Abstract: Novel phenylcyclohexanes of the formula I in which n is 0 to 7, Q1 and Q2 are H, or one of these radicals is alternatively CH3, r is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, A is trans-1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,4-phenylene, 3-fluoro-1,4-phenylene or a single bond, X is F, Cl, —CF3, —CN, —OCF3 or —OCHF2, and Y and Z are each, independently of one another, H or F, with the proviso that, in the case where A is a single bond, Q1=Q2=H and simultaneously X=CN, Y and/or Z are F.

Abstract: The invention relates to multireactive polymerizable mesogenic compounds of formula I R1—MG—R2??I wherein R1, R2 and MG have the meaning given in claim 1, to a polymerizable mesogenic composition comprising at least two components, at least one which is a compound of formula I, to a linear or crosslinked polymer obtainable by polymerization of one or more compounds of formula I or of a polymerizable composition comprising one or more compounds of formula I and to the use of a compound of formula I, or a polymerizable composition or polymer obtainable thereof, in optical elements such as polarizers, optical retardation or compensation films, alignment layers, colour filters or holographic elements, in liquid crystal displays such as PDLC, polymer gel or polymer stabilized cholesteric texture (PSCT) displays, in adhesives, synthetic resins with anisotropic mechanical properties, cosmetics, diagnostics or liquid crystal pigments, for decorative and security applications, and for nonlinear optics or optical in

Abstract: Homeotropically oriented layers and films of liquid crystals especially on polymeric substrates. The layers and films, which also can be multi-layered films comprising a homeotropically aligned anisotropic film are preparable by application of an orientation layer to the substrate. The orientation layer can be either an organic surfactant which is fixed in a matrix of a polymeric material or an inorganic thin layer such as aluminum or Al2O3.

Abstract: An optical compensator for liquid crystal displays comprising at least one O plate retarder, at least one low tilt A plate retarder, and at least one negative C plate retarder is described. Also described are liquid crystal displays comprising such a compensator.

Abstract: The invention relates to polymer beads comprising an anisotropic polymer material with helically twisted structure, to their use in reflective films, spraying or printing inks or as pigments, for optical or electrooptical, decorative or security applications, to a reflective film comprising one or more polymer beads in a transmissive binder, and to a security marking or security device comprising one or more polymer beads or comprising a reflective film.

Abstract: A Psychophysical Perception Enhancement, for use in juxtaposition to a perceptible output spectrum, and the enhancement includes: (a) designating a target enhancement region in the spectrum and the region is defined as having at least one boundary; (b) proximate to one of the boundaries, defining a perceptible transition region; and (c) in the transition region, applying a filter having a spectral shape substantially inverse to normal perception for the transition region. The enhancement is preferably applicable to a visual or audio systems and can be embodied as a digital, analog, mechanical, passive, optical element.

Abstract: Homeotropically oriented layers and films of liquid crystals especially on polymeric substrates. The layers and films, which also can be multi-layered films comprising a homeotropically aligned anisotropic film, are preparable by application of an orientation layer to the substrate. The orientation layer can be either an organic surfactant which is fixed in a matrix of a polymeric material or an inorganic thin layer such as aluminum or Al2O3.

Abstract: Methods for searching for possible forms of a sample and methods of screening a sample according to its form comprise disposing the sample in at least one receptacle that defines a capillary space, such as a capillary tube. The sample is solidified to generate at least one solid form or semisolid form, and the generated form is analyzed and classified. The analysis may determine differences in molecular arrangement of the various forms or characteristics that reflect the form. The methods may employ a plurality of samples, conditions, or receptacles in an effort to generate a variety of forms, so that all or a high percentage of possible forms are obtained.

Abstract: Novel phenylcyclohexanes of the formula I 1

Abstract: Methods for searching for possible forms of a sample and methods of screening a sample according to its form comprise disposing the sample in at least one receptacle that defines a capillary space, such as a capillary tube. The sample is solidified to generate at least one solid form or semisolid form, and the generated form is analyzed and classified. The analysis may determine differences in molecular arrangement of the various forms or characteristics that reflect the form. The methods may employ a plurality of samples, conditions, or receptacles in an effort to generate a variety of forms, so that all or a high percentage of possible forms are obtained.

Abstract: Novel phenylcyclohexanes of the formula I 1

Abstract: The invention relates to polymer beads comprising an anisotropic polymer material with helically twisted structure, to their use in reflective films, spraying or printing inks or as pigments, for optical or electrooptical, decorative or security applications, to a reflective film comprising one or more polymer beads in a transmissive binder, and to a security marking or security device comprising one or more polymer beads or comprising a reflective film.

Abstract: To improve switching times, especially at low temperatures, one or more reactive liquid crystalline compounds is added to a liquid crystal mixture used in an electroptical system. The electroptical system comprises a PDLC film comprising a liquid crystal mixture forming micro-droplets in an optically isotropic, transparent polymer matrix between 2 electrode layers. The liquid crystal mixture comprises one or more compounds of the formula I wherein R, A1, A2, Z1, Z2, X1, X2, Q, Y and n are as defined herein.

Abstract: A method of forming a liquid crystal polymer layer includes: coating a substrate with a release layer; coating the release layer with an alignment layer capable of aligning a liquid crystal polymer layer; coating the alignment layer with a layer of a liquid crystal polymer material, thereby forming a liquid crystal polymer layer in which the molecules have a predetermined orientation; solidifying the layer of liquid crystal polymer; and dissolving the release layer in a liquid which does not harm the solidified liquid crystal polymer layer to form a self supporting film. The release layer and alignment layer can be combined into a single layer, such as for example a layer of polyvinyl alcohol which may be dissolved in water. Thicker or multi-layer films can be fabricated by using the first solidified layer as an alignment layer for a subsequently deposited liquid crystal polymer layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to polymer beads comprising an anisotropic polymer material with helically twisted structure, to their use in reflective films, spraying or printing inks or as pigments, for optical or electrooptical, decorative or security applications, to a reflective film comprising one or more polymer beads in a transmissive binder, and to a security marking or security device comprising one or more polymer beads or comprising a reflective film.

Abstract: Novel phenylcyclohexanes of the formula I: in which n is 0 to 7, Q1 and Q2 are H, or one of these radicals is alternatively CH3, r is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, A is trans-1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,4-phenylene, 3-fluoro-1,4-phenylene or a single bond, X is F, Cl, —CF3, —CN, —OCF3 or —OCHF2, and Y and Z are each, independently of one another, H or F, with the proviso that, in the case where A is a single bond, Q1═Q2═H and simultaneously X═CN, Y and/or Z are F.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device containing a liquid crystal cell and at least one reflective polarizer or a polarizer combination having at least one reflective polarizer as a means to generate circular polarized light. The reflective polarizer includes an optically active layer of an anisotropic polymer material with a helically twisted planar molecular orientation. The material is oriented so that the axis of the molecular helix extends transversely to the layer, and the pitch of the molecular helix is varied in such a manner that the difference between the maximum pitch and the minimum pitch is at least 100 nm.

Abstract: Liquid crystal pigments comprising at least one layer of liquid crystalline polymer material with a helically twisted molecular structure wherein the helical axis is oriented substantially perpendicular to the plane of the layer and which show reflection of circularly polarized light, some prepared in which the bandwidth of the reflected wavelength band is at least 100 nm. These pigments are suitable for use in reflective films or coatings for decorative applications, cosmetic compositions, and pharmaceutical compositions, optical elements, and security applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermochromic liquid crystalline medium comprising a liquid crystalline host component and an active component, to a thermochromic ink comprising such a thermochromic liquid crystalline medium encapsulated in a light transmissive polymeric material, to the use of a thermochromic medium or ink in decorative applications like pigments, inks and paints, cosmetics, thermodiagnostic applications like medical thermography, thermometry, optical and electrooptical applications, and security applications and devices, to a security marking or device comprising a thermochromic liquid crystalline medium or thermochromic ink and to a document of value comprising such a security marking.

Abstract: The invention relates to multilayer reflective films and pigments showing selective reflection of light wherein the reflection characteristics are dependent on the viewing angle, characterized in that they comprises at least one reflective layer, at least one circular polarizing layer and optionally at least one optical retardation layer. The invention further relates to the use of these multilayer reflective films and pigments in optical elements, as coatings or in lacquers, inks or paints for cosmetic, decorative or security applications, to inks and paints comprising one or more multilayer reflective pigments dispersed in a light transmissive binder, and to security markings or devices comprising one or more multilayer reflective films or pigments.