Thermally Switched Optical Downconverting Filter
First Claim
1. A reflective film for regulating reflection of incident radiant energy comprisinga first optical filter layer;
- a second optical filter layer; and
a temperature-responsive optical material positioned between the first optical filter layer and the second optical filter layer.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A thermally switched optical downconverting (TSOD) filter is a self-regulating device including a downconverter that converts incoming light at a variety of wavelengths into longer-wavelength radiation and then directs it using one or more bandblock filters in either the inward or outward direction, depending on the temperature of the device. This control over the flow of radiant energy occurs independently of the thermal conductivity or insulating properties of the device and may or may not preserve the image and color properties of incoming visible light. The TSOD filter is energy-efficient as it can be used to regulate the internal temperature and illumination of buildings, vehicles, and other structures without the need for an external power supply or operator signals. The TSOD filter has unique aesthetic and optical properties not found in traditional windows, skylights, stained glass, light fixtures, glass blocks, bricks, or walls.
122 Citations
29 Claims
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1. A reflective film for regulating reflection of incident radiant energy comprising
a first optical filter layer; -
a second optical filter layer; and a temperature-responsive optical material positioned between the first optical filter layer and the second optical filter layer. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. A reflective film for regulating the reflection of light comprising
a first optical filter layer that reflects up to 50% of incident light and passes up to 50% of the incident light; -
a second optical filter layer, and a temperature-responsive optical material positioned between the first optical filter layer and the second optical filter layer that adjusts an optical property of incident light below a threshold temperature, wherein above the threshold temperature up to 100% of incident light is reflected by the film, and below the threshold temperature up to 50% of incident light is reflected by the film. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25)
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26. A reflective film for regulating the reflection of incident radiant energy comprising
a first layer of a distributed Bragg reflector; - and
a second layer of temperature-responsive optical material, wherein above a threshold temperature down to 0% of incident radiant energy is transmitted by the film, and below the threshold temperature up to 100% of the incident radiant energy is transmitted by the film; at a first temperature a first percentage of the incident radiant energy is reflected from the film and a second percentage of the incident radiant energy is transmitted through the film; and at a second temperature a third percentage of the incident radiant energy is reflected from the film and a fourth percentage of the incident radiant energy is transmitted through the film.
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27. A method for regulating reflection and transmission of radiant energy comprising
orienting a first layer of a distributed Bragg reflector crosswise with a second layer of a temperature-responsive optical material; -
reflecting up to 100% of incident radiant energy with the first and second layers when above a threshold temperature; and wherein when below a threshold temperature the first and second layers cease to reflect below the threshold temperature, transmitting up to 100% of the incident radiant energy.
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28. A method for regulating an internal temperature of a buildings, a vehicle, or other structure comprising
placing a temperature-responsive optical film on an exterior of a structure; - and
inverting a temperature response of the temperature-responsive optical film whereby the temperature-responsive optical film is primarily reflective of incident radiant energy at high temperatures and comparatively more transparent to, absorbent of, or both, incident radiant energy at low temperatures. - View Dependent Claims (29)
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Specification