Merck KGaA's Liquid Crystal Window Technology - Crystal Clear Shading Solutions for Modern Living (Energy Harvesting & Storage USA 2014)

In close cooperation with the company Peer+, which Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany acquired in 2014, the liquid crystal specialist Merck KGaA has developed a new LC technology for the production of switchable windows: Thanks to Merck KGaA's Liquid Crystal Window Technology (LCW), the smart windows can be switched in just seconds from light (transparent) to dark (translucent) and vice versa. Even continuously variable dimming is possible. Individually adaptable windows create new prospects for the architectural design of windows and facades. The liquid crystal technology used here is specifically optimized for longevity and temperature resistance and can be used in a wide variety of window and facade applications. Liquid crystals are thus setting new standards in user-friendly light, temperature and energy management.

In December 2011, Johannes was appointed Senior Director of Liquid Crystals Physics R&D at Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. He was previously head of Merck KGaA's Technical Centre in Southampton, UK, where he worked from July 2006 until July 2011 in the fields of organic electronics and organic photovoltaics, flexible display materials, liquid crystal materials for optical films, and formulation and printing of functional materials. He joined Merck KGaA in 2004 as strategic business development manager for the identification of new growth opportunities within Merck KGaA's chemical businesses. Prior to Merck KGaA, he worked as M&S director at the MIT spin-off mnemoScience, a company specializing in advanced medical devices with unique shape memory properties. He started his career as an R&D manager at the chemical company Chemtura Corporation. He has a master's degree in chemistry from the University of Bonn/Germany and received a PhD in chemistry from University Dortmund/Germany.

Merck KGaA of Darmstadt, Germany, is a leading company for innovative and top-quality high-tech products in the pharmaceutical and chemical sectors. Its subsidiaries in Canada and the United States operate under the umbrella brand EMD. Around 39,000 employees work in 66 countries to improve the quality of life for patients, to further the success of customers and to help meet global challenges. The company generated total revenues of € 11.1 billion in 2013 with its four divisions: Biopharmaceuticals, Consumer Health, Performance Materials and Life Science Tools. Merck KGaA of Darmstadt, Germany is the world's oldest pharmaceutical and chemical company - since 1668, the name has stood for innovation, business success and responsible entrepreneurship. Holding an approximately 70 percent interest, the founding family remains the majority owner of the company to this day.