How Does Smart Glass Work?
Smart glass operates through several different technologies that manipulate light transmission. These are the primary types of technologies available:
PDLC (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal)
PDLC smart glass is the technology we use at Priviglaze.
It works like this: tiny liquid crystal molecules are sandwiched between two layers of glass. When there’s no electricity running through the glass, these molecules are scattered randomly, blocking light and creating that frosted look.
Flip the switch, and an electric current aligns all those molecules neatly, allowing light to pass straight through – just like that, your frosted glass becomes crystal clear.
PDLC smart glass is commonly found in offices and conference rooms as switchable privacy glass.
SPD (Suspended Particle Device)
Similar to PDLC technology, SPD smart glass uses microscopic particles suspended in a liquid between glass layers.
However, these particles respond differently – they absorb light in their default state, making the glass dark.
When electricity is applied, the particles align to allow light through, making the glass clearer. This technology is particularly popular in the automotive industry for sunroofs and windows.
Electrochromic Glass
This type of smart glass changes its opacity through a chemical reaction. When a small electric voltage is applied, ions move between different layers in the glass, causing it to darken or lighten.
Unlike PDLC and SPD, the change is gradual rather than instant, making it ideal for buildings where subtle light control is preferred over immediate privacy needs.
Thermochromic Glass
Thermochromic glass responds to temperature changes in its environment. When exposed to heat (typically from direct sunlight), the glass automatically transitions from clear to tinted. This passive system requires no electrical input, making it a low-maintenance solution for climate control.
The glass contains a special coating or interlayer that becomes darker as it heats up, helping to reduce solar heat gain and glare. While more straightforward than other smart glass technologies, its main limitation is that users can’t control the tinting process – it responds purely to temperature changes.
Technical Features of Smart Glass Explained
Light Transmission
Think of light transmission like a window’s ability to let light through. Our smart glass lets through about 85% of visible light when it’s in its clear state. To put this in perspective, that’s similar to a regular clean window, meaning rooms stay bright and naturally lit when you want them to be. This high transmission rate ensures you’re not sacrificing natural light when you choose smart glass.
View Angle
The view angle tells you how far to the side you can stand while still getting a clear view through the glass. With a 150° viewing angle, our smart glass works effectively even when you’re looking at it from sharp angles.
Imagine standing almost beside the glass – you’ll still see through it clearly when it’s transparent. This makes it perfect for large windows or partitions where people might be viewing from different positions in the room.
Haze Levels
Haze is what makes the glass look clear or frosted. Our smart glass has two haze levels:
- When switched on (clear mode), there is only a 5% haze, meaning the glass looks almost completely clear, like a regular window.
- When switched off (private mode): 80% haze, creating that frosted effect that gives you privacy while still letting light through.
See Smart Glass in Action
