Patent ID: 7679809

Claim:
A variable reflectance mirror element for use in a rearview mirror assembly having an electronic device positioned behind the mirror element for transmitting or receiving light of a first polarization, the mirror element comprising: a first substrate having first and second surfaces; a second substrate having third and fourth surfaces, the second and first substrates positioned in a spaced-apart relationship such that the second and third surfaces face each other; a first electrode carried on a surface of the first substrate; a second electrode carried on a surface of the second substrate, an electrochromic medium provided between the first and second substrates; and a reflective polarizer for substantially transmitting light of a first polarization and substantially reflecting light of a second polarization, the second polarization being opposite the first polarization, the reflective polarizer disposed on or near the second substrate such that the electronic device transmits or receives light of the first polarization through the reflective polarizer, wherein the reflective polarizer includes multiple layers of plastic film.