Light-switching device
First Claim
1. A device which is reversibly switchable between at least a first state of reflecting light and a second state of absorbing light, said device comprising a stack of layers including a switchable layer (3) of an optically switchable material which brings about a switch from the first state to the second state of the device by changing a density of hydrogen, the stack further including a layer for storing hydrogen (9), separated from the switchable layer, which comprises a material comprising essentially the same compounds as the switchable layer (3).
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Abstract
The invention relates to a switching device having shorter switching times. The device comprises a switchable layer (3), which is switched between a reflecting and an absorbing state by changing a hydrogen content of the switchable layer (3). Applying a DC voltage on electroconductive layers (11, 13) changes the hydrogen content. These electroconductive layers (11, 13) sandwich a stack of layers comprising the switchable layer (3) and a hydrogen storage layer (9). The hydrogen storage layer comprises essentially the same compounds as the switchable layer (3), viz. LMgHx and preferably GdMgHx. The storage layer may be made thin, leading to relatively short hydrogen transportation times and a relatively fast display. The device may be further improved by applying a scattering foil.
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Citations
6 Claims
- 1. A device which is reversibly switchable between at least a first state of reflecting light and a second state of absorbing light, said device comprising a stack of layers including a switchable layer (3) of an optically switchable material which brings about a switch from the first state to the second state of the device by changing a density of hydrogen, the stack further including a layer for storing hydrogen (9), separated from the switchable layer, which comprises a material comprising essentially the same compounds as the switchable layer (3).
Specification