Abstract: Presently described are optical stacks comprising a first optical film comprising a plurality of structures comprising an optically active portion designed primarily to provide optical gain and optionally an optically in-active bonding portion disposed on a first surface bonded to a second optical film with a light-transmissive adhesive layer such that a portion of the structures penetrate the adhesive layer and a separation is provided between the adhesive layer and the first surface. In one embodiment, the optical stacks exhibit a combination of high peel strength and high retained brightness, particularly after aging. The adhesive layer preferably comprises an interpenetrating network of the reaction product of a polyacrylate component and a polymerizable monomer and the adhesive layer has an elastic modulus ranging from 100 to 2000 MPa at 25° C.

Abstract: A multilayer optical film (130) has a packet of microlayers that selectively reflect light by constructive or destructive interference to provide a first reflective characteristic. At least some of the microlayers are birefringent. A stabilizing layer attaches to and covers the microlayer packet proximate an outer exposed surface of the film Heating elements (122) can physically contact the film to deliver heat to the packet through the stabilizing layer by thermal conduction, at altered regions of the film, such that the first reflective characteristic changes to an altered reflective characteristic in the altered regions to pattern the film The stabilizing layer provides sufficient heat conduction to allow heat from the heating elements to change (e.g.

Abstract: An article is described comprising a substrate, a pressure sensitive polyacrylate primer layer disposed on the substrate, and an adhesive layer disposed onto the primer layer; wherein the adhesive layer comprises a polyacrylate component. The adhesive layer is typically further bonded to a second substrate or a release liner. In some embodiments, at least one substrate further comprises a microstructured surface layer and the primer layer is bonded to the microstructured surface layer. In other embodiments, the adhesive layer is further bonded to a (e.g. post) structure. In some embodiments, the articles are optical films or optical film stacks. Methods of making an (e.g. adhesive coated) article are also described.

Abstract: Presently described are optical stacks comprising a first optical film comprising a plurality of structures comprising an optically active portion designed primarily to provide optical gain and optionally an optically in-active bonding portion disposed on a first surface bonded to a second optical film with a light-transmissive adhesive layer such that a portion of the structures penetrate the adhesive layer and a separation is provided between the adhesive layer and the first surface. In one embodiment, the optical stacks exhibit a combination of high peel strength and high retained brightness, particularly after aging. The adhesive layer preferably comprises an interpenetrating network of the reaction product of a polyacrylate component and a polymerizable monomer and the adhesive layer has an elastic modulus ranging from 100 to 2000 MPa at 25° C.

Abstract: An optical article includes an optical element and a low refractive index layer disposed on the optical element. The low refractive index layer having an effective refractive index of 1.3 or less and including a binder, a plurality of metal oxide particles dispersed in the binder and a plurality of interconnected voids. The low refractive index layer has a haze value of at least 30%.

Abstract: Tags are made from optical films to provide a pattern that is inconspicuous to ordinary observers, but that is detectable by a camera or other imaging device. The pattern is provided by first and second portions of a patterned layer, the first portions selectively filtering at least a portion of blue visible light from other visible light wavelengths. Filtering in the portion of the blue region helps make the pattern inconspicuous. The tags may also include an indicia layer configured to mark a location of the pattern, and a contrast enhancing layer disposed behind the patterned layer and configured to enhance a contrast of the pattern. In some cases, the first portions of the patterned layer may filter optical wavelengths other than blue, such as near-infrared light. The pattern may comprise machine-readable information, e.g., a linear bar code or a 2-D bar code. Associated methods and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: Articles are described such as optical films and optical film stacks 2000. The articles include a substrate 2070 and a primer layer 2075 disposed on the substrate wherein the primer layer comprises a polyacrylate and a nitrogen-containing polymer. The article further includes an adhesive layer 2060 disposed onto the primer layer wherein the adhesive layer comprises a polyacrylate component. In some embodiments, the adhesive is further bonded to a second substrate 2010 or a release liner.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes light delivery and distribution components of a ducted lighting system having a cross-section that includes at least one curved portion and a remote light source. The delivery and distribution system (i.e., light duct and light duct extractor) can function effectively with any light source that is capable of delivering light which is substantially collimated about the longitudinal axis of the light duct, and which is also preferably substantially uniform over the inlet of the light duct.

Abstract: An article is described comprising a substrate, a pressure sensitive polyacrylate primer layer disposed on the substrate, and an adhesive layer disposed onto the primer layer; wherein the adhesive layer comprises a polyacrylate component. The adhesive layer is typically further bonded to a second substrate or a release liner. In some embodiments, at least one substrate further comprises a microstructured surface layer and the primer layer is bonded to the microstructured surface layer. In other embodiments, the adhesive layer is further bonded to a (e.g. post) structure. In some embodiments, the articles are optical films or optical film stacks. Methods of making an (e.g. adhesive coated) article are also described.

Abstract: A multilayer optical film (130) has a packet of microlayers that selectively reflect light by constructive or destructive interference to provide a first reflective characteristic. At least some of the microlayers are birefringent. A stabilizing layer attaches to and covers the microlayer packet proximate an outer exposed surface of the film Heating elements (122) can physically contact the film to deliver heat to the packet through the stabilizing layer by thermal conduction, at altered regions of the film, such that the first reflective characteristic changes to an altered reflective characteristic in the altered regions to pattern the film The stabilizing layer provides sufficient heat conduction to allow heat from the heating elements to change (e.g.

Abstract: A microstructured diffuser is described comprising a light transmissive film comprising a first microstructured surface comprising a plurality of peaks and valleys. A coating is disposed on the first microstructured surface. The coating partially fills the valleys forming a second microstructured surface.

Abstract: A gradient optical film and an optical construction including the gradient optical film are described. The gradient optical film includes a binder, a plurality of particles, and a plurality of interconnected voids having a local volume fraction. The local volume fraction of the plurality of interconnected voids varies along a thickness direction of the gradient optical film. The refractive index of the gradient optical film can also varies along a thickness direction of the gradient optical film, as the refractive index can also depend upon the local volume fraction of the plurality of interconnected voids.

Abstract: Tags are made from optical films to provide a pattern that is inconspicuous to ordinary observers, but that is detectable by a camera or other imaging device. The pattern is provided by first and second portions of a patterned layer, the first portions selectively filtering at least a portion of blue visible light from other visible light wavelengths. Filtering in the portion of the blue region helps make the pattern inconspicuous. The tags may also include an indicia layer configured to mark a location of the pattern, and a contrast enhancing layer disposed behind the patterned layer and configured to enhance a contrast of the pattern. In some cases, the first portions of the patterned layer may filter optical wavelengths other than blue, such as near-infrared light. The pattern may comprise machine-readable information, e.g., a linear bar code or a 2-D bar code. Associated methods and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: Light directing film is disclosed. The light directing film includes a first structured major surface and an opposing second major surface. The first structured major surface includes a plurality of unitary discrete structures. Each unitary discrete structure includes a light directing portion that is primarily for directing light and includes a plurality of first side facets. Each first side facet makes an angle with the plane of the light directing film in a range from about 35 degrees to about 55 degrees. Each light directing portion also includes a first base that is defined by the plurality of first side facets and has a first minimum dimension. Each light directing portion also has a first maximum height. Each unitary discrete structure also includes a bonding portion that is primarily for bonding the light directing film to a surface. The bonding portion is disposed on and between the plurality of first side facets and includes a plurality of second side facets.

Abstract: Light directing film is disclosed. The light directing film includes a first structured major surface and an opposing second major surface. The first structured major surface includes a plurality of unitary discrete structures. Each unitary discrete structure includes a light directing portion that is primarily for directing light and includes a plurality of first side facets. Each first side facet makes an angle with the plane of the light directing film in a range from about 35 degrees to about 55 degrees. Each light directing portion also includes a first base that is defined by the plurality of first side facets and has a first minimum dimension. Each light directing portion also has a first maximum height. Each unitary discrete structure also includes a bonding portion that is primarily for bonding the light directing film to a surface. The bonding portion is disposed on and between the plurality of first side facets and includes a plurality of second side facets.

Abstract: A voided diffuser and an optical construction incorporating the voided diffuser are provided. The voided diffuser includes a plurality of beads and a binder composition in contact with the plurality of beads. The binder composition includes a binder and a plurality of interconnected voids. The optical construction includes the voided diffuser disposed on a substrate.

Abstract: Light directing film is disclosed. The light directing film includes a first structured major surface and an opposing second major surface. The first structured major surface includes a plurality of unitary discrete structures. Each unitary discrete structure includes a light directing portion that is primarily for directing light and includes a plurality of first side facets. Each first side facet makes an angle with the plane of the light directing film in a range from about 35 degrees to about 55 degrees. Each light directing portion also includes a first base that is defined by the plurality of first side facets and has a first minimum dimension. Each light directing portion also has a first maximum height. Each unitary discrete structure also includes a bonding portion that is primarily for bonding the light directing film to a surface. The bonding portion is disposed on and between the plurality of first side facets and includes a plurality of second side facets.

Abstract: Optical stack is disclosed. The optical stack includes a first optical stack that includes, a first optical adhesive layer, and a reflective polarizer layer that is disposed on the first optical adhesive layer. The reflective polarizer layer substantially reflects light of a first polarization state and substantially transmits light of a second polarization state orthogonal to the first polarization state. The optical stack also includes a second optical stack that includes a second optical adhesive layer, a low index layer that is disposed on the second optical adhesive layer and includes a plurality of voids dispersed in a binder, and a light directing film that is disposed on the low index layer and includes a plurality of unitary discrete structures. Portions of each unitary discrete structure penetrate into the first optical adhesive layer. Portions of each unitary discrete structure do not penetrate into the first optical adhesive layer.

Abstract: Presently described are optical stacks comprising a first optical film comprising a plurality of structures comprising an optically active portion designed primarily to provide optical gain and optionally an optically in-active bonding portion disposed on a first surface bonded to a second optical film with a light-transmissive adhesive layer such that a portion of the structures penetrate the adhesive layer and a separation is provided between the adhesive layer and the first surface. In one embodiment, the optical stacks exhibit a combination of high peel strength and high retained brightness, particularly after aging. The adhesive layer preferably comprises an interpenetrating network of the reaction product of a polyacrylate component and a polymerizable monomer and the adhesive layer has an elastic modulus ranging from 100 to 2000 MPa at 25° C.

Abstract: An optical article includes an optical element and a low refractive index layer disposed on the optical element. The low refractive index layer having an effective refractive index of 1.3 or less and including a binder, a plurality of metal oxide particles dispersed in the binder and a plurality of interconnected voids. The low refractive index layer has a haze value of at least 30%.