Abstract: The current invention relates to a patterned optical device comprises a patterned cholesteric liquid crystal polymer layer where different domains of the pattern reflect different colors and where luminescent molecules are embedded in a subset of said reflective domains or in a separate layer. The current invention also relates to an optical security device comprises overt reflective OVD images and covert luminescent images with multiple authentication levels including detection of polarized reflections and emissions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a transmissive or reflective optical security device, containing a hidden image, that is based on patterned retardation in a single layer of a nematic liquid crystal polymer on a substrate and methods of fabricating said hidden image by selectively modifying the retardation value. Fabrication methods that are compatible with high throughput standard roll-to-roll or printing lines are disclosed. Said image becomes visible under polarized illumination. The hidden image feature enhances the counterfeiting resistance of the security device.

Abstract: The current invention relates to methods for generating images with multiple reflection colors in a single layer of cholesteric liquid crystal polymer (CLCP) for optical security applications such as optical devices and labels for brand protection or document security. The multicolor feature enhances the counterfeiting resistance of a CLCP based optical devices, in addition to its intrinsic polarized selective reflection and being an optical variable device. The fabrication methods include: digital printing on CLCP, the use of heat transfer masks and UV masks as well as hot stamping techniques. Embodiments are presented that adapt the above methods to continuous, roll-to-roll printing lines.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an optical security device and an optical security system in which hidden images that are invisible to the naked eye under unpolarized illumination, become visible under either linearly or circularly polarized illumination. Preferred fabrication methods of said optical security device are disclosed.

Abstract: A polarization-sensitive beaded retro-reflective sheeting having cholesteric liquid crystal material as the specular reflective coating and methods of making the same are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an optical security device and an optical security system in which hidden images that are invisible to the naked eye under unpolarized illumination, become visible under either linearly or circularly polarized illumination. Preferred fabrication methods of said optical security device are disclosed.

Abstract: A polarization-sensitive beaded retro-reflective sheeting having cholesteric liquid crystal material as the specular reflective coating and methods of making the same are described.

Abstract: Methods of applying covert features using security inks comprise transparent chiral birefringent pigments or a mixture of transparent chiral birefringent pigments and reflective pigments are described. Hidden features appear to be bright and achromatic against dark background when overlaid with circular polarizer.

Abstract: Herein provided is a liquid crystal cell manufacturing process and assembly system. Mechanical steps are performed under substantially atmospheric conditions (as opposed to in a vacuum environment) thereby simplifying liquid crystal cell assembly. Under such conditions, it is economically feasible to produce large panel, bubble-free liquid crystal cells.

Abstract: An image display system includes a polarized image projection device, a polarization preserving transmissive diffusiver, and a polarizing reflector element as a non-blocking mirror (referred to as a “combiner”). The combination of a polarization preserving transmissive diffuser or rear projection screen and a polarizing reflector results in a high brightness HUD for applications including automotive, aerospace, or other applications where HUD systems are used. The system also maintains the low haze and high transmittance of the windshield that will meet the requirement of standards of windshields for motor vehicles and similar applications.

Abstract: A patterned liquid crystal structure and methods of making such patterned liquid structures is disclosed herein. The structure includes a first and second substrate having a pattern region between the first and second substrate. Liquid crystal material is provided at regions other than the pattern region between the first and second substrate. This is a significant advantage over conventional patterned switchable structures since the contacts are greatly simplified.

Abstract: A method of producing an iridescent reflecting surface on an object is presented. Flakes of dry non metallic reflecting material such as cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) material are applied to the surface so that the flakes are parallel with the surface and bound with a binder to the surface.

Abstract: Disclosed are super broadband circularly polarizing film materials and novels methods of fabricating and using the same. The circularly polarizing materials are made from a film of material, such as a CLC polymer having a cholesteric order, in which a liquid crystal material, such as a nematic liquid crystal material, is distributed in a non-linear fashion across the thickness of the film in a plurality of liquid crystal-rich and liquid crystal-depleted sites in the CLC polymer. The pitch of the helices of the CLC molecules in the polyermized CLC material varies in a non-linear (e.g. exponential) manner along the depth dimension (i.e. transverse to the surface) thereof. The resulting circularly polarizing materials have reflection and transmission characteristics over bands of operation approaching 2000 nm. Depending on the final spiral structure of the materials utilized, the CLC circularly polarizing materials reflect either left-handed or right-handed circularly polarized light.

Abstract: A light controlling film is disclosed, comprising a polymerized polymer network varying spatially in a direction normal to the film surface, where the polymerized polymer network is a crosslinked high molecular weight polymeric material mixed with a low molecular weight nematic material exhibiting cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) order, wherein an electric field impressed in the film controls the reflection bandwidth of circularly polarized light.

Abstract: Flexible electrically switchable panels or glazing structures and methods of manufacturing such flexible electrically switchable panels or glazing structures are provided. Particularly, methods and processes are disclosed that enable fast and efficient cutting and shaping of flexible glazing structures into any desired shape and size. In certain embodiments, methods and processes are disclosed whereby barrier lines are formed to define regular or irregular cutting lines and seals. In further embodiments, methods and processes are disclosed whereby notches are defined to expose upper and lower substrate conductive surfaces. In still further embodiments, methods and processes are disclosed whereby glazing structures of irregular shapes and sizes are formed.

Abstract: A method of producing an iridescent reflecting surface on an object is presented. Flakes of dry non metallic reflecting material such as cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) material are applied to the surface so that the flakes are parallel with the surface and bound with a binder to the surface.

Abstract: Herein provided is a liquid crystal cell manufacturing process and assembly system. Mechanical steps are performed under substantially atmospheric conditions (as opposed to in a vacuum environment) thereby simplifying liquid crystal cell assembly. Under such conditions, it is economically feasible to produce large panel, bubble-free liquid crystal cells.

Abstract: Disclosed are super broadband circularly polarizing film materials and novels methods of fabricating and using the same. The circularly polarizing materials are made from a film of material, such as a CLC polymer having a cholesteric order, in which a liquid crystal material, such as a nematic liquid crystal material, is distributed in a non-linear fashion across the thickness of the film in a plurality of liquid crystal-rich and liquid crystal-depleted sites in the CLC polymer. The pitch of the helices of the CLC molecules in the polyermized CLC material varies in a non-linear (e.g. exponential) manner along the depth dimension (i.e. transverse to the surface) thereof. The resulting circularly polarizing materials have reflection and transmission characteristics over bands of operation approaching 2000 nm. Depending on the final spiral structure of the materials utilized, the CLC circularly polarizing materials reflect either left-handed or right-handed circularly polarized light.

Abstract: A method of producing an iridescent reflecting surface on an object is presented. Flakes of dry non metallic reflecting material such as cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) material are applied to the surface so that the flakes are parallel with the surface and bound with a binder to the surface.

Abstract: A reflective liquid crystal display (LCD) including a cholesteric liquid crystal polarizing device and a liquid crystal cell superimposed with one another. In various embodiments, the reflective LCD may be a normally white mode or normally black mode device. In another variation, the liquid crystal cell may include a 90° twisted nematic liquid crystal.