Abstract: A diamine compound of formula (I) is proposed as well as polymers, copolymers, polyamic acids, polyamic acid esters, or polyimides based on such compound.

Abstract: The invention relates to conducting and semi-conducting photoreactive compounds, represented by the general formula (I), to the use of these compounds for the preparation of oriented and/or orientation layers; and to their use in the construction of unstructured and structured optical, electro optical or optoelectronic elements and multi-layer systems.

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 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: The present invention relates to an optical element wherein 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 elements according to the invention are 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 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 an apparatus which allows producing elements with individually patterned anisotropic properties, where the pattern may vary from element to element. An apparatus according to the invention comprises a support for a substrate and an exposure unit for providing spatially modulated aligning light with a first polarization plane, wherein the exposure unit contains a light source, a spatial light modulator, which can be controlled electronically, for example by a computer, and a projection lens. The present invention furthermore relates to a method for fast production of elements with individually patterned anisotropic properties using such an apparatus.

Abstract: A thermally stable diamine compound of formula (I?) is proposed as well as polymers, copolymers, polyamic acids, polyamic acid esters, or polyimides based on such compound. Also, a process of preparing orientation layers for liquid crystals including preparing orientation layers for liquid crystals from thermally stable alignment materials comprising diamine compounds of formula (I?).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a radiation curable composition. In particular, the present invention relates to a radiation curable composition with hydrophilic nanoparticles for use in barrier stacks for protection of sensitive devices against moisture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a copolymer for the photoalignment of liquid crystals comprising a photoreactive group as given below in formula (I), compositions thereof, and its use for optical and electro optical devices, especially liquid crystal devices (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 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 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 invention relates to encapsulation structures for OLED displays, wherein the structure provides sufficient barrier properties against oxygen and moisture as well as anti-reflection properties. The structure includes a layer comprising a photo-aligned substance which in a synergistic manner controls both barrier and anti-reflection properties.

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: An element for protection against forgery and/or copying is arranged on a substrate and includes an optically anisotropic layer which has at least two regions with different optical axes, characterized in that the substrate is a reflective polarizer. The optically anisotropic layer can include cross-linked liquid crystal monomers. The anisotropic layer can be placed on an orientation layer. The orientation layer can be in contact with the polarizer and can include a photo-oriented polymer network. A device for protection against forgery and/or copying is characterized in that an element as set forth above and an analyzer are arranged on the same substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the replication of a patterned surface relief microstructure, comprising the steps of generation of a first layer with a patterned surface relief microstructure, generation of a master, by copying the microstructure of the first layer into a second layer, thereby involving at least one dry or wet etching step, characterized by an additional step, in which the microstructure of the master is brought into contact with a replica material, such that the microstructure of the master is reproduced in the replica. The invention further relates to the elements made as a replica according to the method. The surface relief microstructures are suitable to display images with a positive-negative and/or color image flip. The elements according to the invention are particularly useful for securing documents and articles against counterfeiting and falsification.

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 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.