Abstract: A package or wrapping comprised of a material in the form of a liquid or a solid which is sensitive to water and oxygen. A coated barrier film is sealed about the material and forms a sealed enclosure about the material and serves to protect the material from water vapor and oxygen. The coated barrier film has low oxygen and water permeability and comprises a flexible substantially transparent plastic substrate with first and second surfaces and a thickness ranging from 1 to 7 mils. A substantially colorless barrier coating is formed on at least one of the surfaces and consists solely of graphite free of hydrogen and has a thickness ranging from 50.ANG. to 300.ANG.. The barrier film has a reduced water transmission rate and a reduced oxygen transmission rate with respect to the uncoated substrate and has a visible transparency of 30% or greater.

Abstract: A protective composite thin film coating structure is disclosed which provides ultraviolet (UV)-protection to polymer components used in low earth orbit (LEO) environments. The structure protects such components from physical and optical degradation due to exposure to ultraviolet radiation and oxygen, in particular atomic oxygen.

Abstract: A composition of material of the formula MN.sub.x O.sub.y, where M and N are metals selected from groups IIIA, IVA and VA of the periodic table, O is oxygen and x and y have values such that the oxygen-to-metal ratio is less than 4 and the ratio of y/(1+x) is also less than 4, said material being in the form of a single oxide phase and having a crystal structure of a single type alone with no detectable crystal structure of a second type, said material being sub-stoichiometric.

Abstract: A method of heat-treating multilayer interference platelets to improve the durability of the platelets comprising subjecting the platelets at a temperature of 200.degree.-300.degree. C. for 10 minutes to 24 hours. The platelets are formed from a multilayer interference thin film construction comprising a metal reflecting layer having a multilayer interference thin film structure on both sides of the metal reflecting layer wherein the multilayer interference thin film structure comprises a pair of layers consisting of a dielectric layer and a semi-opaque metal layer with the dielectric layer of the pair being directly adjacent to the metal reflecting layer.

Abstract: A color-shifting paint comprising a polymeric paint medium and a plurality of colored interference thin film platelets dispersed in the paint medium. Each platelet being characterized in that platelets has first and second generally planar outer surfaces and an edge thickness perpendicular to the first and second generally planar outer surfaces. Each platelet is comprised of a metal reflecting layer having first and second surfaces. A multilayer interference structure is disposed on each of the first and second surfaces of the metal reflecting layer to provide a symmetrical platelet. The multilayer interference thin film structure comprises a pair of layer consisting of a dielectric layer formed of a dielectric material and a semi-opaque layer. with the dielectric layer directly adjacent to the metal reflecting layer. The thickness of the dielectric layer determines the color and the dielectric material determines the degree of color shift.

Abstract: A collection of color-shifting interference thin film platelets of high chroma characterized in that the platelets are comprised of a metal reflecting layer having first and second surfaces and a multilayer interference thin film structure disposed on both surfaces of the metal reflecting layer. The multilayer interference thin film structure comprises a pair of layers consisting of a dielectric layer and a semi-opaque metal layer with the dielectric layer being directly adjacent to a surface of the metal reflecting layer. The layers of the multilayer interference thin film structure lie in parallel planes. Each platelet has an aspect ratio of at least 2:1, respectively, for surfaces parallel to the planes of layers and surfaces perpendicular to the planes of the layers. The platelets have a maximum dimension on any surface ranging from approximately 2-200 microns.

Abstract: A barrier film comprising a flexible substantially of transparent substrate having first and second surfaces. A substantially colorless barrier coating is formed on at least one of said surfaces of a graphite material having a thickness ranging from 50 to 350 .ANG..

Abstract: A polymeric sheet comprising a layer of polymeric material having a first and second parallel surfaces. A plurality of oriented multilayer interference thin film flakes are disposed in the layer of polymeric material. The flakes have first and second parallel surfaces and a width and a thickness and have an aspect ratio of at least 2:1 for the width with respect to the thickness.

Abstract: Transparent optically variable device comprising a symmetric three-layer coating. The three-layer coating has first and second partially transmitting absorber layers and a dielectric spacer layer disposed between the first and second absorber layers.

Abstract: Optical variable interference device with peak suppression having a reflector with first and second surfaces. A thin film multilayer interference stack is disposed on the first surface. The interference stack is comprised of at least two periods with each period being comprised of a metal absorber layer and a dielectric spacer layer.

Abstract: Tamper evident optical device comprising a substrate and a multi-layer taper evident splittable coating carried by the substrate. The coating has a release region formed therein. An adhesive is secured to the tamper evident coating.

Abstract: Tamper evident optical device having at least first and second layers with a spacer layer therebetween and providing a desired optical property. A release layer is disposed between the first and second layers which permits the first and second layers to be separated from each other and to destroy the desired optical property.

Abstract: Thin film structure having magnetic properties and optically variable properties comprising a substrate and a multilayer interference coating carried by the substrate producing an inherent color shift with angle. The interference coating has a metal-dielectric design which includes a metal which has magnetic as well as reflective properties.