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17 Jun 2002
Global Mirror GmbH has obtained a worldwide licence to manufacture and sell Research Frontiers' self-dimming suspended particle device (SPD) film for rear-view mirrors in trucks, buses and cars. Research Frontiers will receive a minimum annual royalty and between 5 and 8% of net sales of licensed products.
SPD film is based on photoreactive polymers and allows almost real-time variation in the transmission of light to a window or mirror (see Emulsion sandwich controls light transmission), depending on the incident light. Trucks require large rear mirrors, and these can change from light to dark and back more quickly if they are made of SPD rather than electrochromic materials.
Studies have shown that self-dimming rear-view mirrors improve the driver's comfort, reduce tiredness and reduce the reaction time to driving hazards. Glare is a particular problem for vehicles at night.
The Global Mirror group of companies is a major producer of commercial vehicle mirror systems. The latest SPD licence restricts Research Frontiers from licensing the film to further vehicle mirror manufacturers for a certain time if sales targets are met. Among the other licence holders of Research Frontiers' technology, Hankuk Glass and Glaverbel are already permitted to make and sell SPD rear-view windows.
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