Abstract: An optical filtering element with minimized edge effects, larger clear center aperture, and thermally stable bonding area. The element consists of a modified ball lens. The glass material that comprises the ball lens can be selected from a variety of thermally matched glass specific to the intended application such as BK7, SiO2, et cetera. The lens is polished on two sides so that the polished surfaces are nearly parallel. The polished ball lens(es) are then loaded into a coating fixture and then into a coating chamber. Multiple dielectric layers are applied to one of the polished surfaces, creating a spectral modifying filter. The other side is coated with an anti-reflection coating (some applications do not require the anti-reflection coating). At the completion of the coating run, the now polished and coated ball lenses can be spectrally measured and binned for use.

Abstract: A zoom lens comprises a first lens group having a positive focal length, a second lens group having a negative focal length, an aperture stop member, a third lens group having a positive focal length, disposed in the stated order from an object. The first lens group includes a 1-1 negative meniscus lens having a convex surface facing the object, a positive 1-2 lens having a surface having a large curvature facing the object and joined to the 1-1 lens, and a positive meniscus 1-3 lens having a convex surface facing the object, disposed in the stated order from the object. A reflection preventing part is formed on a surface at which the 1-1 lens and the 1-2 lens are joined.

Abstract: In a fog prevention and antireflection optical element including a first water absorption layer containing a water-absorbing polymer as its main component, a high refractive layer, and a second water absorption layer which are formed on a base in this order, an inorganic material (nd>1.70) is mixed in the water-absorbing polymer of the first water absorption layer, whereby the difference in refractive index with respect to the optical element is decreased.

Abstract: An optical component is produced by forming an anti-reflection film on a surface of a molding of a norbornene resin having a polar group. The anti-reflection film is composed of an equivalent film of which the overall refractive index as calculated according to a prescribed formula is 1.52 to 1.8 and that has an intermediate layer measuring 10 to 50 nm in mechanical film thickness and containing Al2O3, a first high-refractive-index layer, and a first low-refractive-index layer containing SiO2 as a main ingredient, a second high-refractive-index layer measuring 0.4&lgr; to 0.6&lgr; (where &lgr; is 480 to 550 nm) in optical film thickness and containing TiO2 as a main ingredient, and a second low-refractive-index layer measuring 0.2&lgr; to 0.3&lgr; in optical film thickness and containing SiO2 as a main ingredient. This ensures that the anti-reflection film adheres to the surface of the molding so strongly as not to exfoliate therefrom.

Abstract: The invention relates to coated optical elements, coatings therefor and methods of producing such coatings, the coatings having improved characteristics of adhesion and of resistance to abrasion. In a preferred embodiment the coating includes a plurality of superimposed layers, namely: a hardcoat layer, a thin adhesion layer, a first dielectric layer including a material having a high refraction index selected from the group comprising: CrxOy, TiO2, ZnSe, ZnS and mixtures thereof, wherein x is a number comprised between 1 and 2 and y is a number comprised between 1 and 3; and a second dielectric layer having a refraction index lower than the refraction index of the second material.

Abstract: A light diffusive protective film for a surface light source device for protecting other base material and improving the luminance of information display is disclosed which comprises a transparent plastic film and a concave/convex layer stacked on the surface of the transparent plastic film and satisfies requirements that: (1) the ten-point mean roughness of the uneven surface in the concave/convex layer is 0.5 &mgr;m to 2.0 &mgr;m; and (2) the count number of profile peaks is 16 to 60 as determined by measuring a roughness curve for the uneven surface of the concave/convex layer and determining the count number of profile peaks by a peak count method.

Abstract: A method of adjusting a first spot size for a first color component (74) of a multiple color co-axial laser beam (70) that comprises, focusing the multiple color co-axial laser beam (70). Filtering the multiple color co-axial laser beam (70) with a filter (50) to adjust the first spot size. The filter (50) is opaque to the first color component (74) in an annular region (62) and transparent to the first color component (74) in a center region (60) of the multiple color co-axial laser beam (70). The filter (50) is transparent to a second color component (76) of the multiple color co-axial laser beam (70) in both the center region (60) and the annular region (62).

Abstract: Inorganic multilayered optical systems are produced by applying to a glass substrate a flowable composition containing nanoscale solid inorganic particles containing polymerizable or polycondensable organic surface groups, polymerizing and/or polycondensing those surface groups to form an organically crosslinked layer, applying to the organically crosslinked layer and polymerizing/polycondensing a flowable composition producing a different refractive index from the first layer (optionally repeated one or more times), and one-step thermal densifying and removing the organic components. The systems so produced are suitable as interference filters and antireflection systems.

Abstract: High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is used as a coating for optical elements operating in transmission in the infrared spectrum, which are made up of a material other than polyethylene, such as hygroscopic salt, semiconductor materials, fluorides, chalcogenides, silver halides, and others, so as to exploit the optical properties of HDPE, at the same time keeping the thickness reduced.

Abstract: Described are articles having a photochromic poly(meth)acrylic coating The coatings exhibit a Fischer microhardness of from 50 to 150 Newtons per mm2 and improved photochromic performance properties, i.e., the formation of darker activated colors and faster rates of photochromic activation and fade when irradiated with ultraviolet light.

Abstract: An anti-fogging and anti-reflection optical article included a substrate, a first water-absorbing film provided on the substrate, a thin film of high refractive index provided on the first water-absorbing film, and a second water-absorbing film provided on the thin film of high refractive index. The first water-absorbing film contains a water-absorbing polymer and is provided on the substrate. The thin film of high refractive index includes a polycondensation product of a hydrolysate of a metal alkoxide, and the second water-absorbing film includes a water-absorbing polymer.

Abstract: Coating solutions having anti-reflective and anti-static properties, a coating derived therefrom, a substrate coated with the coating and methods for their preparation. A coating includes a sol-gel alkoxide polymeric material and a conductive colloidal metal oxide material.

Abstract: A coated lens for use in a riflescope, telescope, spotting scope, binoculars, or the like is provided. The coating on the lens comprises two layers, an anti-reflective layer adjacent the lens and a hydrophobic layer disposed on the anti-reflective layer. The hydrophobic layer preferably includes an organosilane compound. Advantageously, the coating does not significantly reduce light transmission through the lens.

Abstract: What is described here is an antireflective coating comprising a carrier layer consisting of an optically transparent material, which, at least on one surface side, presents antireflective properties with respect the wavelengths of the radiation incident on the surface. Moreover, methods of producing the coating are described. The invention excels itself by the provision that the antireflective surface side presents a surface roughness with stochastically distributed structures—the so-called macro structures—and that the macro structures are additionally modulated with surface structures presenting a periodic sequence—the so-called micro structures—which present period or cycle lengths smaller than the wave lengths of the radiation incident on the antireflective surface.

Abstract: A reflective-type diffraction grating structure for use in color display devices such as liquid crystal displays (LCDs). It contains: (1) a plurality of micro-lenses each having a smooth top surface and a blazed zig-zag-shaped grating surface at the bottom; (2) an optical coating formed below the zig-zag-shaped grating surface; and (3) a reflective member formed below the optical coating. With the cooperative actions of the zig-zag-shaped grating surface, the optical coating layer, and the reflective member, an incident light, when reflected, is separated into repeated sequences of red, green, and blue color components and a black matrix segregating the red, green, and blue color components. A sequence of micro-light valves are placed in the path of the reflected incident light to block the undesired color components. The reflective-type diffraction grating structure dispenses with the need for the various layers of color filters.

Abstract: In an optical system, like a lens system, having at least one transition from a first medium to a second medium, a newly designed coating, for example, an anti-reflection coating is applied. The coating is composed of a number of sub-coatings (25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50), each of which is optimized for a different angle of incidence. With this coating, the intensity of a beam passing through a high numerical optical system can be kept constant.

Abstract: A bandpass filter containing specific combinations of the dyes to yield filters which are adapted to selectively transmit predetermined primary color wavelengths of an electromagnetic spectrum as well as selectively absorb wavelengths other than the predetermined primary color wavelengths. The multiple bandpass filters are employed to improve the images on CRT screens and plasma display panels.

Abstract: A transparent photochromic article including a transparent substrate including a photochromic material; and an anti-reflection surface coating thereon, produced with a plurality of overlapping layers incorporating, alternatively a first and second material having respectively higher and lower refractive indices, the anti-reflection coating including; a first layer including said first material having an optical thickness of about 20 to 45 nm; a second layer including said second material having an optical thickness of about 25 to 45 nm; a third layer including said first material having an optical thickness of about 220 to 250 nm; and a fourth layer including said second material having an optical thickness of about 95-115 nm.

Abstract: An improvement is proposed relating to an optical isolator for bonding of the polarizer and analyzer of polarizing glass to the respective holder rings for position adjustment. The improvement comprises: (a) forming a metallized layer of a specific composition over at least two of the side surfaces of each of the polarizer and analyzer on the area of the surface excepting for the linear areas of 50 to 150 .mu.m width from the top and bottom surfaces of the polarizer or analyzer; and (b) bonding the polarizer and analyzer to the respective holder rings by soldering using a solder alloy with intervention of the metallized layer between the polarizer or analyzer and the holder ring. The invention further provides an optical part having, on at least one of the surfaces, a heat-resistant anti-reflection coating film which is a double-layered film consisting of a thin film of the titanium oxide TiO.sub.x (x=1.9 to 2.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coating composition characterized in that an acetylacetonate having as the central metallic atom thereof Fe, Al, Sn or Ti, or a perchlorate, or a carboxylic acid or an anhydride thereof, and an acetylacetonate having as the central metallic atom thereof Li, Cu or Mn are incorporated in combination as curing catalysts; and to a composite structure characterized in that an antireflection film is provided on the surface of a coating film that is obtained from the above composition.According to the present invention, a coating film which is drastically improved in transparency, optical properties and durability can be obtained. Moreover, this coating film has both high adhesion to an antireflection film made from an inorganic material, and durability. Further, according to the present invention, the pot life of a coating liquid when preserved at room temperature can be prolonged to 3 weeks or longer.

Abstract: In a reflection type liquid crystal projector, anti-reflection film optimized for the corresponding color (wavelength band) is formed on each of the light passing surfaces of a cross dichroic prism which are opposed to liquid crystal panels of respective colors and the reflectance of each anti-reflection film is made sufficiently small to thereby enhance the contrast of a colored image projected onto a screen by a projection lens.

Abstract: A colored plastic lens includes a plastic substrate having first and second surfaces, a resin film with a pigment dispersed therein formed on one of the first and second surfaces of the plastic substrate, and a coating film, preferably a hard coat film, formed on the resin film and the surface of the lens on which the resin film is not formed. A method of forming the colored plastic lens includes providing a plastic substrate having first and second sides, dispersing a pigment in a resin vehicle, coating the pigment dispersed in the resin vehicle on one of the first and second sides of the plastic substrate to thereby form a resin film, and forming a coating film, preferably a hard coat film, on the resin film and the surface of the lens on which the resin film is not formed.

Abstract: An operation microscope includes an illuminating device and an interference filter in the illuminating beam of the illuminating device. The interference filter is suitable for incorporation into the operation microscope. In order to prevent the yellow tinge that is present in long-known UV interference filters, the interference layer applied directly to the carrier substrate is a layer between 8 and 12 nm thick of yttrium fluoride, thorium fluoride, lanthanum fluoride or cerium fluoride.

Abstract: An ultraviolet curable clearcoat composition comprising (exclusive of any solvent present): (a) about 30% to about 90% by weight of an acrylated aliphatic urethane having a molecular weight of about 1200 to 2600 and formed by the reaction of a multifunctional acrylate with a molecular weight of between about 110 and about 500 with an aliphatic urethane based on a polyether and having a molecular weight of about 800 to about 2200; (b) about 15% to about 70% by weight of a multifunctional acrylate having a molecular weight of about 170 to about 1000 and containing at least two polymerizable unsaturated groups per molecule; and (c) a photopolymerization initiator and/or sensitizer. Also described are preferred processes and clearcoated articles involving preferred clearcoat compositions.

Abstract: An antireflection film is provided which is insoluble, wear-resistant, and weatherable, and simultaneously having non-fogging property. A non-fogging optical member employing the non-fogging antireflection film, and a process for producing the film are also provided. The non-fogging antireflection film is formed from a composition derived by polycondensation of a hydrolyzate of an inorganic alkoxide conducted in the presence of a polyacrylic acid compound.

Abstract: An active energy ray-curable composition comprising(A) 20 to 80 parts by weight of a compound represented by the following general formula I: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 represents hydrogen or methyl, X and Y may be the same or different and represent methyl, chlorine, bromine or iodine, and t and u each independently represent an integer of 0-2,(B) 20 to 80 parts by weight of at least one compound having at least one acryloyl or methacryloyl group in the molecule, or (B-1) 10 to 90 parts by weight of at least one compound having at least two acryloyl or methacryloyl groups in the molecule and (B-2) 1 to 90 parts by weight of at least one monoacrylate or monomethacrylate compound having one acryloyl or methacryloyl group in the molecule, and(C) 0.

Abstract: Provided is a primer composition which gives a cured film having a high refractive index and impact resistance, the primer composition containing, as main film-forming components, a bromine compound containing a unit derived from tetrabromobisphenol A and a polyisocyanate, or a prepolymer obtained by reacting them.

Abstract: The UV blocking coating includes at least eight alternating layers of a first dielectric material and a second dielectric material stacked upon the surface of an optical substrate to thereby form windows, windscreens, lenses or the like. The first dielectric material has a higher index of refraction then the second dielectric material. For example, the first dielectric material can be TiO.sub.2, ZrO.sub.2 and Ta.sub.2 O.sub.5 and the second dielectric material can be MgF.sub.2 or SiO.sub.2. In addition, each layer of the second dielectric material has an optical thickness which is greater than the optical thickness of the underlying layer of the first dielectric material upon which the layer of the second dielectric material is stacked. As a result of the unique construction of the UV blocking coating, the reflectance of the UV blocking coating varies dramatically upon exposure to UV light on the one hand and to visible light on the other hand.

Abstract: An optical member includes a synthetic resin substrate: and an antireflection film including at least a mixture film composed of tantalum oxide (Ta.sub.2 O.sub.5) and titanium oxide (TiO.sub.2), and a film having a refractive index lower than that of the mixture film. The antireflection film is coated on the synthetic resin substrate.

Abstract: A color selective, anti-reflective optical coating has a substrate (42), a first layer (44) and a second layer (46). The first layer (44) has an index of refraction that is 25% to 39% greater than an index of refraction of the substrate (42). The first layer (44) has a width of between 12.31 nanometers and 13.41 nanometers. The second layer (46) has an index of refraction that is between 1% and 17.5% less than the index of refraction of the substrate (42). The second layer (46) has a width between 118.32 nanometers and 130.78 nanometers. When the color selective, anti-reflective optical coating is applied to a head lamp lens (40), it significantly increases the output of the head lamp (20) and has a distinctive tint.

Abstract: A glazing element, in particular, for facing building facades, having two nes enclosing a gaseous atmospheric intermediate space and having a predetermined layer on at least one pane surface facing the intermediate space. The glazing element is distinguished by the fact that the predetermined layer has a reactive layer applied on one pane and a catalytic layer applied on the reactive layer. The catalytic layer, depending on the composition of the gas atmosphere contained between the panes, activates in the reactive layer. The reaction changes the optical and/or electrical properties of the reactive layer, and varies the composition of the gas atmosphere in the intermediate space, thereby making the electrical and/or optical properties of the reactive layer variable.

Abstract: Two-layer, thin film coating designs on glass substrates are described which reduce coated surface reflectance while inhibiting the visibility of fingerprints.

Abstract: Disclosed in this invention is an optical filter to enhance the contrast and brightness of images from a color display. The filter comprises suitable dyes and a polymer matrix, applied in a suitable form on the display unit. Such filters have utility in devices based on CRTs, plasmas and the like.

Abstract: A colored plastic lens includes a plastic substrate having first and second surfaces, a resin film with a pigment dispersed therein formed on one of the first and second surfaces of the plastic substrate, and a coating film, preferably a hard coat film, formed on one of the resin film and the surface of the lens on which the resin film is not formed. A method of forming the colored plastic lens includes providing a plastic substrate having first and second sides, dispersing a pigment in a resin vehicle, coating the pigment dispersed in the resin vehicle on one of the first and second sides of the plastic substrate to thereby form a resin film, and forming a coating film, preferably a hard coat film, on one of the resin film and the surface of the lens on which the resin film is not formed.

Abstract: A glass article having a solar control coating is disclosed for use in producing heat reducing glass for architectural windows. The coated article includes a glass substrate, an iridescence-suppressing interlayer deposited on and adhering to the surface of the glass substrate. At least a first transparent coating deposited on and adhering to the surface of the iridescence-suppressing coating and at least a second transparent coating deposited on and adhering to the surface of the first transparent coating. The first transparent coating and the second transparent coating have a difference in refractive indices in the near infrared region greater than a difference in the refractive indices in the visible region. The use of the article in architectural glazing results in a glazing that rejects solar energy in the near infrared region while permitting the transmittance of a high degree of visible light.

Abstract: An optical film of the present invention is of multi-layered structure which has a high-refractive-index layer composed of titanium oxidic nitride, aluminum oxidic nitride, or silicon oxidic nitride.

Abstract: A composite film that, when used as a protective film or an antireflection film for e.g., a polarizing film of a liquid crystal display, has a surface slip property good enough to be rolled and excellent mechanical and chemical resistance and optical properties. In one aspect, the composite film has a substrate film and a hard coat layer provided on the substrate film, the hard coat layer formed of an ionizing radiation-cured resin, the surface of the hard coat layer having fine irregularities serving to create a surface slip property. In another aspect, the composite film has a substrate film and a hard coat layer provided on the substrate film, the hard coat layer formed of a composition comprising an ionizing radiation-cured resin, fine particulates of inorganic and/or organic materials, and an organic silicone.

Abstract: A photodiode having an antireflection coating for use in optical measuring devices has its antireflection coating so selected that it provides in a predetermined wavelength range an approximately constant conversion factor. The conversion of the fight power to an electrical signal is thus substantially independent of wavelength over this wavelength range.

Abstract: An anti-reflection coating that is soil resistant and easy to maintain is provided. The coating includes a multilayer film having alternating layers of high and low refractive index materials that comprise electrically conductive metal oxides. The film is formed by reacting metal with non-stoichiometric amounts of oxygen such that the coating has one or more layers of electrically conductive metal oxide material. The coating is particularly suited for ophthalmic applications.

Abstract: Silicon-chromium cathode targets comprising 5 to 80 weight percent chromium are disclosed for sputtering absorbing coatings of silicon-chromium alloy in atmospheres comprising inert gas, reactive gases such as nitrogen, oxygen, and mixtures thereof which may further comprise inert gas, such as argon, to form nitrides, oxides, and oxynitrides as well as metallic films. The presence of chromium in the cathode target in the range of 5 to 80 weight percent provides target stability and enhanced sputtering rates over targets of silicon alone, comparable to the target stability and sputtering rates of silicon-nickel, not only when sputtering in oxygen to produce an oxide coating, but also when sputtering in inert gas, nitrogen or a mixture of nitrogen and oxygen to produce coatings of silicon-chromium, silicon-chromium nitride or silicon-chromium oxynitride respectively.

Abstract: A multi-color optical display system (10) employs a multi-powered reflective combiner (20) that together with a monochromatic or partly color-corrected relay lens (16) longitudinally corrects a multi-colored image. The combiner typically includes two surfaces (82, 90) of different optical powers with a reflective coating (106, 108) on each of the surfaces. The coatings are chosen to each reflect a specific wavelength range of colored light used in the system and to transmit all other wavelengths. The curvature of each surface is dictated by the aberrations in the color image created by the relay lens. Specifically, each surface is positioned so that its focus (86, 94) coincides with the focal point (58, 60) of the corresponding color component in an intermediate image (18) created by the relay lens so that the final virtual image (22) reflected by the combiner is longitudinally color corrected.

Abstract: Very thin films of liquid anti-reflection materials are applied to optical substrates to increase effectively visual clarity and visual acuity by reducing reflection light losses, reducing internal reflections and increasing light transmission. The primary properties of the materials which are useful as anti-reflection films are characterized as non-volatile, optically clear liquids having a refractive index less than the refractive index of the optical substrate to which they are applied. Low cost, effective anti-reflection coatings are thus applied to optical substrates, such as eyeglasses, using a single liquid layer of the anti-reflective material.

Abstract: A sunglass has a multilayer coating on its concave (rear) surface that comprises a absorbing layer and at least one composite layer for reducing transmittance of UV radiation. Reflection of visible light at the concave surface is minimized.

Abstract: A fluorescent yellow article comprising polycarbonate polymer, perylene imide dye Chromophthal Red 6961A and at least one yellow-green dye selected from the group consisting essentially of Lumogen F Yellow 083, CI Solvent Yellow 98, CI Solvent Yellow 160:1, Oraset Yellow 8GF, CI Solvent Green 4, CI Solvent Green 5, CI Pigment Yellow 101, Golden Yellow D304 and CI Solvent Yellow 131 wherein the resultant article has chromaticity coordinates (x,y) within the area defined by (0.425,0.480), (0.465,0.535), (0.557,0.440), and (0.500,0.410) in terms of the CIE 1931 Standard Colorimetric System and measured using 0/45 geometry and evaluated with CIE Standard Illuminant D65.

Abstract: The composite layer according to the present invention comprises a substrate and a colored layer formed on the surface of this substrate. This colored layer contains a transparent layer and a coloring agent dispersed within the transparent layer, and this transparent layer is made of an inorganic gel or glass material, while the coloring agent contains dyes or pigments. The composite layers of the present invention are suitable for use in products such as construction materials with the appearance of marble, colored glass materials for decorative purposes, or color filters.

Abstract: Optical device has a carrier substrate with a surface consisting of a plastic material with a predetermined index of refraction and with first mechanical and/or chemical characteristics. The surface is coated and the coating has second mechanical and/or chemical characteristics which are different from the first characteristics. The index of refraction of the coating is different from the predetermined index of refraction of the carrier substrate surface material, varying steplessly through at least a part of the coating, up to the end index of refraction and the surface of the coating.

Abstract: Method for optimizing an optical assay device for an analyte, including the steps of: providing a substrate having a chosen thickness of an optically active layer thereon; providing an attachment layer of a chosen thickness on the optical coating; providing a receptive layer of a chosen thickness for the analyte, wherein at least one of the thicknesses of the optically active layer, attachment layer and receptive layer is varied to provide a plurality of thicknesses of that layer; contacting analyte with the receptive layer under conditions in which an increase in mass on the receptive layer results; and determining the optical thickness of the layer.

Abstract: Describes a coating composition for the preparation of abrasion resistant coatings consisting essentially of:(a) 5 to 35 weight percent of a silane monomer mixture of (i) C.sub.1 -C.sub.12 alkyl tri(C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)alkoxysilane and (ii) tetra(C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)alkoxysilane, the weight ratio of (i) to (ii) being from 3:1 to 1:3;(b) 1 to 9 weight percent of polyvinyl alcohol that is at least 72 percent hydrolyzed;(c) a solvating amount of lower aliphatic alcohol;(d) a catalytic amount of water-soluble acid;(e) a leveling amount of nonionic surfactant; and(f) water in an amount sufficient to formhydrolysates of the silane monomers and to solubilize the polyvinyl alcohol and acid. Further described are transparent articles and photochromic articles comprising organic polymeric host material, organic photochromic compound(s), and a cured abrasion resistant coating prepared from the coating composition.

Abstract: A visual aid for individuals with color vision deficiencies comprises a pair of optical elements shaped to be placed in front of an individual's eyes. An interference coating is applied to one surface of each element, preferably the back surface. The interference coating comprises a stack of dielectric film of selected structure. The stack of interference films is structured to give the optical elements pre-selected spectral transmission curves. An anti-reflection coating may be applied to the front surface of each element.

Abstract: A low emissivity film which comprises: a substrate; and a coating of oxide and metallic films alternately formed on the substrate in a total of (2n+1) layers where n is an integer being equal to or more than 1, with the innermost layer being an oxide film, wherein the oxide film (B) formed on the outer side of the metallic film (A) being most apart from the substrate, has an internal stress which is equal to, or less than 1.1×1010 dyne/cm2.