Abstract: A multilayer optical polarizing film has optical layers whose refractive indices substantially match along orthogonal in-plane x- and y-axes, and that mismatch along a z-axis by at least 0.1 and in some cases by at least 0.15. The film has substantially no reflection bands at normal incidence, and for obliquely incident light has at least one reflection band, for p-polarized light only, that monotonically increases and that shifts to shorter wavelengths as the incidence angle increases.

Abstract: Dental articles including at least one optical surface formed of a multilayer optical film including layers of at least one strain-induced birefringent material are disclosed. The multilayer optical films included in the dental articles is preferably post-formed into desired non-planar shapes in manners that result in some deformation of the optical stack of the multilayer optical films. A variety of dental implements can be constructed with multilayer optical film including dental mirrors, light guides for use in connection with photo-curing dental materials, and matrix bands for use in molding photo-curing dental restoratives.

Abstract: A multilayer polymer film has an optical stack including a plurality of alternating polymer layers with skin layers having mechanical, optical, or chemical properties differing from those of the layers in the optical stack. In one embodiment, the multilayer polymeric film has one or more holograms that provide attractive and useful optical effects.

Abstract: Birefringent optical films have a Brewster angle (the angle at which reflectance of p-polarized light goes to zero) which is very large or is nonexistent. This allows for the construction of multilayer mirrors and polarizers whose reflectivity for p-polarized light decreases slowly with angle of incidence, are independent of angle of incidence, or increase with angle of incidence away from the normal. As a result, multilayer films having high reflectivity (for both planes of polarization for any incident direction in the case of mirrors, and for the selected direction in the case of polarizers) over a wide bandwidth, can be achieved.

Abstract: The present invention is directed an oriented, foamed article having an ink-receptive surface, and a method of making the article. The invention provides a printable substrate comprising at least one high melt-strength, oriented polypropylene foam layer having an ink-receptive surface. The high melt-strength polypropylene having a melt strength of of 25 to 60 cN at 190° C. The ink-receptive surface may comprise and oxidizing treatment, such as corona or flame-treatment of the foam surface, or may comprise an ink-receptive coating, such as a primer coating, on the foam surface.

Abstract: Birefringent optical films have a Brewster angle (the angle at which reflectance of p-polarized light goes to zero) which is very large or is nonexistent. This allows for the construction of multilayer mirrors and polarizers whose reflectivity for p-polarized light decreases slowly with angle of incidence, are independent of angle of incidence, or increase with angle of incidence away from the normal. As a result, multilayer films having high reflectivity (for both planes of polarization for any incident direction in the case of mirrors, and for the selected direction in the case of polarizers) over a wide bandwidth, can be achieved.

Abstract: A multiple layer reflective polarizer 12 is described. This element is placed between and optical cavity 24 and an LCD module 16 to form an optical display. The reflective polarizer reflects some light into the optical cavity 24 where it is randomized and may ultimately emerge with the correct polarization to be transmitted out of the display.

Abstract: Birefringent optical films have a Brewster angle (the angle at which reflectance of p-polarized light goes to zero) which is very large or is nonexistent. This allows for the construction of multilayer mirrors and polarizers whose reflectivity for p-polarized light decreases slowly with angle of incidence, are independent of angle of incidence, or increase with angle of incidence away from the normal. As a result, mirror films with high reflectivity in two different planes of polarization for any incident direction over a wide bandwidth can be achieved.

Abstract: An image retaining card is disclosed. An image retaining card in accordance with the present invention may be utilized as an identification card, a driver's license, a passport, and the like. An image retaining card in accordance with the present invention comprises a substrate structure, a cover, and an image receptive material disposed between the substrate structure and the cover. The substrate structure comprises a substrate layer and a substrate tie layer.

Abstract: An image retaining card is disclosed. An image retaining card in accordance with the present invention may be utilized as an identification card, a driver's license, a passport, and the like. An image retaining card in accordance with the present invention comprises a substrate structure, a cover, and an image receptive material disposed between the substrate structure and the cover. The substrate structure comprises a substrate layer and a substrate tie layer.

Abstract: Multilayer optical films are comprised of materials with glass transition temperatures below room temperature (<30° C.). The high refractive index polymers are unique in that they exhibit mechanical properties similar to other low Tg semi-crystalline polymers, yet have significant birefringence (>0.05) when strain induced oriented. Novel combinations of comonomers for thermoplastics control the rate of crystallinity for improved processability and flexibility, giving the films crease and crumple recovery advantages.

Abstract: A multiple layer reflective polarizer 12 is described. This element is placed between and optical cavity 24 and an LCD module 16 to form an optical display. The reflective polarizer reflects some light into the optical cavity 24 where it is randomized and may ultimately emerge with the correct polarization to be transmitted out of the display.

Abstract: Multilayer polymeric films and other optical bodies are provided which is useful in making colored mirrors and polarizers. The films are characterized by a highly uniform change in color as a function of viewing angle.

Abstract: Multilayer polymeric films and other optical bodies are provided which is useful in making colored mirrors and polarizers. The films are characterized by a change in color as a function of viewing angle.

Abstract: Disclosed are articles having a color shifting film and indicia located behind the color shifting film. At least a first and second colored portion are arranged as a foreground and background of the indicia. The first portion includes a first fluorescent colorant and the second portion includes a different second fluorescent colorant. At least one of the colored portions is patterned. Bright fluorescent emission is visible from the different colorants over different angular ranges to produce high contrast reversal or change.

Abstract: A transparent data sheet is provided wherein a transparent durable film (a first major component), such as polyester or a multilayer optical film (MOF), is adhered to a fragile layer (a second major component), such as a holographic foil or a security laminate, such as Confirm™ Security Laminate, either the fragile sheet or film or the durable film being printed with identification and/or verification information. The components of the transparent data sheet are laminated together with or without an adhesive layer between the two major components, such that the printed information or image is sandwiched between the two films. The two major components have the same outside dimensions and are congruent.

Abstract: Articles including post-formed multilayer optical films with layers of at least one strain-induced birefringent material, methods of manufacturing such articles by post-forming multilayer optical films, and multilayer optical films that are particularly well-suited to post-forming operations are disclosed. The articles, methods and multilayer optical films of the present invention allow for post-forming of multilayer optical films including strain-induced index of refraction differentials while retaining the desired optical properties of the multilayer optical films.

Abstract: A multilayer optical film comprising: (a) an optical stack comprising alternating layers of at least a first polymer and a second polymer; and (b) a holographic image.

Abstract: Disclosed are articles having a color shifting film and indicia located behind the color shifting film. At least a first and second colored portion are arranged as a foreground and background of the indicia. The first portion includes a first fluorescent colorant and the second portion includes a different second fluorescent colorant. At least one of the colored portions is patterned. Bright fluorescent emission is visible from the different colorants over different angular ranges to produce high contrast reversal or change.

Abstract: Birefringent optical films have a Brewster angle (the angle at which reflectance of p-polarized light goes to zero) which is very large or is nonexistent. This allows for the construction of multilayer mirrors and polarizers whose reflectivity for p-polarized light decreases slowly with angle of incidence, are independent of angle of incidence, or increase with angle of incidence away from the normal. As a result, multilayer films having high reflectivity (for both planes of polarization for any incident direction in the case of mirrors, and for the selected direction in the case of polarizers) over a wide bandwidth, can be achieved.