Multicolor Electrochromic Structure Optical Cavity Color Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inorganic electrochromic materials in traditional devices can only change between a transparent state and a monotonous blue state, lacking fine color regulation, which limits their application in displays and imaging devices.
Innovation Solution
A multicolor electrochromic structure is developed, comprising a working electrode with an electrochromic layer that includes a metal reflective layer and a dielectric layer made from electrochromic materials, where the thickness and material of the dielectric layer, along with applied voltage, allow for various color changes through structural color and electrochromism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional inorganic electrochromic materials are used, then cycling stability and thermal stability are improved, but color regulation capability deteriorates (monotonous color changes only)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines inorganic electrochromic materials with optical cavity structures (comprising dielectric layers and reflective layers) to create a composite system. The inorganic electrochromic material provides stability while the optical cavity structure enables multicolor regulation through interference effects, resolving the contradiction between stability and color versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes optical parameters (refractive index, layer thickness) of the optical cavity structure to achieve different colors. By adjusting the thickness of dielectric layers and reflective layers, the optical interference conditions change, producing different structural colors that combine with the electrochromic material's color changes to achieve multicolor regulation
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional electrochromic devices are used, then fabrication simplicity is maintained, but color diversity deteriorates (limited to transparent and blue states)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrochromic layer into multiple functional sub-layers: electrochromic material layer, dielectric layer, and reflective layer. Each layer has a specific function (electrochromism, optical interference, reflection), and their combination achieves multicolor effects while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that can be fabricated using conventional techniques
3Adaptability or versatility
If optical cavity structure is added to achieve multicolor, then color regulation capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrochromic function and optical interference function into a single integrated electrochromic layer structure. The dielectric layer and reflective layer are combined within the electrochromic layer, eliminating the need for separate optical components and reducing overall device complexity while achieving multicolor regulation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables dynamic multicolor regulation, enhancing color saturation and expanding the application of inorganic electrochromic devices with simple fabrication and low costs, suitable for scale production and diverse applications in photoelectric technologies.
Implementation Method 1
Electrochromism is the phenomenon where the electronic structure and optical properties (such as reflectance, transmittance, absorption and the like) of an electrochromic material stably and reversibly change under the action of an external electric field or current, and shows reversible color and transmittance changes in appearance
Implementation Method 2
When incident light falls in the optical cavity, a phase shift of a reflected light formed on the first reflective surface and a reflected light formed on the second reflective surface is β̃ = (2π/λ)ñ 1 dcos θ̃ 1
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses a multicolor electrochromic structure, which comprises a working electrode, an electrolyte and an auxiliary electrode. The electrolyte is distributed between the working electrode and the auxiliary electrode. The working electrode comprises an electrochromic layer. The electrochromic layer comprises a first reflective surface and a second reflective surface, which are arranged face to face in parallel. A dielectric layer is arranged between the first reflective surface and a second reflective surface. The first reflective surface, the second reflective surface and the dielectric layer form an optical cavity. The dielectric layer is main fabricated by an electrochromic material. The multicolor electrochromic structure of the present invention can combine a structural color with electrochromism to display various color changes, has a simple structure, low costs and a wide application prospect, and is easy to be fabricated. The present invention further discloses a fabrication method and a regulation method of the multicolor electrochromic structure, and also discloses an electrochromic device, an image display, etc. comprising the multicolor electrochromic structure.