TOKYO and WOODBURY, N.Y. - Dainippon Ink and Chemicals Inc. (DIC), Tokyo, has expanded the business it started in 1999 to make SPD (suspended particles device) emulsions by acquiring an additional license from Research Frontiers Inc., Woodbury, N.Y., to make and sell SPD-Smart™ light-control film.

SPD emulsions combine special polymers, particles and other chemicals in a form that can be coated into a high-performance light-control film used in windows and many other products. The new license permits DIC to now produce and sell SPD-Smart light-control film. DIC also plans to expand production capacity from current levels.

SPD light-control film has wide applicability in a variety of SPD-Smart products, including architectural, automotive, aircraft and marine windows, as well as in instantly adjustable variable-tint eyewear. SPD light-control technology can be used on flat or curved glass or plastic surfaces, and is the world's only light-control technology to combine fast switching speed, optical clarity over a wide range of light transmission and uniform switching over large surface areas.

In a window, sunroof or other product using VaryFast™ SPD-Smart technology, the user can manually or automatically "tune" the amount of light, glare and heat coming into a home, office, aircraft, train or other vehicle. SPD-Smart windows, which can reduce energy consumption, also block over 99% of harmful ultraviolet radiation to protect occupants and prevent the fading of carpets, furniture and artwork. Additional information about SPD-Smart windows and other products can be found at www.smartglass.com/.