Abstract: A platelet-shaped pigment with a layer construction comprises the following layers in the order, optionally a carrier substrate; a transparent embossing lacquer layer with an embossed relief structure; a reflection-increasing coating which follows the relief structure and forms a reflecting microstructure, wherein the reflecting microstructure is present in the form of a mosaic of a multiplicity of reflecting mosaic elements and the reflecting mosaic elements do not reflect the incident light in the direction of the specular reflex, regarding the plane of the platelet, but in a spatial direction deviating therefrom and respectively have a lateral dimension 1 greater than 2 ?m.

Abstract: A method for forming a multilayer thin film structure includes directly depositing an absorber layer to encapsulate a dielectric layer, and the dielectric layer encapsulates a reflective core particle. The method further including depositing an outer layer to encapsulate the absorber layer, and the multilayer thin film structure has a hue shift of less than 30° in the Lab color space when viewed at angles from 0° to 45°.

Abstract: Optically variable security devices, including security threads, patches, labels, strips, are disclosed herein. Certain security devices according to the present disclosure utilize a lens-less construction whereby multiple icon layers are coupled to produce a synthetic image or synthetic color that has an optically variable effect. Each icon layer includes an array of high-resolution icon elements that are aligned relative to each other and spaced apart from each other to produce the desired optically variable effect. Such security devices are particularly, though not exclusively, useful for authenticating security documents.

Abstract: A single-step method for applying a coating to a polymeric substrate comprising: exposing a photoreactive compound and a polymeric compound in an aqueous solvent to ultraviolet radiation in the presence of the polymeric substrate to obtain a covalently bound coating thereon comprising a reaction product of the photoreactive compound and the polymeric compound. More particularly, a method of applying a coating to a polymeric substrate in order to reduce the adsorption of analytes in solution to the substrate by imparting properties to the substrate similar to the properties of the coating applied.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to the field of graphical elements and is directed to an optical effect layer (OEL), a device and a method for producing same. The disclosure provides an optical effect that is easy to detect as such and exhibits a viewing-angle dependent apparent motion of image features over an extended length if the viewing angle with respect to the OEL changes. An OEL includes a binder material being at least partially transparent and a plurality of particles dispersed within the layer. Each particle has a non-isotropic reflectivity and may be magnetic or magnetizable. The orientation of the particles forms an orientation pattern extending over a length within an extended surface of the OEL, such that the local average of an angle between (i) a straight line along an observed longest dimension within the corresponding cross-section shape, and (ii) said first direction x varies according to a function (?) of a position (P) along said first direction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for high and ultra-high vacuum physical vapor deposition with in-situ magnetic field are disclosed herein. An exemplary method for depositing a film in an evacuated vacuum chamber can include introducing a sample into the vacuum chamber. The sample can be rotated. A magnetic field can be applied that rotates synchronously with the rotating sample. Atoms can be deposited onto the sample while the sample is rotating with the magnetic field to deposit a film while the magnetic field induces magnetic anisotropy in the film.

Abstract: A multilayer structure comprises an insulation material, a conductive layer and a protective film. The conductive layer is disposed on the insulation material. The protective film is disposed on the surface of the conductive layer, and the surface area of the protective film is less than that of the conductive layer. A fingerprint identification device and a manufacturing method thereof are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method is provided for making a magnetic structure. The method includes forming a composition of magnetizable ferrites in a carrier on a substrate at a first location. The method further includes magnetizing the composition on the substrate at a second location different from the first location. More specifically, the substrate may be formed into a packaging housing at the second location and filled with consumable products.

Abstract: A manufacturing method and a manufacturing apparatus for a printing magnetic orientation master and a magnetic pigment presswork are provided. The manufacturing method for a printing magnetic orientation master comprises: providing a magnet; using a heat radiation beam to heat a partial area of the magnet so that a new magnetic domain structure is formed in the partial area through self-magnetization of the magnet to change a magnetic-field distribution in the partial area; and removing the heat radiation beam to keep the new magnetic domain structure after it is decreased to a normal temperature so that the changed magnetic-field distribution is kept in the partial area, thus forming the printing magnetic orientation master having a predetermined magnetic orientation pattern. This can simplify the manufacturing process of the printing magnetic orientation master and allow the printing magnetic orientation master to carry abundant pattern information.

Abstract: A planar closed-magnetic-loop inductor and a method of fabricating the inductor are described. The inductor includes a first material comprising a cross-sectional shape including at least four segments, at least one of the at least four segments including a first edge and a second edge on opposite sides of an axial line through the at least one of the at least four segments. The first edge and the second edge are not parallel.

Abstract: The non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery 10 provided by the present invention comprises a positive electrode 30, a negative electrode 50 and a non-aqueous electrolyte. The negative electrode 50 includes a negative electrode current collector 52 and a negative electrode active material layer 54 formed on the current collector 52, the negative electrode active material layer 54 containing a negative electrode active material 55 capable of storing and releasing charge carriers and having shape anisotropy so that the charge carriers are stored and released along a predefined direction. The negative electrode active material layer 54 includes, at a bottom thereof contacting the current collector 52, a minute conductive material 57 with granular shape and/or minute conductive material 57 with fibrous shape having an average particle diameter that is smaller than that of the negative electrode active material 55, and includes, at the bottom thereof; a part of the negative electrode active material 55.

Abstract: A gaseous p-xylylene monomer, formed by reacting xylene with a monatomic oxygen source, is mixed with a functional gaseous monomer. The resulting mixture may be deposited and solidified on a substrate, which may optionally be exposed to a photoinitiating light energy and/or a permittivity enhancing electric or magnetic field. Alternatively, the resulting gaseous mixture may be trapped and condensed in a condenser, which may contain a solvent to facilitate trapping. The condensate may be mixed with a tertiary substance, e.g., another monomer, a reactive substance or an inert material.

Abstract: Provided are an electromagnetic wiping device for controlling the amount of coating of a steel sheet, a steel sheet wiping device including the same, and a method for manufacturing the steel sheet. The present invention can prevent overcoating at least at the edge of the steel sheet by removing a coating layer of at least an edge part of the steel sheet passing through a plating bath by using electromagnetism and forming the gas wiping, and can reduce gas wiping capabilities while maintaining the line speed of the steel sheet so as to reduce the amount of scattered material or dross due to the scattered material, thereby ultimately improving the coating quality and the productivity of the steel sheet.

Abstract: Provided is a method of printing a structural color. The method includes providing a first substrate, forming a layer of a composition for generating a structural color including magnetic nanoparticles and a curable material on the first substrate, applying a magnetic field to the layer of the composition for generating a structural color and exhibiting a structural color using a change in lattice spacing of a photonic crystal composed of magnetic nanoparticles depending on the magnetic field strength, and curing the layer of the composition for generating a structural color to fix the lattice spacing of the photonic crystal and to form a structural color printed layer.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a strategy to create self-healing, slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces (SLIPS) that can be modified as desired. Roughened (e.g., porous) surfaces can be utilized to lock in place a lubricating fluid, referred to herein as Liquid B to repel a wide range of objects, referred to herein as Object A (Solid A or Liquid A). Use of an external stimuli or degradation of the Liquid B can be utilized to change the characteristics of SLIPS structures reversibly or irreversibly that may be desired in a number of different applications. Numerous characteristics, such as adhesion, optical, mechanical, and the like, can be dynamically changed.

Abstract: The power extraction efficiency of a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery is improved. A material having magnetic susceptibility anisotropy such as an olivine type oxide including a transition metal element is used for active material particles. The active material particles and an electrolyte solution are mixed to form a slurry. The slurry is applied to a current collector, and then the current collector is left in a magnetic field. Thus, the active material particles are oriented. With the use of active material particles oriented in such a manner, the power extraction efficiency can be improved.

Abstract: A nanosensor and methods to manufacture are disclosed. For example, a detection system for detecting the presence of a target substance can include a nanosensor that includes a sensing layer, and a plurality of sockets embedded within the body of the sensing layer, each socket having a physical profile matching a shape of the target substance such that, when target substances occupy the sockets, at least one measurable physical characteristic of the sensing layer changes.

Abstract: A method is provided for making a high permittivity dielectric material for use in capacitors. Several high permittivity materials in an organic nonconductive media with enhanced properties and methods for making the same are disclosed. A general method for the formation of thin films of some particular dielectric material is disclosed, wherein organic polymers are utilized to produce low conductivity dielectric coatings. Additionally, a method whereby the formation of certain transition metal salts as salt or oxide matrices is demonstrated at low temperatures utilizing mild reducing agents. Further, a circuit structure and associated method of operation for the recovery and regeneration of the leakage current from the long-term storage capacitors is provided in order to enhance the manufacturing yield and utility performance of such devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermally-conductive sheet excellent in heat dissipation properties. The thermally-conductive sheet includes a polymer matrix and a thermally-conductive filler dispersed in the polymer matrix. The present invention is a thermally-conductive sheet including a polymer matrix and non-spherical particles of a thermally-conductive filler that are dispersed in the polymer matrix. At least a part of the thermally-conductive filler particles are oriented in a thickness direction of the sheet.

Abstract: In an alkaline fuel cell, an electrode catalyst includes a magnetic material, and catalyst particles supported on the magnetic material. Besides, the alkaline fuel cell includes an electrode that has the function of allowing negative ions to permeate through the electrolyte, and an anode electrode and a cathode electrode respectively disposed on the both sides of the electrode, and at least the cathode electrode of the both electrodes is the electrode catalyst.

Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing an optical laminated body having a substrate and a polarizing film that contains a lyotropic liquid crystal compound and is formed on the substrate. The method includes a step (A) of applying a coating liquid containing the lyotropic liquid crystal compound and a solvent onto the substrate and forming a coat film with the lyotropic liquid crystal compound orientated in one direction, and a step (B) of applying a magnetic field to the coat film in a direction substantially parallel to an orientation direction of the lyotropic liquid crystal compound.

Abstract: Disclosed in this specification is a method for aligning nanostructures. A substrate is coated with a liquid solution comprising particles. Before the solution is cured, circularly-polarized light is applied to the substrate to induce a magnetic field in the particles. A low strength magnetic field is then applied. The induced magnetic field of the particles aligns with the applied magnetic field. The solution is permitted to cure while simultaneously exposed to both the circularly-polarized light and the applied magnetic field. The resulting composite retains the particle alignment.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a magnetic rotatable roller with a smooth even outer surface for aligning magnetic flakes in a carrier, such as an ink vehicle or a paint vehicle to create optically variable images in a high-speed, linear printing operation. Images can provide security features on high-value documents, such as bank notes. Magnetic flakes in the ink are aligned using magnetic portions of the roller, that can be formed by permanent magnets embedded in a non-magnetic roller body, or selectively magnetized portions of a flexible magnetic cover of the roller. In some embodiments, the roller is assembled for a plurality of interchangeable sections, which can include spinning magnets. Selected orientation of the magnetic pigment flakes can achieve a variety of illusive optical effects that are useful for decorative or security applications.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to anti-reflective coatings comprising ordered layers of nanowires, methods to prepare the coatings, and products prepared by the methods.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing ceramics includes: placing, on a base material, a first slurry in which a metal oxide powder is dispersed; applying a magnetic field to the first slurry to solidify the first slurry, thereby forming an under coat layer made of a first compact; placing, on the under coat layer, a second slurry containing a metal oxide powder constituting the ceramics; applying a magnetic field to the second slurry to solidify the second slurry, thereby forming a second compact to obtain a laminated body of the second compact and the under coat layer; and obtaining the ceramics made of the second compact by removing the under coat layer from the laminated body of the second compact and the under coat layer and then sintering the second compact, or sintering the laminated body of the second compact and the under coat layer and then removing the under coat layer.

Abstract: The cell has a wound electrode assembly 50 including a positive electrode 64 and a negative electrode 84 that are wound with a separator 90 interposed therebetween, and a liquid electrolyte, wherein the negative electrode includes an elongated negative electrode current collector 82, and a negative electrode mixture layer 88 that is formed on the negative electrode current collector and contains at least a graphite material 85. The graphite material in the negative electrode mixture layer is arranged such that the (002) plane 85A of at least 50 mass % of the graphite material is perpendicular to the surface of the negative electrode current collector and parallel to the longitudinal direction of the elongated negative electrode current collector.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery in which graphite fissuring during rolling of the negative electrode mixture layer is prevented and a deterioration in the performance of the battery is thereby suppressed.

Abstract: Provided is an oriented piezoelectric material with satisfactory sintering property free of Pb that is a hazardous substance, and a water-soluble alkaline ion, and a production method therefor. To this end, provided is a compound, including a tungsten bronze structure metal oxide, in which: the tungsten bronze structure metal oxide contains at least metal elements of Ba, Bi, Ca, and Nb, the metal elements satisfying the following conditions in terms of molar ratio; and has a C-axis orientation. The compound shows Ba/Nb=a: 0.363<a<0.399, Bi/Nb=b: 0.0110<b<0.0650, and Ca/Nb=c: 0.005<c<0.105. The tungsten bronze structure metal oxide preferably includes (1?x).Ca1.4Ba3.6Nb10O30?x.Ba4Bi0.67Nb10O30 (0.30?x?0.95).

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for magnetically transferring indicia, such as a design or an image, to a wet coating layer applied on a substrate, such as a sheet or a web, wherein the said coating layer comprises at least one type of magnetic or magnetizable particles; said device comprising a) at least one magnetized permanent-magnetic plate (2) carrying relief, engravings or cut-outs, mounted such that its relief surface remains accessible, b) at least one additional magnet (3), disposed below said at least one permanent-magnetic plate, facing the surface of the magnetic plate which is opposite to the relief, engraving or cut-out, and c) a holder (1), which has the mechanical function to hold the pieces together in fixed positions. A method for producing the device, the use of the device, and magnetically induced designs obtained with the device, which are useful for protecting currency, value—and identity documents, are disclosed as well.

Abstract: Magnetically responsive photonic nanochains that have been produced by inducing chaining of uniform magnetic particles during their silica coating process and then allowing additional deposited silica to wrap entire structures. The optical diffraction of these nanochains can be switched on and off by applying magnetic fields.

Abstract: A method of producing a nanoscale structure having substantially immobilized nanoparticles arranged at a predetermined patterned is generally disclosed. First, a curable polymeric solution is placed within a well defined by a wafer. The curable polymeric solution includes a curable polymeric material and a magnetically coated nanoparticle. The well is positioned adjacent to an atomically-smooth medium. A recording head is moved in a predetermined manner to produce a magnetic field profile that substantially immobilizes the magnetically coated nanoparticle within the curable polymeric solution in the well. The curable polymeric solution is cured such that the magnetically coated nanoparticle remains substantially immobilized after the magnetic field profile is removed.

Abstract: A device for Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS). The device includes a plurality of nanostructures protruding from a surface of a substrate, a SERS active metal disposed on a portion of said plurality of nanostructures, and a low friction film disposed over the plurality of nanostructures and the SERS active metal. The low friction film is to prevent adhesion between the plurality of nanostructures.

Abstract: Disclosed in this specification is a method for aligning nanostructures. A substrate is coated with a liquid solution comprising particles. Before the solution is cured, circularly-polarized light is applied to the substrate to induce a magnetic field in the particles. A low strength magnetic field is then applied. The induced magnetic field of the particles aligns with the applied magnetic field. The solution is permitted to cure while simultaneously exposed to both the circularly-polarized light and the applied magnetic field. The resulting composite retains the particle alignment.

Abstract: Methods of producing a multiferroic thin film material. The method includes the steps of providing a multiferroic precursor solution, subjecting the precursor solution to spin casting to produce a spin cast film, and heating the spin cast film. The precursor solution may include Bi(NO3)3.5H2O and Fe(NO3)3.9H2O in ethylene glycol to produce a bismuth ferrite film. Further, the thin film may be utilized in varied technological areas, including memory devices for information storage.

Abstract: A method is provided for making a high permittivity dielectric material for use in capacitors. Several high permittivity materials in an organic nonconductive media with enhanced properties and methods for making the same are disclosed. A general method for the formation of thin films of some particular dielectric material is disclosed, wherein organic polymers are utilized to produce low conductivity dielectric coatings. Additionally, a method whereby the formation of certain transition metal salts as salt or oxide matrices is demonstrated at low temperatures utilizing mild reducing agents. Further, a circuit structure and associated method of operation for the recovery and regeneration of the leakage current from the long-term storage capacitors is provided in order to enhance the manufacturing yield and utility performance of such devices.

Abstract: A glass-flake loaded organic sealant system is useful for sealing active layers such as those in electronic devices and solar cells.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods comprising (i) depositing an ink on a surface, (ii) producing a conductive metal film by, for example, heating or irradiating or other treatment of said ink, and (iii) wherein the metal film is in the form of a repetitively patterned structure forming a grid-like network of vertex-shared polygons and polygon-like structures with a varying number of vertices. Transparent, conductive structures can be formed and serve as, for example, ITO-replacement materials and structures.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for creating metal oxide coatings on one or more surfaces employing a magnetic field, and articles containing those coatings. Such methods involve contacting the surfaces to be treated with a metal compound, and converting the metal compound to metal oxide for example by heating the surfaces to the desired temperature in the presence of a magnetic field. The magnetic field dramatically improves, in some embodiments, the characteristics of the metal oxide coating.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a flux gate sensor may include: a first step of forming a first wiring layer on a substrate; a second step of forming a first insulating layer to cover the first wiring layer; a third step of forming a magnetic layer on the first insulating layer, the magnetic layer constituting a core of a flux gate; a fourth step of forming a second insulating layer on the first insulating layer to cover the magnetic layer; and a fifth step of forming a second wiring layer on the second insulating layer. The first wiring layer and the second wiring layer may be electrically connected to each other so that each constitutes a magnetic coil and a pickup coil, and at least a process temperature in each of the third, fourth, and fifth steps may be lower than a glass transition temperature of the first resin.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a template for a high-density patterned medium and a high-density magnetic storage medium using the same. In the method, magnetic particles are used as a mask and no lithographic process is required.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing ceramics includes: placing, on a base material, a first slurry in which a metal oxide powder is dispersed; applying a magnetic field to the first slurry to solidify the first slurry, thereby forming an under coat layer made of a first compact; placing, on the under coat layer, a second slurry containing a metal oxide powder constituting the ceramics; applying a magnetic field to the second slurry to solidify the second slurry, thereby forming a second compact to obtain a laminated body of the second compact and the under coat layer; and obtaining the ceramics made of the second compact by removing the under coat layer from the laminated body of the second compact and the under coat layer and then sintering the second compact, or sintering the laminated body of the second compact and the under coat layer and then removing the under coat layer.

Abstract: A film capacitor element is provided which has a smaller size and higher capacity while securing the sufficient withstand voltage at a high level and which can be efficiently produced. The film capacitor element including a laminated body including at least one dielectric film and at least one metal deposition film. The at least one dielectric includes at least one vapor-deposited polymer film. The at least vapor-deposited polymer film is formed by a deposition polymerization of a plurality of monomers each having a structure in which two benzene rings are linked via a linking group.

Abstract: There is described a method of producing color effect images on a carrier substrate, wherein it is provided that a latent magnetic image comprising magnetic pixels and non-magnetic pixels is produced on a magnetizable printing form, a carrier substrate with a decorative layer applied to the carrier substrate and provided with non-spherical, preferably needle-form or flake-form magnetic color effect pigments is moved past the magnetizable printing form so that color effect pigments of the decorative layer are changed in their orientation relative to the carrier substrate by the field line image produced by the magnetic pixels of the magnetizable printing form, and the color effect pigments are fixed in the decorative layer in the orientation which is changed by the field line image of the printing form. There is further described an apparatus for carrying out the method and a multi-layer body produced therewith.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for printing using paste like inks such as those used in intaglio printing, wherein the inks include specialty flakes such as thin film optically variable flakes, or diffractive flakes. The invention discloses an apparatus having an energy source such as a heat source for temporarily lessening the viscosity of the ink during alignment of the flakes within the ink.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a screen is provided. The method includes propelling a quantity of paint comprising metallic flakes, such as aluminum flakes, toward the screen. The method also includes applying at least one magnetic field in a vicinity of the screen, wherein applying the at least one magnetic field causes at least one metallic flake in the quantity of paint to be oriented relative to the screen in a substantially preferred orientation, thereby producing a screen exhibiting beneficial projection qualities, such as brightness. The magnetic field(s) applied may be unsymmetric in the time domain of, for example, an AC component of the magnetic field.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing structured or full-area, electrically conductive surfaces on a substrate (1), comprising the following steps: (a) transferring electrolessly and/or electrolytically coatable particles or a dispersion (3) comprising electrolessly and/or electrolytically coatable particles from a transfer medium (5) onto the substrate (1), (b) fixing the electrolessly and/or electrolytically coatable particles on the substrate (1), wherein the transfer in step (a) is promoted by virtue of the particles being magnetic or magnetizable or, in the case of transfer or a dispersion, magnetic or magnetizable particles being present in the dispersion, and a magnetic field (9) is applied.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a film, the method having the steps creating a cast film having a polymer component, a monomer component, a nanoparticle component, a magnetic-filler component, or a combination thereof; shearing the cast film; aligning a cast-film component by applying an electric field to the cast film; aligning a cast-film component by applying a magnetic field to the cast film; curing or polymerizing a cast-film component; annealing the cast film; and evaporating solvent from the cast film.

Abstract: Methods for producing a transition-metal-coated carbon material having a transition metal coating which has a high adhesion strength between the transition metal and the carbon material, and which is neither exfoliated nor detached in subsequent processing are provided. The transition-metal-coated carbon material may be obtained by adhering a compound containing transition metal ions onto a surface of a carbon material and by reducing the transition metal ions with carbon in the carbon material by a heat treatment, thereby to form elemental transition metal. Here, the transition metal is Fe, Co, Ni, Mn, Cu or Zn. Moreover, also provided is a carbon-metal composite material exhibiting an excellent mechanical strength and thermal conductivity, by improving affinity with a metal such as aluminium by use of the transition-metal-coated carbon material.

Abstract: A device for Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS). The device includes a plurality of nanostructures protruding from a surface of a substrate, a SERS active metal disposed on a portion of said plurality of nanostructures, and a low friction film disposed over the plurality of nanostructures and the SERS active metal. The low friction film is to prevent adhesion between the plurality of nanostructures.

Abstract: A pattern is formed by applying a coating composition containing magnetic particles to an article so that a coating film is formed, and a plurality of sheet form magnets are placed along the front surface of this coating film. Adjacent sheet form magnets are arranged in such a state that the magnetic poles on the front surface and the magnetic poles on the back surface are different between adjacent sheet form magnets, and side surfaces of the sheet form magnets contact each other. The coating composition contains a thermoplastic resin, magnetic particles with flaky form and a specific low boiling point solvent and a specific high boiling point solvent. A magnetic field is applied to the coating film by the sheet form magnets, so that the magnetic particles in the coating film are oriented by the magnetic field and the magnetic particles are oriented substantially parallel to the front surface of the coating film above the contact portions between the sheet form magnets.