Gentex Corporation
Polarized electro-optic element

Abstract:

A vehicular rearview assembly is provided that includes a display configured to emit light of a first polarization. A reflective polarizer is positioned adjacent the display. The reflective polarizer is configured to transmit the light of the first polarization and reflect light of a second polarization and an electro-optic element is positioned on an opposite side of the reflective polarizer than the display. The electro-optic element is configured to transition between substantially clear and substantially darkened states. The electro-optic element includes a plurality of electrochromic molecules substantially aligned with the second polarization of the light such that the electro-optic element is configured to substantially absorb the light of the second polarization when in the darkened state.