Abstract: A method for forming a retroreflective prism in a substrate includes inserting and retracting a single point diamond tool through a surface of the substrate while moving the single point diamond tool, the substrate, or both the single point diamond tool and the substrate in a direction of travel along at least one axis to generate a facet in the substrate having a facet face parallel to the direction of travel of at least one of the single diamond point tool or the substrate. The facet face has an angle defined by a chiseling edge of the single point diamond tool. The inserting and retracting is repeated at a plurality of locations on the substrate to form an array of retroreflective microstructures on the surface of the substrate. At least one of the array of retroreflective microstructures is a retroreflective prism having a polygonal projected aperture.

Abstract: Methods for producing tooling and sheeting using laser writing techniques, and corresponding products thereof, are presented. In one embodiment, a seamless sheet having a plurality of microstructures formed in a continuous microstructured pattern is provided. In the methods described herein, a substrate having a photosensitive coating on a surface thereof is provided. A surface-relief microstructured pattern is produced in the photosensitive coating by selectively exposing the photosensitive coating to a beam of electromagnetic radiation. The exposed portions of the photosensitive coating are developed to form a microstructured pattern on the surface of the substrate. The microstructured pattern is then transferred into retroreflector tooling comprising the microstructured pattern on a surface thereof. A sheet containing the microstructured pattern on a surface thereof is then formed from the retroreflector tooling.

Abstract: Methods for producing retroreflector tooling and retroreflective sheeting using laser writing techniques, and corresponding products thereof, are presented. In one embodiment, a seamless retroreflective sheet having a plurality of retroreflectors formed in a continuous retroreflective microstructured pattern is provided. In the methods described herein, a substrate having a photosensitive coating on a surface thereof is provided. A surface-relief microstructured pattern is produced in the photosensitive coating by selectively exposing the photosensitive coating to a beam of electromagnetic radiation. The exposed portions of the photosensitive coating are developed to form a retroreflective microstructured pattern on the surface of the substrate. The retroreflective microstructured pattern is then transferred into retroreflector tooling comprising the retroreflective microstructured pattern on a surface thereof.

Abstract: Novel light diffusers that include both bulk and surface diffuser elements are provided. One embodiment includes diffusing elements forming a structured coating on a substantially clear substrate. Another embodiment includes a bulk diffuser with a structured surface. Methods for making and methods of using the light diffusers are also disclosed.

Abstract: This technology relates generally to methods for the fabrication of high performance lenses, in particular, lenses including a glass carrier and an at least partially transmissive layer with one or more slope facets coupled together by one of more draft facets on a surface of the glass carrier. The methods involve identifying geometric errors in the slope and draft facets to create correction factors and forming corrected slope and draft facets based on the correction factors. This technology also relates to the resulting lenses and lens arrays.

Abstract: This technology relates generally to methods for the fabrication of lenses which include a glass carrier and an at least partially transmissive layer with one or more slope facets coupled together by one or more draft facets on a surface of the glass carrier. This technology also relates to the resulting lenses and systems including lens arrays. These methods eliminate stress deformation in the resulting lenses by the use of a separator between the glass carrier and the at least partially transmissive layer, at least partial curing of the at least partially transmissive layer prior to formation of the slope and draft facets, modified at least partially transmissive layers which have a cure temperature at or below an operating temperature range of the lens, slope and draft facet dimensions which are selected to correspond with an operating temperature range of the lens, or UV-curable at least partially transmissive layers.

Abstract: A condensing element includes an outer section having a circumferential curved sidewall extending between a light input surface at one end and a light output surface at the other end that provides substantially total internal reflection of light emitted from the input surface and incident upon the sidewall of the outer section. A circumferential curved inner section is recessed within the outer section such that the light emitted from the input surface and incident upon the curved inner section is not incident upon the output surface. A circumferential substantially non-curved sidewall extends from the inner section to a circumferential substantially non-curved upper section positioned at approximately a 45° angle relative to the optical axis of the light emitted from the input surface. A light-absorbing plug is in communication with the upper section, wherein the light emitted from the input surface is condensed and directed in a sideways direction relative to the optical axis of the entering light.

Abstract: A system, and corresponding method for use, for providing a mass-producible retroreflective material, or sheeting, featuring full cube corner pins is presented. The full cube corner shaping may be provided with the use of a diamond turning tool. The diamond turning tool may be used to simultaneously manufacture a number of pins. The pins may be used to form a mold featuring a triangular or full cube corner surface formation.

Abstract: A waveband selective retroreflective article, comprising a body layer having a plurality of concave retroreflective elements, each said concave retroreflective element forming a cavity having open-face surfaces and an additional layer that includes particles of a wave-band selective material.

Abstract: A system, and corresponding method for use, for providing a mass-producible retroreflective material, or sheeting, featuring full cube corner pins is presented. The full cube corner shaping may be provided with the use of a diamond turning tool. The diamond turning tool may be used to simultaneously manufacture a number of pins. The pins may be used to form a mold featuring a triangular or full cube corner surface formation.

Abstract: A polarizer is provided comprising a subwavelength optical microstructure wherein the microstructure is partially covered with a light-transmissive inhibiting surface for polarizing light. The inhibiting surface can include a reflective surface, such as a metalized coating. The subwavelength optical microstructure can include moth-eye structures, linear prisms, or modified structures thereof A polarizing structure is further provided comprising a plurality of moth-eye structures stacked on one another for polarizing light.