Abstract: A waveguide for use in a back lighting device includes a moth-eye structured surface. A back lighting system includes a lighting device, a display panel, and a waveguide for redirecting light generated by the light source toward the display panel. A first light-redirecting film, which can include a plurality of moth-eye structures, can be positioned between the waveguide and the display panel. The first light-redirecting film can also include a plurality of linear prisms. A second light-redirecting film is also provided that can include a plurality of moth-eye structures and a plurality of linear prisms. The second light-redirecting film can be positioned between the first light-redirecting film and the display panel. A diffuser can be positioned between the first light-redirecting film and the waveguide and/or between the second light-redirecting film and the display panel.

Abstract: A retroreflective structure and method for forming the same are provided which includes a polyurethane sheet having a first side and a second side, a coating on the first side, and an array of retroreflective prism elements formed on the coating. The coating is used to promote adhesion between the prism elements and the first side of the polyurethane sheet. A second coating can be formed on the second side of the polyurethane sheet for purposes such as forming a protective layer over the polyurethane sheet and can include ultraviolet blocking material.

Abstract: A light collimating film includes a sheet having a first side and a second side. The first side can include a series of optical elements and the second side includes a series of stepped plateaus and a series of base planes that run along a first axis. The plateaus and base planes alternate along a second axis and the plateaus have an elevation different than the base planes.

Abstract: A light collimating film has a sheeting having a first side and a second side, wherein the first side includes a series of linear optical elements having a primary axis running the length of the optical elements, and the second side includes a plurality of subwavelength optical microstructures being oriented at about 90 degrees relative to the primary axis of the linear optical elements. Another embodiment includes a back lighting display device having a lighting device, a display panel, and a sheeting having a first side and a second side, wherein the first side includes a series of linear prisms having peaks, and the second side includes a plurality of subwavelength optical microstructures being oriented at about 90 degrees relative to the peaks of the linear prisms.

Abstract: A retroreflective structure and method for forming the same are provided which includes a polyurethane sheet having a first side and a second side, a coating on the first side, and an array of retroreflective prism elements formed on the coating. The coating is used to promote adhesion between the prism elements and the first side of the polyurethane sheet. A second coating can be formed on the second side of the polyurethane sheet for purposes such as forming a protective layer over the polyurethane sheet and can include ultraviolet blocking material.

Abstract: A structure includes a layer which includes a first cured portion and a second cured portion which are formed from a same light curable material. The first cured portion is cured to a first amount, and the second cured portion is cured to a second amount. The first amount is sufficiently different than the second amount to result in a visible discontinuity on the surface of the structure.

Abstract: A light collimating film has a sheeting having a first side and a second side, wherein the first side includes a series of prisms, and the second side includes a plurality of subwavelength optical microstructures. Another embodiment includes a back lighting display device having a lighting means, a display panel, and a sheeting having a first side and a second side, wherein the first side includes a series of prisms, and the second side includes a plurality of subwavelength optical microstructures. A preferred embodiment includes a back lighting display device having a first collimating film having a first surface with a subwavelength optical microstructure thereon and a second surface with linear prisms having an included angle of greater than about 95 degrees, and a second collimating film having a first surface with a subwavelength optical microstructure thereon and a second surface with linear prisms having an included angle of less than about 85 degrees.

Abstract: A stain resistant film construction that includes a polyvinyl film laminated to a polyolefin film by an adhesive. The stain resistant film construction can be formed into a retroreflective product that includes a polyolefin layer, an adhesive layer and a polyvinyl layer attached to the polyolefin layer by the adhesive on the first side of polyvinyl layer. Retroreflective prisms can be attached to the second side of polyvinyl layer, and a backing layer can be attached to the second side of polyvinyl film through the prism layer.

Abstract: An improved light modulating material for use in electro-optic and thermo-optic display devices is produced by forming a homogeneous solution comprising an acrylic resin containing active hydrogen groups, a liquid crystal material, a diisocyanate or epoxide, and a solvent. The homogeneous solution is preferably applied to a conductive substrate and the solvent is then evaporated, causing phase separation resulting in formation of a liquid crystal phase dispersed within a solid polymer matrix. Application of an electric field to the substrate causes the liquid crystal material to align, which in turn causes the coating to switch from substantially translucent to substantially transparent. If the electric field is removed the light modulating material again becomes substantially translucent. Switching times can be improved by incorporating a titanate or zirconate organometallic material into the light modulating material.

Abstract: An improved light modulating material for use in electro-optic and thermo-optic display devices is produced by forming a homogeneous solution comprising an acrylic resin containing active hydrogen groups, a liquid crystal material, a diisocyanate or epoxide, and a solvent. The homogeneous solution is preferably applied to a conductive substrate and the solvent is then evaporated, causing phase separation resulting in formation of a liquid crystal phase dispersed within a solid polymer matrix. Application of an electric field to the substrate causes the liquid crystal material to align, which in turn causes the coating to switch from substantially translucent to substantially transparent. If the electric field is removed the light modulating material again becomes substantially translucent. Switching times can be improved by incorporating a titanate or zirconate organometallic material into the light modulating material.