[Robotgroup] Fwd: NASA Tech Briefs INSIDER 04/03/07

[Ed Xavier Gonzalez]

This was too cool not to share!  My understanding is that it is either
available soon or will be on the horizon after some huge corporation
snaps up the licensing rights.

>* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
>* "Smart" Sunglasses Let Users Adjust Shade and Color
>* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
>
>INTELLIGENT SUNGLASSES
>Researchers at the University of Washington (Seattle, WA) have designed
>prototype sunglasses that darken instantaneously, using electrochromic
>materials that change transparency depending on the electric currents
>running through them. The wearer spins a tiny dial on the arm of the
>glasses to change lens color or shade.
>
>Sandwiching a gel between two layers of electrochromic material created
>the lenses. Applying a small voltage moves charged particles from one
>layer to another, changing the transparency. A single watch battery is
>able to power thousands of transitions. Once the glasses are a certain
>tint, they will stay that way without power for about 30 days. Organic
>molecules allowed the researchers to create colored lenses.
>
>For more information, visit: http://link.abpi.net/l.php?20070403A8

<The right to Free Speech does not diminish the value of remaining silent>

Ed Xavier Gonzalez
Oak Hill Laser
ohlaser at swbell.net
(512) 288-5243