Plasmonic Liquid-Crystal Assembly for Near-Infrared Solar Gain Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies struggle to dynamically control solar gain in the near-infrared region independently from the visible spectral range while maintaining high visible light transparency, leading to inefficient energy consumption in residential and commercial buildings.

Innovation Solution

A composite material of plasmonic nanoparticles dispersed in nematic liquid crystals, which can be switched using low-voltage electric fields to modulate near-infrared radiation transmission, while maintaining high visible transparency and low haze, is used in assemblies with substrates and electrodes for rapid switching.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If conventional materials are used to control solar gain, then infrared radiation transmission can be controlled, but visible light transparency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolar gain controlVSAvoidvisible light transparency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the solar spectrum control by using plasmonic nanoparticles with specific aspect ratios that selectively absorb near-infrared radiation while being transparent to visible light. The nanoparticles are dispersed in a liquid crystal matrix that allows independent control of different spectral regions, enabling separate optimization of infrared blocking and visible light transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies local quality by tailoring the optical properties of the composite material at the nanoscale level. By controlling the aspect ratio, size, and material composition of individual plasmonic nanoparticles, the system achieves wavelength-selective absorption that blocks harmful infrared radiation while maintaining high visible light transparency in the same material phase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Loss of energy

If dynamic control of solar gain is implemented, then energy efficiency is improved, but switching speed and response time are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidswitching speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical or thermal switching mechanisms with an electric field-based control system. Liquid crystal molecules and plasmonic nanoparticles respond to applied electric fields by reorienting their molecular structures, enabling rapid optical property changes without mechanical movement or thermal heating, thus achieving fast switching speeds with low energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes parameter changes in the liquid crystal and nanoparticle system by varying the applied electric field strength to dynamically adjust the optical transmission properties. By changing the electric field parameter, the system can rapidly switch between different transmission states, controlling solar gain dynamically with sub-second response times.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of energy

If plasmonic nanoparticles are used to control near-infrared radiation, then infrared transmission is reduced, but visible light transparency is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfrared radiation transmissionVSAvoidvisible light transparency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes color changes principles by selecting plasmonic nanoparticle properties that create selective optical absorption in the near-infrared region while remaining transparent in the visible spectrum. The aspect ratio and material composition of nanoparticles are optimized to produce this spectral selectivity, effectively filtering infrared radiation without affecting visible light transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

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 composite material enables sub-second switching of near-infrared-based solar gain with low energy consumption, providing dynamic control of infrared radiation transmission independently from visible light, while retaining high transparency and color neutrality.

Implementation Method 1

Electric switching or modulation of IR radiation can rely on a low-voltage (e.g., about 1-10V) for realignment due to dielectric coupling between the LC director and electric field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric coupling: Dielectric

Implementation Method 2

switchable colloids (SCs, composite material, sometimes referred to simply as composite), dispersions of (e.g., silver nanoplates) in nematic liquid crystals (LCs), which allow for controlling light transmission in the (e.g.) near infrared while maintaining high visible transparency

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlasmonic resonance:

Data Source

PatentUS12455470B2Assembly and method for actively controlling radiation transmission

Publication Date: 2025.10.28 THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO

AI summary

Assemblies and methods for modulating (e.g., near) infrared radiation are provided. Exemplary assemblies include a composite material interposed between a first substrate and a second substrate. The composite material includes plasmonic nanoparticles (e.g., nanoplates) dispersed in a nematic liquid crystal.