Optically Switchable Smart Windows with Integrated Photovoltaic Devices

© 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim. An optically controlled energy-harvesting smart window that incorporates a semitransparent solar cell with a photosensitive liquid crystal (LC) layer is demonstrated. The LC layer can switch between a transparent (day mode) and an opaque (night mode) state depending upon the incident solar radiation. Combined with a photovoltaic cell, this window provides a template for future smart window systems.