Optical devices with switchable particles

摘要

Optical display devices and methods of operating such devices are provided. The optical device includes a display component having a plurality of anisotropic multiphasic particles with at least two optically distinct phases. The plurality of anisotropic multiphasic particles is disposed in one or more regions of the display component that define an optic feature. Further, at least one of the phases of the anisotropic multiphasic particle comprises a material receptive to a force field, such as a magnetic material is receptive to an applied magnetic field. In this manner, the display component can reversibly exhibit a first optical state in the presence of the force field and thus is optionally switchable.

主权项

1. A magnetically switchable optical device comprising:
a display component that defines an optic feature and comprises a housing having a first side, a second opposite side, and an interior comprising a plurality of anisotropic multiphasic particles, each respective anisotropic multiphasic particle comprising a first phase and at least one additional phase distinct from the first phase, wherein the first phase comprises a first colorant so that the anisotropic multiphasic particle has optically distinct phases and at least one of the first phase or the at least one additional phase comprises a magnetic material receptive to a magnetic field; and a magnetic field generator comprising a magnet disposed external to the housing, wherein the magnet has a non-pole surface that is translatable from a first position adjacent to the first side of the housing of the display component for inducing orientation of the plurality of anisotropic multiphasic particles in a first optical state to a second position adjacent to the second opposite side for inducing orientation of the plurality of anisotropic multiphasic particles to a second optical state distinct from the first optical state.