Abstract: The inventors of the present application developed novel optically active materials, methods, and articles. One embodiment of the present application is an optically active article, comprising: an infrared-reflecting material positioned adjacent to an optically active substrate such that the infrared-reflecting material forms a pattern that can be read by an infrared sensor when the optically active substrate is illuminated by an infrared light source. Another embodiment of the present application relates to a method of manufacturing an optically active article, comprising: obtaining an optically active sheeting; and positioning an infrared-reflecting material on the optically active sheeting to form a pattern. The optically active article may be, for example, a license plate.

Abstract: There is provided a method of activating a substantially inelastic laminate to an elastic state by providing an elastic layer bonded on at least one face to a fibrous facing layer. The laminate is directed under laser beams so as to cut fibers of the at least one fibrous facing layer along perforation lanes in at least one region forming a laminate that is extensible and elastic in a direction generally transverse to the direction of the perforation lanes. This laminate is particularly adapted for use in personal care articles.

Abstract: User interfaces that includes one or more composite images that are perceived by an observer to be suspended in space relative to the user interface.

Abstract: Translucent, transparent, or semi-translucent microlens sheetings with composite images are disclosed, in which a composite image floats above or below the sheeting, or both. The composite image may be two-dimensional or three-dimensional. The sheeting may have at least one layer of material having a surface of microlenses that form one or more images at positions internal to the layer of material, at least one of the images being a partially complete image. Additional layers, such as retroreflective, translucent, transparent, or optical structure layers may also be incorporated into the sheeting.

Abstract: Translucent, transparent, or semi-translucent microlens sheetings with composite images are disclosed, in which a composite image floats above or below the sheeting, or both. The composite image may be two-dimensional or three-dimensional. The sheeting may have at least one layer of material having a surface of microlenses that form one or more images at positions internal to the layer of material, at least one of the images being a partially complete image. Additional layers, such as retroreflective, translucent, transparent, or optical structure layers may also be incorporated into the sheeting.

Abstract: Patterned articles, such as RFID antenna, are made by subablation, a process comprising the steps of: A. providing a substrate having a coating, such as a metal or metal oxide, and an interface comprising the thin region where the coating and the substrate are closest to each other; B. exposing at least one part of the total area of the coating to a flux of electromagnetic energy, Such as a focused excimer laser beam, sufficient to disrupt the interface but insufficient to ablate the coating, and C. removing the parts of the coating in registry with the portion of the interface area that was disrupted, by means such as ultrasonic agitation. The process has advantages over photo-resist processes in that there is no residual chemical resist left on the product and no undercutting of the pattern or image. It has advantages over laser ablation processes in that higher throughput is possible at the same energy level and there is no microscopic debris left on the product surface.

Abstract: Patterned articles, such as RFID antenna, are made by subablation, a process comprising the steps of:

Abstract: Patterned articles, such as RFID antenna, are made by subablation, a process comprising the steps of: A. providing a substrate having a coating, such as a metal or metal oxide, and an interface comprising the thin region where the coating and the substrate are closest to each other; B. exposing at least one part of the total area of the coating to a flux of electromagnetic energy, such as a focused excimer laser beam, sufficient to disrupt the interface but insufficient to ablate the coating; and C. removing the parts of the coating in registry with the portion of the interface area that was disrupted, by means such as ultrasonic agitation. The process has advantages over photo-resist processes in that there is no residual chemical resist left on the product and no undercutting of the pattern or image. It has advantages over laser ablation processes in that higher throughput is possible at the same energy level and there is no microscopic debris left on the product surface.