journal article·2025-11Open access

Advanced Image‐Integrated Smart Windows using Printed Electrochromic Polymer‐Dispersed Liquid Crystal Droplets

Jun‐Seok Ma, Waqas Kamal, Adithya Pradeep, Alva J. Orr, Seung‐Won Oh, Jin‐Young Choi, Jinge Guo, Bradley Mee, Hyun‐Woo Oh, Jae‐Hwan Lee, Alfonso A. Castrejon‐Pita, Steve J. Elston, Wook‐Sung Kim, Stephen M. Morris

Advanced Optical Materials· Volume 13· Issue 31

Abstract

Abstract The first realization of a high‐resolution, image‐integrated smart window platform utilizing printed electrochromic polymer‐dispersed liquid crystals (ECPDLCs) is reported, enabling stable and simultaneous control of both coloration and optical transmittance. The system exploits a redox‐driven electrochromic response at low DC bias (≈3 V) and tunable light scattering via refractive index modulation under an AC voltage (tens of Vrms at 1 kHz), achieving dual‐mode optical functionality in a single device. By optimizing both the ECPDLC composition and the drop‐on‐demand (DoD) printing process, the droplet dead zones are significantly reduced and achieve precise spatial patterning with scalable fabrication. This work not only pioneers the integration of ECPDLCs into printed photonic devices but also offers a practical design framework for next‐generation multifunctional smart systems. Our findings open up new avenues for adaptive architectural glazing, customizable commercial displays, and responsive optical technologies.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Electrowetting and Microfluidic Technologies · Liquid Crystal Research Advancements · Photonic Crystals and Applications

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Laboratory of Wave‐Arrays and Display Engineering (WADE Group) Department of Electrical Electronics Engineering POSTECH Pohang 37673 Republic of Korea

Department of Engineering Science University of Oxford University of Oxford Parks Road Oxford OX1 3PJ UK

Laboratory of Liquid Crystal Photonics (LCP Group) Department of Electrical Information Communication Engineering Kangwon National University Samcheok 25913 Republic of Korea

Funding

Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council

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