Cost-efficient manufacturing process of switchable glazing based on twisted nematic LC cells

Eberhard Kurz; Lothar Rau; Norbert Frühauf; Walter Haase; Marijo Prskalo; Werner Sobek

doi:10.1117/12.892753

7 September 2011 Cost-efficient manufacturing process of switchable glazing based on twisted nematic LC cells

Eberhard Kurz, Lothar Rau, Norbert Frühauf, Walter Haase, Marijo Prskalo, Werner Sobek

Proceedings Volume 8114, Liquid Crystals XV; 811413 (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.892753
Event: SPIE Photonic Devices + Applications, 2011, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Large-area glass facades are widely spread in contemporary architecture. They meet demands for natural light illumination of rooms and satisfy esthetic requirements of modern architecture. However, larger glass facades increase transfer of energy into the building. Since this has to be compensated by the intense use of air conditioning, modulation of the energy passing through the glazing is essential. The authors have been developing a corresponding system. It consists of a modified twisted nematic (TN) liquid crystal (LC) cell which is embedded in a double glazing. Since a conventional outside film polarizer is susceptible to heat, the authors substituted this component for an inside coatable polarizer. Long term outdoor weathering tests demonstrated that the concept is viable. Part of the current research is the integration of the TN LC cell into double-glazing. A further demand for such a system is a cost-efficient manufacturing process. It has been investigated to use the coatable polarizer at the same time as an alignment layer for the liquid crystal. Aluminum zinc oxide (AZO) is to be used for the electrode material substituting conventionally used indium tin oxide (ITO) which is expensive. Currently the authors are looking into the coating process for the inside polarizer.

Citation Download Citation

Eberhard Kurz, Lothar Rau, Norbert Frühauf, Walter Haase, Marijo Prskalo, and Werner Sobek "Cost-efficient manufacturing process of switchable glazing based on twisted nematic LC cells", Proc. SPIE 8114, Liquid Crystals XV, 811413 (7 September 2011); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.892753

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