Abstract: A light beam-splitting optical component comprising an optical film formed from a layer of a first polymeric material and a layer of a second polymeric material wherein the refractive index of the first material in a first in-plane direction (x) is different from the refractive index of the second material in the first in-plane direction and wherein the difference in the refractive indices of the first material and the second material in a second in-plane direction (y) is the same sign as the difference in the refractive indices of the first material and the second material in the thickness direction (z), such that light polarized in the plane containing the x-axis is reflected from the component and light polarized in the plane containing the y-axis is transmitted through the component.

Abstract: Birefringent multilayer optical films in which the refractive indices in the thickness direction of two adjacent layers are substantially matched have a Brewster angle (the angle at which reflectance of p-polarized light goes to zero) which is very large or is nonexistant. This allows for the construction of multilayer mirrors and polarizers whose reflectivity for p-polarized light decreases slowly with angle of incidence, are independent of angle of incidence, or increase with angle of incidence away from the normal. As a result, multilayer films having high reflectivity (for both planes of polarization for any incident direction in the case of mirrors, and for the selected direction in the case of polarizers) over a wide bandwidth, can be achieved.

Abstract: An optical film is provided which includes a disperse phase of polymeric particles disposed within a continuous birefringent matrix. The film is oriented, typically by stretching, in one or more directions. The size and shape of the disperse phase particles, the volume fraction of the disperse phase, the film thickness, and the amount of orientation are chosen to attain a desired degree of diffuse reflection and total transmission of electromagnetic radiation of a desired wavelength in the resulting film.

Abstract: A brightness enhanced reflective polarizer includes a reflective polarizer and a structured surface material.

Abstract: An optical film with a disperse phase of polymeric particles disposed within a continuous birefringent matrix. The film is oriented, typically by stretching, in one or more directions. The size and shape of the disperse phase particles, the volume fraction of the disperse phase, the film thickness, and the amount of orientation are chosen to attain a desired degree of diffuse reflection and total transmission of electromagnetic radiation of a desired wavelength in the resulting film.

Abstract: A nonpolarizing beamsplitter is provided, which includes a multilayered stack of alternating layers of a first material and a second material. The first material layers are uniaxially birefringent, and the second material layers are optionally uniaxially birefringent or isotropic. The layers have index of refraction relationships such that for an incident beam having a useful bandwidth, a p-polarized component and an s-polarized component striking the beamsplitter at any angle of incidence .theta. within a desired range, the beamsplitter exhibits substantially the same average reflectivity for the p-polarized component of the incident beam as for the s-polarized component. The invention also includes a method of making a nonpolarizing beamsplitter.

Abstract: An optical film is provided which includes a disperse phase of polymeric particles disposed within a continuous birefringent matrix. The film is oriented, typically by stretching, in one or more directions. The size and shape of the disperse phase particles, the volume fraction of the disperse phase, the film thickness, and the amount of orientation are chosen to attain a desired degree of diffuse reflection and total transmission of electromagnetic radiation of a desired wavelength in the resulting film.

Abstract: A sheet material blank preformed to a standardized dimension and configuration for forming the digits zero through nine for signs. The preferred embodiment of the blank is made from an opaque, flexible sheet material having pressure sensitive adhesive applied to the backside and a release liner. The key feature of the blank is its rectangular outer dimension and two rectangular apertures of equal area centered within said outer dimension so as to define a pair of elongated legs of equal width integrally bridged by three horizontal elongated members of a width equal to the width of said pair of legs. The blank thus defines a figure having parallel and linear edges resembling the digit eight. The second key feature of the blank is linear indicia provided on the release liner which aids the consumer in creating the desired digits from the blank.