Infrared selective reflective polarizing element
First Claim
1. A polarizing element comprising:
- an infrared selective material comprising at least one of an infrared absorptive material and an infrared reflective material; and
a reflective polarizer comprising first and second materials, at least one of the first and second materials being birefringent, wherein a refractive index difference between the first and second materials for light having a first polarization orientation is large enough to substantially reflect the light having the first polarization orientation, and further wherein a refractive index difference between the first and second materials for light having a second polarization orientation is small enough to substantially transmit the light having the second polarization orientation.
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Abstract
The present invention provides light valves including polarizing elements in which light transmission can be controlled by rotating at least one of the polarizing elements about an in-plane axis. Although reflective polarizing elements are preferred in devices according to the present invention to reduce the problem of heat build-up, the use of absorptive or other polarizers may also be envisioned. The polarizing elements may also include at least one reflective polarizer in combination with an infrared reflective material or an infrared absorptive material. The polarizing elements can be included in light valves to control light transmission by rotating at least one of the polarizing elements about an in-plane axis. The light valves according to the present invention may find use in any application in which the transmission of light (visible or otherwise) is to be controlled. Examples of specific applications include, but are not limited to: windows, luminaires, skylights, etc.
125 Citations
11 Claims
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1. A polarizing element comprising:
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an infrared selective material comprising at least one of an infrared absorptive material and an infrared reflective material; and
a reflective polarizer comprising first and second materials, at least one of the first and second materials being birefringent, wherein a refractive index difference between the first and second materials for light having a first polarization orientation is large enough to substantially reflect the light having the first polarization orientation, and further wherein a refractive index difference between the first and second materials for light having a second polarization orientation is small enough to substantially transmit the light having the second polarization orientation. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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Specification