Abstract: Articles and methods for forming optically variable thin film flakes and replicated coatings having preselected optical properties. The articles generally comprise a flexible web of material and an optically variable thin film coating formed on one surface of the web. The optically variable coating is separated from the web to form optically variable thin film flakes. The flakes are disposed in ink and paint vehicles to provide optically variable inks, paints and the like.

Abstract: Method for providing a patterned thin film on a flexible web-like substrate having at least one surface. A patterned release coating which carries the desired pattern is deposited on the surface and has openings therein through which the surface of the substrate is exposed. A thin film is deposited over the patterned release coat and onto the portions of the surface exposed through the openings. The patterned release coating is then removed and the thin film portions carried thereby to provide a patterned thin film on the substrate.

Abstract: Articles and methods for forming optically variable thin film flakes and replicated coatings having preselected optical properties. The articles generally comprise a flexible web of material and an optically variable thin film coating formed on one surface of the web. The optically variable coating is separated from the web to form optically variable thin film flakes. The flakes are disposed in ink and paint vehicles to provide optically variable inks, paints and the like.

Abstract: Articles and methods for forming optically variable thin film flakes and replicated coatings having preselected optical properties. The articles generally comprise a flexible web of material and an optically variable thin film coating formed on one surface of the web. The optically variable coating is separated from the web to form optically variable thin film flakes. The flakes are disposed in ink and paint vehicles to provide optically variable inks, paints and the like.

Abstract: Transparent optically variable device comprising a symmetric three-layer coating. The three-layer coating has first and second partially transmitting absorber layers and a dielectric spacer layer disposed between the first and second absorber layers.

Abstract: Optical variable interference device with peak suppression having a reflector with first and second surfaces. A thin film multilayer interference stack is disposed on the first surface. The interference stack is comprised of at least two periods with each period being comprised of a metal absorber layer and a dielectric spacer layer.

Abstract: Articles and methods for forming optically variable thin film flakes and replicated coatings having preselected optical properties. The articles generally comprise a flexible web of material and an optically variable thin film coating formed on one surface of the web. The optically variable coating is separated from the web to form optically variable thin film flakes. The flakes are disposed in ink and paint vehicles to provide optically variable inks, paints and the like.

Abstract: Articles and methods for forming optically variable thin film flakes and replicated coatings having preselected optical properties. The articles generally comprise a flexible web of material and an optically variable thin film coating formed on one surface of the web. The optically variable coating is separated from the web to form optically variable thin film flakes. The flakes are disposed in ink and paint vehicles to provide optically variable inks, paints and the like.

Abstract: An article adapted to be utilized in the production of optically variable ink comprised of a flexible insoluble web, a release lever formed on the web and an optically variable multilayer thin film interference stack disposed on the release layer and which provides a color shift between two predetermined uniform colors. The interference stack includes an opaque reflective layer which has first and second surfaces and at least one period on each said first and second surfaces to provide the same color shift from each of said first and second surfaces between said two predetermined uniform colors at two different angles of incident light. Each period is comprised of a dielectric layer and a semi-opaque layer.

Abstract: Metal catalytic film comprising a flexible substrate having a surface, a catalytic metal layer adherent to said surface of the substrate and having a thickness ranging from 200 to 1000 Angstroms.Method for forming metal catalytic film on a flexible substrate having a surface in a vacuum chamber comprising the steps of evacuating the vacuum chamber to a predetermined vacuum, introducing a substantially inert heavy gas into the vacuum chamber, creating a vapor stream of molecules of a catalytic metal in the vacuum chamber whereby the molecules of the catalytic metal are scattered by the inert heavy gas and are subsequently deposited upon the surface of the substrate to form a catalytic metal layer to a thickness ranging from 200 to 1000 Angstroms.

Abstract: Optically variable ink for obtaining a color shaft between two distinct two colors at first and second angles of incident light comprised of an ink vehicle and optically variable flakes disposed in the ink vehicle. The optically variable flakes are comprised of a multilayer thin film interference structure having first and second parallel planar surfaces. The optically variable flakes have physical dimensions such that when the flakes are measured in directions parallel and perpendicular respectively to the planar surfaces an aspect ratio of at least 2 to 1 is provided. The multilayer thin film structure is of symmetrical design and includes a metal reflector having first and second surfaces parallel to the first and second parallel planar surfaces and at least one period disposed on each of said first and second surfaces of the metal reflector. Each period is comprised of a dielectric layer with an index of refraction of 1.65 or less and a semi-opaque layer.

Abstract: Method for providing a patterned thin film on a flexible web-like substrate having at least one surface. A patterned release coating which carries the desired pattern is deposited on the surface and has openings therein through which the surface of the substrate is exposed. A thin film is deposited over the patterned release coat and onto the portions of the surface exposed through the openings. The patterned release coating is then removed mechanically along with the thin film portions carried thereby to provide a patterned thin film on the substrate. The mechanical removal may be accomplished by advancing the coated substrate through a solvent while brushing the substrate, subjecting the substrate to high velocity air, or contacting the substrate with the adhesive layer of a web.

Abstract: Tamper evident optical device comprising a substrate and a multi-layer taper evident splittable coating carried by the substrate. The coating has a release region formed therein. An adhesive is secured to the tamper evident coating.

Abstract: Pre-imaged high resolution transfer foil comprising a carrier having a surface. A releasable hardcoat is disposed on the surface. A vacuum coating is deposited on the hardcoat and an image formed in the vacuum coating.

Abstract: Thin film optical variable article to be used in a reflection mode having a gold to green color shift with angle for currency authentication and adapted to be carried by a substantially opaque currency sheet which serves as a substrate. The article includes a substantially transparent, optically thick element carrying a colorant and having first and second surfaces and a multilayer interference coating carried on one of said first and second surfaces. The article is adapted to be carried by the currency sheet so that the coating faces the currency sheet and the colorant carrying element serves as a superstrate facing the incident light. The multilayer interference coating is comprised of a substantially opaque layer of aluminum nearest the substrate, followed by a layer of magnesium fluoride, and then by a layer of chromium having substantial transmission.