Polarized electro-optic element

A vehicular rearview assembly, comprising:

• a display configured to emit light of a first polarization;
• a reflective polarizer positioned adjacent the display, the reflective polarizer configured to transmit the light of a first polarization and reflect light of a second polarization;
• and
• an electro-optic element comprising:
• a first substantially transparent substrate defining first and second surfaces, wherein the second surface comprises a first electrically conductive layer;
• a second substantially transparent substrate defining third and fourth surfaces, wherein the third surface comprises a second electrically conductive layer;
• a primary seal disposed between the first and second substrates, wherein the seal and the first and second substrates define a cavity there between;
• and
• a polymeric film disposed within the cavity and comprising a plurality of electrochromics aligned with the light of the second polarization, the polymeric film being variably transmissive to the light of the second polarization such that the electro-optic element is operable between substantially clear and darkened states relative to the light of the second polarization.

A vehicular rearview assembly, comprising:

• a display configured to transmit light of a first polarization;
• a reflective polarizer positioned adjacent the display, the reflective polarizer configured to transmit the light of the first polarization and reflect light of a second polarization;
• and
• an electro-optic element comprising:
• a first substantially transparent substrate defining first and second surfaces, wherein the second surface comprises a first electrically conductive layer;
• a second substantially transparent substrate defining third and fourth surfaces, wherein the third surface comprises a second electrically conductive layer;
• a primary seal disposed between the first and second substrates, wherein the seal and the first and second substrates define a cavity there between;
• a first polymeric film positioned within the cavity, the first polymeric film comprising a plurality of cathodic electrochromics aligned with the second polarization of light;
• and
• a second polymeric film in the cavity and comprising a plurality of anodic electrochromics aligned with the second polarization of light, wherein the first and second polymeric films are variably transmissive to the light of the second polarization.