The embodiments herein relate to electrochromic stacks, electrochromic devices, and methods and apparatus for making such stacks and devices. In various embodiments, an anodically coloring layer in an electrochromic stack or device is fabricated to include nickel-tungsten-niobium-oxide (NiWNbO). This material is particularly beneficial in that it is very transparent in its clear state.

To provide an electrochromic device, including a laminated body, which includes: at least one support; a first electrode layer on the support; an electrochromic layer on the first electrode layer; a second electrode layer disposed to face the first electrode layer; and an electrolyte layer, which fills between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer, and is on the electrochromic layer, the at least one support including a resin substrate, and the laminated body having a desired curve formed by thermoforming.

An optical device includes a first electrode and a second electrode that have translucency and are disposed facing each other, and an optical adjustment layer that is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The optical adjustment layer includes a first phase that includes an electrolyte including a metal having a visible light reflecting property, and a second phase that is dispersed in the first phase, and includes a variable refractive index material having a refractive index that is variable in a visible light range.

A lighting apparatus comprising a light source which emits light with predetermined light distribution in a fixed direction, and an optical element which is arranged in such a manner that at least part of light emitted from the light source inputs to the optical element, and can perform switching to a transmission state in which the light is transmitted, a first reflection state in which the light is reflected in a first direction, and a second reflection state in which the light is reflected in a second direction different from the first direction.

Various embodiments herein relate to electrochromic devices and electrochromic device precursors, as well as methods and apparatus for fabricating such electrochromic devices and electrochromic device precursors. In certain embodiments, the electrochromic device or precursor may include one or more particular materials such as a particular electrochromic material and/or a particular counter electrode material. In various implementations, the electrochromic material includes tungsten molybdenum oxide. In these or other implementation, the counter electrode material may include nickel tungsten oxide, nickel tungsten tantalum oxide, nickel tungsten niobium oxide, nickel tungsten tin oxide, or another material.

A vehicular rearview assembly is provided that includes a display configured to emit light of a first polarization. A reflective polarizer is positioned adjacent the display. The reflective polarizer is configured to transmit the light of the first polarization and reflect light of a second polarization and an electro-optic element is positioned on an opposite side of the reflective polarizer than the display. The electro-optic element is configured to transition between substantially clear and substantially darkened states. The electro-optic element includes a plurality of electrochromic molecules substantially aligned with the second polarization of the light such that the electro-optic element is configured to substantially absorb the light of the second polarization when in the darkened state.

Provided are electrolyte films or cells for use in variety of applications, such as electrochromic windows. An electrolytic film comprises a polymer layer, such as thermoplastic polyurethane or polymethyl methacrylate, and an electrolyte within the polymer layer. The electrolyte comprises a salt and a plasticizer. The plasticizer comprises one or more materials that are selected to provide sufficient conductivity and optical transparency for operation of the electrolyte film in an application requiring substantial optical clarity and switching speed, such as a smart window.

According to one embodiment, an illumination device includes an electrochromic element and light sources. The electrochromic element includes a first transparent substrate, a first transparent electrode provided on the first transparent substrate, a second transparent substrate opposing the first transparent substrate, projections provided on the second transparent substrate and projecting toward the first transparent substrate, a second transparent electrode provided on a part of the projection and an electrolyte layer provided between the first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate and containing an electrochromic material including a reflective material capable of oxidation-reduction.

According to one embodiment, an illumination device includes an electrochromic element and light sources. The electrochromic element includes a first transparent substrate, a first transparent electrode provided on the first transparent substrate, a second transparent substrate opposing the first transparent substrate, projections provided on the second transparent substrate and projecting toward the first transparent substrate, a second transparent electrode provided on a part of the projection and an electrolyte layer provided between the first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate and containing an electrochromic material including a reflective material capable of oxidation-reduction.

The embodiments herein relate to electrochromic stacks, electrochromic devices, and methods and apparatus for making such stacks and devices. In various embodiments, an anodically coloring layer in an electrochromic stack or device is fabricated to include nickel-tungsten-niobium-oxide (NiWNbO). This material is particularly beneficial in that it is very transparent in its clear state.