LCglass

LCglass is a class of smart glass products that use liquid crystal technology to control light transmission. In typical designs, LCglass consists of two glass substrates with transparent electrodes and a layer of liquid crystal material, sandwiched between alignment layers and sealant. An applied electric field reorients the liquid crystals, altering the glass’s transmittance, haze, and polarization.

Two common variants are polymer-stabilized liquid crystal (PSLC) and polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC). PDLC devices switch between a scattering, opaque off-state and a clearer on-state when voltage is applied. PSLC configurations seek continuous control of transmittance for intermediate shading and faster, more uniform response.

LCglass is produced by standard glass-processing methods, including coating or deposition of LC formulations on substrates, lamination with additional glass panes, and edge sealing. The devices typically consume low power and require modest voltages to drive switching, with response times ranging from milliseconds to tens of milliseconds depending on formulation and thickness.

Applications include privacy glazing for offices and homes, automotive and architectural glazing, storefront displays, and certain display or sensor-integrated panels. The technology can reduce glare and solar heat gain, contributing to energy efficiency, but higher manufacturing costs and temperature sensitivity can limit adoption.

LCglass is sometimes used as a generic descriptor for liquid-crystal–based glass, but it is also a brand name used by specific manufacturers.

See also: smart glass, electrochromic glass, privacy glass, PDLC.