Thin-film coatings, electro-optic elements and assemblies incorporating these elements

An electro-optic element, comprising:

• a first substrate including first and second surfaces, the first substrate containing at least a first layer of electrically conductive material deposited on the second surface, wherein the first layer is substantially transparent;
• a second substrate including third and fourth surfaces, the second substrate containing a second layer of electrically conductive material deposited on the third surface, wherein the first and second substrates are disposed in a parallel and spaced-apart relationship to define a gap between the second and third surfaces, the gap containing an electro-optic medium;
• a first bus with a first bus length that is arranged in electrical communication with the first layer;
• and
• a second bus with a second bus length that is arranged in electrical communication with the second layer, the second bus length less than about 2 cm in length,
• wherein a bus ratio between the first bus length and the second bus length is greater than 5:1, and
• further wherein the element is configured such that a relative darkening timing factor substantially across the element is less than a factor of 3, the relative darkening timing factor given by a darkening time at a position within the element divided by a fastest darkening time within the element.

An electro-optic element, comprising:

• a first substrate including first and second surfaces, the first substrate containing at least a first layer of electrically conductive material deposited on the second surface, wherein the first layer is substantially transparent;
• a second substrate including third and fourth surfaces, the second substrate containing a second layer of electrically conductive material deposited on the third surface, wherein the first and second substrates are disposed in a parallel and spaced-apart relationship to define a gap between the second and third surfaces, the gap containing an electro-optic medium;
• and
• a distance between the geometrical center of the element and an edge of the element is no less than 5 cm,
• wherein the element is configured such that a relative darkening timing factor substantially across the element is less than a factor of 3, the relative darkening timing factor given by a darkening time at a position within the element divided by a fastest darkening time within the element.