Abstract: It has been discovered that control of the intra-layer stress in layers of high refractive index materials, such as zirconia and titania, permits low net stress multilayer thin film stacks comprising alternating layers of the high refractive index material and silica, a low refractive index material, to be sputter-deposited on glass substrates. In particular, a simple, cost-effective and readily reproducible post-deposition annealing process is used, i.e., an annealing process that can be effected within a broad temperature range and for a brief and substantially open-ended time period, to change the post-deposition microstructure of the high refractive index film layers and create a selected intra-layer tensile stress. The intra-layer tensile stress created during such an annealing process is largely dependent on the post-deposition microstructure of the high refractive index thin film layers.

Abstract: It has been discovered that control of the intra-layer stress in layers of high refractive index materials, such as zirconia and titania, permits low net stress multilayer thin film stacks comprising alternating layers of the high refractive index material and silica, a low refractive index material, to be sputter-deposited on glass substrates. In particular, a simple, cost-effective and readily reproducible post-deposition annealing process is used, i.e., an annealing process that can be effected within a broad temperature range and for a brief and substantially open-ended time period, to change the post-deposition microstructure of the high refractive index film layers and create a selected intra-layer tensile stress. The intra-layer tensile stress created during such an annealing process is largely dependent on the post-deposition microstructure of the high refractive index thin film layers.

Abstract: An optical filter is provided for use in color projection display imaging systems which utilize liquid crystal light valves for image modulation. The optical filter is a dichroic coating which separates light into different colors. The optical filter is located on a light transmissive surface of a color splitting device such as a Philips prism. The optical filter is formed from layers of at least two different dielectric materials including a high refractive index material, such as zirconium oxide and a low refractive index material such as aluminum oxide. The low refractive index material has an average refractive index of no less than about 1.6. The high refractive index material has an average refractive index which is sufficiently greater than the average refractive index of the low refractive index such that the average refractive index of the high refractive index material divided by the average refractive index of the low refractive index material yields a ratio that is greater than about 1.

Abstract: A transparent strain sensitive surface is disclosed which is suitable for strain gages, video terminal touch panels, security panels (windows, display cases, etc.). The strain gage includes a transparent, strain sensitive conductor of indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium oxide (IO) on a transparent substrate. The strain sensitive panels include a crossed xy matrix of transparent IO or ITO strain sensitive conductors formed on the same side or on opposite sides of a transparent substrate.

Abstract: A display filter having a secure apparatus comprised of spring loaded gripping members for attaching a bezel having a filter medium onto a notebook computer. Gripping members grasp the sides of the notebook computer and the springs exert force sufficient to hold the display filter at a desired location. Further more, the display filter is horizontally adjustable so that the filter medium may be centered over the notebook computer display. When not used on a notebook computer display, the display filter may be stored in a relatively flat form factor by rotating the gripping members such that the protrusions used to grip the side of a notebook computer case may be rotated so that they lay flat against the side of a bezel. In this manner, there are no protruding edges and overall bulk is minimized. Other ways of attachment include the use of L-shaped strip members that are adjustable with respect to the bezel that contain the filter medium.

Abstract: A thin film coating system incorporates separate, separately-controlled deposition and reaction zones for depositing materials such as refractory metals and forming oxides and other compounds and alloys of such materials. The associated process involves rotating or translating workpieces past the differentially pumped, atmospherically separated, sequentially or simultaneously operated deposition and reaction zones and is characterized by the ability to form a wide range of materials, by high throughput, and by controlled coating thickness, including both constant and selectively varied thickness profiles.

Abstract: A process suitable for forming multi-layer (up to at least several hundred layers) monotonic/linear variable/wedge filter coatings on a single substrate surface and for forming monolithic filter assemblies which incorporate such filters, is disclosed along with the designs for such filters. The monolithic process uses radially variable filter fabrication techniques in combination with ion-assisted deposition to form stress controlled, radially variable filter coatings of the desired varied optical profile, preferably using high and low index materials stich as tantala and silica. Stress is minimized by balancing the amount of ion assist and the coating rate. Slices are cut radially from the substrate to form quasi-linear variable filters. Other coatings such as, but not limited to, a wide band hot mirror can be formed on the opposite surface of the substrate from the radially variable LVF method.

Abstract: An absorbing anti-reflection coating which can be applied directly to the faceplate of a video display such as a cathode ray tube or a plasma display by physical or chemical vapor deposition comprises at least 3 materials: L, a low retractive index material such as the metal oxide SiO.sub.2 ; H, a high refractive index material such as the metal oxide Nb.sub.2 O.sub.5 ; and M, a metal or metallic alloy or metallic compound layer with a refractive index greater than 0.5 and extinction coefficient less than 5. Preferably the materials are used in the design MHLHL or HMHL. The design and materials provide broadband performance with a low layer count. The single metal layer design permits relatively low values of sheet resistance (high conductivity). Transmittance values are high, typically 70%.+-.5%. Reflectance typically is .ltoreq.0.6%.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical filter including a flexible, transparent substrate coated with a novel combination of optical coatings, and a frame system designed for mounting the optical filter to a television or other visual display screen. A neutral density contrast enhancement is included within the composition of a flexible substrate, or is coated on either the front, the rear, or both of the surfaces of the substrate. A silicone anti-glare hardcoat is applied to both the front and rear surfaces of the substrate. An anti-reflection coating is added to the front surface of the substrate, preferably via sputtering, and designed to reflect a specific color at a preferred brightness measurement. The combination of a front surface anti-reflection coating, front and rear surface anti-glare coatings, and a neutral density contrast enhancement, eliminates the need for an anti-reflection coating on the rear surface of the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention involves in situ laser patterning of thin-film layers during sequential deposition of the different layers. The layers may be applied using any known method of film deposition. The method of the present invention involves laser ablation to remove unwanted portions of the coating layers, including color filter materials, that have been sequentially deposited onto substantially the entire surface of a substrate. By controlling the depth of the laser ablation removal of the deposited films, it is possible to remove any portion of a film or layers of films or coatings that have been sequentially coated onto the surface of the substrate and to thereby control the depth and location of color filter materials coated upon the substrate. This patterning process can be employed in conjunction with any film deposition technique known in the art, including vacuum, wet chemical or dry processing deposition techniques, but is preferred with vacuum deposition.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for enhancing the performance of visual display units which utilize plasma display panels. More specifically, the present invention provides methods and apparatus for providing an optically enhancing/noise suppressing device for positioning in front of the viewing surface of a plasma display panel. The device also increases the impact resistance of the PDP. The device of the present invention is manufactured separately from the PDP. The device may be provided with attachment means for securing the device to the surface of the visual display unit in a position in front of the viewing surface of the PDP or may be designed to be free-hanging, i.e., suspended, or otherwise positioned in front of the viewing surface of the PDP.

Abstract: A very low reflectance optical coating comprising alternating layers of materials such as chromium oxide and chromium, silicon oxide and silicon, titanium oxide and titanium, and tantalum oxide and tantalum is suitable for use as a black shadow mask in liquid crystal displays, among various applications. Certain designs such as silicon oxide/silicon benefit from a transmission-decreasing overcoat of material such as molybdenum, germanium or titanium.

Abstract: An adjustable hanger for mounting an article such as an anti-glare filter or electromagnetic shield or other cover on a second article such as a computer monitor. The hanger has an L configuration defined by two legs, a first one of which extends along the side/front of the monitor and the second of which rests on, i.e., is supported on, the top surface of the monitor. In a top mounting embodiment, the first leg of the hanger attaches to the top of the filter. A side mounting version preferably uses two hangers, which attach to opposite sides of the filter. The second or top leg preferably has a high-friction bottom surface or pad for providing non-slip positioning on the monitor. The depending leg includes a clamp or enclosure which mounts on the cover's bezel, providing ease of mounting on and removal from the cover. The relative size and configuration of the clamp and bezel can be selected to provide a secure fit. In one embodiment, the clamp provides an interference fit with the bezel.

Abstract: A holder for securely and adjustably supporting an article such as an anti-glare screen on another article such as a display monitor comprises an L-shaped hanger with teeth formed along the first one of its legs. An elongated sleeve having a tooth formed preferably at or near the end thereof is slidably mounted on the first leg. The tooth engages the hanger teeth in a ratchet-type arrangement which permits adjustment of the position of the sleeve on the hanger and thus of the cover on the monitor, while permitting a secure sliding fit between the hanger and the sleeve. Preferably, an adhesive strip secures the sleeve of the hanger to the cover and the second leg is positioned along a top surface of the monitor. Preferably, the underside of the second hanger leg is or is coated with a high friction material which positions the hanger on the monitor, secured against slipping or moving laterally, yet permits ready removal by lifting the hanger upward.

Abstract: A wear resistant, low reflectence optical thin films composite is suitable for high wear, stringent optical quality applications such as in xerographic copier platens. The optical thin film coating composite comprises relatively thick layers of aluminum oxide and silicon oxide and a relatively thin top layer of titanium nitride.

Abstract: A rotary cylindrical sputtering system incorporates separate, separately-controlled linear magnetron sputter deposition and reaction zones for sputter depositing materials such as refractory metals and forming oxides and other compounds and alloys of such materials. In one aspect, the associated process involves rotating or translating workpieces past the differentially pumped, atmospherically separated, sequentially or simultaneously operated deposition and reaction zones and is characterized by the ability to form a wide range of materials, by high throughput, and by the ability to form durable optical quality thin films of nominal refractive indices and controlled coating thickness, including both constant and selectively varied thickness profiles.

Abstract: A protective composite thin film coating structure is disclosed which provides ultraviolet (UV)-protection to polymer components used in low earth orbit (LEO) environments. The structure protects such components from physical and optical degradation due to exposure to ultraviolet radiation and oxygen, in particular atomic oxygen.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for depositing optical thin film coatings simultaneously onto both sides of at least one substrate in a dual-frequency plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition vacuum reaction chamber utilizing microwave and radio frequency energies. The substrate can be a continuous substrate, such as a flexible polymer web, or it can be one or more discrete substrates, such as rigid plastic, glass, or glass/polymer composite substrates. The substrate can be processed in a stationary or an in-line processing mode. In addition, the coatings deposited simultaneously onto both sides of the substrate can be identical, i.e. symmetrical, or different, i.e., non-symmetrical. The plasma attributes and reaction conditions on either side of the substrate can be independently controlled to provide either identical or different coating compositions and properties on the two sides of the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electrically-conductive, absorbing, contrast-enhancing antireflection coatings having excellent optical properties characterized by, specifically, a large bandwidth ratio, i.e., a ratio indicative of the range of wavelengths for which the reflectance value is less than 0.6%, and a small brightness value for the visible wavelengths. It has been surprisingly discovered that a simple, two-layer substrate coating consisting of only a first thin layer of a transparent material having a low refractive index and a second very thin layer of an absorbing, electrically conductive, transition metal oxynitride material provides high performance, electrically conductive, contrast-enhancing antireflection coatings having small brightness values and large bandwidth ratios. The present invention provides antireflection coatings having brightness values less than or equal to about 0.22, and preferably less than or equal to about 0.15.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to method for manufacturing electrochromic devices using laser ablation techniques. More specifically, the present invention uses laser ablation to provide a simple, noncontact method of patterning electrochromic devices to a controlled depth, to form an electrochromically active area. Furthermore, laser patterning is conducive to the formation of multiple electrochromic devices on a single substrate.