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.

The embodiments herein relate to methods for controlling an optical transition in an optically switchable device, and optically switchable devices configured to perform such methods. In various embodiments, non-optical (e.g., electrical) feedback is used to help control an optical transition. The feedback may be used for a number of different purposes. In many implementations, the feedback is used to control an ongoing optical transition.

The embodiments herein relate to methods for controlling an optical transition in an optically switchable device, and optically switchable devices configured to perform such methods. In various embodiments, non-optical (e.g., electrical) feedback is used to help control an optical transition. The feedback may be used for a number of different purposes. In many implementations, the feedback is used to control an ongoing optical transition.

An electrochromic element includes: a first electrode which transmits light; a second electrode disposed opposite the first electrode; and an electrolyte containing metal and located between the first electrode and the second electrode. The metal is depositable on one of the first electrode and the second electrode, according to a voltage applied between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a second deposition voltage at which deposition of the metal on the second electrode starts is higher than a first deposition voltage at which deposition of the metal on the first electrode starts.

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 titanium 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.

An electrochromic device comprises a first transparent substrate and a first electrically conductive layer arranged on a surface of the first transparent substrate, wherein the first electrically conductive layer is patterned with curved scribed line segments. The curved scribed line segments comprise a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, and the distance from each curved scribed line segment to a line along the longitudinal direction of each curved scribed line segment varies nonmonotonically as a function of position along the curved scribed line segment.

A system for controlling light transmittance includes a panel which is capable of at least one of darkening and lightening in response to applied electric voltage and/or current. The panel includes at least one substrate, an electrically conductive coating on at least a portion of a surface of the at least one substrate forming at least one electrode, and an electrochromic medium covering portions of the at least one substrate and the at least one electrode and in electrical communication with the electrode. The system further includes a power supply in electrical communication with the at least one electrode and a controller in communication with the power supply configured to cause the power supply to apply a voltage and/or current to the at least one electrode according to a predetermined pattern for controlling the transmittance of the panel. The predetermined pattern comprises a plurality of micro-pulses which are less than or equal to 0.5 second in duration.

A system for controlling light transmittance includes a panel which is capable of at least one of darkening and lightening in response to applied electric voltage and/or current. The panel includes at least one substrate, an electrically conductive coating on at least a portion of a surface of the at least one substrate forming at least one electrode, and an electrochromic medium covering portions of the at least one substrate and the at least one electrode and in electrical communication with the electrode. The system further includes a power supply in electrical communication with the at least one electrode and a controller in communication with the power supply configured to cause the power supply to apply a voltage and/or current to the at least one electrode according to a predetermined pattern for controlling the transmittance of the panel. The predetermined pattern comprises a plurality of micro-pulses which are less than or equal to 0.5 second in duration.

An electrochromic device is structured to restrict moisture permeation between an electrochromic stack in the device and an external environment. The electrochromic device includes conductive layers and one or more encapsulation layers, where the encapsulation layers and conductive layers collectively isolate the electrochromic stack from the ambient environment. The encapsulation layers resist moisture permeation, and at least the outer portions of the conductive layers resist moisture permeation. The moisture-resistant electrochromic device can be fabricated based at least in part upon selective removal of one or more outer portions of at least the EC stack, so that at least the encapsulation layer extends over one or more edge portions of the EC stack to isolate the edge portions of the EC stack from the ambient environment. The encapsulation layer can include one or more of an anti-reflective layer, infrared cut-off filter, etc.

This disclosure provides connectors for smart windows and doors. A smart window or door may incorporate an optically switchable pane. In one aspect, a smart window or door includes an insulated glass unit including an optically switchable pane. One aspect pertains to connectors such as, e.g., detachable power transfer connectors for movable doors or windows.