the surface of a substrate (in this case, substrate 501).

[0182] Diaphragms 575 and / or 578 may comprise piezoelectric materials, in which case the diaphragms are vibrated by the piezoelectric effect. Clamps 573, 574, and / or 577 may comprise other means of vibrating the diaphragms, such as piezoelectric actuators or electromagnetic actuators. In this case, diaphragms 575 and / or 578 may comprise, for example, metals and / or plastics (e.g., polyethylene).

[0183] In one embodiment, the vibration source includes one or more actuators disposed on one side of the optical modulator. The one or more actuators may be disposed on each of two opposite sides of the optical modulator. For example, one or more actuators may be located on the left side of the optical modulator, and one or more actuators may be located on the right side of the optical modulator. These actuators are configured to apply pressure to the corresponding side of the optical modulator, for example, by mechanical action. Additionally, the actuators may be configured to pull on the corresponding side of the optical modulator. By controlling these actuators to provide periodic pushing actions and optional pulling actions (where the actuators on opposite sides of the optical modulator are out of phase), pressure waves can be created in the optical layer. Figure 6b A side view of one embodiment of the optical modulator is schematically shown. Actuators 571 and 572 are arranged on opposite sides of the optical modulator.

[0184] Actuators can be implemented in a variety of different ways: piezoelectric actuators use the piezoelectric effect, expanding when a voltage is applied, providing precise control and making them suitable for generating high-frequency pressure waves. Electromagnetic actuators consist of a coil and a magnetic core, where the coil generates a magnetic field when energized, thereby moving the core. This mechanism can provide strong, precise force. Hydraulic or pneumatic actuators utilize fluid or gas pressure to induce motion, potentially generating significant force, thus creating pressure waves within an optical modulator. For example, miniature hydraulic actuators can be used in actuators 571 and 572, for example.

[0185] In one embodiment, the vibration source comprises a piezoelectric material arranged to generate mechanical waves. Piezoelectric materials are preferred. Various types of piezoelectric materials can be used, and they can be used in different ways.

[0186] To stimulate vibration in a piezoelectric material, an alternating current (AC) voltage can be applied. The frequency and amplitude of the vibration can be determined by the frequency and amplitude of the voltage. The applied voltage can be modulated, thereby precisely controlling the transmission of vibration to the substrate and / or optical layer.

[0187] In one embodiment, a transparent piezoelectric material is used. Using a transparent piezoelectric material is advantageous because it can be applied without patterning, for example, by using complete deposition instead. Figure 6c A side view of one embodiment of an optical modulator is schematically shown. Figure 6c The diagram shows substrates 501 and 502 surrounding the optical layer 540. Electrode systems are applied to each substrate. In this case, each electrode system includes two interdigitated electrodes. Cross-sections of electrodes 544 and 545 on substrate 501 and cross-sections of electrodes 546 and 547 on substrate 502 are shown. On substrate 501, a piezoelectric layer 504 is disposed on the optical layer side of substrate 501, followed by a dielectric layer 503. The dielectric layer 503 prevents the electrode systems on the substrate from being electrically connected to the piezoelectric layer 504. The additional layer between the piezoelectric layer 504 and the electrode systems 544, 546 further improves the adhesion of the electrode systems. This is advantageous because the piezoelectric layer 504 causes vibration of the electrodes. The dielectric layer is not strictly necessary, but it prevents unwanted vibrations of the piezoelectric layer 504 that could be caused by electrical signals on the electrode systems.

[0188] Figure 6d A side view of one embodiment of the optical modulator is schematically shown. In this variant, the piezoelectric layer 504 is not applied to the optical layer side, but rather to the side away from the optical layer direction. Since the substrate 501 is electrically insulating, the dielectric layer 503 is not used here. Note that a coating may be applied to the piezoelectric layer 504.

[0189] Figure 6cand Figure 6d The diagram shows a substrate 502 without a piezoelectric layer, but a piezoelectric layer may also be provided. The piezoelectric layer 504 can be powered and / or controlled from electrodes attached to it, said electrodes not being in... Figure 6c and 6d Shown separately. The coating can be applied to... Figure 6c and Figure 6d The electrode system in the middle, and in fact, this is usually the case.

[0190] Preferably, the piezoelectric layer 504 is transparent, especially in the case of dynamic glass, but this is not mandatory. For example, in display applications, or in slewing mirrors (in which only one of the first and second substrates is transparent), the piezoelectric layer 504 can also be opaque. One transparent piezoelectric material is LiNbO3. Another is described in the paper "Transparent ferroelectric crystals with ultrahighpiezoelectricity" by Chaorui Qiu et al.

[0191] In one embodiment, the vibration source comprises a patterned piezoelectric material. In this case, the piezoelectric material may be opaque. In one embodiment, the piezoelectric material is patterned across the surfaces of a first substrate and / or a second substrate. One possibility is to pattern the piezoelectric material as lines across the surfaces of the first substrate and / or the second substrate. The patterning of the electrodes and the piezoelectric material is conveniently accomplished using a stepper, although this is not strictly necessary, for example, in the case of smaller optical modulators.

[0192] Figure 6e An embodiment of a substrate used in one implementation of an optical modulator is schematically illustrated. A building block 145 is shown, which may be stepped across the surface of the substrate. Building block 145 is a variation of building block 140, but includes piezoelectric lines 536. Note that although lines 131-134 and piezoelectric lines 536 are shown in the same schematic diagram, they may be patterned at different stages of substrate fabrication.

[0193] The advantage of including vibration lines such as piezoelectric lines 536 extending above the surface of the substrate is that vibrations are generated everywhere, and not only at, for example, the edges of the device or not only at the center of the device.

[0194] In one embodiment, the piezoelectric material is patterned and configured to provide localized mechanical waves. For example, a first substrate and a second substrate may surround multiple pixels, each pixel having its own electrode system. The localized waves allow for accelerated dispersion of particles within the pixel. Optical layers may be segmented for each pixel, but this is not mandatory; one optical layer may serve multiple pixels or all pixels. The localized waves may be confined to a single pixel, but can also extend to more than one but less than all pixels, for example, between four pixels and a maximum of 25 pixels.

[0195] In one embodiment, the vibration source includes an electrostatic actuator. This vibration source can be applied to the inner and / or outer side of the optical layer. The electrostatic actuator may include two plate electrodes, at least one of which is movable. For example, a first plate may be attached to the optical layer side of the substrate, while the other plate is disposed within the optical layer. By applying a voltage to the electrodes, an electric field is generated, which induces a force that attracts or repels the plate. When these plates move in response to the electrostatic force, they can generate mechanical vibrations. The magnitude and frequency of these vibrations can be controlled by changing the applied voltage, thereby allowing for precise control of the vibrations.

[0196] By positioning the electrostatic actuator inside the optical layer, vibrations can interact directly with fluids and particles. This provides a fast and aggressive modulation capability. When the electrostatic actuator is positioned outside the optical layer, it transmits vibrations through the substrate.

[0197] In one embodiment, the vibration source includes an electromagnetic actuator. This vibration source is more easily applied to the outside of the optical layer. The vibration source may include a coil and magnetic components. Current flowing through the coil generates a magnetic field, which in turn can induce movement within the component. This movement can generate mechanical vibration, the amplitude and frequency of which can be precisely controlled by modulating the applied current.

[0198] Due to the typical size and design complexity of electromagnetic actuators, they are more conveniently located on the outside of the optical layer. When positioned in this way, they can transmit vibrations through the substrate, thereby affecting the fluids and particles in the optical layer.

[0199] In one embodiment, the vibration source includes a mechanical vibrator. This type of vibration source is more readily applied to the outside of the optical layer. For example, the vibration source may include a spring. A mechanical vibrator may comprise a series of mechanical structures and utilize the potential or kinetic energy of a physical system to generate vibration. In one embodiment, the mechanical structure is a spring-based system. For example, the vibration source may include a spring attached to a mass. When the spring is displaced from its equilibrium position, it applies a force to the mass. This results in oscillating motion, thereby generating mechanical vibration. The frequency and amplitude of these vibrations can be adjusted by changing the stiffness of the spring, the mass of the object, or both. Due to the inherent physical properties and dimensions of many mechanical vibrators, they are often better suited for positioning on the outside of the optical layer.

[0200] There are various methods for controlling a vibration source. For example, an optical modulator may include a signal input configured to receive an electrical vibration signal indicating a mechanical wave. The vibration source is configured to transmit the indicated mechanical wave in response to receiving the electrical vibration signal at the signal input.

[0201] For example, a controller can be connected to a vibration source, possibly via a signal input. The controller can be configured to control the frequency and / or amplitude of the mechanical waves generated by the vibration source.

[0202] Using a controller allows for more precise use of the vibration source. For example, the controller can select the frequency and / or amplitude of a mechanical wave from multiple frequencies and / or amplitudes, causing the vibration source to transmit the mechanical wave at the selected frequency and / or amplitude. Therefore, different frequencies and / or amplitudes can be selected depending on the application of the vibration source. For example, different frequencies and / or amplitudes can be selected to disperse particles relative to a cleaning light modulator. The appropriate frequency and / or amplitude depends on the light modulator, for example, its size, the number of vibration sources, and the type of particles and / or contaminants. However, the frequency and / or amplitude can be established empirically.

[0203] The controller can even use multiple different frequencies and / or amplitudes. For example, in one embodiment, the controller is configured to cycle through multiple frequencies and / or amplitudes of the mechanical wave, where different frequencies and / or amplitudes are used for specific durations. This approach is beneficial for cleaning the light modulator because different types of contaminants (e.g., dirt and moisture) respond better to different frequencies and / or amplitudes.

[0204] The vibration source can be used to clean the optical modulator, or at least facilitate cleaning. For example, the vibration source can be arranged to remove particles and / or residues from at least a portion of the first substrate and / or the second substrate.

[0205] Another advantageous application is accelerating particle dispersion. When the optical modulator transitions from a transparent to a non-transparent or less transparent state, the particles need to transition from an aligned state to a dispersed state. The same problem arises in the transition from a non-reflective state to a more reflective state. This dispersion will occur naturally under the control of the electrode system, but it can be accelerated by mechanical waves.

[0206] Vibration sources can improve the black level performance of optical modulators. Mechanical wave generation can be used independently or in combination with a controller for electromagnetic field generation.

[0207] In an optical modulator, mechanical waves travel through the fluid contained in the substrate and its optical layers. The propagation of these waves can cause vibrations or movements of particles contained in the optical fluid, thereby enabling the repositioning of these particles.

[0208] For example, the controller can be configured to change the optical layer from a more transparent state to a less transparent state while transmitting mechanical waves to assist in particle dispersion. Pressure waves in the optical layer, for example, would be suitable for this.

[0209] In one embodiment, the controller may be configured to track the electrophoretic and / or dielectrophoretic motion of particles in the optical layer and to transmit mechanical waves based on the tracked motion. For example, the optical modulator may include a sensor for measuring the transparency of the optical modulator. For example, the electrode system may include a current sensor, such as a current sensor in each of two interdigitated electrodes; preferably, at both substrates. The dispersion process can be derived from the measured changes in current. This has the advantage of using vibration only when and / or only for the required time.

[0210] An optical modulator (e.g., a controller for an optical modulator) can be configured for one or more of the following three functions.

[0211] 1. Remove contaminants, such as dirt, grime, and moisture, from the outer surface of the light modulator (e.g., the surface of the first substrate and / or the second substrate away from the optical layer).

[0212] 2. Improve particle dispersion during optical transitions, such as during transitions that depend on particle type to reduce transparency or increase reflectivity, such as during horizontal drive.

[0213] 3. Release particles that are trapped in the optical layer. For example, particles may be permanently or semi-permanently trapped or attached to the optical layer. For example, particles may be attached to the substrate or trapped near the electrodes, etc.

[0214] For each function, different frequencies and amplitudes, or even different vibration sources, can be used. Different frequency and amplitude programs can be used for each function.

[0215] Cleaning the light modulator can be scheduled, for example, once a week or once a day. In one embodiment, the light modulator includes a sensor configured to detect the accumulation of contaminants on a first substrate and / or a second substrate, wherein a vibration source is activated in response to the detection. Sensor-based cleaning can be in addition to scheduled cleaning. For example, functions 1 and 3 can be performed on a schedule and / or dependent on sensor input, while function 2 can be performed during horizontal drive.

[0216] For example, ultrasonic cleaning can be used, for instance, using frequencies in the range of 20 kHz to 100 kHz, preferably in the range of 40 kHz to 60 kHz. In some embodiments, higher frequencies can be used, such as up to 400 kHz, or even up to 100 MHz. The frequency and amplitude used depend on the material and thickness of the substrate. A technician can determine, based on experience, which frequency and amplitude are best suited for a given embodiment. For example, in one embodiment, higher frequencies are more effective for removing moisture from the substrate than for cleaning dirt and grime. Specifically, high frequencies in the range of 60 to 100 kHz can be used for moisture removal, while mid-frequency bands, such as 40 to 60 kHz, can be applied for routine cleaning. For heavy contaminants, even lower frequencies, in the range of 20 to 40 kHz, can also be used. Vigorous agitation can prove useful for removing such heavy contaminants as thick layers of dirt and grime. For example, the device can be configured to use high frequencies for periodic cleaning, such as daily, as indicated by sensors. For example, the device can be configured to use a mid-frequency band for irregular cleaning, such as weekly, as indicated by the sensors. Lower frequencies can be used as needed, such as as part of a maintenance procedure.

[0217] The precise frequency and amplitude depend on the design of the optical modulator and the type of contaminant to be removed, and can be established empirically. Frequencies higher or lower than the indicated frequency are not excluded.

[0218] In one embodiment, the light modulator excludes the range of 15 Hz to 25 kHz, preferably 20 Hz to 20 kHz, from use (at least from regular use). This has the advantage of avoiding audible noise. The light modulator can be configured to avoid another range, for example, to accommodate household pets. For example, the light modulator can be configured to avoid frequencies up to 50 kHz, as in the case of rabbits or hamsters. For example, the light modulator can be configured to avoid frequencies up to 65 kHz, as in the case of dogs. For example, the light modulator can be configured to avoid frequencies up to 80 kHz, as in the case of cats.

[0219] In one implementation, the optical modulator (e.g., a window) can be used as an audible alarm, such as in conjunction with a burglar alarm, for example, in the event of an intruder. For instance, the optical modulator may have an input for activating an alarm that can be operated by a burglar alarm or similar device.

[0220] In one implementation, vibrating glass is used as part of a building's thermal management system. Vibrating glass can induce airflow that aids in cooling or heating. In embodiments using a vibrating light modulator (e.g., vibrating glass), the modulator includes an input for receiving a signal instructing its vibration. This signal can be received, for example, from a control panel or thermal management system. Once this signal is received, the glass oscillates within a predetermined frequency. For example, the frequency can be in the range of about 5 to 200 Hz. The vibration generates airflow across the surface of the glass, thereby aiding in convective heat transfer. This mechanism contributes to cooling or heating the interior of the building by promoting the distribution of cool or warm air.

[0221] Control signals and / or power signals can be supplied to the vibration source via electrodes specifically designed to provide such control and / or power. However, electrode systems used for modulating the optical properties of optical modulators can also be used for this purpose. Figure 6f An embodiment of one implementation of a substrate used in one implementation of an optical modulator is schematically shown. Figure 6f An electrode system 512 (e.g., the main circuit of a finger electrode) and a vibration source 537 are illustrated. The vibration source 537 can be a vibration source according to one embodiment described herein, such as a piezoelectric vibration source. The vibration source 537 is connected to the electrode 512 via a connector 551. The electrode system (e.g., electrode 512) is configured to receive an electrical signal for modulating an electric field, and a vibration signal for the vibration source 537. The connector 551 can be configured to separate the vibration signal from the field modulation signal. For example, the low-frequency portion of the electrical signal can cause field modulation and particle motion, while the high-frequency portion of the electrical signal causes the generation of mechanical waves in the vibration source. For example, the connector 551 may include a high-pass filter. The connector 551 can perform further signal processing as desired. Note that the high-frequency signal on the electrode system will have little effect on the particles in the optical layer. Integrating the high-frequency signal of the vibration into the electrical signal modulated by the optical modulator allows for the reuse of the patterned electrodes of the optical modulator.

[0222] Figure 6gAn embodiment of an implementation of a substrate used in one embodiment of an optical modulator is schematically illustrated. A building block 146, similar to building block 145, is shown, which can be repeated across the substrate. Building block 146 shows electrode lines 131 to 134, which form an electrode system once building block 146 is repeated. Block 146 also includes a vibration source 561 and signal lines 538. In this case, new electrodes 538 are created to control the vibration source 561.

[0223] Multiple vibration sources may be distributed across at least one of the first and second substrates. One advantageous way to achieve this is to integrate them within the spacer. Figure 6h A side view of one embodiment of an optical modulator is schematically shown. Figure 6h A spacer 563 is shown inserted between substrates 501 and 502. An optical layer 540 between substrates 501 and 502 includes particles 541. The particles 541 are dispersed around the spacer. For example, the spacer may be distributed throughout the substrate, such as... Figure 1g As illustrated, the spacer maintains the distance between the first substrate and the second substrate, which is called the cell pitch.

[0224] Spacer 563 includes a vibration source arranged to generate vibration at the unit spacing. For example, piezoelectric material can be used as a spacer between two glass panes, and vibration can be induced in the panes using these materials.

[0225] The choice of piezoelectric material can be varied, with options including quartz, Rochelle salt, and specific ceramics. Piezoelectric ceramic materials (such as PZT-lead zirconate titanate) may be preferred due to their claimed piezoelectric response and ease of fabrication into desired shapes.

[0226] The spacer can be customized to fit comfortably between two glass panes, ensuring consistent spacing. This design can also incorporate necessary wiring and connectors to supply voltage to the piezoelectric material.

[0227] For example, Figure 7 An embodiment of one implementation of an optical modulator is schematically illustrated. A substrate 600 is shown. Two interdigitated electrodes are applied to the surface of one of the first and / or second substrates, away from the optical layer. That is, these electrodes are different from the electrode system used to modulate the optical layer. However, in one embodiment, it is convenient that the electrode system layout can be identical. For example, two interdigitated electrodes applied to the substrate may be present on both sides of the substrate. This allows the same machine to be used to apply the electrodes during production.

[0228] Two interdigitated electrodes are configured to detect water droplets by measuring the conductivity between the two interdigitated electrodes. An optical modulator is configured to transmit a mechanical wave when the detected water droplet exceeds a threshold.

[0229] For example, vibration can be used to help clean exterior windows when it rains. Rain detectors can be created using external electrodes with patterned electrodes similar to those in a light modulator, allowing for the measurement of conductivity between the electrodes. Very small droplets can be detected.

[0230] By integrating low-energy surface coatings / structures, additional support solutions can be provided for cleaning. On the outer side, a nanostructured surface is preferred, where air entrainment is the optimal solution for supporting water droplets while meeting window cleaning requirements.

[0231] Using the aforementioned effect to clean the inner surface of the light modulator also helps to avoid pigment accumulation and performance loss on the surface.

[0232] In this case, the use of a coating is preferred because no air will be entrained. Low-energy coatings such as fluorinated monolayers or self-assembled monolayers are preferred.

[0233] The following terms represent advantageous implementation methods.

[0234] Clause 1. An optical modulator comprising: - A first substrate; a second substrate, the second substrate being arranged opposite to the first substrate; an electrode system extending across at least the first substrate on the side facing the second substrate. - An optical layer extending between a first substrate and a second substrate, the optical layer comprising a fluid comprising particles, wherein the light modulator is configured to apply a potential to an electrode system to cause modulation of an electric field in the optical layer, thereby providing electrophoretic and / or dielectrophoretic motion of the particles in the optical layer to cause modulation of light passing through the substrate, and - A vibration source configured to transmit mechanical waves to at least a portion of the first substrate and / or the second substrate and / or fluid in the optical layer.

[0235] Clause 2. The optical modulator as described in Clause 1, wherein the mechanical wave is transmitted at least to a central region of the surface of at least one of the first and second substrates, preferably to the entire surface of at least one of the first and second substrates.

[0236] Clause 3. An optical modulator as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein: - Multiple vibration sources are distributed across at least one of the first and second substrates, and / or - The vibration source is applied to the side of the first substrate and / or the second substrate facing the optical layer, or to the side away from the optical layer.

[0237] Clause 4. An optical modulator as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the vibration source comprises a piezoelectric material arranged to generate mechanical waves.

[0238] Clause 5. An optical modulator as described in Clause 4, wherein: - The piezoelectric material is transparent, and / or - The piezoelectric material is patterned across the surfaces of the first substrate and / or the second substrate, for example, patterned as piezoelectric lines, and / or - The piezoelectric material is patterned and configured to provide localized mechanical waves.

[0239] Clause 6. An optical modulator as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the electrode system includes finger electrodes extending across at least a first substrate, and a piezoelectric material is applied across the first substrate and electrically connected to the finger electrodes to generate a mechanical wave in response to an electrical signal on the finger electrodes.

[0240] Clause 7. An optical modulator as described in Clause 6, wherein the vibration source is configured to: - Transmitting the shear wave to at least a portion of the first substrate and / or the second substrate, and / or - Transmit sound waves to fluids.

[0241] Clause 8. An optical modulator as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein one or more spacers are disposed between a first substrate and a second substrate to maintain a cell pitch between the first substrate and the second substrate, said one or more spacers including a vibration source arranged to generate cell pitch vibration.

[0242] Clause 9. An optical modulator as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the electrode system is configured to receive an electrical signal that causes modulation of an electric field, the electrode system being connected to a vibration source, the high-frequency portion of the electrical signal causing the generation of a mechanical wave in the vibration source.

[0243] Clause 10. An optical modulator as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the electrode system is configured to receive an electrical signal that causes modulation of an electric field, the electrode system being connected to a vibration source, the electrical signal encoding an electrical vibration signal thereby causing the generation of a mechanical wave in the vibration source.

[0244] Clause 11. An optical modulator as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the vibration source is configured to disperse particles in the optical layer, for example, during a transition of the optical layer from a more transparent state to a less transparent state, and the vibration source is configured to remove particles and / or residues from at least a portion of a first surface and / or a second surface. For example, the latter mode may be activated in response to detection, and / or may be periodically executed to maintain the optical modulator, etc.

[0245] Clause 12. The optical modulator as described in any of the preceding clauses includes a sensor configured to detect the accumulation of contaminants on a first substrate and / or a second substrate, wherein a vibration source is activated in response to detection.

[0246] Clause 13. The optical modulator as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein two interdigitated electrodes are applied to a surface of one of the first and / or second substrates away from the optical layer, the two interdigitated electrodes being configured to detect a water droplet by measuring the conductivity between the two interdigitated electrodes, wherein the optical modulator is configured to transmit a mechanical wave when the detected water droplet exceeds a threshold.

[0247] Clause 14. An optical modulator as described in any of the preceding clauses, comprising a signal input configured to receive an electrical vibration signal indicating a mechanical wave, the vibration source being configured to transmit the indicated mechanical wave in response to receiving the electrical vibration signal at the signal input.

[0248] Clause 15. An optical modulator as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein a vibration source is arranged to remove particles and / or residues from at least a portion of a first surface and / or a second surface.

[0249] Clause 16. An optical modulator as described in any of the preceding clauses, comprising a controller configured to control the frequency and / or amplitude of a mechanical wave.

[0250] Clause 17. An optical modulator as described in Clause 16, wherein the controller is configured to select a frequency and / or amplitude of a mechanical wave from a plurality of frequencies and / or amplitudes, and cause a vibration source to transmit the mechanical wave at the selected frequency and / or amplitude.

[0251] Clause 18. An optical modulator as described in any of Clauses 16 to 17, wherein the controller is configured to cycle through multiple frequencies and / or amplitudes of a mechanical wave, wherein different frequencies and / or amplitudes are used for a specific duration.

[0252] Clause 19. An optical modulator as described in any one of Clauses 16 to 18, wherein the controller is configured to track the electrophoretic and / or dielectrophoretic motion of particles in an optical layer and to transmit mechanical waves in dependence on the tracked motion.

[0253] Clause 20. An optical modulator as described in any one of Clauses 16 to 19, wherein the controller is configured to transition the optical layer from a more transparent state to a less transparent state, and the mechanical wave is transmitted during the transition to assist in the dispersion of particles.

[0254] Clause 21. An optical modulator as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the mechanical wave is transmitted through a first substrate and / or a second substrate.

[0255] Clause 22. Dynamic glass, including light modulators as described in any of the preceding clauses.

[0256] Clause 23. A method (700) for operating an optical modulator, said optical modulator comprising: - A first substrate; a second substrate, the second substrate being arranged opposite to the first substrate; an electrode system extending across at least the first substrate on the side facing the second substrate. - An optical layer extending between a first substrate and a second substrate. - A fluid, the fluid comprising particles, - A vibration source configured to transmit mechanical waves to fluid in at least a portion of a first substrate and / or a second substrate and / or an optical layer, the method comprising: - An electric potential (710) is applied to the electrode system to modulate the electric field in the optical layer, thereby providing electrophoretic and / or dielectrophoretic motion of particles in the optical layer to modulate light passing through the substrate, and - Transmit mechanical waves (720) to at least a portion of the first substrate and / or the second substrate.

[0257] Clause 24. A temporary or non-temporary computer-readable medium (1000) comprising data (1020) representing instructions that, when executed by a processor system, cause the processor system to perform the method described in accordance with Clause 23.

[0258] Figure 8a An embodiment of a control method 700 for an optical modulator is schematically illustrated. Method 700 is used to operate an optical modulator. The optical modulator includes: - A first substrate; a second substrate, the second substrate being arranged opposite to the first substrate; an electrode system extending across at least the first substrate on the side facing the second substrate. - An optical layer extending between a first substrate and a second substrate. - A fluid, the fluid comprising particles, - A vibration source configured to transmit mechanical waves to at least a portion of a first substrate and / or a second substrate. Method 700 includes: - An electric potential (710) is applied to the electrode system to modulate the electric field in the optical layer, thereby providing electrophoretic and / or dielectrophoretic motion of particles in the optical layer to modulate light passing through the substrate, and - Transmit mechanical waves (720) to at least a portion of the first substrate and / or the second substrate.

[0259] Figure 8b An embodiment of a control method 750 for an optical modulator is illustrated schematically. Figure 8b What is shown is: - Sensor 762 is configured to detect contaminants, such as... Figure 7 Moisture detector in - Sensor control unit 761 is configured to integrate sensor data into sensor signals. - Control unit 751 is configured to receive sensor signals and, in response, generate vibration signals. - Amplifier unit 752 is configured to amplify the vibration signal. - A vibration source, such as an actuator and / or a piezoelectric material, is configured to receive an amplified vibration signal and generate a mechanical wave in response.

[0260] Many different ways of performing the method are possible, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the steps may be performed in the order shown, but the order may be changed, or some steps may be performed in parallel. Furthermore, other method steps may be inserted between steps. The inserted steps may represent a refinement of the method as described herein, or may be unrelated to the method. For example, some steps may be performed at least partially in parallel. Moreover, a given step may not be fully completed before the next step begins.

[0261] Implementations of the method can be executed using software, which includes instructions for causing a processor system to perform implementations of methods 700 and / or 750. The software may include only those steps taken by specific sub-entities of the system. The software may be stored on a suitable storage medium (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk, memory, optical disk, etc.). The software may be transmitted as a signal over a wired or wireless network or using a data network (e.g., the Internet). The software may be available for download and / or remote use on a server. Implementations of the method can be executed using a bitstream configured to configure programmable logic (e.g., a field-programmable gate array (FPGA)) to execute implementations of the method.

[0262] It will be understood that the currently disclosed subject matter also extends to computer programs suitable for implementing the currently disclosed subject matter, particularly computer programs on or in a carrier. The program may be source code, object code, intermediate source code, and object code in the form of partially compiled code, or any other form suitable for implementing one embodiment of the method. One embodiment relating to a computer program product includes computer-executable instructions corresponding to each processing step of at least one of the elaborated methods. These instructions may be subdivided into subroutines and / or stored in one or more files that may be statically or dynamically linked. Another embodiment relating to a computer program product includes computer-executable instructions corresponding to each device, unit, and / or component of at least one of the elaborated systems and / or products.

[0263] Figure 9a A computer-readable medium 1000 having a writable portion 1010 and a computer-readable medium 1001 also having a writable portion are shown. The computer-readable medium 1000 is shown in the form of an optically readable medium. The computer-readable medium 1001 is shown in the form of electronic memory, in this case, a memory card. Both computer-readable media 1000 and 1001 can store data 1020, wherein the data can indicate instructions that, when executed by a processor system, cause the processor system to perform an embodiment of the method for an optical modulator according to one embodiment. The computer program 1020 may be embodied on the computer-readable medium 1000 as a physical marker or by magnetization of the computer-readable medium 1000. However, any other suitable embodiments are also contemplated. Furthermore, it will be understood that although the computer-readable medium 1000 is shown herein as an optical disc, the computer-readable medium 1000 can be any suitable computer-readable medium, such as a hard disk, solid-state storage, flash memory, etc., and can be non-recordable or recordable. The computer program 1020 includes instructions for causing a processor system to perform an embodiment of the method for an optical modulator.

[0264] Figure 9b A processor system 1140 according to one embodiment of an optical modulator system is illustrated schematically. The processor system includes one or more integrated circuits 1110. Figure 9b The diagram schematically illustrates the architecture of one or more integrated circuits 1110. Circuit 1110 includes a processing unit 1120 (e.g., a CPU) for running computer program components to execute a method according to one embodiment and / or a module or unit implementing it. Circuit 1110 includes memory 1122 for storing programming code, data, etc. A portion of memory 1122 may be read-only. Circuit 1110 may include a communication element 1126, such as an antenna, a connector, or both or the like. Circuit 1110 may include an application-specific integrated circuit 1124 for performing some or all of the processing defined in the method. Processor 1120, memory 1122, application-specific IC 1124, and communication element 1126 may be connected to each other via interconnect 1130 (e.g., a bus). Processor system 1110 may be arranged to use contact communication and / or contactless communication via antennas and / or connectors, respectively.

[0265] For example, in one embodiment, the processor system 1140 (e.g., an optical modulator system) may include processor circuitry and memory circuitry, the processor being configured to execute software stored in the memory circuitry. For example, the processor circuitry may be an Intel Core i7 processor, an ARM Cortex-R8, etc. In one embodiment, the processor circuitry may be an ARM Cortex M0. The memory circuitry may be ROM circuitry, or non-volatile memory such as flash memory. Alternatively, the memory circuitry may be volatile memory such as SRAM memory. In the latter case, the device may include a non-volatile software interface (e.g., a hard disk, a network interface, etc.) configured to provide the software.

[0266] When system 1140 is shown as including one of each described component, multiple components may be repeated in multiple embodiments. For example, processing unit 1120 may include multiple microprocessors configured to independently execute the methods described herein, or configured to execute elements or subroutines of the methods described herein, such that multiple processors cooperate to achieve the functionality described herein. Additionally, when system 1140 is implemented in a cloud computing system, multiple hardware components may belong to discrete physical systems. For example, processor 1120 may include a first processor in a first server and a second processor in a second server.

[0267] It should be noted that the above-mentioned implementation schemes are illustrative and not limiting of the subject matter currently disclosed, and those skilled in the art will be able to devise many alternative implementation schemes.

[0268] In the claims, any reference numerals enclosed in parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claims. The use of the verb “comprise” and its variations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those recited in the claims. The article “a” or “an” preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. When an expression such as “at least one” precedes a list of elements, it indicates the selection of all elements or any subset thereof from the list. For example, the expression “at least one of A, B, and C” should be understood to include only A, only B, only C, both A and B, both A and C, both B and C, or all of A, B, and C. The subject matter currently disclosed can be implemented by hardware comprising several different elements, as well as by a suitably programmed computer. In a device claim enumerating several parts, several of these parts can be implemented by the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to exert an advantage.

[0269] In the claims, the marks enclosed in parentheses refer to reference symbols in the figures of exemplary embodiments or formulas of embodiments, thereby improving the comprehensibility of the claims. These marks should not be construed as limiting the claims.

Claims

1. An optical modulator, comprising: - First substrate; The second substrate is arranged opposite to the first substrate; An electrode system that extends across at least the first substrate on the side facing the second substrate; - An optical layer extending between a first substrate and a second substrate, the optical layer comprising a fluid comprising particles, wherein the light modulator is configured to apply a potential to the electrode system to cause modulation of the electric field in the optical layer, thereby providing electrophoretic and / or dielectrophoretic motion of the particles in the optical layer to cause modulation of light passing through the substrate, and - A vibration source configured to transmit mechanical waves to at least a portion of the first substrate and / or the second substrate and / or a fluid in the optical layer, wherein - The electrode system is configured to receive an electrical signal that modulates the electric field, the electrode system being connected to the vibration source, the high-frequency portion of the electrical signal causing the generation of a mechanical wave in the vibration source.

2. The optical modulator according to claim 1, wherein the mechanical wave is transmitted at least to the central region of the surface of at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate, preferably, the mechanical wave is transmitted at least to the entire surface of at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate.

3. The optical modulator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein - Multiple vibration sources are distributed across at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate, and / or - The vibration source is applied to the side of the first substrate and / or the second substrate facing the optical layer, or to the side away from the optical layer.

4. The optical modulator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vibration source comprises a piezoelectric material arranged to generate a mechanical wave.

5. The optical modulator according to claim 4, wherein - The piezoelectric material is transparent, and / or - The piezoelectric material is patterned across the surface of the first substrate and / or the second substrate, for example, patterned as piezoelectric lines, and / or - The piezoelectric material is patterned and configured to provide localized mechanical waves.

6. The optical modulator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrode system includes finger electrodes extending across at least the first substrate, and the piezoelectric material is applied in such a manner that it extends across the first substrate and is electrically connected to the finger electrodes to generate a mechanical wave in response to an electrical signal on the finger electrodes.

7. The optical modulator of claim 6, wherein the vibration source is configured as: - Transmitting the shear wave to at least a portion of the first substrate and / or the second substrate, and / or - Transmit sound waves to the fluid.

8. The optical modulator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more spacers are disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate to maintain the cell pitch between the first substrate and the second substrate, said one or more spacers including a vibration source arranged to create cell pitch vibration.

9. The optical modulator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first substrate, the second substrate and the vibration source are transparent.

10. The optical modulator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vibration source is configured to disperse particles in the optical layer, for example during a transition of the optical layer from a more transparent state to a less transparent state, and the vibration source is configured to remove particles and / or residues from at least a portion of the first surface and / or the second surface.

11. The optical modulator according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a sensor configured to detect the accumulation of contaminants on the first substrate and / or the second substrate, wherein the vibration source is activated in response to the detection.

12. The optical modulator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein two interdigitated electrodes are applied to a surface of one of the first substrate and / or the second substrate remote from the optical layer, the two interdigitated electrodes being configured to detect a water droplet by measuring the conductivity between the two interdigitated electrodes, wherein the optical modulator is configured to transmit the mechanical wave when the detected water droplet exceeds a threshold.

13. The optical modulator according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a signal input configured to receive an electrical vibration signal indicating the mechanical wave, the vibration source being configured to transmit the indicated mechanical wave in response to receiving the electrical vibration signal at the signal input.

14. The optical modulator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vibration source is arranged to remove particles and / or residues from at least a portion of the first surface and / or the second surface.

15. The optical modulator according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a controller configured to control the frequency and / or amplitude of the mechanical wave.

16. The optical modulator of claim 15, wherein the controller is configured to select a frequency and / or amplitude of the mechanical wave from a plurality of frequencies and / or amplitudes, and cause the vibration source to transmit the mechanical wave at the selected frequency and / or amplitude.

17. The optical modulator according to any one of claims 15 to 16, wherein the controller is configured to cycle through a plurality of frequencies and / or amplitudes of the mechanical wave, wherein different frequencies and / or amplitudes are used for a specific duration.

18. The optical modulator according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the controller is configured to track the electrophoretic and / or dielectrophoretic motion of particles in the optical layer and to transmit the mechanical wave in dependence on the tracked motion.

19. The optical modulator according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the controller is configured to transition the optical layer from a more transparent state to a less transparent state, and the mechanical wave is transmitted during the transition to assist in the dispersion of particles.

20. The optical modulator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mechanical wave is transmitted through the first substrate and / or the second substrate.

21. Dynamic glass, the dynamic glass comprising an optical modulator according to any one of the preceding claims.

22. A method (700) for operating an optical modulator, the optical modulator comprising: - First substrate; The second substrate is arranged opposite to the first substrate; An electrode system extending across at least the first substrate on the side facing the second substrate. - An optical layer extending between the first substrate and the second substrate. - A fluid, the fluid comprising particles, - A vibration source configured to transmit mechanical waves to at least a portion of the first substrate and / or the second substrate and / or a fluid in the optical layer, the method comprising: - Applying a potential (710) to the electrode system to modulate the electric field in the optical layer, thereby providing electrophoretic and / or dielectrophoretic motion of the particles in the optical layer, resulting in modulation of light passing through the substrate, and - Transmitting mechanical waves (720) to at least a portion of the first substrate and / or the second substrate includes: - An electrical signal that modulates the electric field is received in the electrode system, the electrode system being connected to the vibration source, the high-frequency portion of the electrical signal causing the generation of a mechanical wave in the vibration source.

23. A temporary or non-temporary computer-readable medium (1000) comprising data (1020) representing instructions that, when executed by a processor system, cause the processor system to perform the method according to claim 22.

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