Abstract: An ultraviolet light generation target includes a light emitting layer. The light emitting layer contains a YPO4 crystal to which at least scandium (Sc) is added, and receives an electron beam to generate ultraviolet light. Further, a method of manufacturing the ultraviolet light generation target includes a first step of preparing a mixture containing yttrium (Y) oxide, Sc oxide, phosphoric acid, and a liquid, a second step of evaporating the liquid, and a third step of firing the mixture.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a wavelength-converting component includes providing a substrate, providing a wavelength-converting layer and providing a reflective layer. The reflective layer is disposed on the substrate. The wavelength-converting layer is disposed on a surface of the reflective layer away from the substrate. The wavelength-converting layer includes a wavelength-converting material and a second organic adhesive. The wavelength-converting material is mixed in the second organic adhesive. The second organic adhesive includes an aromatic polyimide. The wavelength-converting component manufactured by the method of the invention can improve mechanical properties such as shear strength, tensile strength and fatigue strength, temperature resistance and reflectivity, and can reduce rates of moisture absorption. The projection apparatus including the wavelength-converting component can reduce degradation in image brightness.

Abstract: An optical element including a substrate, a first optical film and a second optical film. The first optical film and the second optical film are disposed on at least one side of the substrate and are both formed on the substrate. The first optical film has a first surface facing away from the substrate and a plurality of first optical microstructures disposed on the first surface. The second optical film has a second surface facing away from the substrate and a plurality of second optical microstructures disposed on the second surface. The orthogonal projection of the first optical microstructures on the substrate does not overlap the orthogonal projection of the second optical microstructures on the substrate. A wafer level optical module adopting the optical element is also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides alighting device (1) comprising a solid state light source (10) configured to generate light source light (11) and a converter element (100) configured to convert at least part of the light source light (11) into converter element light (101), wherein the converter element (100) comprises a polymeric host matrix element (120) hosting a particulate first luminescent material (110) of the type M2AX6 doped with tetravalent manganese, wherein M comprises an alkaline cation, wherein A comprises a tetravalent cation, and wherein X comprises a monovalent anion, at least comprising fluorine (F), wherein the particulate first luminescent material (110) is available in the polymeric host matrix element (120) with an average weight percentage x averaged over the polymeric host matrix element (120), wherein the polymeric host matrix element (120) has a first outer face (121), wherein an outer layer volume defined by at least part of the first outer face (121) and a first distance (d1) from said fir

Abstract: An aqueous composition is used to clad yarn cores to provide unique coated yarns. This aqueous composition contains: (i) porous particles present in an amount of at least 2 weight % and up to and including 10 weight %, each porous particle comprising a continuous polymeric phase and discrete pores dispersed within the continuous polymeric phase, the porous particles having a mode particle size of 2-50 ?m; (ii) a film-forming binder material having a Tg of less than or equal to 25° C., that is present in an amount of 25-60 weight %; (iii) an inorganic filler material having a value of less than 5 on the MOHS scale of mineral hardness, in an amount of at least 2-15 weight %; and (iv) an aqueous medium in an amount of at least 35 weight % in which the film-forming binder material is soluble or dispersible.

Abstract: An organometallic compound represented by Formula 1: wherein, in Formula 1, groups and variables are the same as described in the specification.

Abstract: A bird anti-collision film prevents birds from flying into windows by disrupting visible habitat reflections that might appear on the outside of the windows. The anti-collision film blocks and/or absorbs light that may normally be reflected by a window and also actively scatters, and fluoresces light creating an active light disturbance. The disrupted light includes a light range highly visible by many birds but only partially visible by humans. A textured surface in combination with a fluorescent dye in the anti-collision film increases the intensity and range of the light disturbance. The anti-collision film may be attached to the inside of a window providing the unique advantages of easy inside window installation and insulation from external weather conditions.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides topical biophotonic materials and methods useful in phototherapy. In particular, the topical biophotonic materials of the present disclosure include a cohesive matrix, and at least chromophore which can absorb and emit light from within the topical biphotonic material, wherein the topical biophotonic material is elastic. The topical biophotonic materials and the methods of the present disclosure are useful for promoting wound healing and skin rejuvenation, as well as treating acne and various other skin disorders.

Abstract: An imprinting apparatus includes: a coating unit which coats a substrate with ink including a photocurable resin in a diluent; a pressing unit which presses the ink with an imprint stamp including an uneven pattern; and a light source which irradiates light to the ink, which is in a pressed state, and cures the photocurable resin. The coating unit, the pressing unit and the light source move relative to the substrate in a processing direction. The coating unit is located ahead of the pressing unit in the processing direction.

Abstract: A composition for a base of a directed self-assembling film includes a compound including an oxo acid group, and a solvent. The compound is preferably represented by formula (1). A represents an organic group having 10 or more carbon atoms and having a valency of n. B represents an oxo acid group. n is an integer of 1 to 200. In a case where n is 2 or greater, a plurality of Bs are identical or different.

Abstract: In one aspect, inks for use with a three dimensional printing system are described herein. In some embodiments, an ink for use in a three dimensional printing system comprises about 10-95 weight % polymerizable component and about 3-25 weight % non-reactive wax component, wherein the ink when cured has a Tg greater than the melting point of the non-reactive wax component.

Abstract: Provided according to embodiments of the invention are method of coating a phosphor that include contacting the phosphor with a sol comprising at least one of silica, alumina, borate and a precursor thereof, to form a coating on the phosphor; and heating the phosphor. Also provided are phosphors that are coated with alumina, silica and/or borate, and light emitting devices that include such phosphors.

Abstract: A core-shell structured silicate luminescent material and a preparation method thereof. The molecular formula of the luminescent material is: MLn1-xSiO4:xRE@SiO2; where @ represents a coating, where M is one or two elements among Li, Na, and K, where Ln is one or two elements among Y, Sc, Lu and La, where the value of x is 0<x?0.6; and where RE is one, two, or three elements among Tb, Gd, Sm, Eu, Dy, Ce and Tm. The compositions of the luminescent material are all chemicals of increased chemical stability, and, when subjected to electron beam bombardment for an extended period, provide a stable matrix and do not decompose easily.

Abstract: A white light emitting device including: a blue light emitting diode chip having a dominant wavelength of 443 to 455 nm; a red phosphor disposed around the blue light emitting diode chip, the red phosphor excited by the blue light emitting diode chip to emit red light; and a green phosphor disposed around the blue light emitting diode chip, the green phosphor excited by the blue light emitting diode chip to emit green light, wherein the red light emitted from the red phosphor has a color coordinate falling within a space defined by four coordinate points (0.5448, 0.4544), (0.7079, 0.2920), (0.6427, 0.2905) and (0.4794, 0.4633) based on the CIE 1931 chromaticity diagram, and the green light emitted from the green phosphor has a color coordinate falling within a space defined by four coordinate points (0.1270, 0.8037), (0.4117, 0.5861), (0.4197, 0.5316) and (0.2555, 0.5030) based on the CIE 1931 color chromaticity diagram.

Abstract: A method of depositing a photoluminescent material into a surface of the polymeric material is disclosed. The method comprises dissolving the photoluminescent material in water to create a solution. The temperature of the solution is then controlled at a predetermined temperature. The surface is contacted by the solution at the predetermined temperature for a predetermined time, thereby infusing the surface with the photoluminescent material. Following the predetermined time, the solution is removed from the surface by rinsing the surface with water.

Abstract: Provided is a polymer planar optical circuit type dissolved oxygen sensor and a method of fabricating the sensor, including a polymer planar sheet embedded with a first wavelength optical signal transmission line transmitting a first wavelength optical signal emitted from a first optical source and a second wavelength optical signal transmission line transmitting a second optical signal emitted from a sensing membrane and having a fluorescent property, and the sensing membrane coated on the polymer planar sheet, and further including a second optical source emitting the second wavelength optical signal to compare an optical property of the second wavelength optical signal to an optical property of the first wavelength optical signal emitted from the first optical source.

Abstract: A photonic device is manufactured by: (i) providing (e.g. by inkjet printing) an aliquot of a liquid crystal (LC) material; and (ii) depositing the aliquot onto the surface of a flowable material layer to form a liquid crystal deposit, the flowable material and the LC material being substantially immiscible. The liquid crystal deposit adopts a deformed shape relative to the shape of the aliquot due to interaction with the flowable material layer. This promotes alignment of the LC material. Incorporation of a laser dye allows the photonic device to function as a laser, which can be operated above or below threshold depending on the circumstances. The photonic device can also be used as a passive device based on the photonic bandgap of the aligned LC material.

Abstract: A phosphor material manufacturing method includes: prefabricating a LaPO4:Tm+ solution or a LaPO4:Eu+ solution in nitric acid; adding a carbon nano-sized material to the LaPO4:Tm+ solution or the LaPO4:Eu3+ solution for mixing to obtain a mixed solution precursors; precipitating the mixed solution and separating a precipitation substance from the mixed solution; drying and grinding the precipitation substance to obtain a powder material; the powder material with a predetermined temperature to form a sintered LaPO4:Tm+ phosphor material or a sintered LaPO4:Eu+ phosphor material. Advantageously, the sintered LaPO4:Tm+ phosphor material or the sintered LaPO4:Eu+ phosphor material is coated by the carbon nano-sized material for enhancing the efficiency of energy transfer and luminance of the phosphor material.

Abstract: A system and a method provide a coating on an interior surface of a tire. A valve connects to the interior of the tire. The method connects a source of coating material to the valve, propels the coating material through the valve, and applies the coating material to the interior of the tire. The system has a source of a coating material connected to the valve. A propellant causes delivery of the coating material through the valve into the tire. Another method coats an interior of a tire mounted on a rim. The method connects a first end of a tube to a source of coating material and inserts the second end of the tube into the interior of the tire encircling the rim. The coating material moves through the tube into the tire. The tube is withdrawn from the tire moving along the interior circumference of the tire.

Abstract: The present invention provides a stannate fluorescent material having a formula: A2-xSnO4:Eux@SnO2@My; wherein A is selected from the group consisting of Ca, Sr, and Ba; M is at least one metal nanoparticles selected from the group consisting of Ag, Au, Pt, Pd, and Cu; 0<x?0.05; y is a mole ratio of M to Sn, and 0<y?1×10?2; @represents coating, in the stannate fluorescent material, M serves as a core, SnO2 serves as an intermediate layer shell, and A2-xSnO4:Eux serves as an outer layer shell. In the stannate fluorescent material, a core-shell structure is formed by coating at least one metal nanoparticles selected from the group consisting of Ag, Au, Pt, Pd, and Cu, since metal nanoparticles can improve the internal quantum efficiency of the fluorescent material, the stannate fluorescent material exhibits a higher luminous intensity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a metal nanoparticle-coating silicate luminescent material, which has a molecular formula of Li2Ca1-xSiO4:Tbx@My; where @ represents a coating, M is at least one among Ag, Au, Pt, Pd, and Cu nanoparticles, where 0<x?0.2, where y is the molar ratio between M and Si, and where 0<y?1×10?2. The composition of the metal nanoparticle-coating silicate luminescent material is metal nanoparticles coated with Li2Ca1-xSiO4:Tbx, all of which are substances having great chemical stability and having great stability when bombarded by large electron beams. Also provided in the present invention is a method for preparing the metal nanoparticle coating silicate luminescent material.

Abstract: This invention concerns a pre-fabricated marking system and a method for producing such a marking system, comprising the steps of a) producing a base layer (4) made of a first meltable composition whereby said first meltable composition comprises a material selected from the group consisting of resin, polymer, filler, softener and plasticizer, b) cooling the so produced base layer (4), c) applicating at least one, wholly or partly covering layer (5) onto the base layer (4) of one or more different second meltable composition(s) whereby said second meltable composition comprises a material selected from the group consisting of resin, polymer, plasticizer and preferably one or more pigments (2,3), and d) solidifying at least the base layer (4).

Abstract: Provided in the present invention is a metal nanoparticle-coating titanate fluorescent material, which has a molecular formula of A1-x-yByTiO3:xR@SiO2@Mz, where A is one or two elements selected from Ca, Sr, Ba and Mg, where B is one element selected from Li, Na and K, where R is one or two elements selected from Eu, Gd, Tb, Tm, Sm, Ce, Dy and Mn, where M is one selected from Ag, Au, Pt, Pd and Cu nanoparticles, where 0<x?0.40; 0?y?0.40, where z is the molar ratio of M and SiO2, where 0<z?1×10?2, where @ represents a coating, where M is a core where SiO2 is an intermediate layer shell, and where A1-x-yByTiO3:xR is an outer layer shell. The metal nanoparticle-coating titanate fluorescent material forms a core-shell structure by introducing metal nanoparticles, while the metal nanoparticles generate a Plasmon resonance effect, thus increasing the internal quantum efficiency of the metal nanoparticle-coating titanate fluorescent material, which is provided with increased luminescent intensity.

Abstract: LED dies, emitting blue light, are provided on a first support substrate to form a light emitting layer. A mixture of a transparent binder, yellow phosphor powder, magenta-colored glass beads, and cyan-colored glass beads is printed over the light emitting surface. The mixture forms a wavelength conversion layer when cured. The beads are sized so that the tops of the beads protrude completely through the conversion layer. When the LED dies are on, the combination of the yellow phosphor light and the blue LED light creates white light. When the LEDs are off, white ambient light, such as sunlight, causes the conversion layer to appear to be a mixture of yellow light, magenta light, and cyan light. The percentage of the magenta and cyan beads in the mixture is selected to create a desired off-state color, such as a neutral color, of the conversion layer for aesthetic purposes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a flat panel detector such that the surface on the side of a fluorescent body layer of a scintillator panel which has the fluorescent body layer comprising a column crystal on the supporting body, is coupled to the planar light receiving element surface of a light-receiving element, comprising: a step of manufacturing the scintillator panel which has a larger area than that of the planar light receiving element surface; a step of trimming the edges of the scintillator panel, obtained by the step of manufacturing the scintillator panel, to correspond to the area of the planar light receiving element surface; and a step of coupling the edge-trimmed scintillator panel to the planar light receiving element surface, thus providing a flat panel detector which has an excellent productivity and that can be made small in size without non-image area.

Abstract: Energy down conversion phosphors represented by the chemical formula Ca1+xSr1?xGayIn2?ySzSe3?zF2 where (0?x?1, 0?y?2, 0?z?3) doped with rare earth and/or transition metal elements is disclosed. Dopant impurities may be one or more species such as Eu, Ce, Mn, Ru, and/or mixtures thereof present as activators. The molar fractions x, y and z, the dopant species and the dopant concentration may be varied to tune the peak emission wavelength and/or the width of the emission peak.

Abstract: Microspheres, populations of microspheres, and methods for forming microspheres are provided. One microsphere configured to exhibit fluorescent and magnetic properties includes a core microsphere and a magnetic material coupled to a surface of the core microsphere. About 50% or less of the surface of the core microsphere is covered by the magnetic material. The microsphere also includes a polymer layer surrounding the magnetic material and the core microsphere. One population of microspheres configured to exhibit fluorescent and magnetic properties includes two or more subsets of microspheres. The two or more subsets of microspheres are configured to exhibit different fluorescent and/or magnetic properties. Individual microspheres in the two or more subsets are configured as described above.

Abstract: Composite materials comprising a mesoflower structure, methods of preparing the composite material, and methods of detecting heavy metal ion using the composite material are described herein. In some embodiments, a silica-coated gold mesoflower with a layer of silver quantum clusters may be capable of detecting Hg2+ ions in a sample at zeptomolar concentrations.

Abstract: The invention provides a lighting unit comprising a light source, configured to generate light source light and a particulate luminescent material, configured to convert at least part of the light source light into luminescent material light, wherein the light source comprises a light emitting diode (LED), wherein the particulate luminescent material comprises particles comprising cores, said cores comprising a phosphor comprising M?xM2-2xAX6 doped with tetravalent manganese, wherein M? comprises an alkaline earth cation, M comprises an alkaline cation, and x is in the range of 0-1, wherein A comprises a tetravalent cation, at least comprising silicon, wherein X comprises a monovalent anion, at least comprising fluorine, and wherein the particles further comprise a metal phosphate based coating, wherein the metal of the metal phosphate based coating is selected from the group consisting of Ti, Si and Al.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating a steel band or steel plate provided with a metal coating with an after-treatment agent, which contains at least one polyalkylene glycol and is applied as a liquid solution to the surface of the metal coating. According to the invention, in order to achieve improved wetting and adhesion of the covering and at the same time the lowest possible coefficient of friction of the coated surface and in order to ensure good workability of the coated steel band or plate, the after-treatment agent contains a fluorescent antioxidant in addition to the polyalkylene glycol. The invention further relates to a steel band or steel plate provided with a metal coating, particularly a tin plate, which, on the surface of the metal coating, has a thin coat of an after-treatment agent which contains polyalkylene glycol and a fluorescent antioxidant.

Abstract: The invention is directed to medical device coatings, such as coated guidewires and catheters, containing a visualization moiety providing color to the coating in ambient or applied light. The coating allows for visual or machine inspection of coating properties such as uniformity of coverage. In some embodiments the coatings include the visualization moiety and an activated UV photogroup, which is used to provide covalent bonding in the coating. The visualization moiety can be in particulate form and entrained in the coating, or can be covalently bonded to the hydrophilic polymer backbone. In other embodiments the visualization moiety includes a stilbene chemical group. Exemplary coatings include a hydrophilic vinyl pyrrolidone polymer, which can provide lubricity to the device surface, along with the colored properties.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an LED/phosphor structure is described where an array of blue light emitting diode (LED) dies are mounted on a submount wafer. A phosphor powder is mixed with an organic polymer binder, such as an acrylate or nitrocellulose. The liquid or paste mixture is then deposited over the LED dies or other substrate as a substantially uniform layer. The organic binder is then removed by being burned away in air, or being subject to an O2 plasma process, or dissolved, leaving a porous layer of phosphor grains sintered together. The porous phosphor layer is impregnated with a sol-gel (e.g., a sol-gel of TEOS or MTMS) or liquid glass (e.g., sodium silicate or potassium silicate), also known as water glass, which saturates the porous structure. The structure is then heated to cure the inorganic glass binder, leaving a robust glass binder that resists yellowing, among other desirable properties.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing a material of desired thickness. Deposition techniques such as atomic layer deposition are alter to control the thickness of deposited material. A funtionalization species inhibits the deposition reaction.

Abstract: Hybrid particles that comprise a coating surrounding a chalcopyrite material, the coating comprising a metal, a semiconductive material, or a polymer; a core comprising a chalcopyrite material and a shell comprising a functionalized chalcopyrite material, the shell enveloping the core; or a reaction product of a chalcopyrite material and at least one of a reagent, heat, and radiation. Methods of forming the hybrid particles are also disclosed.

Abstract: Processes for recovering inorganic powder materials from polymer-based coating compositions used to deposit a polymer-based coating. The process includes combining a polymer precursor, first solvent, and inorganic powder material to form a suspension, and applying the suspension to a substrate to form a layer. At least a portion of the suspension that did not adhere to the substrate is then collected. Residual portions of the first solvent and polymer precursor are at least partially removed from this portion of the suspension to yield a crude inorganic powder material comprising a residual portion of the inorganic powder and optionally a partially-cured polymer precursor, the latter of which can be removed by treating the crude inorganic powder material with a second solvent.

Abstract: An optical system and method to overcome luminescent solar concentrator inefficiencies by resonance-shifting, in which sharply directed emission from a bi-layer cavity into a glass substrate returns to interact with the cavity off-resonance at each subsequent reflection, significantly reducing reabsorption loss en route to the edges. In one embodiment, the system comprises a luminescent solar concentrator comprising a transparent substrate, a luminescent film having a variable thickness; and a low refractive index layer disposed between the transparent substrate and the luminescent film.

Abstract: Double core-shell fluorescent materials and preparation methods thereof are provided. The double core-shell fluorescent materials include inner core, inner shell coating the inner core and outer shell coating the said inner shell. The inner core is metal particle and the chemical constitution of the inner shell is silicon dioxide. The outer shell is fluorescent powder represented by the following chemical formula: (R1-x, Eux)2O3, wherein R is Y, Gd or combination thereof, 0.02?x?0.1. The double core-shell fluorescent materials with uniform and stable luminous effect not only increase luminous intensity, but also decrease usage amount of fluorescent powder by using metal particle as inner core.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to storage stable solutions of optical brighteners based on certain salt forms of anilino-substituted bistriazinyl derivatives of 4,4?-diaminostilbene-2,2?-disulphonic acid and of organic acids which do not need extra solubilizing additives.

Abstract: The present invention is a resin composition characterized in that an intercalated compound made of a layered silicate and a metal cationic iridium complex which emits light by having a ligand for light emission and a hydrophobic ligand is dispersed in a polymer matrix. According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a molding material which has stable light emission characteristics and which is flexible.

Abstract: A color conversion substrate includes a main plate having a first main surface and including a transparent substrate, and a fluorescent material layer including a light scattering layer formed at the first main surface for scattering incident light and emitting the light outside, and having a hole formed, and a fluorescent material body formed in said hole, exhibiting luminescence emission when light of an incident wavelength region is incident. The inner surface of the light scattering layer defining the hole reflects the light from the fluorescent material body output from the fluorescent material body towards the main plate.

Abstract: A nanophosphor in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes a fluoride-based nanoparticle co-doped with Ce3+ and one selected from a group consisting of Tb3+, Eu3+ and a combination thereof. The nanophosphor may be excited by a single wavelength of ultraviolet rays to emit various colors of green, yellow, orange, red and the like, and exhibit high photostability without photoblinking. The nanophosphor may be utilized as a bio imaging contrast agent, a transparent display device, an anti-counterfeit code and the like.

Abstract: Formation of an authentication element by deposition of a metal layer with embedded particles on a metal substrate, wherein the embedded particles are configured to convert energy from one wavelength to another. The embedded particles may be upconverters, downconverters, or phosphorescent phosphors, which can be detected and measured with analytical equipment when deposited in the metal layer. A metal substrate may include coinage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for fabricating metal-ion-doped zinc sulfide nanoparticle and a method for generating a warm white light by using the metal-ion-doped zinc sulfide nanoparticle, and particularly relates to a method for fabricating manganese-doped zinc sulfide nanoparticle, which can emit a red light having a wavelength of 600 nm-650 nm, and a method for generating a warm white light by using the manganese-doped zinc sulfide nanoparticle to form a warm white light emission phosphor film.

Abstract: A wavelength conversion structure comprises a first phosphor layer and a second phosphor layer formed on the first phosphor layer, wherein the first phosphor layer comprises a plurality of first phosphor particles, and the second phosphor layer comprises a plurality of second phosphor particles. The average particle size of the second phosphor particles is not equal to that of the first phosphor particles.

Abstract: The phosphor of the invention is based on a lanthunum cerium terbium phosphate, and it is characterized in that the phosphate consists of particles having a mean size of at most 4 ?m, in that it has a lithium content of at most 30 ppm, a boton content of at most 30 ppm and in that it has a variation of brightness between the brightness measured on the phosphor at 25° C. and that measured on the same phosphor at 200° C. of at most 4%.

Abstract: Disclosed are an optical member, a display device including the same, and a method of fabricating the same. The optical member includes a first substrate; a wavelength conversion layer on the first substrate; and a second substrate on the wavelength conversion layer, wherein the wavelength conversion layer includes an oxygen barrier.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of marking an item with a naturally-derived or synthetic non-natural polymeric marker molecules, such as a DNA or Peptide marker in conjunction with optional visible or rapid scan reporters for authenticating or tracking, in which the method includes providing an item for marking, and applying a medium including a DNA marker to the item. The invention also provides a method of marking an item with a DNA marker for authenticating or tracking, in which the method includes providing a medium including a DNA marker, and molding the medium including the DNA marker to provide all or part of the item. The DNA marker encodes information unique to the item and/or the model of the item as desired.

Abstract: Problem to be solved is to provide a nitride phosphor having enhanced luminance, internal quantum efficiency and external quantum efficiency compared to those of conventional nitride phosphors. The nitride phosphor is represented by the general formula (1) shown below and it is characterized in that the infrared spectroscopy measured by the diffuse reflection method at the measurement intervals of 2 cm?1 or lower, satisfies predetermined conditions: LnxSiyNn:Z??(1) (In the general formula (1), Ln represents rare earth element excluding the element to be used as an activator, Z represents an activator, x satisfies the condition of 2.7?x?3.3, y satisfies the condition of 5.4?y?6.6, and n satisfies the condition of 10?n?12.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing silver films having large nanoparticles caused by cracking during anaerobic annealing to provide surfaces that exhibit increased metal enhanced fluorescence. Preferably the annealing process is conducted on a silver film having a thickness from about 14 to 17 nm for about an hour at a temperature of approximately 190° C. to about 210° C. resulting in the conversion of the just-continuous films into large particulate films, not readily assessable by other chemical deposition techniques.

Abstract: A method comprising injection molding a plastic part from a polymer formulation comprising an injection moldable thermoplastic and a fluorescent compound, wherein the fluorescent compound has a decomposition temperature that establishes a maximum processing temperature for the polymer formulation. The fluorescent compound will thermally decompose to generate gaseous products causing visible bubble formation in the surface of the plastic part in response to exposure to a processing temperature that exceeds the decomposition temperature of the fluorescent compound. If the plastic part was processed without exposure to a processing temperature that exceeds the decomposition temperature of the fluorescent compound, then any fluorescent compound within the plastic part will cause the plastic part to fluoresce in response to exposure to black light. A suitable fluorescent compound may be, for example, selected from oxalates, carbamic acids, carbonic acids, diazocarbonyl compounds, and combinations thereof.