Toward a quantitative model for suspended particle devices: Optical scattering and absorption coefficients

Suspended particle devices (SPDs) allow rapid voltage-controlled modulation of their optical transmittance and are of interest for solar-energy-related and other applications. We investigated the spectral total and diffuse transmittance of an SPD, including its angular dependence. The optical modulation was large for visible light but almost nil in the infrared, and the devices had noticeable haze. A theoretical two-flux model was formulated and provided a quantitative description of the absorption and scattering coefficients and thereby of the detailed optical performance. This analysis gives a benchmark for assessing improvements of the SPD technology as well as for comparing it with alternative technologies for optical modulation.

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► We have measured the solar and luminous transmittance and reflectance of suspended particle devices in dark, intermediate and bleached states.
► The haze, as determined by diffuse reflectance and transmittance, was assessed.
► The measured total and diffuse reflectance and transmittance data were inverted to give backscattering and absorption coefficients of the suspended particle layer.