Patent ID: 8169681

Claim:
An electro-optic element configured for use in a rearview automotive mirror, the electro-optic element comprising: a first substrate including first and second surfaces, the first substrate having a first layer of electrically conductive material deposited on the second surface; a second substrate including third and fourth surfaces, the first and second substrates disposed in a parallel and spaced-apart relationship to define a gap between the second and third surfaces, the gap containing an electro-optic medium, the second substrate containing a metallic bi-layer, the metallic bi-layer including a base layer made of metal having a base bulk reflectance and a top layer made of metal having a top bulk reflectance, the base and top bulk reflectances measured in ambient light, the top bulk reflectance being higher than the base bulk reflectance, the base and top layers disposed consecutively on the third surface, wherein a sheet resistance of the bi-layer does not exceed 6 Ohms per square, a thickness of the top layer does not exceed 50 percent of a thickness of the bi-layer, and a reflectance of the bi-layer measure in ambient light in air exceeds 90 percent of a theoretical maximum.