Suspended particle device (SPD) technology is a patented technology developed and licensed by Research Frontiers Incorporated. It allows users to control the amount of light, glare and heat passing through glass or plastic products such as windows, skylights, doors, sunroofs, visors, eyewear and more.

SPD-Smart products are made with SPD film patented by Research Frontiers. Within this film are randomly oriented microscopic particles. When no electrical voltage is present, the particles absorb light and block it from passing through the film. When an electrical voltage is applied, the particles align so that light can pass through. By regulating the voltage with a simple switch or other control device, users instantly regulate the amount of light, glare and heat coming through products such as windows.

A number of products in various applications can be made SPD-Smart. These include: architectural windows, doors, skylights and partitions

• aerospace windows, doors and partitions
• automotive sunroofs, side and rear windows, visors, mirrors
• appliance windows and doors on refrigerators, ovens, microwaves
• marine windows, doors, hatches and partitions
• prescription and non-prescription glasses, goggles and helmet visors
• advertising signage and displays, computer screens, cell phones and light filters.

SPD-Smart products are made with patented SPD film. This film provides an unequalled combination of performance benefits, including: almost instantaneous control of light, glare and heat manually or automatically

• wide range of light transmission from dark to clear
• fast and consistent switching speed, regardless of panel size
• more than 99% protection from damaging ultraviolet (UV) light
• ability to be integrated into a wide variety of glass or plastic materials
• ability to be produced with curves or irregular patterns
• durability
• low haze
• extremely low power consumption
• impact resistance
• noise reduction.

Products using SPD technology provide significant benefits to end-users, including: almost instantaneous control of light, glare and heat

• improved aesthetics, comfort and privacy
• greater security
• energy savings
• cost-effectiveness relative to other light-control technologies
• low maintenance
• wide range of light-control without loss of view
• close to 100% light blockage for privacy or room darkening
• protection of interior furnishings and other valuable items from UV damage.

SPD-Smart products are extremely energy efficient. At line voltage, SPD film typically uses a maximum of approximately 0.06 watts of power per square foot (0.65 watts/m2). No power is used when the film is in its dark state. When operating at light transmission levels in between the clear and dark states, power requirements are correspondingly lower than the maximum. Exact power consumption depends in part upon the thickness of the SPD film used for a specific end-product application and other factors.

More details at company's website

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