Abstract: The present invention is intended to provide optical recording media of hologram type capable of high-density recording and capable of preventing noise even when the informing light and the reference light leak from filter layers formed of wavelength-selective reflection films. Accordingly, the present invention relates to optical recording media has a first substrate, a recording layer, a filter layer, an optical absorption layer and a second substrate in this order, wherein the recording layer records information by use of holography; methods of producing the same, as well as optical recording methods for the recording media and optical reproducing methods. Preferably, the optical absorption layer absorbs a light having a wavelength within 350 nm to 600 nm and transmits a light having a wavelength within 600 nm to 900 nm.

Abstract: Photosensitizing dyes are often used in conjunction with a photoacid generator in holographic recording media. Conventional photosensitizing dyes typically are limited by having an appreciable absorption of light when used in a sufficient concentration, such that the intensity of light decreases significantly with penetration into a recording medium. The present invention discloses a number of new 5-alkynyl substituted napthacene photosensitizing dyes that have low extinction coefficients coupled with good sensitizing properties, such that the problems associated with the photosensitizing dyes absorbing light are significantly reduced.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a duplicate hologram recording medium includes: a positioning section configured to place the duplication master and the duplicate hologram recording medium at predetermined relative positions; an angle selective plate arranged between the duplication master and the duplicate hologram recording medium, the angle selective plate having an angle selective film whose transmittance changes in accordance with an incidence angle of a light beam; and a duplicating-reference-beam generating and radiating section generating a duplicating reference beam, and radiating the duplicating reference beam at such an incidence angle that the duplicating reference beam is transmitted through a predetermined region of a recording layer of the duplication master and is reflected by the angle selective film.

Abstract: Systems and methods for autostereoscopic display of three-dimensional images include a holographic optical element made by preparing a silver halide gelatin emulsion, coating one side of a glass substrate with the emulsion, holographically recording an eyebox on the coated glass substrate using at least three wavelengths of coherent light combined in a source beam that is divided into a reference beam and object beam with at least one of the reference and object beam passing through a beam shaping device to substantially uniformly illuminate the glass substrate from opposite sides, processing the coated glass substrate, and sealing the coated glass substrate by covering the coated side of the glass substrate with an optical cement and securing to a black glass plate. The element may be mounted in a display and illuminated with at least one projector having optical keystone correction with source wavelengths aligned or matched with the recording wavelengths.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing a titanium-containing metal oxide the coloration of which is decreased; a hologram recording material suitable for holographic memory recording using a blue laser, wherein a titanium-containing metal oxide the coloration of which is decreased is used as a metal oxide matrix; a process for producing the same; and a hologram recording medium. A process for producing a metal oxide comprising at least Ti as a metal element, the process comprising: providing an alkoxide compound of Ti to which a glycol other than any geminal diol and any vicinal diol is coordinated; hydrolyzing the alkoxide compound of Ti to which the glycol is coordinated, thereby yielding a precursor of a metal oxide; and advancing polycondensation reaction of the metal oxide precursor, thereby forming the metal oxide.

Abstract: A composition for holographic recording is provided, comprising an inert polyphenyl ether binder capable of supporting radical polymerization, wherein the inert binder is substantially transparent in visible light, and is viscous at room temperature; a photopolymerizable part comprising a matrix forming component comprising at least one radically photopolymerizable multifunctional (meth)acrylic oligomer or monomer, and a radically polymerizable recording component; and a photoinitiation system capable of initiating radical polymerization.

Abstract: The present invention provides polyurethane systems which cure by radiation and thermal action with crosslinking, and use thereof for the production of holographic media. The polyurethane compositions of the invention comprise A) polyisocyanates, B) isocyanate-reactive block copolymers, C) compounds having groups which react on exposure to actinic radiation with ethylenically unsaturated compounds with polymerization, D) optionally free radical stabilizers and E) photoinitiators.

Abstract: The invention is aimed at producing a layout with high technological characteristics including a reduction of departure of an obtained layout geometry from a given layout geometry, an increase of a contrast of the obtained layout and a decrease of noise levels in illuminated and not illuminated areas of the layout. This is achieved by converting an initial layout image into a digital pattern; recording an amplitude and phase information, which characterizes each dot of the pattern as an extended or a point radiator; computing a diffraction picture in each dot of the future hologram created from the whole set of radiators—elements of this pattern and its interference with a calculated reference wavefront; employing the obtained result for hologram creation; and obtaining the hologram as a set of discrete elements, which differ by their optical properties.

Abstract: A method of producing a security document or article including a substrate (100), which is transparent at least to visible light, and a diffractive optical microstructure (112). The method includes applying an opacifying layer (102) to at least one surface of the transparent substrate (100). An area of the opacifying layer (102) is exposed to laser radiation (108) to ablate apertures (110) in selected portions of the opacifying layer (102), thereby forming a diffractive optical microstructure (112) on the surface of the substrate (100). The laser radiation may be patterned prior to exposing the opacifying layer (102), for example by passing the radiation through a mask (104). Alternatively, a focussed or collimated laser beam (206) may be directed onto the selected portions of the opacifying layer (102). Laser radiation may be directed onto the opacifying layer (102) either directly, or through the transparent substrate (100).

Abstract: A reflection type hologram recording optical system is provided which implements a method for forming a light reflection hologram having uniform reflectivity. The method includes: focusing a first laser beam through one of a pair of objective lenses, the first beam satisfying the condition given by, 4?n/(NA)2<D, where ? (?m) is the wavelength of the first laser beam, NA is the numerical aperture of the pair of objective lenses, n is the average refractive index of the optical recording medium, and D (?m) is the thickness of the medium; allowing the first laser beam to interfere with a second laser beam within the optical recording medium, the second laser beam being focused through the other opposing objective lens; and allowing the optical recording medium and a flux of the laser beams to be displaced relative to each other, thereby forming a light reflection hologram having uniform reflectivity.

Abstract: The invention relates to optical elements with gradient structure, in particular for holographic applications, wherein the gradient structure is formed by a refractive index gradient and a method for production of said optical elements with gradient structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for performing pre-exposure and curing of a photo-sensitive material for optical data storage, in particular for holographic data storage, and to an apparatus for writing to optical storage media using such method. According to the invention, for pre-exposure and/or curing of an optical storage medium the optical storage medium is illuminated by a coherent light beam emitted by a light source, which is also used for data recording. Pre-exposure and/or curing is performed in one or more exposure steps, in which the coherent light beam carries a data pattern, the exposure dose for each exposure step being smaller than a minimum dose such that the diffraction efficiency of the recorded data pattern is too low to distinguish data from noise.

Abstract: An optical recording medium includes a first substrate having a groove on the side of an outer peripheral portion thereof; a second substrate in contact with the first substrate in the outer peripheral portion; and a recording layer being disposed in a gap between the first substrate and the second substrate and forming a void in cooperation with the first substrate at the portion of the groove.

Abstract: A hologram recording material contains a molecule having intrinsic birefringence and a photoresponsive macromolecule represented by the following formula (1). in formula (1), L1 representing a bivalent linking group, X representing a group having a substituent constant ? based on Hammett's rule of a value of more than 0, the maximum absorption wavelength of an azobenzene group bonding to X being approximately 360 nm or less, A representing a group that is a component of a repeating unit with a carbon number of 2 or more that is a component of a macromolecular main chain, nx representing an integer of 1 or 2, and n representing an integer of 1 or more.

Abstract: A method is disclosed to store information in a holographic data storage medium. The method provides a hologram comprising an alignment pattern, and disposes that hologram into a holographic data storage medium during manufacture.

Abstract: A hologram reticle and method of patterning a target. A layout pattern for an image to be transferred to a target is converted into a holographic representation of the image. A hologram reticle is manufactured that includes the holographic representation. The hologram reticle is then used to pattern the target. Three-dimensional patterns may be formed in a photoresist layer of the target in a single patterning step. These three-dimensional patterns may be filled to form three-dimensional structures or else used in a multi-surface imaging composition. The holographic representation of the image may also be transferred to a top photoresist layer of a top surface imaging (TSI) semiconductor device, either directly or using the hologram reticle. The top photoresist layer may then be used to pattern an underlying photoresist layer with the image. The lower photoresist layer is used to pattern a material layer of the device.

Abstract: Compositions and coatings are described that contain fluorescent, inorganic nanoparticles that can fluoresce when excited with actinic radiation. The compositions and coatings can be used for marking purposes, particularly for providing a mark that is invisible to the unaided human eye but that can be detected as a fluorescence signal when exposed to a suitable wavelength of actinic radiation.

Abstract: Tamper indicating articles that include a surface-feature image-generating layer and an adhesive layer are described. The surface-feature image-generating layer generates a visible, surface-feature-generated image upon exposure to light. The intensity of the surface-feature-generated image is reduced when taped-over. Single-image and dual-image tamper indicating articles are also described, including buried dual-image and adjacent dual-image tamper indicating articles.

Abstract: The volume hologram recording photosensitive composition provided by the present invention contains at least a fluorine-contained photoreactive compound represented by the following formula (1): R1—R3—(CF2)n-R4—R2 wherein R1 and R2 are photoreactive groups which can be bonded to each other by photoreaction, and each of R3 and R4 is independently a single bond or a bivalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and n is an integer of 1 or more. This volume hologram recording photosensitive composition is used to form a recording section of a recording medium, and then the section is exposed to light, whereby a bright volume hologram can be obtained.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for image formation, which can produce a thermally transferred image possessing excellent heat resistance and various fastness properties even under severe service conditions, and an intermediate transfer recording medium and an image formed object.

Abstract: Dynamic range enhancing dopants for photopolymeric media are described. Also described are optical articles using these dopants and methods for making such optical articles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a volume hologram laminate with low generation of spotty hologram flaws in the volume hologram layer even when kept under pressurized conditions during storage, and to a volume hologram laminate-fabricating label. The volume hologram laminate 1 of the invention has a first adhesive layer 3, a volume hologram layer 5, a second adhesive layer 4 and a surface protective film 6 formed in that order on a substrate 1, wherein the volume hologram layer is a hologram recording in a recording material comprising a matrix polymer and a photopolymerizable compound, having a glass transition point of 30° C.-70° C. and a dynamic storage elastic modulus of 5×105 Pa-5×107 Pa at 50° C. when measured at 6.28 rad/s, and the second adhesive layer has a dynamic storage elastic modulus of no greater than 5×104 Pa or at least 2.5×105 Pa at 50° C. when measured at 6.28 rad/s.

Abstract: Tough decorative printable film products having holographic-type images are provided that are low in cost. These film products include a relatively high temperature film that is made by continuous extrusion of the film resin onto a master film having pre-etched holographic-type imaging in order to provide a high-temperature primary film with conforming holographic imaging. This primary film provides a tough holographic-type image that is readily secured to any number of products to impart a holographic character to them. For example, this primary film is suitable for use on the surface of recreational sportsboards. When desired, sublimation printing can be used to impart indicia, text, images and colors, alone or in combination, to the primary film.

Abstract: The volume hologram recording photosensitive composition provided by the present invention contains at least a fluorine-contained photoreactive compound represented by the following formula (1): R1—R3—(CF2)n-R4—R2 wherein R1 and R2 are photoreactive groups which can be bonded to each other by photoreaction, and each of R3 and R4 is independently a single bond or a bivalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and n is an integer of 1 or more. This volume hologram recording photosensitive composition is used to form a recording section of a recording medium, and then the section is exposed to light, whereby a bright volume hologram can be obtained.

Abstract: A hologram recording material is used for recording information by at least irradiation with light. The hologram recording material includes photoresponsive molecules, liquid crystal molecules, and particles having an average particle diameter of one tenth or less of a wavelength of light used in the information recording.

Abstract: A photopolymerisable system comprises an organic-inorganic compound with a metal and an organic unit having a organic photopolymerisable subunit capable of undergoing a polymerisation, a support matrix compound being polymer or capable of forming a polymer upon polymerisation, and a photoinitiator system adapted to initiate the polymerisation of the photopolymerisable subunits. The molecules of the organic-inorganic compound are distributed on a molecular level in the photopolymerisable system.

Abstract: A two-photon absorbing optical recording material comprising at least one two-photon absorbing compound and a recording component is provided. Recording is made on it by utilizing the two-photon absorption of the two-photon absorbing compound in the material, and then the material is irradiated with light to thereby detect the difference in the reflectance between the recorded area and the unrecorded area thereof, and the recorded information is thereby reproduced from the material, and also provided are a photosensitive polymer composition and a photon-mode recording method for the material.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a switchable liquid crystal polarization grating includes creating a degenerate planar anchoring condition on a surface of a reflective substrate. An alignment layer may be formed on a transmissive substrate and may be patterned to create a periodic alignment condition therein. The transmissive substrate including the patterned alignment layer thereon may be assembled adjacent to the surface of the reflective substrate including the degenerate planar anchoring condition thereon to define a gap therebetween. A liquid crystal layer is formed on the surface of the reflective substrate including the degenerate planar alignment condition. The liquid crystal layer may be formed in the gap directly on the alignment layer such that molecules of the liquid crystal layer are aligned based on the periodic alignment condition in the alignment layer. Related fabrication methods and polarization gratings are also discussed.

Abstract: A method of making a holographic data storage medium is provided. The method comprises: (a) providing an optically transparent substrate comprising at least one photochemically active dye; and (b) irradiating the optically transparent substrate at least one wavelength at which the optically transparent substrate has an absorbance in a range from about 0.1 to 1, to produce a modified optically transparent substrate comprising at least one optically readable datum and at least one photo-product of the photochemically active dye. The at least one wavelength is in a range from about 300 nanometers to about 800 nanometers. The optically transparent substrate is at least 100 micrometers thick, and comprises the photochemically active dye in an amount corresponding to from about 0.1 to about 10 weight percent based on a total weight of the optically transparent substrate.

Abstract: Various methods of producing a security document or article including a diffractive optical microstructure are disclosed. One method includes applying an opacifying layer (102) to at least one surface of a transparent substrate (100). An area of the opacifying layer (102) is exposed to laser radiation (108) to ablate apertures (110) in selected portions of the opacifying layer (102), thereby forming a diffractive optical microstructure (112) on the surface of the substrate (100). The laser radiation may be patterned prior to exposing the opacifying layer (102), for example by passing the radiation through a mask (104). Alternatively, a focussed or collimated laser beam (206) may be directed onto the selected portions of the opacifying layer (102). Laser radiation may be directed onto the opacifying layer (102) either directly, or through the transparent substrate (100). Security documents or articles made in accordance with the method are also provided.

Abstract: There is provided a film having hologram pattern and a container having hologram pattern which prevents the hologram pattern from disappearing by liquid droplets, sebum, and sweat being adhered to the hologram pattern, and in which, the hologram pattern can be checked visually, without selecting a state and a condition of storage, transportation, and arrangement, during a period after manufactured till consumed. The film having hologram pattern of the present invention which is to be used by disposing on an outer surface of an object includes a hologram-pattern forming layer, on one surface of which, a hologram pattern is formed, and a thin-film layer is formed along that shape, on the hologram pattern, and at least one layer which is disposed at an outer side of the hologram-pattern forming layer.

Abstract: A holographic recording medium includes a recording layer. The recording layer includes a framework being expressed with the following general formula (1), In the above formula (1), Ar represents a substituted or unsubstituted group selected from benzothiophene group, naphthothiophene group, dibenzothiophene group, thienothiophene group, dithienobenzene group, benzothiazole group, naphthothiazole group, benzoisothiazole group, naphthoisothiazole group, phenothiazine group, phenoxathiin group, dithianaphthalene group, thianthrene group, thioxanthene group, and bithiophene group. In addition, n is an integer from 1 to 4.

Abstract: A polymer composite prepared by melt blending, comprising an amorphous polymer; and a crystallizable polymer; wherein upon cooling the polymer composite, the amorphous polymer forms a continuous phase and the crystallizable polymer forms a dispersed phase, and wherein the dispersed phase is less than 200 nanometers in size.

Abstract: Methods create images viewable under different selected angles on optical storage devices and other photosensitive surfaces and optical storage devices with super-imposed images. Generally, a photosensitive surface is exposed with multiple diffraction patterns creating super-imposed images. These diffraction patterns create super-imposed images on the photosensitive surfaces, which can be read by either a human or a computer.

Abstract: A polyester block terpolymer comprising an amorphous block comprising a polystyrene dicarboxylate; a crystallizable block comprising a polyethylene glycol; and an aliphatic diol block; wherein the amorphous block is a continuous phase and the crystallizable block is a dispersed phase, and wherein the dispersed phase is less than about 200 nanometers in size.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hologram recording material which can modulate its refractive index effectively with visible light laser and is excellent also in transparency after this modulation.

Abstract: A production method is provided by which a copied volume hologram from a multi-layer master is later customized by utilization of the color tuning properties of the light-curable materials used for the application onto personal documents. These holographic individual data, such as a passport photo, are also separately detectable, without the holographic elements copied from the master, that are visible under other viewing angles, impairing the visibility of the individual data. The volume hologram overlay obtained by this method is applied on personal and valuable documents to increase protection against forgery, possesses superimposed optically variable items of information that are separately visible under different viewing angles and give a defined color change under different view angles, wherein at least one of these items of optical information represents individual personal data, in particular a passport photograph.

Abstract: Disclosed are a volume phase hologram recording material having high sensitivity, high contrast, and excellent multiple recording and record holding properties and a volume phase hologram recording medium using the same. The volume phase hologram recording material comprises mainly a polymer matrix (a), a radically photopolymerizable compound (b), and a radical photopolymerization initiator (c) and the polymer matrix is a three-dimensionally crosslinked or linear polymer matrix formed from a polymer matrix-forming material containing 0.5-50 wt % of an episulfide compound (f), an epoxy compound (g), and a curing agent (h).

Abstract: We describe methods of recording a holographic image onto holographic recording film, film bearing recorded holographic images, and apparatus for recording a holographic image onto film, in particular for security holograms.

Abstract: Hologram production devices can include holographic recording material deposition systems to deposit holographic recording material as needed by the hologram production device. Various nozzles, ink jets, and similar devices can be used to deposit one or more components of the holographic recording material on to an appropriate substrate. If needed, the material is pre-processed to, for example, provide material stability for the holographic recording material. Once holograms are recorded in the holographic recording material, the material can be post-processed as desired.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hologram recording material which attains high refractive index change, high sensitivity, low scattering, environment resistance, durability, low dimensional change and high multiplicity, and is suitable for volume hologram recording; a process for producing the hologram recording material; and a hologram recording medium. A hologram recording material comprising a metal oxide matrix and a photopolymerizable compound, said metal oxide matrix having a halogen-containing organic group. The metal oxide matrix is formed by hydrolysis and polymerization reaction of a metal alkoxide compound, and said metal alkoxide compound includes a metal alkoxide compound represented by the following general formula (1): (RH)mM(OR)n??(1) wherein RH represents the halogen-containing organic group, R represents an alkyl group, M represents a metal atom, m represents 1 or 2, and m+n represents the valence of the metal atom M.

Abstract: An energy-collecting medium including an optically transparent holographic layer is presented. The energy-collecting medium includes a photochemically active dye and an optically transparent polymer material. Also provided is a method for making an optically transparent holographic layer. An energy conversion device including the energy-collecting medium is also provided.

Abstract: There is provided a hologram pattern forming method and a method for manufacturing film having hologram pattern which enable to reduce a manufacturing cost for forming the hologram pattern, while suppressing a cost of a mother die. This includes a coating step of coating a self-curable material on a base material, an overlapping step of overlapping an uncured self-curable material which is applied on the base material in the coating step, on an uneven hologram pattern which is formed on a resin mother die, and a peeling step of peeling the self-curable material on which, the hologram pattern is transferred in the overlapping step, and the resin mother die.

Abstract: A method and system for providing multi-color holographic optical traps and patterns. The method and system employs a laser beam which interacts with a diffractive optical element with a hologram and for optics which acts to selectively pass or attenuate different light color wavelengths and to position the particular color light at selected different locations to form the different color holographic optical trap patterns and to use these patterns for various commercial purposes.

Abstract: A holographic security device comprising at least first and second diffractive image generating structures recorded in respective sets of substantially non-overlapping regions of a record medium, the regions of one set being interleaved with regions of the other set, whereby both interleaved regions are substantially non-visible to the unaided eye. The holographic security device generates two or more holographic images viewed from separate and/or overlapping viewing directions around the device and seen by tilting the device, and each particular holographic image in a viewing direction is generated by the diffractive image generating structure associated with one set of interleaved lines. The first diffractive image generating structure has been formed to have a diffuse diffractive replay and the second diffractive image generating structure has been formed to have a non-diffuse or specular diffractive replay.

Abstract: Provided is a shrinkable label having a hologram layer that suffers no whitening even after shrink processing with relatively large shrinkage. The label therefore fits even complicated dimensions of an article and, in addition, provides a superior holographic expression. The shrinkable label includes a shrinkable film and a hologram layer present on or above at least one side of the shrinkable film. The hologram layer has been formed by curing a radically curable resin composition by the action of an active energy ray. The resin composition contains 45 to 95 percent by weight of an acrylic monomer and 5 to 55 percent by weight of a bifunctional or higher-functional urethane acrylate, based on the total amount of the acrylic monomer and the bifunctional or higher-functional urethane acrylate.

Abstract: The present application provides a method of manufacturing a reflection hologram. The method comprises the steps of placing a first pattern of activating material upon a layer of inactive holographic recording material to selectively activate the layer and exposing the layer to holographic recording process for producing a reflection hologram.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula (I), (II) or (III), wherein R1 is for example C1-C18alkylsulfonyl, C1-C10haloalkylsulfonyl, camphorylsulfonyl, phenyl-C1-C3alkylsulfonyl, phenylsulfonyl, naphthylsulfonyl, anthrylsulfonyl, phenanthrylsulfonyl or heteroarylsulfonyl, R?1 is for example phenylenedisulfonyl, R2 is for example CN, C1-C10haloalkyl or C1-C10haloalkyl which is substituted by (IV); Ar1 is for example phenyl optionally substituted by a group of formula (IV); Ar?1 is for example phenylene which optionally is substituted by a group of formula (IV); A1, A2 and A3 independently of each other are for example hydrogen, halogen, CN, or C1-C18alkyl; D2 is for example a direct bond, O, (CO)O, (CO)S, SO2, OSO2 or C1-C18alkylene; or A3 and D2 together form C3-C30cycloalkenyl; or A2 and D2 together with the carbon of the ethylenically unsaturated double bond to which they are attached form C3-C30cycloalkyl; D3 and D4 for example independently of each other are a direct bond, O, S, C1-C18alkylene or C3-C30cycloalkylene prov

Abstract: A photosensitive film for holographic recording and its production method thereof are disclosed. The film comprises a base film, a buffer layer coated on one side of the base film, a photosensitive polymer coating layer formed by applying a photosensitive coating on the other side of the buffer layer, and a surface protective film covering the surface of the photosensitive polymer coating layer. Interference fringe patterns of a holographic image or an amphichronic graph are recorded in the photosensitive polymer coating layer. The film according to the present invention is a photosensitive material composed of two polymers of different refractive indexes, when coherent light beams intersect in its recording medium and produce an interference fringe pattern in the medium, monomers therein are excited accordingly and undergo free radical polymerization, thereby forming a hologram.

Abstract: The present invention relates to materials comprising hydrophilic polymers and immobilized proteorhodopsin and the use of such materials as an optical information carrier. The material comprises one or more hydrophilic polymers that are capable to form a homogeneous phase with proteorhodopsin prior to solidification to a solid form. The hydrophilic polymer, for example, is silica sol-gel, gelatin, polyvinylalcohol, agarose, agar, methyl cellulose, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyethylene glycol, or a mixture thereof. The solid material having immobilized proteorhodopsin is deposited on a substrate selected from the group consisting of glass, paper, metal, fabric material, plastic material, and used as an optical data storage material or a fraud-proof carrier. The present invention further provides a security ink comprising proteorhodopsin and one or more hydrophilic polymers.