Usually, a glance in the rear-view mirror reveals what's in the past. AlphaMirror, a Kent-based liquid crystal spin-off, looks at its new, auto-dimming mirror technology, and sees the future. AlphaMirror is focusing its work on changing the market for rear-view mirrors using technology developed at nearby Kent State University. The mirror will automatically adjust, depending how much light is available, using a liquid crystal display. Unlike a computer, there is only one pixel and the panel is made of plastic, not glass. AlphaMirror has teamed up with its parent company, AlphaMicron, and Michigan-based Magna Mirrors to develop Digital Mirror. The collaboration netted a $1 million grant from the Ohio Third Frontier . In late 2010 AlphaMirror employed two expected to double that number when the product goes to market in the next few years.