Abstract: In a first form, photochromic material has anionic photochromic molecules and anionic polar molecules adsorbed between layers of anion-adsorptive inorganic layer-structured crystals. In a second form, photochromic material has neutral photochromic molecules and non-polar molecules adsorbed between layers of anion-adsorptive inorganic layer-structured crystals. The photochromic molecules are of anionic or neutral spiro-pyran compounds and the inorganic crystals are of hydrotalcite compounds. These photochromic materials in which anionic or neutral photochromic molecules remain thermally stable find application as optical recording material. In a third form, a photochromic thin film is available comprising a pyrolytically decomposed thin film of anion-adsorptive inorganic layer-structured crystals having anionic photochromic molecules and non-polar molecules adsorbed thereto. In a fourth form, a clay thin film is prepared by forming a thin film from an aqueous dispersion containing 0.

Abstract: An invisible (stealth) information recording medium includes an underlying layer, an invisible information recording layer provided above the underlying layer, being invisible under visible light, and generates light upon being contacted with light having a particular wavelength except for visible light, thus becoming visible, and an optical modulation layer provided between the underlying layer and the recording layer, and optically modulating the fluorescent light which is generated in said invisible information recording layer and is emitted on the optical modulation layer.

Abstract: An optical recording medium includes a transparent substrate, a recording layer formed on the transparent substrate, and a mask layer provided between the substrate and the recording layer. A material for the mask layer made of a nonlinear optical material is a photochromic compound, for example, spiropyran, spirooxazine, azobenzene, fulgide, diarylethene, triarylmethane, indigo, etc.

Abstract: Photochromic compositions comprise a bacteriorhodopsin suspension, at least one organic nitrogen-containing compound and a binder. The composition may further include a detergent. Photochromic materials comprise a support and a photochromic film formed on the support from a photochromic composition as described.

Abstract: An optical recording medium comprises a baseplate and a record film, on which information is recorded,disposed on the base plate, the record film containing 5-dimethylamino indolyl fulgide, of the specific formula, and a resin binder. The information recorded in the optical recording medium is reproduced by irradiating a first light to the record film, the first light being absorbed by 5-dimethylamino indolyl fulgide in an open ring form, whereby the open ring form is changed to a closed ring form and information is recorded and irradiating a second light to the record film in which record is recorded, the second light having zero of quantum yield in changing the closed ring form to the open ring form and being absorbed by the closed ring form, whereby the recorded information is reproduced.

Abstract: Materials, films, methods, and systems are described which relate to infrared imaging using a polymeric semiconductor compound having an infrared absorption band crosslinked with a spiroypran capable of producing a visible absorption band. These materials, films, methods, and systems are adapted to produce a visible image when exposed to infrared radiation during use.

Abstract: A color changing pigment composition which changes color reversibly when ted comprising (a) a cyclic aryl lactone dye, (b) a diaminoalkane activator and (c)an ester. The pigment composition can also include a white pigment such as titanium dioxide as an opacifier or a yellow dye such Hansa yellow G. The pigment composition changes from a dark color, e.g. blue, to white when the composition is heated to a specified temperature, e.g. to a temperature of 52.degree. C., and reversibly changes from white back to the blue color when the pigment composition is cooled, e.g. to a temperature below about 25.degree. C.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fabricating a read only optical disc enables mass production of a read only optical disc at low cost in a short period of time. The method includes a source disc fabricating step and a duplicating step of duplicating information of the source disc to a target disc. The source disc has a transparent substrate and a predetermined opaque write layer coated thereon, and write holes for transmitting light on the write layer, thereby storing information according to the arrangement of the write holes. The target disc has a photochromic write layer which has different absorption coefficients before and after the duplication. Here, the method uses an optical writing apparatus for optically forming the write holes of the source disc and a duplicating apparatus for optically duplicating the information from the source disc to the target disc.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an optical recording material containing a photochromic compound which is expressed in the following general formula (I): ##STR1## where A represents an oxygen atom or a substituted or unsubstituted nitrogen atom, R.sub.1 represents an alkoxy group, R.sub.2 to R.sub.5 represent substituents such as a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a hydroxy group, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group and the like respectively, and B represents a substituted or unsubstituted thiophene ring, benzothiophene ring, pyrrole ring or indole ring.

Abstract: Materials, films, methods, and systems are described which relate to infrared imaging using a polymeric semiconductor compound having an infrared absorption band crosslinked with a spiroypran capable of producing a visible absorption band. These materials, films, methods, and systems are adapted to produce a visible image when exposed to infrared radiation during use.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula I ##STR1## in which X is O, S, SO, SO.sub.2 or NR.sub.13, R.sub.13 is, for example, methyl, and R.sub.1 to R.sub.12, independently of one another, are, for example, H, C.sub.1 -C.sub.12 alkyl, C.sub.1 14 C.sub.12 alkoxy, halogen or --CN. The compounds are photosensitive and photochromic and as suitable are photosensitizers and simultaneously as colour indicators, and as photoswitchable colour filters.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel photochromic material which is capable of forming two kinds of aggregates, each having a sharp absorption peak at a different wavelength. The photochromic material comprises a spiropyran compound represented by the following general formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are independently alkyl groups each containing 1 to 30 carbon atoms, and R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5, and R.sup.6 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, an amino group, an alkoxy group with 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and an alkylamino group with 1 to 5 carbon atoms with the proviso that at least one of R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5, and R.sup.6 is an amino group, an alkoxy group or an alkylamino group.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of recording, reproducing and erasing information on and from an optical recording medium. A first temperature T.sub.1 in the recording and erasing of information is set higher than a second temperature T.sub.2 in the information reproduction. Therefore, information once recorded can surely be maintained in repetitive reproduction.

Abstract: The photochromatic indicator is a dry film comprised of microencapsulated chemistry which reacts to the degradation of the dry film components when irradiated by UVA and UVB in the frequency spectral range of 290 nm (low end of the UVB spectrum) to 365 nm (high end of the UVA spectrum). This degradation produces free hydrogen and chorine radicals which combine to form acidic byproducts of hydrogen chloride gas or hydrochloric acid.The initial microencapsulation has an interior molecular grouping of acid sensitive dye and UVA and UVB absorbing chemistry surrounded by, and bonded to, a chlorinated rubber compound. This interior is then also microencapsulated by bonding a coating of polyvinylchloride (pvc) to the chlorinated rubber by using epoxide agents which, in turn, retard the degradation of both the pvc and the chlorinated rubber.By varying the amount of epoxides in the bonding phase, the time for the dye to complete its full color change can be adjusted.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a novel compound suited for use as a thermochromic and photochromic material.The invention relates to an indolinospirobenzopyran derivative of the general formula ##STR1## [wherein R.sup.1 stands for C.sub.1-20 alkyl, aralkyl, methacryloxymethyl or methacryloxyethyl; R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5, R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 may for example be hydrogen; R.sup.8 may for example be hydrogen or methacryloxymethyl; Y may for example be oxygen or sulfur] and a process for producing the derivative.

Abstract: An optical recording medium contains a fluorescent material and a photo-reactive bistable quencher. Information is digitally recorded by utilizing the bistable isomers of the photo-reactive bistable quencher by irradiating the medium with a light in the wavelength to be absorbed by the fluorescent material, whereby energy is transferred from the fluorescent material to the photo-reactive bistable quencher. Reading is made by irradiating the medium with a weaker light and detecting the fluorescence emitted by the fluorescent material.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an optical recording medium comprising a recording layer containing a photochromic material and a polymer which are so combined with each other that a photostationary state attained upon irradiation with light of a specific wavelength is varied with temperatures, a reflective layer for reflecting light which is passed through the recording layer, and a substrate for supporting a laminate of the recording layer and the reflective layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a photochromic material which comprises a spiropyran compound of formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are independently alkyl groups each containing 1 to 30 carbon atoms and Y is a halogen.The photochromic material possesses absorption sensitivity at wavelengths in the length region of about 700 nm which is the oscillation range of a semi-conductor laser device, and possesses higher stability compared with conventional one when it becomes a colored form.

Abstract: A stable, image-retaining, optically switchable film produced from a purple membrane in a high-pH polyvinyl alcohol solution forms an optical memory for data storage. The film, when dry, can be exposed to light to convert BR molecules to their M state, which is stable, and which allows long-term image storage. The image can be erased by exposing the film to yellow light to thereby switch all the molecules to the M state, and then a reverse image can be obtained using blue light. By controlling the location and wavelength of the incident light, pixels can be selected and exposed for information storage.

Abstract: Thiophene derivatives represented by the general formula (I): ##STR1## where R is an aldehyde, carboxyl, C.sub.1-5 -alkyl ester or C.sub.1-5 -alkyl acetal group and n is 3 to 5, are prepared. These compounds are reversibly converted to their respective isomers by light irradiation, accompanied with a large shift of absorption and emission bands, thus suitable for a photo-responsive material.

Abstract: A photorecording element consists essentially of a transparent substrate, a layer of a macromolecular compound capable of undergoing a reversible change in structure upon exposure to light, deposited by adsorption on the transparent substrate, and a liquid crystal layer disposed directly on the layer of macromolecular compound. A method for the production of the photorecording element comprises applying on a transparent substrate a mixture of a liquid crystal substance with a macromolecular compound capable of undergoing a reversible change in structure upon exposure to light and allowing the applied layer of the mixture to stand at rest or by first applying the macromolecular compound on the transparent substrate and then adding the liquid crystal substance thereto. A liquid crystal cell incorporating the photorecording element is also disclosed.

Abstract: A novel photochromic compound as a photoreactive material making use of photochromism is provided, which compound is expressed by the following formula (1) or (2)): ##STR1## wherein R is alkyl, alkoxy, perfluoroalkyl or cyano; X.sub.1, X.sub.2, X.sub.3, X.sub.4, X.sub.5 and X.sub.6 are each H, halogen, alkyl, alkoxy, cyano, alkanoyloxy or alkyloxycarbonyl, or a substituted or unsubstituted benzene ring is formed by condensation between at adjacent groups among X.sub.1 to X.sub.6 ; Y is Y.sub.1 C=CY.sub.2, O, S, SO, SO.sub.2 or NY.sub.3 wherein Y.sub.1 and Y.sub.2 are each as defined in the case of the above X.sub.1 to X.sub.6 and Y.sub.3 is H, alkyl, alkanoyl, alkyloxycarbonyl or aryl; and the symbol refers to occurrence of E- or Z-isomer, and which compound is useful as rewritable optical memory element or photo-display element and also as solar energy-storage material, duplicating material, masking material, optical filter, toys, etc.

Abstract: Microcapsules containing at least one leuco dye, at least one photopolymerisation initiator and at least one photopolymerisable monomer corresponding to the following formulaA[--NHCO--X--L.sub.1 --(OCO--CR.sub.1 =CH.sub.2).sub.1 ].sub.mwhereinA stands for a 3- to 6-valent organic group having the following meanings:a) a saturated hydrocarbon group having 5 to 25 carbon atoms orb) ##STR1## or c) ##STR2## wherein A.sub.1, A.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4, o and p have the meanings indicated in the description,X denotes O or NR.sub.2,L.sub.1 denotes a divalent or trivalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group whose carbon chain may be interrupted by 1 to 3 oxygen atoms,R.sub.1 denotes hydrogen or methyl,R.sub.2 denotes hydrogen or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkyl,l denotes 1 or 2 andm denotes a number from 3 to 6,are distinguished by improved sensitivity.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a novel compound exhibiting stable photochromism.The invention is directed to a transition metal-spirobenzothiopyran complex of the general formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 for example be C.sub.1-20 alkyl; R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5, R.sup.6, R.sup.7 and R.sup.8 independently may mean hydrogen; Y means O or S; M may for example be Cr, and a process for producing the complex.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a recording/reproducing method for an optical recording medium comprising a step of heating a recording layer containing a photochromic material and a polymer which are so combined with each other that a photostationary state attained upon irradiation with light of a specific wavelength is varied with temperatures, and a step of applying the light of a specific wavelength to the heated recording layer for bringing the same into a photostationary state and recording information. In order to reproduce the information, a portion of the recording layer which is in a photostationary state is selectively heated, and reproducing light is applied to reproduce recorded and unrecorded states.

Abstract: Disclosed is a photochromic composition comprising an organic photochromic compound and a specific tertiary amine compound which are dissolved or dispersed in a high-molecular compound. Also disclosed are a photochromic film composed of the above photochromic composition and a photochromic laminate having a photochromic layer composed of the above photochromic composition on a surface of a substrate.

Abstract: A compound comprising 0.001 to 100 mole percent of a structural unit of the formula ##STR1## wherein W is --CMe.sub.2 -- or --Se--, R.sup.1 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 alkyl or aralkyl, R.sup.2 to R.sup.5 each represents H, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl, etc., R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 each represents H, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl, etc., X is O or S, provided that when W is --CMe.sub.2 --, X is S, and 0 to 99.999 mole percent of a structural unit of the formula ##STR2## wherein Y is H or Me and Z represents alkoxycarbonyl, phenyl, etc.

Abstract: A photochromic material containing a copolymer of a spirobenzothiopyran derivative prepolymer and a liquid crystal prepolymer. In addition, a rewritable optical recording medium using the photochromic material. A rewritable optical recording medium obtained by coating a dispersed material, which is obtained by uniformly dispersing a spirobenzothiopyran derivative compound in a thermoplastic resin, on a substrate. A photochromic material capable of controlling a colored state and a decolorized state in a photon mode or a heat mode using an ultraviolet light source and a near-infrared light source. A rewritable optical recording medium capable of rewriting an information in a photon mode using a semiconductor laser.

Abstract: A fluororesin-coated material having markings indicated thereon is disclosed, which material comprises (1) a substrate having coated thereon a fluororesin composition comprising a high-molecular weight material having a benzene ring and at least one of a nitrogen atom, a sulfur atom and a carbonyl group in the main chain thereof, or (2) a substrate having coated thereon the high-molecular weight material, and further having coated on the high-molecular weight material a fluororesin composition. The markings are indicated on the coated material by irradiating the coated surface of the coated material with electromagnetic waves having a wavelength of 600 nm or less to thereby cause a change in the color of the high-molecular weight material at irradiated parts and provide a difference in color between the irradiated parts and unirradiated parts.

Abstract: This invention relates to the preparation of a supported modulating film having a permanent yellow imaged layer of the homopolymer of 10,12-docosadiyndioic acid monomer; said monomer having the structure ##STR1## and to the use of said film as a blue light modulator in the production of master printing plates or printed circuit boards.

Abstract: This invention relates to the preparation of a supported modulating film having a permanent yellow imaged layer of the homopolymer of a crystalline diacetylene cinnamate monomer ##STR1## and to the use of said film as a light modulator in the production of master printing plates or printed circuit boards.

Abstract: When information recording is conducted by converting a non-colored state of a recording film into a colored state, use is made of a recording light having a wavelength in such a range that an absorbance of the non-colored state is higher than an absorbance of the colored state. When information erasing is conducted by converting a non-colored state of a recording film into a colored state, use is made of an erasing light having a wavelength in such a range that an absorbance of the non-colored state of the recording film is higher than an absorbance of the colored state. Accordingly, the present invention has the advantage of a great change of color being exhibited in the recording film, thus enabling optimal recording and erasing of information.

Abstract: An improved optical memory device comprising a substrate and a plurality of optical memory layers made of a photochromic material and formed over the substrate, the plurality of optical memory layers being laminated to each other through a heat conductive transparent film, which is adaptable for high density and/or high capacity recording of information.

Abstract: A light-sensitive recording medium using a photochromic material produced at a low cost, without necessity of fixing free rotation of bonds in its cis compound and removing its trans compound, is disclosed, the recording medium comprising a substrate having thereon a recording layer which contains a photochromic material capable of cis-trans isomerization upon irradiation with light, wherein not more than 50 mol % of the photochromic material has a trans configuration when the recording layer is in a color-disappearing state.

Abstract: An optical memory device comprising:a transparent substrate; anda recording film deposited on the transparent substrate, the recording film being formed by preparing a composition in which a diarylethene-type photochromic compound is dispersed in an ultraviolet-curing polyurethaneacrylate resin of solventless type and by curing the composition by an ultraviolet ray irradiation.

Abstract: A photosensitive composition comprising a water-soluble polymer, a dichromate and at least one aromatic diazonium salt selected from aromatic diazonium sulfates, sulfonates and chromates has high sensitivity, and a pattern having high resolution can be formed therefrom with a shortened exposure time.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a compound which is 4-(4'-(N',N'-dimethylamino)phenyl)-2-(2'-n-octyloxyphenyl)-6-phenyl pyridine.

Abstract: An organic photochromic compound with improved long term preservability, thermal stability, the repetition character of the record and the like and useful as recording-memory materials or photosensitizers, comprising dimers of the compounds selected from the group consisting of pyrido[3,4-g]isoquinoline, pyrido[2,3-g]quinoline, pyrido[3,2-g]quinoline and pyrido[3,2-g]quinoline derivatives.

Abstract: The invention describes an optical data storage medium in which the optical contrast of stored data bits is enhanced by the use, as a photosensitive material or as an additional photosensitive material, of a layer of a photochromic fulgide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a photosensitive composition for direct dry negative color printing composition. The photosensitive composition comprises a binder containing a plurality of grains of a semiconductor material, each grain having adsorbed on its surface one of three different complexes of spiropyran with a metal salt, each complex being sensitive to a different wavelength of light, a cross-linkable polymer and free radical initiator. The composition and process enables photofinishing or printing from a negative.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical data recording method which comprises addressing a recording device using an infra-red laser modulated with a waveform of the information to be recorded, wherein said recording device comprises an infra-red absorbing material and a photochromic fulgide which is converted into its colored form under the influence of the heat absorbed from the laser, and updating the recording by erasing undesired previously recorded data using a laser operation in the visible region of the spectrum.

Abstract: A photochromic article having improved photochromic equilibrium response is described. In particular, a photochromic compound is incorporated into or applied to an article, e.g., matrix, of a synthetic organic resin prepared from a composition comprising from about 55 to about 90 weight percent of a polyol(allyl carbonate), e.g., diethylene glycol bis(allyl carbonate), from about 10 to about 40 weight percent of an aliphatic polyurethan having terminal ethylenic unsaturation, e.g., an aliphatic polyesterurethan diacrylate, and from about 0 to about 5 weight percent of a difunctional monomer selected from the group consisting of allyl methacrylate and allyl acrylate. Such photochromic articles have an improved photochromic equilibrium response at ambient temperatures compared to the response of a comparable photochromic article prepared from a polyol(allyl carbonate) homopolymer, e.g., homopolymers of diethylene glycol bis(allyl carbonate), at the same ambient temperatures.

Abstract: A marking comprises a layer, preferably of film-forming material, which contains a photochromic compound. The photochromic compound is capable of changing color when exposed to uv light, but can be converted to a permanently non-photochromic compound, preferably by overexposure to uv light. An image is formed in the layer by converting the photochromic compound to a permanently non-photochromic compound in one or more selected areas. When the layer is subsequently viewed under uv light a colorless image of non-photochromic compound can be seen on a background of colored photochromic compound.

Abstract: A photorecording element is disclosed which consists of a transparent substrate, a molecular layer of an organic compound with an ability to change structure reversibly by virtue of light and disposed in direct contact with the transparent substrate, and a layer of liquid crystals disposed in direct contact with the molecular layer. A liquid crystal cell comprising the photorecording element is also disclosed. A modification having fine deformations on the surface of the transparent substrate and a modification having a dichroic dye contained in the layer of liquid crystals are embraced by the present invention.

Abstract: A compound represented by the following general formula [I] ##STR1## wherein ##STR2## represents a norbornylidene group or an adamantylidene group each of which may have a substituent, andX represents an oxygen atom, the group >N--R.sub.2, the group >N--A.sub.1 --B.sub.1 --A.sub.2).sub.m (B.sub.2).sub.n R.sub.3, the group >N--A.sub.3 --A.sub.4, or the group >N--A.sub.3 --A.sub.4, provided that when ##STR3## is an adamantylidene group, X is selected from the above groups excepting the oxygen atom and the group >N--R.sub.2 ; and plastic lens containing the compound of the above formula [I].

Abstract: An image forming device is provided which comprises an image forming layer containing molecules of an organic compound capable of phase transition, and functional molecules such as those of a photochromic compound. An image forming process is also provided which employs the above-mentioned device.

Abstract: A highlight mask, especially suited for printing from positive color transparencies, is made of photochromic glass which, like Corning PHOTOGRAY EXTRA sunglass lens material, darkens not only under ultraviolet radiation but also under visible radiation in the blue range. The mask is made by mounting, onto its upper surface, a photo transparency and exposing it to flashes of intense light strong in the blue range. Such radiation penetrates the thin or highlight areas of a photo transparency, regardless of their color tint, and creates a negtive highlight-masking image in the glass. While it does not effect general contrast reduction over the entire film area, the highlight masking image requires no further development, remains in registration with the transparency for photoprinting, and fades in time or when heated, so that the glass may be reused.

Abstract: Silver sodalites with cages containing anions such as oxalate, formate, halide, carbonate, sulphide etc. have silver compositions entrapped or encapsulated in the cages of a microporous sodalite lattice. The cages of the sodalite lattice have very small but very even sizes e.g. 6.6 A diameters, so that the silver compositions trapped therein are also of very small but very even sizes. The silver compositions may be sensitive to the application of light, and may be sensitive to thermal or pressure stimuli. Thus, images produced by, for example, irradiation of the materials can be of very high resolution. The silver sodalite materials are prepared by a silver ion exchange process, from synthetic sodium sodalites.

Abstract: A photochromic material comprising a thin film of montmorillonite intercalation compound which has as a guest organic metal complex ions exhibiting a property of accepting electrons in a photo-excited state,a photochromic device comprising; (i) a transparent electrode layer 1, (ii) a transparent layer 2 of polycrystalline n-type semiconductor, (iii) the above-mentioned thin film 3 of montmorillonite intercalation compound, (iv) an electrolytic layer 6 containing an electron-donative reducing agent and (v) an opposed transparent electrode layer 4, anda method for recording and erasing information, comprising the steps of forming the above-mentioned thin film 3 of montmorillonite intercalation compound over the transparent layer 2 of polycrystalline n-type semiconductor, irradiating with light the thin film 3 in contact with the electrolyte 6 containing an electron-donative reducing agent to develop color on the irradiated site of the film and applying a bias voltage to the film being exposed to light to remove

Abstract: An optical recording medium which comprises a substrate and a recording layer of at least two J-aggregates of dyes formed on the substrate is described. The dyes may be photochromic dyes or other types of dyes capable of forming the aggregates which have narrower absorption spectral ranges than original dyes. A plurality of information bits can be written in the recording layer by irradiation of one laser beam spot. The recording layer is formed by an LB film method or a method capable of fluidizing a dye solution in a direction horizontal to the substrate surface. A recording method using the medium is also described.