Abstract: A photo-alignable object has a thickness of more than 2 ?m. The photo-alignable object can be in the form of a free standing film. Also, the photo-alignable object can have a topographical surface structure. The depth of the topographical surface structure can be larger than 100 nm, and preferably the depth of the topographical surface structure is larger than 1 ?m.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel photoactive polymer materials and their use as orienting layer for liquid crystals, which are used for the production of non-structured and structured optical elements or electro-optical elements and multi-layer systems.

Abstract: A photo-alignable object has a thickness of more than 2 ?m. The photo-alignable object can be in the form of a free standing film. Also, the photo-alignable object can have a topographical surface structure. The depth of the topographical surface structure can be larger than 100 nm, and preferably the depth of the topographical surface structure is larger than 1 ?m.

Abstract: An optical element where a first and a second image is at least partially encoded by a pattern of a non-periodic, anisotropic surface relief microstructure such that when light is incident on the surface of the element the first image is optimally visible under a first viewing angle and the second image is optimally visible under a second viewing angle. The optical element is particularly useful for securing documents and articles against counterfeiting and falsification.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical security system comprising an optical element with a patterned anisotropic optical property, wherein information is encoded and encrypted in the pattern of the optical element. The system further comprises a patterned polarizer in which the pattern is such that the information stored in the optical element can be decrypted.

Abstract: An optical element where a first and a second image is at least partially encoded by a pattern of a non-periodic, anisotropic surface relief microstructure such that when light is incident on the surface of the element the first image is optimally visible under a first viewing angle and the second image is optimally visible under a second viewing angle. The optical element is particularly useful for securing documents and articles against counterfeiting and falsification.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical device comprising two patterned retarders and a reflective polarizer between the retarders. Information which is stored in the pattern of the retarders can be observed both in transmission and reflection. The device according to the invention can be used as high security element, for example for banknotes.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical security device with multiple hidden images which become visible by arranging a polarizer above or below the device. Additional images become visible upon rotation of the polarizer. The optical device comprises two patterned optical retarders and a polarizer between the retarders.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for generation of an orientation pattern in a photo-alignable material using parallax optic. The invention further provides optical devices comprising a parallax optical element and an element with patterned optical anisotropic properties. Such devices have angular dependent, optically anisotropic properties, which are useful for various applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymer containing scattering type VA liquid crystal device with very low hysteresis characteristics. The reduction of the hysteresis is achieved by providing a pretilt angle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a photoalignment composition comprising at least a single photoalignment polymer, preferably a homo- or a copolymer having at least one photoreactive group; and at least a single solvent of formula (I) (R—CO—O—R?), wherein R and R? are independently from each other straight-chain or branched alkyl chain, with the proviso that at least one alkyl chain is branched. Further, the present invention relates to the use of this composition for coating or printing, especially for printing, more especially for inkjet or offset printing processes, and most especially for an offset printing process. In addition, the present invention relates to the use of the photoalignment composition for the preparation of orientation layers for liquid crystals and in the construction of unstructured and structured optical elements and multi-layer systems, especially liquid crystal displays, LCDs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photoalignment composition comprising a) 0.001 to 20%, by weight; preferably, 1 to 10% by weight, more preferably 1 to 9% by weight of at least one photoreactive compound (I) that comprises a photoalignment group and b) 80 to 99.999% by weight, preferably, 90 to 99% by weight, more preferably 91 to 99% by weight of at least one compound (II) that does not comprise a photoalignment group, and c) optionally at least one reactive or non reactive additives, and d) optionally at least one solvent. Further, the present invention relates to the use of this photoalignment composition for the alignment of liquid crystals or liquid crystal polymers, in electro-optical and optical elements, systems and devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel photoactive polymer materials and their use as orienting layer for liquid crystals, which are used for the production of non-structured and structured optical elements or electro-optical elements and multi-layer systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel photoactive polymer materials their use as orienting layer for liquid crystals, which are used for the production of non-structured and structured optical elements or electro-optical elements and multi-layer systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photo-alignment composition for the alignment of liquid crystals. Further the present invention relates to the liquid crystal alignment film and coating layer prepared from the said composition and the use to fabricate optical and electrooptical elements and devices.

Abstract: New dichroic dyes having a composition with slave materials. The dyes may be used for a dichroic polymer network, a dichroic liquid crystalline polymer film (LCP film) or a dichroic liquid crystalline polymer gel, which for instance find application as electro-optical or optical devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an element comprising a surface area with a specific, optically effective surface relief microstructure (12). The surface relief microstructure has a surface modulation of top regions (13) and bottom regions (14), wherein in a first lateral direction of the surface area there is in average at least one transition from a top to a bottom region or vice versa within every 20 micrometer, and in a second lateral direction of the mask, which is perpendicular to the first direction, there is in average at least one transition from a first to a second zone or vice versa within every 200 micrometer. In the microstructure, (i) in the first direction the lateral arrangement of the transitions is non-periodic, and (ii) the top regions substantially lie in the same top relief plateau (15) and the bottom regions substantially lie in the same bottom relief plateau (16).

Abstract: A photo-alignable object has a thickness of more than 2 ?m. The photo-alignable object can be in the form of a free standing film. Also, the photo-alignable object can have a topographical surface structure. The depth of the topographical surface structure can be larger than 100 nm, and preferably the depth of the topographical surface structure is larger than 1 ?m.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compounds that are particularly useful for the alignment, especially photoalignment, of slave material, especially liquid crystals for optical or electro-optical applications, such as security applications, liquid crystal devices or optical or electro-optical films.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a photo-alignable object. The invention further provides compositions for the manufacturing of a photo-alignable object as well as different embodiments of photo-alignable objects and devices using them.