![]() ![]() Instead of utilizing cubes, this smart glass relies on the total internal reflection of one-dimensional structures layered perpendicularly. Goossen’s smart glass system can switch from transparent to reflective a thousand times without degrading, as shown in a paper published late last year in Optics Express.Īt this week’s conference, Goossen revealed a new, improved design. ![]() Opaque form (above) turns transparent when filled with index-matching fluid (below). This is called refractive index matching. When combined, the light can pass through, and the system becomes transparent. This liquid has optical properties, or interaction with visible light, that match the optical properties of the retroreflective plastic. “Then the chamber is filled with a fluid called methyl salicylate-an inexpensive wintergreen extract that happens to be the active ingredient in some over-the-counter pain relief creams. The plastic contains tiny cube-shaped structures that make the material retroreflective, meaning that it bounces light back to its source, like a bicycle reflector does. “It starts with two sheets of plastic separated by a thin cavity. “The principles behind this smart glass technology are surprisingly simple,” he told the SPIE meeting. Goossen acknowledges that his group is not the first to make smart glass, but he says the invention is about one-tenth the price of other versions, adding, “It is also more transparent in its transparent state and more reflective in its reflective state than competitors.” This so-called “smart glass” technology could be utilized in eco-friendly windows, windshields, roof panes and building envelopes, absorbing light and heat in the winter and reflecting it away in the summer. Goossen, along with colleague Daniel Wolfe, who earned a doctoral degree from UD in 2017, say that these switchable windows are cheap and easy to manufacture and could one day keep parked cars cool in the sun or make office buildings more energy efficient. ![]() Glass act: Keith Goossen is designing new prototypes of smart glass panels.Researchers at the University of Delaware, who recently announced the development of windows that switch from reflective to clear with the simple addition of a liquid, have this week described the development and further progress a keynote address at the SPIE Smart Materials and Nondestructive Evaluation for Energy Systems conference in Denver, Co.ĭeveloper Keith Goossen, who is associate professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of Delaware, commented, “Someday we won’t need curtains or blinds on our windows, and we will be able to block out light-or let it in-with just the press of a button.” ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |