Abstract: A method for measuring the absolute throughput of a polarization modulating reflective display in an optical system having a folded light path. The steps include measuring a first light intensity, LR, in the folded light path, having a first polarizing beam splitter, and a reflective display. A second intensity, LO, is measured using an unfolded light path where the reflective display is replaced by a second cross-rotated polarizing beam splitter. The absolute throughput is TM is calculated, where TM = LR/LO.

Abstract: An optical imaging system including an illumination system, a Cartesian PBS, and a prism assembly. The illumination system provides a beam of light, the illumination system having an f/# less than or equal to 2.5. The Cartesian polarizing beam-splitter has a first tilt axis, oriented to receive the beam of light. A first polarized beam of light having one polarization direction is folded by the Cartesian polarizing beam splitter and a second polarized beam of light having a second polarization direction is transmitted by the Cartesian polarizing beam splitter. The Cartesian polarizing beam splitter nominally polarizes the beam of light with respect to the Cartesian beam-splitter to yield the first polarized beam in the first polarization direction. The color separation and recombination prism is optically aligned to receive the first polarized beam. The prism has a second tilt axis, a plurality of color separating surfaces, and a plurality of exit surfaces.

Abstract: Reflective front projection screens capable of projecting an image with enhanced contrast and a wide viewing angle in the presence of relatively high levels of ambient light are disclosed along with projection systems using the screens. The projection screens include a reflective polarizing element in combination with a diffusing element and/or glare suppressing element. The reflective polarizing element transmits light of one polarization state and reflects light of a different polarization state. The reflective polarizing element may be diffusely reflective or specularly reflective and the optical properties of the diffusing element and/or glare suppressing element may be selected based on the optical properties of the reflective polarizing element to further enhance image brightness and contrast.

Abstract: Substrate elements for making liquid crystal display devices are disclosed as well as display devices using such elements. A substrate element includes a base sheet having the desired optical properties and providing the structural stability for the substrate element. The substrate element further includes a microstructured barrier layer that protects the base sheet from adverse chemical reactions with the liquid crystal or alignment layer solvents. The microstructured barrier layer comprises a plurality of microstructured spacing members that provide precise, uniform spacing between the first substrate element and a second substrate element. A pair of substrate elements, at least one of which having a microstructured barrier layer, can thereby be mated to form a display device. The substrate elements of the present invention allow large area, high resolution displays to be fabricated which will provide uniform display properties throughout the display area.

Abstract: A electromagnetic-power-absorbing composite, comprising a binder and a plurality of multilayered flakes dispersed in the binder. The multilayered flakes include at least one layer pair comprising one thin film crystalline ferromagnetic metal layer adjacent to one thin film dielectric layer. The multilayered flakes are preferably present in an amount in the range from about 0.1% to about 10% by volume of the composite. The composite is useful for absorbing electromagnetic power having a frequency in the range from 5 to 6000 MHz so as to produce heat.

Abstract: A marker for use in magnetic-type electronic article surveillance systems, comprising a substrate on which are deposited a plurality of high permeability, low coercive force magnetic thin-films, each being separated from an adjacent magnetic thin-film by a non-magnetic thin-film. Each of the magnetic films have substantially the same permeability and coercive force, and the non-magnetic films are of a thickness to allow magnetostatic coupling while inhibiting exchange coupling. Accordingly, all of the magnetic thin-films reverse as a single entity and produce a sharp, readily distinguishable response.