Abstract: The invention relates to an optical film containing polymers having different repeating units, and methods for production thereof. Further, the invention also relates to an optical laminate, a polarizing plate, and an image display device each using the optical film. The optical film of the invention advantageously has not only high solubility in solvents but also a high level of transparency since the polymers used in the optical film are compatible with each other. Further, wavelength dispersion of the birefringence of the optical film can be controlled by merely changing a ratio of polymers.

Abstract: Provided are an ultrasonic inspection device, an ultrasonic inspection method, and an atomic power plant nondestructive inspection method that are capable of efficiently generating ultrasonic waves having a sufficient intensity and that are capable of carrying out preferable inspection in a wide range. Provided is an ultrasonic inspection device including a laser device that emits output-adjusted laser light and a volumetric inspection ultrasonic-wave transmitting unit having a transmitting diaphragm that generates ultrasonic waves upon being irradiated with the laser light emitted by the laser device, inspection being carried out by radiating the ultrasonic waves generated by the transmitting diaphragm of the volumetric inspection ultrasonic-wave transmitting unit on a structural member, wherein the transmitting diaphragm is formed of titanium.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical film containing polyester with a specific structure, and methods for production thereof. Further, the invention also relates to an optical laminate, a polarizing plate, and an image display device each using the optical film. The polyester may be obtained by condensation polymerization of dicarboxylic acid compound(s) and bisphenol compound(s), and preferably has no halogen atom in its chemical structure. According to the invention, high productivity of the optical film can be achieved since the polyester has a high solubility in solvents, and an environmental loading for production can be reduced.

Abstract: A composition for an optical waveguide is provided which contains no halogen atom and has no light absorption band in a visible to near-infrared spectral range. A method of preparing the composition is also provided. The composition includes: (A) a fine particulate zirconium oxide material including zirconium oxide fine particles, and a silicone oligomer and a silicone oligomer polymer bonded to outer peripheral surfaces of the zirconium oxide fine particles; and (B) a photoacid generator. For preparation of the composition, the fine particulate zirconium oxide material (A) is prepared by mixing a silicone oligomer in an aqueous dispersion of zirconium oxide fine particles, polymerizing the silicone oligomer in an acidic pH range to provide a silicone oligomer polymer, and bonding the silicone oligomer and the silicone oligomer polymer to outer peripheral surfaces of the zirconium oxide fine particles. Then, the photoacid generator (B) is blended with the fine particulate zirconium oxide material (A).

Abstract: An ultrasonic inspection apparatus is provided in which the size of the apparatus can be made compact by using laser light, the degradation and deformation of the inspected object is prevented, and a broad range of inspections can be carried out. An ultrasonic inspection apparatus (1) is provided with a laser apparatus (5) that irradiates laser light and a volumetric inspection ultrasonic wave transmitter (17) having a transmitting diaphragm (39) that is irradiated by the laser light emitted by the laser apparatus (5) and that generates ultrasonic waves (C); and the ultrasonic inspection apparatus (1) carries out volumetric inspections by irradiating the ultrasonic waves (C) that are generated by the transmitting diaphragm (39) of the ultrasonic wave transmitting portion (17) to the inspected object.