Electrically tunable window device

A device for controlling the transmittance of light over large areas, such as windows, is described. It is based on electrostatically induced surface deformation of soft dielectric elastomer sheets produced when a voltage is applied between two networks of electrically conducting nanowires on either side of the elastomer. Variations in the surface curvature are produced by the applied voltage refract light, decreasing the optical transmittance at all wavelengths. As the device relies on changes in the geometric propagation of light, rather than on chemical changes, it is color neutral. (C) 2016 Optical Society of America