Abstract: A polarized light-emitting waveguide for use in an edge-lit lighting arrangement has polarization-selective outcoupling means including at least a volume hologram for selectively diffracting waveguided light towards the exit surface of the waveguide with high contrast and efficiency. The light emitted by the waveguide is selectively emitted to one side thereof, highly polarized, highly collimated and may be homogeneously distributed across the exit surface. Also, light emission may be normal or near-normal to the exit surface. If combined with light recycling means the contrast, brightness and/or efficiency of the edge-lit illumination arrangement may be further increased.

Abstract: A method is provided for microstructuring polymer-supported materials. Also provided are microstructured objects obtained with this method. The microstructured objects are suitable for use, among other things, as light polarizers, transflectors, microelectrode arrays, and liquid-crystal alignment layers.

Abstract: A multi-layered arrangement according to the invention provide emission of polarized light. At least one of the interfacing surfaces between the layers is provided with a microstructure. In one embodiment, a first layer in the form of a lightguide substrate (401) receives unpolarized light from a lamp (420). A birefringent second layer (402) is provided with a microstructure (410) in the form of parallel grooves. On top of the birefringent layer a third layer (403), i.e. a coating layer, is located. Light is outcoupled by way of selective Total Internal Reflection, TIR, at the micro-structured surface of the birefringent layer, yielding a highly linearly polarized emission at near normal angles. The polarized light may be emitted out through the coating or in an opposite direction through the lightguide, which in an advantageous manner allow any configuration of transmissive (backlight), transflective (backlight) or reflective (frontlight) display arrangement.

Abstract: The present invention provides polarizing devices and illumination devices that include the polarizing devices. The polarizing devices and illumination devices can be advantageously used in a wide variety of applications, such as in liquid crystal displays. Polarizing devices provided by the present invention include those having an isotropic waveguiding layer with a refractive index ni and an anisotropic separating layer having an anisotropic region with principal refractive indices nx and ny, wherein nx>ny and wherein ni is substantially smaller than nx and substantially larger than ny. An example of a further polarizing device provided by the present invention is one having a waveguiding layer and a separating layer, wherein the separating layer includes a form birefringent region.

Abstract: Melt-processible, thermoplastic poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) compositions are disclosed and methods for making and processing same. Additionally, products comprising these compositions are described.

Abstract: Melt-processible, thermoplastic poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) compositions are disclosed and methods for making and processing same. Additionally, products comprising these compositions are described.