REFR
- Research Frontiers Incorporated
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Overview
Company Summary
Research Frontiers Incorporated (REFR) is a company specializing in the development, licensing, and commercialization of innovative smart glass technologies. Their main product is called SPD-SmartGlass, which stands for suspended particle devices.
SPD-SmartGlass is a type of dynamic glass that allows users to manually or automatically control the amount of light, glare, and heat that enters a building, vehicle, or other enclosed space. This technology provides a flexible, energy-efficient, and more comfortable solution compared to traditional static glass.
REFR's smart glass technology works based on tiny particles suspended in a fluid or film between glass layers. By applying an electric current, the particles align themselves, either allowing light to pass through or blocking it. This enables users to instantly adjust the tint and transparency of the glass to their preference, transforming transparent glass into a shaded or opaque state and vice versa.
The applications for SPD-SmartGlass are wide-ranging and encompass various industries. It can be found in automotive applications such as sunroofs, windows, and sun visors, improving occupant comfort and reducing the need for sunshades. In the architectural sector, the smart glass is used in windows, skylights, and partitions, enhancing privacy, energy efficiency, and overall aesthetics of buildings. Additionally, it is used in the aerospace, marine, and electronics industries.
Research Frontiers Incorporated operates by licensing its smart glass technology to various manufacturers and suppliers worldwide. They collaborate with partners who integrate SPD-SmartGlass into their products and subsequently distribute and sell them under their own brand names. This approach allows REFR to leverage the expertise and distribution networks of these partners, accelerating the adoption of smart glass technology across different markets.
In summary, Research Frontiers Incorporated develops and licenses SPD-SmartGlass, a revolutionary smart glass technology that provides advanced control over light, heat, and glare. With applications in automotive, architectural, aerospace, marine, and electronics industries, the company's technology offers enhanced comfort, energy efficiency, and versatility to various enclosed environments.