Abstract: A display device (1) comprises a base layer (2) and a top layer (4). A conduction layer (5) is applied to the base layer in a pattern, to form electrodes 6 and 8. These can be made of ITO coated with conductive PEDOT. An insulating isolation layer (14) is then applied in a pattern on top of the conduction layer (5) and fills in the spaces between the electrodes (6, 8) of the conduction layer (5). Gaps in the isolation layer (14) extend over a part of the electrodes. A conductive electrochromic material is deposited and fills in these gaps, to form redox centres 16 and 18 each in electrical contact with one of the electrodes 6 and 8. Sealing (20) defines a cavity, which is filled with a water-based electrolyte (22). The isolation layer (14) and the redox centres (16, 18) protect the electrodes (6, 8) from the electrolyte.

Abstract: A display device 1 comprises a base layer 2 and a top layer 4. A conduction layer 5 is applied to the base layer in a pattern, to form electrodes 6 and 8. These can be made of ITO coated with conductive PEDOT. An insulating isolation layer 14 is then applied in a pattern on top of the conduction layer 5 and fills in the spaces between the electrodes 6, 8 of the conduction layer 5. Gaps in the isolation layer 14 extend over a part of the electrodes. A conductive electrochromic material is deposited and fills in these gaps, to form redox centres 16 and 18 each in electrical contact with one of the electrodes 6 and 8. Sealing 20 defines a cavity, which is filled with a water-based electrolyte 22. The isolation layer 14 and the redox centres 16, 18 protect the electrodes 6,8 from the electrolyte. Providing a light source and using transparent materials for all of the base layer 2, the top layer 4, the electrodes 6 and 8, and the isolation layer 14 allows the device 1 to be used for the transmission of light.

Abstract: Metal patterns (15) can be provided on a glass substrate (1) in an electroless process by modifying the substrate with a silane layer (3), locally removing said layer with a laser or UV-ozone treatment and selectively nucleating the remaining silane layer in a polymer-stabilized Pd sol. Neither a photoresist nor organic solvents are used. The method is very suitable for the manufacture of the black matrix on a passive plate for an LCD, or on panels of other flat colour displays, such as flat cathode ray tubes.

Abstract: Metal patterns (11, 11′, 11″) can be provided on a glass substrate (1) in an electroless process by modifying the substrate with a silane monolayer (3), nucleating said momolayer with a polymer-stabilized Pd sol (5) and, subsequently, locally removing the Pd nuclei and silane layer (9, 9′) with a pulsed laser. Neither a photoresist nor organic solvents are used. The method can very suitably be used for the manufacture of the black matrix on a faceplate of display devices, such as the passive plate for an LCD.

Abstract: An X-ray examination apparatus of this invention comprises an X-ray source, an X-ray detector and an X-ray filter which is located between the X-ray source and the X-ray detector. The X-ray filter includes filter elements, notably capillary tubes, and the X-ray absorption of separate filter elements can be controlled by controlling a quantity of X-ray absorbing liquid in the respective filter elements. The quantity of X-ray absorbing liquid in the individual filter elements is controlled by way of electric voltages applied to the individual filter elements. The filter elements are formed as spaces between deformed foils which are arranged in a stack which is expanded in the direction transversely of the foils. Adjacent foils are locally attached to one another along seams. The stack is arranged between rigid plates and buffer elements are provided between the rigid plates and the stack. The buffer elements are contractable in the direction transversely to the direction of expansion of the stack.

Abstract: An X-ray examination apparatus includes an X-ray source (1) for emitting X-rays. An object to be radiologically examined is arranged in an examination space. An X-ray detector (2) derives an image signal, for example an electronic video signal, from an X-ray image of the object. An X-ray filter locally attenuates the X-rays partly. The X-ray filter is arranged between the X-ray source and the X-ray detector and the X-ray filter is provided with filter elements whose X-ray absorptivity can be adjusted on the basis of an amount of X-ray absorbing liquid present within the individual filter elements.The X-ray examination apparatus includes an X-ray collimator for locally intercepting the X-rays. The X-ray collimator is arranged between the X-ray source and the examination space and is provided with collimator elements which can be switched between an X-ray transmitting state and an X-ray intercepting state.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a substrate having a modified orientation layer and a liquid-crystalline display device comprising such a substrate. The orientation layer is made from a polymer and is modified with organic groups which induce a pretilt in the liquid-crystalline material when they are used in a liquid-crystalline display device. According to the invention, for modifying the orientation layer use is made of a precursor compound of the organic groups which is vaporized, whereafter the substrate carrying the orientation layer is exposed to the vapour formed in the process. Preferably, the orientation layer comprises hydroxyl groups such as PVA, and a carboxylic acid halogenide such as an alkyloyl chloride is used as the precursor. A further favourable combination comprises orientation layers of polyamide acid and alkylamine precursor compounds.

Abstract: Oxidic surfaces can be chemically modified according to a pattern by providing one or several monolayers of a photosensitive silane. After patterned exposure of said photosensitive silane, the exposed pans are esterified with an alcohol which comprises at least one fluorine atom, so that said exposed areas become strongly hydrophobic. Subsequently, the unexposed areas are exposed, so that these areas become hydrophilic. The hydrophilic areas can then be metallized in an electroless process, thereby forming a metal pattern.