Multi-Color Optical Transmission Cells for Selective Tint Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing variable transmission optical devices face challenges in achieving a wide transmission swing, polarization independence, and multiple tint states while maintaining optical clarity and meeting strict color and chromaticity requirements, particularly in applications requiring quick adaptability and protection against specific light threats.
Innovation Solution
A multi-color variable transmission optical device (MC-VTOD) is designed with two stacked cells of electro-optic materials, each capable of switching between high and low light transmittance in different wavelength regions, controlled independently by a power supply, allowing for clear, tinted, and colorimetrically neutral states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a guest-host liquid crystal/dye system is used to achieve a large transmission swing, then the transmission difference between clear and tinted states is improved, but the dye disrupts the liquid crystalline phase and alters the nematic to isotropic phase transition temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical structure of dichroic dyes by introducing solubilizing groups (such as sulfonate, carboxylate, or quaternary ammonium groups) to change their solubility parameters and compatibility with liquid crystal hosts, thereby achieving large transmission swing without disrupting the liquid crystalline phase
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite system combining modified dichroic dyes with liquid crystal hosts, where the dye molecules are chemically or physically integrated into the liquid crystal matrix through solubilizing groups, achieving synergistic effects that maintain phase stability while enabling optical switching
2Illumination intensity
If high performing dichroic dyes are used to achieve wide transmission swing, then the transmission difference is improved, but the polarization dependence increases which reduces the swing and reveals structural imperfections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple dichroic dyes with different absorption spectra (e.g., cyan, magenta, yellow dyes) to create multi-color optical devices that can achieve wide transmission swing while controlling polarization dependence through spectral distribution rather than relying on a single highly polarizing dye
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs optical devices that can perform multiple functions: providing wide transmission swing, achieving multi-color states, and maintaining polarization independence simultaneously through the strategic combination of multiple dichroic dyes with complementary properties
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single variable transmission optical device is designed to provide multiple hue/tinted states, then the adaptability to various conditions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical device into multiple independent variable transmission cells, each containing different dichroic dyes that respond to different wavelengths of light, allowing each cell to be controlled independently to achieve multiple color states without requiring a single complex multi-functional material
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the optical device functionality from a single transmission state to multiple color states by adding spectral dimension through the use of multiple dichroic dyes with different absorption characteristics, enabling colorimetric control in addition to transmission control
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
The MC-VTOD achieves a wide transmission swing, polarization independence, and multiple tint states, enhancing adaptability to various conditions and providing effective protection against diverse light threats by selectively filtering specific spectra.
Implementation Method 1
a first electro-optic material provided between a first pair of substrates, the first electro-optic material capable of changing from a state of higher light transmittance to a state of lower light transmittance in a first wavelength region upon a change in a first electric field applied across the first electro-optical material
Implementation Method 2
a second electro-optic material provided between a second pair of substrates, the second electro-optic material capable of changing from a state of higher light transmittance to a state of lower light transmittance in a second wavelength region different from the first wavelength region upon a change in a second electric field applied across the second electro-optical material
Implementation Method 3
The MC-VTOD is switchable between i) a clear state wherein the first cell and the second cell are each in the state of higher light transmission, ii) a first tinted state wherein the first cell is in the state of lower light transmittance and the second cell is in the state of higher light transmission, iii) a second tinted state wherein the first cell is in the state of higher light transmission and the second cell is in the state of lower light transmittance, and iv) a colorimetrically neutral third tinted state wherein both the first cell and the second cell are in the state of lower light transmission
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-color variable transmission optical device (“MC-VTOD”) includes a first cell having a first electro-optic material provided between a first pair of substrates and a second cell having a second electro-optic material provided between a second pair of substrates. The first electro-optic material can change from a state of higher light transmittance to a state of lower light transmittance in a first wavelength region upon a change in an electric field applied across the first electro-optic material. The second electro-optic material can change from a state of higher light transmittance to a state of lower light transmittance in a second wavelength region different from the first wavelength region upon a change in an electric field applied across the second electro-optical material. The MC-VTOD is switchable between i) a clear state wherein the first cell and second cell are each in the state of higher light transmission, ii) a first tinted state wherein the first cell is in a state of lower light transmittance and the second cell is in a state of higher light transmittance, iii) a second tinted state wherein the first cell is in a state of higher light transmittance and the second cell is in a state of lower transmittance, and iv) a third tinted state wherein both the first and second cells are in a state of lower transmittance. The first cell is characterized by a narrow band absorption of 175 nm or less, and the second cell is characterized by a wide band absorption of greater than 175 nm.