Glass partitions us from other people and the elements, while letting light through. But that transmission can be a problem if we want to have privacy or to block the sun's heat. Smart glass can help, letting us change the properties of windows on demand.

At the push of a button, liquid-crystal glass can rapidly transform from clear to frosted, turning a see-through conference room wall, shower stall or ambulance rear window into a visual barrier. No space-consuming or dirt-collecting shades, curtains or blinds are needed. This "privacy glass" is impossible to see through because it scatters incoming rays, yet the diffusion fills the interior space with natural light

This article was originally published with the title Private and Cool.

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