| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1984 | James Fergason is granted a patent on liquid crystal encapsulated in a polymer by an emulsion method (US 4,435,047): the basis of NCAP (nematic curvilinear aligned phase). [2][3] |
| 1985–1986 | Fergason publishes on NCAP films for very large light valves and displays. [2] |
| 1986 | J. William Doane and colleagues at Kent State University (USA) describe “field controlled light scattering from nematic microdroplets” and develop the phase-separation method – the term PDLC becomes common. [4][5] |
| 1987 | Raychem acquires the rights; spin-off Taliq starts the first commercial production of NCAP switchable film. [5] |
| 1990s | Glass producers bring laminated switchable glass to market, such as Saint-Gobain PRIVA-LITE. [23] |
| 2002 – 2005 | The core patents of both lines (emulsion and phase separation) expire. [5] |
| 2010 – | Strong growth in production, especially in China, and the rise of self-adhesive retrofit film. Prices drop and PDLC becomes affordable for homes. |
| today | Low-voltage films, PNLC, high-clarity and smart-home integration; installers on every continent cut and install film to size. [15][21] |
Knowledge base · The basics
History of PDLC
The history of PDLC: from Fergason's NCAP patent (1984) and Doane at Kent State to today's smart film.