Researchers at Cambridge University have designed smart glass windows that can go from transparent to opaque with the flip of a switch.
These smart glass windows are created from "smectic liquid crystal" that is made up of molecules that try to align themselves with the electric field when voltage is applied to them. This gives the glass the ability to go opaque or transparent on command with minimal energy use, unlike the processes in other smart glass devices and windows. Because of its ability to become opaque on command, these windows do not require any curtains or blinds.
In the long run, these smart glass windows could be highly cost-effective and save energy resources. Due to their ability to switch to opaque, they would make an excellent addition to offices and other buildings that do not always have blinds or curtains to cover their windows.
Not on front page