Abstract: A thermochromic ink composition comprises at least one thermochromic optical-state change material, at least one thermally responsive pH modifier, and at least one base and at least one binder material. The quantity of the thermally responsive pH modifier is less than or equal to about 0.25 milli moles based on the amount of optical-state change material. The ink composition is capable of transforming from a first optical state to a second optical state upon exposure to a thermal stimulus. The thermochromic ink composition may comprise a nitro dye. A thermochromic coating composition formed using the thermochromic ink composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: A photobleachable ink composition having: at least one light-sensitive optical-state change material; at least one bleaching accelerant; at least one solvent; and at least one binder material; wherein the ink composition has a viscosity between about 0.1 centipoise and about 10,000 centipoise, and a maximum optical absorbance in a range from about 200 nanometers to about 800 nanometers; and wherein the ink composition is capable of change from a first optical state to a second optical state upon exposure to light. The composition may also include a plasticizer.

Abstract: A photobleachable ink composition having: at least one light-sensitive optical-state change material; at least one bleaching agent; at least one ionic liquid plasticizer; at least one solvent; and at least one binder material; wherein the ink composition has a viscosity between about 0.1 centipoise and about 10,000 centipoise, and a maximum optical absorbance in a range from about 200 nanometers to about 800 nanometers; and wherein said ink composition is capable of change from a first optical state to a second optical state upon exposure to light.

Abstract: An optical article comprising a primary mark disposed on the optical article and a secondary mark disposed on the optical article in close proximity to the primary mark. The primary mark comprises a first optical-state change material and the secondary mark comprises a second optical-state change material. The optical article is transformed from a pre-activated state to an activated state when a localized authorized activation method is used that selectively activates the primary mark. The optical article is transformed from a pre-activated state to an deactivated state when a non-localized unauthorized activation method is used that activates the secondary mark along with the primary mark resulting in the second optical-state change material undergoing a reverse color change when compared to the first optical-state change material. An optical article with a single mark including multiple color change optical-state change material is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of printing comprising, placing a plurality of optically detectable marks on an optical article using a ink-jet printing method, wherein a mark of the plurality of marks has a thickness of less than or equal to about 1 micrometer, and wherein the plurality of optically detectable marks have uniform thickness.

Abstract: An optical article with a plurality of optically detectable marks on a first surface of the optical article, wherein a mark of the plurality of marks has a thickness of less than or equal to about 1 micrometer, and wherein the plurality of optically detectable marks have uniform thickness.

Abstract: Control systems and methods are provided for controlling optical energy transmitted through a fiber optic. The systems and methods employ a digital controller circuit coupled to at least one sensor for receiving a sensed level stimulus output therefrom, and coupled to a fiber optic power control device for providing a digitized feedback signal thereto. The digital controller circuit, which can operate in one of a plurality of modes and automatically switch between modes, can include one or more of a digital filter, memory for storing control programs and data, an analog-to-digital converter for converting received sensed level stimulus to a digital signal, a digital communication interface, and a processor for software processing of the digital signal. Automatically powering up or resetting the digital power control system is also provided.

Abstract: Control systems and methods are provided for controlling optical energy transmitted through a fiber optic. The systems and methods employ a digital controller circuit coupled to at least one sensor for receiving a sensed level stimulus output therefrom, and coupled to a fiber optic power control device for providing a digitized feedback signal thereto. The digital controller circuit, which can operate in one of a plurality of modes and automatically switch between modes, can include one or more of a digital filter, memory for storing control programs and data, an analog-to-digital converter for converting received sensed level stimulus to a digital signal, a digital communication interface, and a processor for software processing of the digital signal. Automatically powering up or resetting the digital power control system is also provided.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the removal of halogenated organic contaminants from particulate material by admixing a monocarboxylic acid with the particulate material, and passing a vapor phase of steam through the material to substantially remove the halogenated organic contaminant.