A group of Japanese researchers from the University of Tokyo, the Segawa Laboratory at RCAST, and Sony have created a prototype glass panel with intricate designs that’s able to change colour based on the how much energy is supplied from an attached rechargeable battery. In other words, it’s stained glass for a generation who swaps their smartphone’s wallpaper five times a day.
The prototypes were created using energy-storable dye-sensitised solar cells — or ES-DSSCs — developed by the Segawa Laboratory, as well as colour-changing rechargeable batteries that were integrated into the panels. As the batteries lose their charge, they slowly change from transparent to a deep blue shade, which can change the entire colour panel of the stained glass’ design.
Uses in gothic architecture aside, the colour-changing panels have the potential to be used in full-colour animated displays that don’t require as much energy as a backlit LCD panel to run. Or as a way to dynamically adjust the colour of a lamp or lighting to change the mood in a room, or just complement its decor. [Nikkei Technology]
