Driving Signals Optimization for Viologen-Based Electrochromic Vision Devices

In this paper, we try to optimize the driving signals of certain electrochromic devices that can be potentially used in ophthalmic applications for retinal diseases. The goal is to save power while achieving optimal transmittance changes. The optimization tries to increase the devices cyclability, minimizing their power consumption and avoiding current peaks, all of this motivated to have a better portability in their use on spectacles. We manufactured viologen-based electrochromic devices on glass substrates with different internal active layer thickness, covering the wide range of optical powers needed. We discuss and select four algorithms, based on the expected improvements that they could imply. We measured 5000 cycles and checked the devices' responses in terms of switching and transmittance change for every algorithm. The results, combined with temporal evolution and peak currents needed to switch the devices, allow the selection of the best algorithm for these portable systems to increase their autonomy and increase their switching speed.