Abstract: Multi-layer optical film (10) comprising optical layers reflecting at least 50 percent of incident UV light over specified wavelength ranges. Embodiments of the multi-layer optical films are useful, for example, as a UV protective covering.

Abstract: Solar energy collection assemblies comprising a surface structured polyurethane layer. The structured polyurethane layer includes a cross-linkable reaction mixture and at least one UV stabilizer. The cross-linkable reaction mixture includes a polyol, a polyisocyanate and optionally a catalyst.

Abstract: A multilayer optical body is disclosed. The optical body includes an optical film including polyester, a first skin layer is disposed on at least one side of the polyester optical film, and a strippable skin layer is disposed on the first skin layer. The first skin layer includes a mixture of a polyacrylate and an anti-static polymer. Methods of making such optical bodies are also disclosed.

Abstract: A multilayered polymer film includes a first set of optical layers and a second set of optical layers. The first set of optical layers is made from a polyester which is often birefringent. The polyesters of the first set of optical layers typically have a composition in which 70-100 mol % of the carboxylate subunits are first carboxylate subunits and 0-30 mol % are comonomer carboxylate subunits and 70 to 100 mol % of the glycol subunits are first glycol subunits and 0 to 30 mol % of the glycol subunits are comonomer glycol subunits, where at least 0.5 mol % of the combined carboxylate and glycol subunits are comonomer carboxylate or comonomer glycol subunits. The multilayered polymer film may be used to form, for example, a reflective polarizer or a mirror.

Abstract: Broadband reflectors include a UV-reflective multilayer optical film and a VIS/IR-reflective layer. In various embodiments, the VIS/IR reflective layer may be a reflective metal layer or a multilayer optical film.

Abstract: A nanostructured article comprises a matrix and a nanoscale dispersed phase. The nanostructured article has a random nanostructured anisotropic surface.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an architectural article comprising a multilayer optical film comprising optically thin polymeric layers, wherein at least one of the optically thin polymeric layers comprises a fluoropolymer, and wherein the multilayer optical film is UV-stable.

Abstract: An article, method of using, and method of making a multilayer optical film comprising an optical stack, wherein the optical stack comprises a plurality of first optical layers, each first optical layer comprising a melt-processible copolymer comprising interpolymerized monomers of tetrafluoroethylene, with the proviso that the melt-processible copolymer is not fluorinated ethylene-propylene copolymer or a perfluoroalkoxy resin; and a second polymer layer disposed in a repeating sequence with the plurality of first optical layers, each second optical layer comprising a non-fluorinated polymeric material selected from the group consisting of poly(methyl methacrylate); copolymers of poly(methyl methacrylate); polypropylene; copolymers of polypropylene; polystyrenes; copolymers of styrene; polyvinylidene chloride; polycarbonates; thermoplastic polyurethanes; copolymers of ethylene; cyclic olefin copolymers; and combinations thereof is described.

Abstract: Presently described are multilayer optical films comprising an optical stack comprising at least one first birefringent optical layer; at least one (e.g. isotropic) second optical layer having a birefringence of less than 0.04 at 633 nm, and optionally at least one skin layer. The second layer, skin layer, or a combination thereof comprises a blend of at least one methyl methacrylate polymer and at least one styrene-acrylonitrile polymer.

Abstract: A display system has a controlled transmission mirror disposed between the light sources and the display panel. The controlled transmission mirror includes a light-diverting input coupling element facing the light sources, a light-diverting output coupling element facing the display panel and a multilayer reflector between the input and output coupling elements. The controlled transmission mirror laterally spreads the light, making the illumination of the panel more uniform. The controlled transmission mirror may include a transparent substrate between the input and output coupling elements for additional light spreading. The light sources may be positioned within the controlled transmission mirror, rather than behind it. The output coupling element can be insensitive to polarization, so the light passing out of the controlled transmission mirror is unpolarized, or the output coupling element can be polarization sensitive so that the output light is polarized.

Abstract: A method of making an optical body an optical body is disclosed. The method includes coextruding a first skin layer and a first strippable skin layer on a first side of an optical layer. The first skin layer is disposed between the optical layer and the first strippable skin layer. The first skin layer includes a mixture of a polyacrylate and a second polymer which may or may not be miscible in the polyacrylate. The second polymer may be an anti-static polymer.

Abstract: A multilayer optical body is disclosed. The optical body includes an optical film including polyester, a first skin layer is disposed on at least one side of the polyester optical film, and a strippable skin layer is disposed on the first skin layer. The first skin layer includes a mixture of a polyacrylate and a second polymer. Methods of making such optical bodies are also disclosed.

Abstract: A multilayer optical body is disclosed. The optical body includes an optical film including polyester, a first skin layer is disposed on at least one side of the polyester optical film, and a strippable skin layer is disposed on the first skin layer. The first skin layer includes a mixture of a polyacrylate and an anti-static polymer. Methods of making such optical bodies are also disclosed.

Abstract: A co-extrusion method for making a replicated film. The method includes the steps of providing at least three materials and co-extruding them between a nip roll and a structured roll. The materials include a backside layer material, a core layer material, and a replicated layer material. The structured roll has a surface structure that is replicated onto the replicated layer, and the core layer is an internally conformable layer that conforms with the replicated layer.

Abstract: A backlight that includes a front reflector and a back reflector that form a hollow light recycling cavity including an output surface is disclosed. The backlight further includes one or more light sources disposed to emit light into the light recycling cavity. The front reflector includes an on-axis average reflectivity of at least 90% for visible light polarized in a first plane, and an on-axis average reflectivity of at least 25% but less than 90% for visible light polarized in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane.

Abstract: A composite having (a) a substrate that has opposing first and second surfaces, the substrate being at least 90% transmissive in visible light and has less than 5% haze, (b) a nanostructured article including a matrix and a nanoscale dispersed phase and having a random nanostructured anisotropic surface; and (c) an optically clear adhesive disposed on the second surface of the substrate.

Abstract: Multilayer films are provided that exhibit a colored appearance when viewed at an oblique angle as a result of one or more reflection bands in the visible region of the spectrum. The films however provide no substantial reflection bands in either the visible or near infrared regions for light normally incident on the film. The films can be made to shift from clear at normal incidence to an arbitrary designed color at an oblique angle without necessarily becoming cyan.

Abstract: A backlight unit (10) has a hollow cavity (16) instead of employing a light guide. One or more light sources (24a-c), such as LEDs, are arranged to emit light into the cavity, which is formed by a front (12) and a back reflector (14). The backlight is typically of the edge-lit type. The backlight can have a large area, is thin and consists of fewer components than conventional devices. Its design permits light recycling. The unit emits light of a predefined polarisation and can be arranged to have desired horizontal/vertical viewing angle properties. Light is uniformly distributed within the guide and the light output (20b, 2Od) is substantially collimated. Such backlights occupy a specific region in a parameter space defined by two parameters: first, the ratio of the output emission area to the total source emission area should lie in the range 0.0001 to 0.

Abstract: A method of making an optical film includes the steps of making a substrate having a first major surface and a second major surface opposite the first surface and forming a plurality of curved sided cone structures on the first surface. Each of the curved sided cone structures include a base located on the first surface, a vertex, and a curved side formed from an arc extending between the base and the vertex. The optical gain and viewing angle for the film can be controlled by adjusting angles representing a shape of each curved sided cone structure at its vertex and base.

Abstract: A method of making an optical film includes providing a film, substantially uniaxially orienting the film, and heat setting the oriented film. The film includes a polymeric material capable of developing birefringence.