Unique Thin-Film, Flexible Electrochromics for Helmet Visor Application

In recently completed work, this firm has developed a novel, flexible thin-film electrochromics technology, based on unique Conducting Polymer electrochromic layers on very thin, transparent, conductive plastic (about 0.92 mil or 24 microns thick). This technology’s features include: Large Visible-region dynamic range 12% - 70%, (Ratio 7, Delta > 50%); flexible, thin-film, plastic, hermetically-sealed construction (thickness 50 to 125 microns); impervious to bending/flexing (see data below); affixable with space-qualified pressure sensitive adhesive to any surface/ shape; variable area/shape ([1 cm X 1 cm] to [30 cm X 30 cm], cuttable with scissors; excellent “optical memory”; Very low power/voltage (+/- 3 VDC, 20 ìW/cm2, peak transient 1 mW/cm2 ); rapid switching time; Operate -20 to +70 C; cyclability 3 X 10^4 cycles; microprocessor-based (drive electronics); low cost; fail-to-clear with Controller. The present work will adapt this technology to the visors, by lowering switching time to < 1 s, applying anti-UV coating, demonstrating affixation on highly/multiply-curved polycarbonate surfaces, larger area coverage, and further reduction of power.