Patent ID: 7048392
Filing Date: 2006-05-23
Classification: G02F

Abstract:
1. A reflecting element comprising a mirror assembly consisting essentially of: a substrate through which light passes; an electrode film which is electrically conductive, which is substantially transparent, and which is formed at a rear surface side of the substrate; a reduction coloring film formed at a surface of the electrode film at a side opposite a side where the substrate is disposed, the reduction coloring film coloring due to a reversible chemical reaction with hydrogen ions; and an electrically conductive reflecting film which is formed at a surface of the reduction coloring film at a side opposite a side where the electrode film is disposed, and which reflects light at least at a substrate side surface, and which contains a hydrogen storing metal which stores hydrogen in an adsorbed state, and which, due to application of voltage, releases hydrogen and moves the hydrogen as hydrogen ions toward the reduction coloring film, and which, due to one of canceling of the application of said voltage and applying of a voltage which is reverse of said voltage, attracts the hydrogen ions that have moved toward the reduction coloring film and adsorbs and stores the hydrogen ions as hydrogen, wherein said reflecting film is highly reflective of light regardless of whether said hydrogen storing metal releases or adsorbs said hydrogen ions.