​Optimizing the Electro-Optics of Polymer-Dispersed Liquid Crystals for Smart Window Applications

Polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) films have garnered recognition for their numerous applications, including privacy windows, light shutters, flexible displays, and sensors, to name a few. PDLCs have demonstrated their capabilities for smart window applications by providing dynamic control of light allowed to enter a room, thereby regulating privacy. The light scattering properties of PDLCs can be controlled via an applied electric field. This allows for PDLC films to transition between transparent and opaque states. Though research in PDLCs is long-standing, it is imperative to optimize the parameters that affect PDLC electro-optical performance. This presentation reports the spectrally-dependent electro-optics of PDLC samples of varying thickness. Additionally, it explores energy dissipation in PDLC samples and its dependence on cell configuration and driving voltage parameters. The presented results offer new insights into the optimization of electro-optical performance of privacy windows made of PDLC.