Rockwell International Corporation

Rockwell Science Center, Inc.

Rockwell Technologies, Inc.

Teledyne Licensing, LLC

Michael A Cunningham

D Morgan Tench

Leslie F Warren, Jr

Milton B Frankel

Clifford C Bampton

Paul H Kobrin

Switching uniformity of an optical modulation device for controlling the propagation of electromagnetic radiation is improved by use of an electrode comprising an electrically resistive layer that is transparent to the radiation. The resistive layer is preferably an innerlayer of a wide-bandgap oxide sandwiched between layers of indium tin oxide or another transparent conductor, and may be of uniform thickness, or may be graded so as to provide further improvement in the switching uniformity. The electrode may be used with electrochromic and reversible electrochemical mirror (REM) smart window devices, as well as display devices based on various technologies.

Electrode with transparent series resistance for uniform switching of optical modulation devices

A reversible electrochemical mirror device includes a substantially transparent first electrode having a textured surface, and a second electrode which may be distributed in localized areas. An electrolytic solution, disposed between the first and second electrodes, contains ions of a metal which can electrodeposit on the electrodes. A negative electrical potential applied to the first electrode causes deposited metal to be dissolved from the second electrode into the electrolytic solution and to be electrodeposited from the solution onto the textured surface of the first electrode, thereby affecting the reflectivity of the device for electromagnetic radiation. Because of the textured surface, light striking the first electrode is diffusely reflected, making the device desirable for architectural and automotive glass applications. A surface modification layer applied to the first electrode ensures that the electrodeposit is substantially uniform. A positive electrical potential applied to the first electrode causes deposited metal to be dissolved from the first electrode and electrodeposited from the solution onto the second electrode, thereby decreasing the reflection of radiation by the device.

Diffusely-reflecting reversible electrochemical mirror

An electrochemical mirror includes a transparent first electrode and a second electrode. An electrolytic solution, disposed between the first and second electrodes, contains ions of a metal which can electrodeposit on the electrodes. A negative electrical potential applied to the first electrode causes deposited metal to be dissolved from the second electrode into the electrolytic solution and to be electrodeposited from the solution onto the first electrode, thereby affecting the reflectivity of the mirror for electromagnetic radiation. A surface modification layer applied to the first electrode ensures that the electrodeposit is substantially uniform, resulting in a mirror layer which increases the reflectivity of the mirror. A positive electrical potential applied to the first electrode causes deposited metal to be dissolved from the first electrode and electrodeposited from the solution onto the second electrode, thereby decreasing the reflectivity of the mirror.

Reversible electrochemical mirror for modulation of reflected radiation

A reversible electrochemical mirror (REM) includes a first electrode and a second electrode, one of which is substantially transparent to at least a portion of the spectrum of electromagnetic radiation. An electrolytic solution, disposed between the first and second electrodes, contains ions of a metal which can electrodeposit on the electrodes. The electrolytic solution also contains halide and/or pseudohalide anions having a total molar concentration ratio of at least 6:1 compared to that of the electrodepositable metal. A negative electrical potential applied to the first electrode causes deposited metal to be dissolved from the second electrode into the electrolytic solution and to be electrodeposited from the solution onto the first electrode to form a mirror deposit, thereby affecting the reflectivity of the REM device for electromagnetic radiation. A positive electrical potential applied to the first electrode causes deposited metal to be dissolved from the first electrode into the solution and electrodeposited from the solution onto the second electrode, thereby decreasing the reflectivity of the REM mirror. It is usually necessary to apply a surface modification layer to the first electrode to ensure uniform nucleation so that a mirror electrodeposit having high reflectivity is obtained. The high molar concentration ratio of halide and/or pseudohalide anions to electrodepositable metal ions in the electrolyte provides the inherent electrolyte stability, high deposit quality, good deposit erasure and long cycle life needed for practical applications.

Reversible electrochemical mirror (REM) with improved electrolytic

A method is provided for fabricating metal matrix composites. Optical or reinforcing fibers, which may be in the form of monofilaments, mats, or tow, are consolidated into a metal matrix alloy. Grooves may be provided in the metal matrix material for holding and positioning the fibers. A transient liquid diffusion bonding agent in the form of a powder may be blended with powdered filler material, such as powdered matrix material, to provide a vehicle for consolidating the fibers into the metal matrix. The fibers and the blended powder are placed between layers of the metal matrix material and the whole structure is heated under minimal pressure to liquefy the bonding agent. The liquid bonding agent wets each fiber and interdiffuses with the matrix material, resulting in rapid isothermal solidification of the alloy and consolidation of the fibers in the matrix.

Synthesis of metal matrix composites by transient liquid consolidation

High-energetic explosive and propellant compositions having decreased detonation sensitivity are provided. To enhance the specific impulse of these formulations and ensure detonation desensitization, the highly-energetic oxidizer 1,9-dinitrato-2,4,6,8-tetranitrazanonane is utilized.

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Thousand Oaks, CA, United States of America

Michael A Cunningham