In one example, a crystal cell comprises: a first substrate, a second substrate, first spacers and second spacers sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate to define a gap between the first substrate and the second substrate, the first spacers being fixedly bonded to each of the first substrate and the second substrate, the second spacers being movable between the first and second substrates, a sealant sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate and enclosing the first spacers and the second spacers, and a liquid crystal enclosed by the sealant, the first substrate, and the second substrate. Examples of a dimmable glass incorporating liquid crystal cells and methods of manufacturing the liquid crystal cells are also provided.

A visibility controlling device with switchable transparency. This design of visibility controlling device is economical and can be operated manually or under electric power. The time for switching from translucent to transparent state requires about 5-30 seconds.

A dynamic window system is generally configured to provide controlled privacy, light intensity, or automation of such features. Glass panes include a treated surface configured to scatter light for privacy generating a default opaque state. Fluids may be controllably dispensed into a cavity. The type of fluid cooperates with the treated surface to change the transmissivity of light through the window. One or more fluids may be used to controls transparency levels. A transparent state of the window may become translucent or darker by introducing another fluid that reduces the transmissivity.

A switchable light modulator device (201, 202, 203, 204, 205) comprises a first substrate (101, 102, 103) and a second substrate (141, 142, 143, 144) with opposite major surfaces spaced apart by one or more polymer structures that each comprise two or more parts and define wall features (21b, 22b, 23b) for a plurality of cavities (111, 112, 113, 114), the cavities sealing a fluid (71, 72, 73, 74) or gel in discrete volumes. Each of the one or more polymer structures comprises a mould part (21, 22, 23) bonded to the first substrate and defining a recess (31, 32, 33), and a cast part (81, 82, 83, 84) filling the recess and bonded to the second substrate and a surface of the recess, the cast part being defined by the surface of the recess and the second substrate replicating the surfaces of both.

A switchable light modulator device (201, 202, 203, 204, 205) comprises a first substrate (101, 102, 103) and a second substrate (141, 142, 143, 144) with opposite major surfaces spaced apart by one or more polymer structures that each comprise two or more parts and define wall features (21b, 22b, 23b) for a plurality of cavities (111, 112, 113, 114), the cavities sealing a fluid (71, 72, 73, 74) or gel in discrete volumes. Each of the one or more polymer structures comprises a mould part (21, 22, 23) bonded to the first substrate and defining a recess (31, 32, 33), and a cast part (81, 82, 83, 84) filling the recess and bonded to the second substrate and a surface of the recess, the cast part being defined by the surface of the recess and the second substrate replicating the surfaces of both.

A switchable light modulator device (201, 202, 203, 204, 205) comprises a first substrate (101, 102, 103) and a second substrate (141, 142, 143, 144) with opposite major surfaces spaced apart by one or more polymer structures that each comprise two or more parts and define wall features (21b, 22b, 23b) for a plurality of cavities (111, 112, 113, 114), the cavities sealing a fluid (71, 72, 73, 74) or gel in discrete volumes. Each of the one or more polymer structures comprises a mould part (21, 22, 23) bonded to the first substrate and defining a recess (31, 32, 33), and a cast part (81, 82, 83, 84) filling the recess and bonded to the second substrate and a surface of the recess, the cast part being defined by the surface of the recess and the second substrate replicating the surfaces of both.

A switchable light modulator device (201, 202, 203, 204, 205) comprises a first substrate (101, 102, 103) and a second substrate (141, 142, 143, 144) with opposite major surfaces spaced apart by one or more polymer structures that each comprise two or more parts and define wall features (21b, 22b, 23b) for a plurality of cavities (111, 112, 113, 114), the cavities sealing a fluid (71, 72, 73, 74) or gel in discrete volumes. Each of the one or more polymer structures comprises a mould part (21, 22, 23) bonded to the first substrate and defining a recess (31, 32, 33), and a cast part (81, 82, 83, 84) filling the recess and bonded to the second substrate and a surface of the recess, the cast part being defined by the surface of the recess and the second substrate replicating the surfaces of both.

The present disclosure provides a light adjusting glass, including: a basic light adjusting structure and a functional light adjusting structure which are disposed in a laminated manner; the basic light adjusting structure and the functional light adjusting structure are cooperated with each other and configured to control a light transmittance of the light adjusting glass, and the basic light adjusting structure is different from the functional light adjusting structure.

A switchable light modulator device (201, 202, 203, 204, 205) comprises a first substrate (101, 102, 103) and a second substrate (141, 142, 143, 144) with opposite major surfaces spaced apart by one or more polymer structures that each comprise two or more parts and define wall features (21b, 22b, 23b) for a plurality of cavities (111, 112, 113, 114), the cavities sealing a fluid (71, 72, 73, 74) or gel in discrete volumes. Each of the one or more polymer structures comprises a mould part (21, 22, 23) bonded to the first substrate and defining a recess (31, 32, 33), and a cast part (81, 82, 83, 84) filling the recess and bonded to the second substrate and a surface of the recess, the cast part being defined by the surface of the recess and the second substrate replicating the surfaces of both.

Variable transmission covering systems that can be used, for example, to control the amount of light passing through a window in a building. Using transmissive electrophoretic media that can switch between a first and second optical state, the invention can be used to change the color and/or transmissivity of a structure (or structures) that is placed in front of an object. In some embodiments, the variable transmission system can change transmission and color on command.