Reverse Mode Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal-based Smart Windows: A Progress Report
Authors:   SCNU-TUE Joint Lab of Device Integrated Responsive Materials (DIRM), National Center for International Research on Green Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, No 378, West Waihuan Road, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, 510006, Guangzhou China, Zhang Yang , Chen Jiawen ,   SCNU-TUE Joint Lab of Device Integrated Responsive Materials (DIRM), National Center for International Research on Green Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, No 378, West Waihuan Road, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, 510006, Guangzhou China,   Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Optical Information Materials and Technology & Institute of Electronic Paper Displays, South China Academy of Advanced Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China, Hu Xiaowen ,   SCNU-TUE Joint Lab of Device Integrated Responsive Materials (DIRM), National Center for International Research on Green Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, No 378, West Waihuan Road, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, 510006, Guangzhou China,   Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Optical Information Materials and Technology & Institute of Electronic Paper Displays, South China Academy of Advanced Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China, Zhao Wei ,   SCNU-TUE Joint Lab of Device Integrated Responsive Materials (DIRM), National Center for International Research on Green Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, No 378, West Waihuan Road, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, 510006, Guangzhou China,   Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Optical Information Materials and Technology & Institute of Electronic Paper Displays, South China Academy of Advanced Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China, Broer Dirk J. ,   SCNU-TUE Joint Lab of Device Integrated Responsive Materials (DIRM), National Center for International Research on Green Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, No 378, West Waihuan Road, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, 510006, Guangzhou China,   Stimuli ‐ responsive Functional Materials and Devices, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, Den Dolech 2, Eindhoven, 5600 MB, The Netherlands, Zhou Guofu ,   SCNU-TUE Joint Lab of Device Integrated Responsive Materials (DIRM), National Center for International Research on Green Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, No 378, West Waihuan Road, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, 510006, Guangzhou China,   Stimuli ‐ responsive Functional Materials and Devices, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, Den Dolech 2, Eindhoven, 5600 MB, The Netherlands,   Shenzhen Guohua Optoelectronics Tech. Co. Ltd., Shenzhen 518110, P. R. China
Published: November 2021

The reverse mode polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) is an emerging smart window technology. Unlike traditional PDLCs, a reverse mode PDLC can be transparent and opaque in the absence and presence of an external electric field. This report provides a brief introduction to several reverse modes PDLC smart window technologies, focusing on polymer-stabilized liquid crystals (PSLCs). The systems based on electrohydrodynamic instability (EHDI) of liquid crystals have also been discussed. The working principles, mode of material design, and recent developments are presented for each technology. The current obstacles have also been pointed out. The prospects of smart windows have also been presented.