Electrochromic dimming filters are a convenient solution for adapting light transmittance to external conditions. Unlike conventional optical filters, electrochromic filters do not need to be replaced when lighting changes. It is enough to press a button — or leave transmittance control to automation.
As a result, a person or a system always receives an optimal light level: sunlight and reflections from snow or water do not cause glare, while in twilight maximum transparency can be activated to admit as much light as possible.
Other ways to adapt to changing illumination exist as well — sun visors, sunglasses, or darkened glass. In extreme conditions, however, there may be no time for such steps. For example, a combat vehicle driver-mechanic may not have the capacity to replace a light filter when the environment changes. In such cases, an electrochromic filter resolves the problem without diverting attention from primary tasks.
The photograph shows one of the Octoglass electrochromic filter prototypes for an observation device on military equipment. At the push of a button, the filter can tint or clear. Neutral tint color and the absence of optical distortion do not interfere with situational awareness, while blue-light filtering in the clear state helps improve perception in twilight conditions.
