Dynamically Responsive Infrared Window Coatings

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An oxygen plasma etcher is used to clean test substrates for window coatings.
Photo courtesy of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
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PNNL scientist Dr. Kyle Alvine checks on the progress of the plasma etch.
Photo courtesy of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
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PNNL scientist begins fabrication of a prototype window coating.
Photo courtesy of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
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Solution is deposited in preparation for spin-coating of a lab-scale nanostructured coating.
Photo courtesy of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
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PNNL scientist inspects a prototype nanostructured window coating.
Photo courtesy of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Lead Performer: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory - Richland, WA
Partners: PPG Industries - Pittsburgh, PA
DOE Funding: $750,000
Cost Share: $78,000
Project Term: October 1, 2013 – June 30, 2016

Project Objective

This project is developing a low-cost, visibly transparent, passively switchable dynamic infrared (IR) window coating that integrates IR-reflective sub-wavelength nanostructures in a buckling layer. The reversible buckling effect switches from transmitting to reflecting in the IR only as the window coating temperature increases. Two prototype films will be created: (1) a laboratory-scale (1 inch) dynamic IR-responsive coating with a near-infrared (NIR) transmission delta of 20% and a visible transmission of greater than 50%, as well as a temperature switching window in the 30°–90°C range; and (2) a bench-scale (6 inch) integrated buckling and sub-wavelength film with an average NIR transmission delta of 10%–15% (over 750–900 nanometers), an average visible transmission of at least 50%, and a temperature switching window in the 30°–90°C range.

Contacts

DOE Technology Manager: Karma Sawyer
Performer: Kyle Alvine, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

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