The program provides a realistic description of optical performance including most layers usually found in a liquid crystal display such as polarizers, retarders, substrates, alignment layers, ITO, and liquid crystal. Optical Diode Principal Investigator - Oleg D. Lavrentovich R esearchers at the Liquid Crystal Institute invented a nematic cell that responds only to one polarity of the applied electric field. The physical mechanism that governs the behavior of this optical diode is the orientation of molecular dipoles. A major application of these materials is in switchable windows. The windows change from opaque to clear with the flip of a switch.
Popular uses are glass walls in offices, conference rooms, lobbies, and store fronts.
Privacy glass also provides unique opportunities for use by homeowners in bathrooms, entryways, family rooms, bedrooms, and skylights. The windows use the same voltage as standard household appliances. Multiple windows can be controlled from one switch and can be connected to a timer. They consist of liquid crystal droplets durrounded by a polymer mixture sandwiched between two pieces of conducting glass. When no electricity is applied the liquid crystal droplets are randomly oriented, creating an opaque state.