Abstract: In general, techniques are described for a personal protective equipment (PPE) management system (PPEMS) that uses images of optical patterns embodied on articles of personal protective equipment (PPEs) to identify safety conditions that correspond to usage of the PPEs. In one example, an article of personal protective equipment (PPE) includes a first optical pattern embodied on a surface of the article of PPE; a second optical pattern embodied on the surface of the article of PPE, wherein a spatial relation between the first optical pattern and the second optical pattern is indicative of an operational status of the article of PPE.

Abstract: A retroreflective article including a binder layer and a plurality of retroreflective elements. Each retroreflective element includes a transparent microsphere partially embedded in the binder layer. At least some of the retroreflective elements include a first layer that is disposed between the transparent microsphere and the binder layer and a second layer that is disposed between the transparent microsphere and the binder layer. At least one of the first layer and the second layer is a reflective layer; and, the first reflective layer and the second reflective layer differ in reflectivity. For at least some of the retroreflective elements, at least a portion of the second reflective layer is positioned in-parallel to the first reflective layer.

Abstract: Optical articles including a spatially defined arrangement of a plurality of data rich retroreflective elements, wherein the plurality of retroreflective elements comprise retroreflective elements having at least two different retroreflective properties and at least two different optical contrasts with respect to a background substrate when observed within an ultraviolet spectrum, a visible spectrum, a near-infrared spectrum, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A retroreflective article including a binder layer and a plurality of retroreflective elements. Each retroreflective element includes a transparent microsphere partially embedded in the binder layer. At least some of the retroreflective elements include a reflective layer that is a locally-laminated reflective layer that is embedded between the transparent microsphere and the binder layer. At least some of the locally-laminated reflective layers may be localized reflective layers.

Abstract: Systems, assemblies, and methods for detecting changes in polarization states are described. Example systems may include a light receiving unit including a sensor and a receiving polarizer. The sensor is configured to sense light from a polarized light source deflected through the receiving polarizer by a light directing article. The sensor is configured to generate a signal indicative a received polarization state of light deflected by the light directing articles. Such systems may be coupled to vehicles and may be useful for sensor-detectable signs, indicia, and markings to facilitate automated or assisted vehicular transport.

Abstract: A micro/nanoparticle-reinforced composite solder for low-temperature soldering and a preparation method thereof belong to the manufacturing field of lead-free low-temperature soldering solders. Micro/nanoparticle-reinforced tin-based alloy solder powder is formed by diffusely mixing micro/nano-sized Cu, Ag and Sb particles with a molten metal tin and atomizing the mixture, and then blended with low-melting-point SnBi-based alloy solder powder and a conventional flux to prepare a micro/nanoparticle-reinforced composite solder. In soldering at a temperature below 200° C.

Abstract: In general, techniques are described for a personal protective equipment (PPE) management system (PPEMS) that uses images of optical patterns embodied on articles of personal protective equipment (PPEs) to identify safety conditions that correspond to usage of the PPEs. In one example, an article of personal protective equipment (PPE) includes a first optical pattern embodied on a surface of the article of PPE; a second optical pattern embodied on the surface of the article of PPE, wherein a spatial relation between the first optical pattern and the second optical pattern is indicative of an operational status of the article of PPE.

Abstract: Optical articles including a spatially defined arrangement of a plurality of data rich retroreflective elements, wherein the plurality of retroreflective elements comprise retroreflective elements having at least two different retroreflective properties and at least two different optical contrasts with respect to a background substrate when observed within an ultraviolet spectrum, a visible spectrum, a near-infrared spectrum, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The disclosed patterned wavelength-selective material and process for making the patterned wavelength-selective material uses patterned applied adhesive and a structurally weak wavelength-selective material that includes portions that contact the adhesive and break to remain in contact with the adhesive. In one embodiment, the wavelength-selective material comprises an array of sections with cuts at least partially through a wavelength-selective film at each section secured to the adhesive. In another embodiment, the wavelength-selective film comprises a transfer stack of layers.

Abstract: Retroreflecting articles are described. In particular, retroreflecting articles including a quarter wave retarder and a retroreflecting layer are described. The retarder is rotationally invariant and the retroreflecting layer is non-depolarizing. Such articles may be useful for sensor-detectable signs, labels, and garments.

Abstract: An exposed-lens retroreflective article including a binder layer and a plurality of retroreflective elements. Each retroreflective element includes a transparent microsphere partially embedded in the binder layer. At least some of the retroreflective elements comprise at least one color layer comprising a bi-layer structure.

Abstract: There is provided adhesive compositions comprising a styrenic block copolymer and at least one tackifier, where the at least one tackifier contains non-carbon hetero-atom functionality, and where the adhesive composition is wash durable when bonded to a substrate. There is also provided articles made using these adhesives.

Abstract: There is provided retroreflective articles comprising a binder layer comprising an adhesive composition comprising at least one tackifier and at least one elastomer selected from at least one of natural rubbers and synthetic rubbers, and a layer of optical elements at least partially embedded in a major surface of the binder layer. There are also provided articles of clothing using the presently disclosed retroreflective articles and methods for preparing the retroreflective articles.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a semiconductor structure and a method for forming the same. The semiconductor structure can include a substrate, a gate structure over the substrate, a source/drain (S/D) contact structure adjacent to the gate structure, a layer of dielectric material over the S/D contact structure, a conductor layer over and in contact with the layer of dielectric material and above the S/D contact structure, and an interconnect structure over and in contact with the conductor layer.

Abstract: A composite image generation system comprises: a position information detection device that detects position information about a predetermined spot in a real space; and a processing device that generates a composite image in which a separately acquired superimposed image is overlaid onto a desired region in a camera image of the real space captured by a movably placed video camera, based on the detected position information. In the processing device, after performing an initial setting that sets a global coordinate system that serves as a reference when generating the composite image, the initial setting being performed while each optical marker is in a stationary state, position information about a peripheral marker used during the initial setting is reset according to a recognition state of the peripheral marker provided at a predetermined spot presumed to be disposed in the stationary state and a detection state from an acceleration sensor.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a retroreflective article. The retroreflective article includes a retroreflective layer including a number of cube corner elements that collectively form a structured surface that is opposite a major surface, and a conformal wavelength-selective radiation absorbing coating layer adjacent to the structured surface. The present disclosure also provides a method of making a retroreflective article. The method includes obtaining a retroreflective layer, and forming a conformal wavelength-selective radiation absorbing coating layer on the retroreflective layer by applying a first material having a first binding group to the structured surface, and applying a second material having a second binding group to the first material.

Abstract: The disclosed patterned wavelength-selective material and process for making the patterned wavelength-selective material uses selectively located barriers to the adhesive regions. A structurally weak wavelength-selective material includes portions that contact the adhesive regions and break to remain in contact with the adhesive. The wavelength-selective material does not contact the adhesive regions covered by the barrier and is removed leaving a wavelength-selective film in a pattern at the adhesive regions.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an integrated circuit (IC) structure that includes a fin active region on a substrate; a metal gate stack on the fin active region; a source and a drain on the fin active region, wherein the metal gate stack spans from the source to the drain; an interlayer dielectric (ILD) layer disposed on the source and the drain; a first conductive feature and a second conductive feature formed in the ILD layer and being aligned on the source and the drain, respectively; and a dielectric material layer surrounding the first and second conductive features. The dielectric material layer continuously extends to a bottom surface of the first conductive feature and isolates the first conductive feature from the source and the second conductive feature contacts the drain.

Abstract: In some examples, an optically active article includes a retroreflective substrate; and at least one security element disposed at the retroreflective substrate; an article message disposed at the retroreflective substrate, and wherein the at least one security element comprises validation information that is detectable outside a visible light spectrum, and wherein a combination of the article message and the validation information of the at least one security element indicates whether the optically active article is counterfeit.

Abstract: Wavelength-selective films are visibly apparent under the selective wavelength. Wavelength-selective films typically reflect off axis the selected wavelength and therefore can provide high-contrast against a background when applied in a pattern on a substrate. However, it is difficult to apply unique patterned embedded images from film. Disclosed is a cost-effective method and construction of a patterned wavelength-selective image to a substrate. In the disclosed wavelength-selective image, wavelength-selective film particles are applied to an adhesive pattern to create the wavelength-selective image.