Multispectral smart window: Dynamic light modulation and electromagnetic microwave shielding

• Published in: Light, science & applications Vol. 13; no. 1; pp. 223 - 11
• Main Authors: Zhang, Ruicong, Song, Zicheng, Cao, Wenxin, Gao, Gang, Yang, Lei, He, Yurong, Han, Jiecai, Zhang, Zhibo, Wang, Tianyu, Zhu, Jiaqi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Nature Publishing Group UK 30.08.2024; Springer Nature B.V; Nature Publishing Group
• Subjects: 140/125; 639/624/1075/401; 639/624/399/919; Dielectric constant; Electromagnetic radiation; Lasers; Microwave radiation; Microwaves; Optical and Electronic Materials; Optical Devices; Optics; Photonics; Physics; Physics and Astronomy; Radiation; RF and Optical Engineering
• ISSN: 2047-7538; 2047-7538
• DOI: 10.1038/s41377-024-01541-y

A novel multispectral smart window has been proposed, which features dynamic modulation of light transmittance and effective shielding against electromagnetic microwave radiation. This design integrates liquid crystal dynamic scattering and dye doping techniques, enabling the dual regulation of transmittance and scattering within a single-layer smart window. Additionally, the precise control of conductive film thickness ensures the attainment of robust microwave signal shielding. We present a theoretical model for ion movement in the presence of an alternating electric field, along with a novel approach to manipulate negative dielectric constant. The proposed model successfully enables a rapid transition between light transparent, absorbing and haze states, with an optimum drive frequency adjustable to approximately 300 Hz. Furthermore, the resistive design of the conductive layer effectively mitigates microwave radiation within the 2−18 GHz range. These findings offer an innovative perspective for future advancements in environmental construction. A novel multispectral smart window achieves dynamic light modulation and robust microwave shielding.