Electro-optical assembly

Abstract

An electro-optical assembly includes a first substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. A second substrate has a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface. The second surface and the third surface face each other to define a gap. A first electrode stack is coupled to the second surface, and a second electrode stack is coupled to the third surface. An electro-optical medium is located between the first electrode stack and the second electrode stack. At least one of the first electrode stack and the second electrode stack includes a base layer, a conductive layer formed of a transparent conductive material, and a flexible conductive layer spaced apart from the base layer by the conductive layer. The flexible conductive layer is formed of a conductive polymer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates generally to a transparent elastic electrode stack with low resistance, and more specifically, to an electro-optic assembly having a transparent elastic electrode stack with low resistance. Background Technology

[0002] Known electro-optic assemblies exist. However, developing improved electro-optic assemblies remains a goal in this field. Utility Model Content

[0003] According to one aspect of the present invention, an electro-optic assembly includes a first substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. A second substrate has a third surface and a fourth surface opposite to the third surface. The second and third surfaces face each other to define a gap. A first electrode stack is coupled to the second surface, and a second electrode stack is coupled to the third surface. An electro-optic dielectric is located between the first and second electrode stacks. At least one of the first and second electrode stacks includes a substrate layer, a conductive layer formed of a transparent conductive material, and a flexible conductive layer spaced apart from the substrate layer by the conductive layer. The flexible conductive layer is formed of a conductive polymer.

[0004] According to another aspect of the present invention, an electro-optic assembly includes a first substrate with a non-planar shape, the first substrate including a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. A second substrate has a non-planar shape and includes a third surface and a fourth surface opposite to the third surface. The second and third surfaces face each other to define a gap. A first electrode stack is coupled to the second surface, and a second electrode stack is coupled to the third surface. An electro-optic dielectric is located between the first and second electrode stacks. At least one of the first and second electrode stacks includes a substrate layer, a conductive layer formed of a transparent conductive material, and a flexible conductive layer spaced apart from the substrate layer by the conductive layer. The flexible conductive layer is formed of a conductive polymer.

[0005] According to another aspect of the present invention, an electro-optic assembly includes a first substrate with a non-planar shape, the first substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. A second substrate has a non-planar shape and includes a third surface and a fourth surface opposite to the third surface. The second and third surfaces face each other to define a gap. The second and third surfaces each extend to the outer periphery of a respective defined region, and the non-planar shape defines at least 20% of that region. A first electrode stack is coupled to the second surface, and a second electrode stack is coupled to the third surface. An electro-optic dielectric is located between the first and second electrode stacks. At least one of the first and second electrode stacks includes a substrate layer, a conductive layer formed of a transparent conductive material, and a flexible conductive layer spaced apart from the substrate layer by the conductive layer. The flexible conductive layer is formed of a conductive polymer.

[0006] According to another aspect of the present invention, an electro-optic preformed roll material includes a substrate and an electrode stack bonded to the substrate. The electrode stack includes a base layer, a conductive layer formed of a transparent conductive material, and a flexible conductive layer spaced apart from the base layer by the conductive layer. The flexible conductive layer is formed of a conductive polymer.

[0007] By referring to the following description, claims and drawings, those skilled in the art will further understand and appreciate these and other features, advantages and objectives of this utility model. Attached Figure Description

[0008] In the attached diagram:

[0009] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of an electro-optic assembly comprising a pair of opposing electrode stacks according to the present invention;

[0010] Figure 2A This is a top view of a vehicle incorporating the electro-optical assembly according to the present invention;

[0011] Figure 2B This is a top perspective view of an aircraft incorporating the electro-optical assembly according to the present invention;

[0012] Figure 2C This is a front view of a building incorporating the electro-optical assembly according to the present invention;

[0013] Figure 2D This is a top perspective view of an eyeglass assembly incorporating the electro-optical assembly according to the present invention;

[0014] Figure 3 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the electrode stack according to the first structure of this utility model;

[0015] Figure 4 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the electrode stack according to the second construction of this utility model;

[0016] Figure 5A This is a top perspective view of the electro-optic preformed roll material according to this utility model;

[0017] Figure 5B It is a cross-sectional view of an electro-optic assembly with a non-planar shape; and

[0018] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for forming an electrode stack on a substrate. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The embodiments illustrated herein primarily concern the combination of method steps and device components associated with an electro-optic assembly having a stack of transparent, flexible electrodes with low resistance. Therefore, device components and method steps have been indicated where appropriate by conventional symbols in the accompanying drawings, with only those specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments of the present invention shown to avoid obscuring the invention, which has details that will be apparent to those skilled in the art and have the benefits described herein. Furthermore, similar numerals in the specification and drawings denote similar elements.

[0020] For the purposes described herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “back,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and their derivatives should be used interchangeably with those used in this document. Figure 1 The orientations disclosed herein are relevant. Unless otherwise stated, the term "front" refers to the device surface closer to the intended observer of the device, and the term "back" refers to the device surface farther from the intended observer of the device. However, it should be understood that the present invention may employ various alternative orientations except as expressly specified otherwise. It should also be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the drawings and described in the following description are merely exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Therefore, unless otherwise expressly stated in the claims, the specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein should not be considered limiting.

[0021] The terms “comprising,” “including,” or any other variations thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements may include not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed or not inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further constraints, an element preceded by “comprising…” does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes the including element.

[0022] refer to Figures 1 to 4 Reference numeral 10 generally denotes an electro-optic assembly. The electro-optic assembly 10 includes a first substrate 12 having a first surface 14 and a second surface 16 opposite to the first surface 14. A second substrate 18 has a third surface 20 and a fourth surface 22 opposite to the third surface 20, with the second surface 16 and the third surface 20 facing each other to define a gap 24. A first electrode stack 26A is coupled to the second surface 16, and a second electrode stack 26B is coupled to the third surface 20. An electro-optic dielectric 28 is located between the first electrode stack 26A and the second electrode stack 26B. At least one of the first electrode stack 26A and the second electrode stack 26B includes a substrate layer 30, a conductive layer 32 formed of a transparent conductive material, and a flexible conductive layer 34 spaced apart from the substrate layer 30 by the conductive layer 32. Figure 3The flexible conductive layer 34 is formed of a conductive polymer. For example, the flexible conductive layer 34 may be formed of polythiophene such as poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (“PEDOT”) or other polythiophenes.

[0023] Continue to refer to Figures 1 to 4 In some embodiments, both the first electrode stack 26A and the second electrode stack 26B include a substrate 30, a conductive layer 32 formed of a transparent conductive material, and a flexible conductive layer 34 formed of a conductive polymer spaced apart from the substrate 30 by the conductive layer 32. In some embodiments, the first substrate 12 and the second substrate 18 may be formed of a flexible plastic material. In some embodiments, the electro-optic assembly may define a non-planar shape (e.g., concave, convex, combinations thereof, angular, and / or other non-planar shapes). In some embodiments, the flexible conductive layer 34 defines a thickness between about 40 nm and about 150 nm. In some embodiments, the conductive layer 32 defines a thickness between about 4 nm and about 20 nm. The flexible conductive layer 34 provides resilience against tensile stress. In this way, in embodiments where the first and second substrates 12, 18 are formed of flexible plastic materials, greater resilience against tensile stress allows for greater flexibility without degrading the first electrode stack and the second electrode stack 26A, 26B. Similarly, in embodiments where the first substrate 12 and the second substrate 18 define non-planar shapes, the conformability of the first electrode stack 26A and the second electrode stack 26B can be simplified by greater resilience against tensile stress. In this way, the flexible conductive layer 34 can work with a variety of conductive layer 32 materials to bridge gaps formed due to stretching.

[0024] Now for reference Figure 1 The electro-optic assembly 10 includes a seal 36 that holds the electro-optic medium 28 in the inward direction. A pair of buses 38 may include a first bus electrically coupled to a first electrode stack 26A and a second bus electrically coupled to a second electrode stack 26B. In some embodiments, the first and second buses are directly adhered to opposing flexible conductive layers 34 and / or opposing conductive layers 32. The pair of buses 38 may each be formed of a flexible conductive material, such as tape, foam, and / or the like, to facilitate shaping the electro-optic assembly 10 into various forms.

[0025] Now for reference Figures 2A to 2D The electro-optic assembly 10 can be configured as an electrochromic device capable of switching between a substantially transmissive state and a substantially darkened state. In other embodiments, the electro-optic assembly 10 is configured as an electrochromic device capable of switching between a high reflectivity state and a low reflectivity state. Various embodiments of the electro-optic assembly 10 can be combined with one or more structures 40A to 40C. For example, Figure 2AAn example of vehicle 40A is shown, which employs an electro-optical assembly 10, such as an interior rearview mirror, sunroof, windshield, side windows, head-up display, and / or other interior vehicle locations displaying one or more aspects of the electro-optical assembly 10. Vehicle 40A may include commercial vehicles, emergency vehicles, residential vehicles, etc. Figure 2B An example is an aircraft 40B that employs an electro-optical assembly 10 (e.g., front window, side window, head-up display). Figure 2C An example is shown of a building 40C employing an electro-optical assembly 10 (e.g., a window). Building 40C can be a residential building, a commercial building, etc. Generally, the electro-optical assembly 10 can be incorporated into any environment where changing the state of windows, mirrors, and / or displays is beneficial. Figure 2D An example of glasses 40D employing the electro-optical assembly 10 is shown. For example, the glasses may be glass or plastic with dimming capabilities and may include augmented reality or virtual reality functionality. Generally, other structures, such as head-up displays or other environments where electrochromic effects are beneficial, may employ the electro-optical assembly 10 with dimming capabilities or augmented reality. Generally, other structures, such as head-up displays or other environments where dimming devices with low reflectivity are beneficial, may employ the electro-optical assembly 10.

[0026] Now for reference Figure 3 This illustrates a first configuration of a first electrode stack and / or a second electrode stack 26A, 26B. In the first configuration, a base layer 30 is formed of a material other than a conductive polymer or polythiophene, which may include a conductive material or layer and / or an insulating material or layer. In some embodiments, the base layer 30 may include at least one of silicon dioxide (SiO2), SiN or a variant, magnesium fluoride (MgF2), etc. The base layer 30 may be directly adhered to the second surface 16 and the third surface 20. A conductive layer 32 may be directly adhered to the base layer 30. The conductive layer 32 is formed of a transparent conductive material, and the transparent conductive material may include at least one of indium tin oxide (“ITO”), zinc oxide (“ZnO”), indium zinc oxide (“IZO”), copper, other transparent conductive oxides (“TCO”), silver, silver alloys, or other conductive low-refractive-index materials. A flexible conductive layer 34 may be directly adhered to the conductive layer 32, or an adhesion layer 42 may be provided between the conductive layer 32 and the flexible conductive layer 34. For example, the adhesion layer 42 may include a metal or a metal oxide. The flexible conductive layer 34 of the first electrode stack 26A and the second electrode stack 26B may (e.g., using a seal 36) define a gap 24 containing the electro-optic medium 28.

[0027] Now for reference Figure 4This illustrates a second configuration of the first electrode stack and / or the second electrode stack 126A, 126B. Unless otherwise stated, the second configuration may share all the same features, dimensions, and functions as the first configuration and may be incorporated into the same structure as the first configuration. However, in the second configuration, the substrate layer 30 may be formed of a conductive polymer material (e.g., polythiophene, such as PEDOT). In this way, the adhesive layer 42 may include a plurality of adhesive layers 42, including an adhesive layer 42 between the substrate layer 30 and the conductive layer 32 and an adhesive layer 42 between the conductive layer 32 and the flexible conductive layer 34. In some embodiments, the plurality of adhesive layers 42 may include an adhesive layer 42 between the substrate layer 30 and the substrates 12, 18. One or more adhesive layers 42 may adhere to and protect the conductive layer 32.

[0028] Now for reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The first-structure electrode stacks 26A, 26B and the second-structure electrode stacks 126A, 126B exhibit improved strain tolerance, thus facilitating the formation of non-planar shapes. More specifically, strain tests show an improvement in the stack when the substrate layer 30, flexible conductive layer 34, and / or conductive layer 32 are formed of a conductive polymer material (e.g., polythiophene, such as PEDOT), withstanding strains approximately 8 times higher than conventional electrode stacks with layers composed of ITO / silver alloy / ITO. For example, when the substrate layer 30, flexible conductive layer 34, and conductive layer 32 are formed of a flexible polymer material, failure can occur at approximately 40% strain, while conventional electrode stacks experience failure at approximately 5% strain. For the purposes of this document, 40% strain occurs when, for example, a segment of the electrode stack is 100 mm long and is stretched to a length of 140 mm before exhibiting failure. The strain tolerance benefit occurs when only one or both of the substrate layer 30, flexible conductive layer 34, and / or conductive layer 32 are formed of a conductive polymer material.

[0029] Now for reference Figure 5A The electro-optic assembly 10, or a portion thereof, can be formed as a roll 150. More specifically, the roll 150 can be stored until the electro-optic assembly 10 is shaped and sized for integration into one or more structures 40A to 40D. For example, during the assembly of the electro-optic assembly 10, the roll 150 can be unrolled and bent and cut to a specific size. In some embodiments, the roll 150 may include the electro-optic assembly 10 (e.g., the assembly between the first surface 14 and the fourth surface 22). In some embodiments, the roll 150 may include one of a first substrate 12 and a second substrate 18, and associated electrode stacks 26A, 26B, 126A, 126B. The roll 150 may be pre-formed before the electro-optic assembly 10 is shaped into a planar or non-planar shape.

[0030] Now for reference Figure 5B The electro-optic assembly 10 can typically have a non-planar shape when it is shaped and sized for integration into one or more structures 40A to 40D. More specifically, the first substrate 12 and the second substrate 18 can have non-planar shapes (i.e., profiles). For example, the second surface 16 and the third surface 20 can define non-planar shapes such that the gap 24 is also typically defined by a non-planar shape. While the gap 24 can be defined by a non-planar shape, the cell spacing (e.g., the space between the second surface 16 and the third surface 20) can be substantially uniform. In some embodiments, the first surface 14 and the fourth surface 22 can also be defined by non-planar shapes. In some embodiments, the first substrate 12 defines a substantially uniform thickness, and the second substrate 18 defines a substantially uniform thickness (e.g., pre-shaped and / or post-shaped). The first substrate 12 (e.g., and associated first surface 14 and second surface 16) and the second substrate 18 (e.g., associated third surface 20 and fourth surface 22) each extend to the outer periphery (OP) of their respective defined regions. The areas of both the first substrate 12 and the second substrate 18 can be equal. More specifically, the region may be defined by the second surface 16 and the third surface 20 and / or the first surface 14 and the fourth surface 22. In some embodiments, the non-planar shape defines at least 10% of the area. For example, at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, or at least 90%. In this way, it should be understood that the electro-optic assembly 10 can be formed into a variety of different non-planar or planar shapes, depending on which structures 40A to 40D the electro-optic assembly 10 will be incorporated into. Furthermore, it should be understood that because the substrates 12, 18 can be formed of plastic, the bus 38 can be flexible, and the layers in the different configurations of the first electrode stacks 26A, 126A and the second electrode stacks 26B, 126B can be substantially flexible (e.g., via polythiophene such as PEDOT), the electro-optic assembly 10 can be formed based on a variety of needs (e.g., post-assembly, from roll 150, combinations thereof, etc.).

[0031] Now for reference Figure 6This illustrates a method 200 for forming electrode stacks 26A, 26B on substrates 12, 18. At 202, method 200 includes providing substrates 12, 18. Substrates 12, 18 may be formed of flexible plastic. At 204, method 200 includes depositing a base layer 30 on substrates 12, 18. The base layer 30 may be formed of a conductive polymer (e.g., polythiophene, such as PEDOT), a different conductive material, or an insulating material. At 206, method 200 includes depositing a conductive layer 32 on the base layer 30. The conductive layer 32 may be adhered to the base layer 30 using an adhesion layer 42, for example, formed of an oxide. At 208, a flexible conductive layer 34 (e.g., formed of a conductive polymer such as polythiophene, such as PEDOT) is adhered to the conductive layer 32. For example, the flexible conductive layer 34 may be adhered to the conductive layer 32 using an adhesion layer 42, for example, formed of an oxide. The flexible conductive layer 32 may be vacuum-sealed onto the conductive layer 32 (e.g., using the adhesion layer 42). At step 210, before being incorporated into one or more structures 40A to 40D, the substrates 12, 18 and electrode stacks 26A, 26B are shaped (e.g., shaped into a roll 150 for later processing) or shaped into a final shape.

[0032] The disclosures herein are further summarized in the following paragraphs and are further characterized by combinations of any and all of the aspects described herein.

[0033] According to one aspect of the present invention, an electro-optic assembly includes a first substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. A second substrate has a third surface and a fourth surface opposite to the third surface. The second and third surfaces face each other to define a gap. A first electrode stack is coupled to the second surface, and a second electrode stack is coupled to the third surface. An electro-optic dielectric is located between the first and second electrode stacks. At least one of the first and second electrode stacks includes a substrate layer, a conductive layer formed of a transparent conductive material, and a flexible conductive layer spaced apart from the substrate layer by the conductive layer. The flexible conductive layer is formed of a conductive polymer.

[0034] On the other hand, the flexible conductive layer is formed of polythiophene.

[0035] According to another aspect, the electro-optic assembly includes a base layer formed of polythiophene.

[0036] According to another aspect, the electro-optic assembly includes an adhesive layer disposed between a conductive layer and a flexible conductive layer.

[0037] According to another aspect, the adhesive layer includes oxides.

[0038] According to another aspect, the electro-optic assembly includes a conductive substrate layer.

[0039] According to another aspect, the electro-optic assembly includes a base layer having an insulating layer.

[0040] According to another aspect, the first substrate and the second substrate are non-planar.

[0041] According to another aspect, the conductive layer is sandwiched between a pair of adhesive layers that adhere to and protect the conductive layer.

[0042] On the other hand, a pair of adhesion layers are formed of metal oxides.

[0043] According to another aspect of the present invention, an electro-optic assembly includes a first substrate with a non-planar shape, the first substrate including a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. A second substrate has a non-planar shape and includes a third surface and a fourth surface opposite to the third surface. The second and third surfaces face each other to define a gap. A first electrode stack is coupled to the second surface, and a second electrode stack is coupled to the third surface. An electro-optic dielectric is located between the first and second electrode stacks. At least one of the first and second electrode stacks includes a substrate layer, a conductive layer formed of a transparent conductive material, and a flexible conductive layer spaced apart from the substrate layer by the conductive layer. The flexible conductive layer is formed of a conductive polymer.

[0044] According to another aspect, the second and third surfaces are each defined by a free non-planar shape.

[0045] According to another aspect, the gap has a uniform unit spacing.

[0046] According to another aspect, the first surface and the fourth surface are each defined by a free non-planar shape.

[0047] According to another aspect, the first substrate and the second substrate each define a uniform thickness.

[0048] According to another aspect, the second and third surfaces each extend to the outer periphery of their respective defined regions, and the non-planar shape defines at least 20% of the region.

[0049] According to another aspect, the flexible conductive layer is formed of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (“PEDOT”).

[0050] According to another aspect of the present invention, an electro-optic assembly includes a first substrate with a non-planar shape, the first substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. A second substrate has a non-planar shape and includes a third surface and a fourth surface opposite to the third surface. The second and third surfaces face each other to define a gap. The second and third surfaces each extend to the outer periphery of a respective defined region, and the non-planar shape defines at least 20% of that region. A first electrode stack is coupled to the second surface, and a second electrode stack is coupled to the third surface. An electro-optic dielectric is located between the first and second electrode stacks. At least one of the first and second electrode stacks includes a substrate layer, a conductive layer formed of a transparent conductive material, and a flexible conductive layer spaced apart from the substrate layer by the conductive layer. The flexible conductive layer is formed of a conductive polymer.

[0051] On the other hand, the flexible conductive layer is formed of polythiophene.

[0052] According to another aspect, the base layer is formed of polythiophene.

[0053] According to another aspect of the present invention, an electro-optic preformed roll includes a substrate and an electrode stack coupled to the substrate. The electrode stack includes a base layer, a conductive layer formed of a transparent conductive material, and a flexible conductive layer spaced apart from the base layer by the conductive layer. The flexible conductive layer is formed of a conductive polymer.

[0054] On the other hand, the flexible conductive layer is formed of polythiophene.

[0055] Those skilled in the art will understand that the construction of the described disclosure and other components is not limited to any particular material. Unless otherwise described herein, other exemplary embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein can be formed from a wide variety of materials.

[0056] For the purposes of this invention, the term "coupled" (in all its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means two components that are directly or indirectly (electrically or mechanically) joined to each other. Such a joint may be inherently static or inherently movable. Such a joint may be achieved using two (electrically or mechanical) components and any additional intermediate member integrally formed with or on behalf of the two components into a single entity. Unless otherwise stated, such a joint may be inherently permanent, or inherently removable or detachable.

[0057] As used herein, the term "about" means that a quantity, size, formulation, parameter, and other quantity and characteristic is not exact and need not be exact, but may be approximate and / or larger or smaller as needed, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding, measurement errors, and other factors known to those skilled in the art. When the term "about" is used to describe the value or endpoint of a range, this invention should be understood to include the specific value or endpoint mentioned. Regardless of whether the numerical value or endpoint of a range in the specification refers to "about," the numerical value or endpoint of a range is intended to include two embodiments: one modified by "about" and one not modified by "about." It should be further understood that each endpoint of a range is meaningful relative to and independent of the other endpoint.

[0058] As used herein, the terms “substantially,” “basically,” and variations thereof are intended to indicate that the described feature is equal to or approximately equal to a value or description. For example, a “substantially flat” surface is intended to mean a flat or substantially flat surface. Furthermore, “substantially” is intended to mean that two values ​​are equal or approximately equal. In some embodiments, “substantially” may mean values ​​within about 10% of each other, such as within about 5% of each other, or within about 2% of each other.

[0059] It is also worth noting that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the present invention as shown in the exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative. Although only a few embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail herein, those skilled in the art who consult this invention will readily understand that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in the size, dimensions, structure, shape and proportion, parameter values, mounting arrangements, use of materials, color, orientation, etc. of various elements) without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed from multiple parts, or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed; the operation of interfaces may be reversed or otherwise altered; the structure and / or the length or width of components or connectors or other elements of the system may be changed; and the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between elements may be changed. It should be noted that the elements and / or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, and may be available in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the required and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of this innovation.

[0060] It should be understood that any described process or step within a described process may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form a structure within the scope of this utility model. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting.

[0061] It should also be understood that changes and modifications may be made to the above structure and method without departing from the concept of this utility model, and it should also be understood that such concept is intended to be covered by the appended claims unless the wording of those claims expressly states otherwise.

Claims

1. An electro-optical assembly, characterized in that, include: A first substrate, the first substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; A second substrate having a third surface and a fourth surface opposite to the third surface, the second surface and the third surface facing each other to define a gap; A first electrode stack is coupled to the second surface; A second electrode stack is coupled to the third surface; An electro-optic dielectric, wherein the electro-optic dielectric is located between the first electrode stack and the second electrode stack; and At least one of the first electrode stack and the second electrode stack includes: basal layer; A conductive layer, said conductive layer being formed of a transparent conductive material; and A flexible conductive layer, which is spaced apart from the substrate layer by the conductive layer, is formed of a conductive polymer.

2. The electro-optical assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible conductive layer is formed of polythiophene.

3. The electro-optical assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that, The base layer is formed of polythiophene.

4. The electro-optical assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an adhesive layer disposed between the conductive layer and the flexible conductive layer.

5. The electro-optical assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The adhesion layer comprises an oxide.

6. The electro-optic assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that, The base layer is conductive.

7. The electro-optical assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base layer includes an insulating layer.

8. The electro-optic assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that, The first substrate and the second substrate are non-planar.

9. The electro-optic assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that, The conductive layer is sandwiched between a pair of adhesive layers, which adhere to and protect the conductive layer.

10. The electro-optical assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, The pair of adhesion layers are formed of metal oxides.

11. An electro-optical assembly, characterized in that, include: A first substrate with a non-planar shape, the first substrate including a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; A second substrate having the non-planar shape and including a third surface and a fourth surface opposite to the third surface, the second surface and the third surface facing each other to define a gap; A first electrode stack is coupled to the second surface; A second electrode stack is coupled to the third surface; An electro-optic dielectric, wherein the electro-optic dielectric is located between the first electrode stack and the second electrode stack; and The first electrode stack and the second electrode stack include: basal layer; A conductive layer, said conductive layer being formed of a transparent conductive material; and A flexible conductive layer, which is spaced apart from the substrate layer by the conductive layer, is formed of polythiophene.

12. The electro-optical assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that, The second surface and the third surface are each defined by the non-planar shape.

13. The electro-optic assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that, The gap has a uniform unit spacing.

14. The electro-optical assembly according to claim 13, characterized in that, The first surface and the fourth surface are each defined by the non-planar shape.

15. The electro-optic assembly according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that, The first substrate and the second substrate each define a uniform thickness.

16. The electro-optical assembly according to claim 13, characterized in that, The second surface and the third surface each extend to the outer periphery of their respective defined regions, and the non-planar shape defines at least 20% of the regions.

17. The electro-optic assembly according to any one of claims 11 to 14 or 16, characterized in that, The flexible conductive layer is formed of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) ("PEDOT").

18. An electro-optical assembly, characterized in that, include: A first substrate, the first substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; A second substrate having a third surface and a fourth surface opposite to the third surface, the second surface and the third surface facing each other to define a gap having a uniform cell pitch, wherein the second surface and the third surface each extend to the outer periphery of a region, and a non-planar shape defines at least 20% of the region; A first electrode stack is coupled to the second surface; A second electrode stack is coupled to the third surface; An electro-optic dielectric, wherein the electro-optic dielectric is located between the first electrode stack and the second electrode stack; and At least one of the first electrode stack and the second electrode stack includes: basal layer; A conductive layer, said conductive layer being formed of a transparent conductive material; and A flexible conductive layer, which is spaced apart from the substrate layer by the conductive layer, is formed of a conductive polymer.

19. The electro-optical assembly according to claim 18, characterized in that, The flexible conductive layer is formed of polythiophene.

20. The electro-optic assembly according to claim 18 or claim 19, characterized in that, The base layer is formed of polythiophene.

Images