Abstract: The transfer of dichroic inks into stretched and oriented substrates to form stereoscopic polarizing images and the like can be improved by the use of coatings which enhance imbibition of the ink into the substrate. The coatings serve to hold the ink in situ for a sufficient period of time to permit absorption of the dye and transfer of rich colors while minimizing the problems of smearing and/or runoff of unabsorbed ink. The present invention is particularly use will in the adaptation of ink jet printing techniques to the formation of stereoscopic polarizing images.

Abstract: The formation of polarizing images can be improved by the use of specially formulated inks. The inks can contain a de-salted dichroic dye, de-ionized water, and a polyhydric alcohol. The dichroic inks are particularly advantageous when printed on specially coated molecularly oriented sheets through the technology of ink jet printing. The ink molecules align themselves parallel to the oriented molecules of the oriented sheet thereby forming a light-polarizing image.

Abstract: Laser surface ablation methods and apparatus are disclosed reprofiling surfaces astigmatically. An optical system includes cylindrically-powered elements to form an elliptical laser irradiation pattern on a target surface. By successively altering the area of the elliptical irradiation, an astigmatic, bi-powered ablation profile is achieved. Preferably, the invention is used with an excimer laser for excimer laser keratoplasty, keratomileusis or other ablative eye surgeries.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for astigmatically ablating surfaces in order to impart new profiles and curvatures to such surfaces. A laser means, e.g., a rapidly pulsed laser radiation source, is aligned with a surface to provide photoablative pulses of energy along an optical path to a target region on the surface. A light restricting means, such as an adjustable iris or profiled mask, is disposed within the optical path to spatially control the extent of the laser radiation striking the target surface. The light restricting means is adapted to permit orientation (e.g., tilting) in various planes relative to the optical path in order to modify the symmetry of the laser beam, e.g., from a circular shape to an elliptical shape, and thereby provide astigmatic ablation of the surface in a single step.