“Smart glass” is an umbrella term. Besides PDLC there are several technologies, each with its own purpose. [1][16][17]
| Technology | What changes? | Switching time | Power needed | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PDLC | clear ↔ frosted (privacy) | < 0.1 s | to stay clear (standard) | interior walls, bathrooms, meeting rooms |
| SPD (suspended particle device) | clear ↔ dark (tinted), dimmable | a few seconds | to stay clear | skylights, cars, aircraft windows |
| Electrochromic (e.g. SageGlass, View, Halio) | clear ↔ dark blue/grey, solar control | minutes | only while switching | façades, solar control in buildings |
| LC dimming glass (guest-host LC, e.g. eyrise) | clear ↔ tinted, dimmable | seconds | low | façades, solar control |
| Thermochromic / photochromic | tints with heat or light | minutes | no (passive) | façades, eyeglass lenses |
See the manufacturers page for producers of each technology.