Abstract: A film suitable for use as the light modulating unit of a light valve comprises a cross-linked polymer matrix having droplets of a liquid light valve suspension distributed in the cross-linked polymer matrix, and a light valve comprising such a film.

Abstract: An organic solid electrolyte and an electrochromic device using the electrolyte are disclosed. The organic solid electrolyte comprises in combination a monosaccharide represented by the general formula: (CH.sub.2 O)n wherein n is an integer of 5 to 7, or a derivative thereof, as at least part of a substrate, and a salt. The electrochromic device is manufactured by interposing the organic solid electrolyte between a transparent electrode having an electrochromic substance deposited thereon and a counter electrode.

Abstract: Dispersions of electrically conductive particles useful for preparing electrically conductive, essentially ionically isolative composite layers having electrically conductive particles dispersed in a polymer matrix. Composite layers can be used in laminates for electrochromic displays where an ionically conductive layer is in contact with electrochromic material. Such displays comprise means for applying an electrical potential across the interface of the ionically conductive layer and the electrochromic material to generate an electrochromic effect at the interface. Electrochromic materials can be provided in the laminates as layers between the ionically conductive layer and the composite layer of electrically conductive particles dispersed in a polymer matrix. Alternatively, the electrochromic material can be incorporated in the conductive particles in the polymer matrix, e.g. as titanium dioxide coated with antimony tin oxide coated with polyaniline dispersed in an light transmitting polymer matrix.

Abstract: A film for a light valve is made by phase separation of a mixture comprising a homogeneous polymeric solution and a liquid suspension of light-polarizing particles. Uniform liquid-suspension droplets in a polymeric matrix are formed by phase separation processing, e.g., by polymerization or solvent evaporation. Such simple, one-step processing results in cost reduction in display and window applications. Sealing problems of conventional light valves are alleviated.

Abstract: A thermal-dye-bleach construction comprising a dye in association with a thermal dye-bleaching agent of general formula I: ##STR1## wherein: each of R.sup.a and R.sup.b are individually selected from: hydrogen, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, a cycloalkyl group, an aralkyl group, an aryl group, and a heterocyclic group, and preferably, both R.sup.a and R.sup.b represent hydrogen;p is one or two, and when p is one, Z is a monovalent group selected from: an akyl group, a cycloalkyl group, an alkenyl group, an alkynyl group, an aralkyl group, an aryl group, and a heterocyclic group, and when p is two, Z is a divalent group selected from: an alkylene group, an arylene group, an alkenylene group, an alkynylene group, an aralkylene group, a cycloalkene group, and a heterocyclic group; and,M.sup.+ is a cation which will not react with a carbanion generated from the thermal-carbanion-generating agent in such manner as to render the carbanion ineffective as a bleaching agent for the dye.

Abstract: An inhomogeneous broadband absorber of electromagnetic energy constructed from an aerogel-lossy dielectric composite, where the concentration of the lossy dielectric increase across its thickness such that the composite's dielectric properties vary from those of the aerogel to those of the lossy dielectric. Materials useful for serving as the lossy dielectric include polar molecules, polar icosahedral molecules, polyaniline electron-conducting polymers, and polyprrole electron-conducting polymers. Another inhomogeneous layer absorber is constructed from an aerogel that is intrinsically a lossy dielectric. The variation in dielectric properties is achieved by increasing the density of the aerogel across the thickness of the material. Aerogel materials for such an absorber include organic aerogels which have been pyrolized in an inert atmosphere to give vitreous carbon aerogels. Methods for fabricating these absorbers are described.

Abstract: A method of forming hemispheric bichromal balls, including the steps bringing together two streams of differently colored hardenable liquids for forming a single side-by-side bichromal stream, expelling said single side-by-side bichromal stream into a fluid as one or more free jets whose forward ends becomes unstable and break up into droplets which form into spherical balls, each of the balls comprising hemispheres of differently colored hardenable liquid, and finally hardening the balls.

Abstract: The specification discloses electrochemichromic solutions and devices based on the use of solvents comprising at least about 25% 3-hydroxypropionitrile, 3,3'-oxydipropionitrile, 2-acetylbutyrolactone, 2-methylglutaronitrile, 3-methylsulfolane and mixtures thereof. The specification also discloses vacuum backfilling techniques for filling electrochemichromic cells and enhanced UV stability through solvent self-screening.

Abstract: The present invention provides solution-phase electrochromic devices, including such devices that are single-compartment and self-erasing, in which the media of variable transmittance are solutions comprising, as cathodic electrochromic compounds, certain 4,4'-bipyridinium salts, such as salts of 1,1'-dibenzyl-2,2',6,6'-tetraalkyl-4,4'-bipyridinium cations. Electrochromic devices of the invention are components of variable transmittance in display devices, windows and other types of light filters, and variable reflectance mirrors, such as those that can be used as dimmable rearview mirrors in motor vehicles.

Abstract: This invention concerns an electrolytic material in the form of a solid gel for the modulation of light comprising a homogeneous mixture of:(A) at least one organic solvent;(B) at least one salt of an electrodepositable metal;( C ) at least one organic acid; and(D) at least one salt of a non-electrodepositable metal that facilitates the solubilization of metal salt (B);characterized in that it comprises in addition:(E) at least one agent gelling said mixture to a non-flowing, transparent, solid gel state.

Abstract: Devices and methods for generating electrogenerated chemiluminescence, using an electrode which is coated with an immobilized layer of a compound capable of generating ECL. The coated electrode can be immersed along with a second electrode into an electrolyte solution containing a reactant which can react with the immobilized compound to generate ECL.

Abstract: A thermal-dye-bleach construction comprising a dye in association with a thermal dye-bleaching agent of general formula I: ##STR1## wherein: each of R.sup.a and R.sup.b are individually selected from: hydrogen, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, a cycloalkyl group, an aralkyl group, an aryl group, and a heterocyclic group, and preferably, both R.sup.a and R.sup.b represent hydrogen;p is one or two, and when p is one, Z is a monovalent group selected from: an alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group, an alkenyl group, an alkynyl group, an aralkyl group, an aryl group, and a heterocyclic group, and when p is two, Z is a divalent group selected from: an alkylene group, an arylene group, an alkenylene group, an alkynylene group, an aralkylene group, a cycloalkene group, and a heterocyclic group; and,M.sup.+ is cation which will not react with acarbanion generated from the thermal-carbanion-generating agent in such manner as to render the carbanion ineffective as a bleaching agent for the dye.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a novel compound suited for use as a piezochromic material.This invention relates to a crystal comprising an indolinospirobenzothiopyran derivative of the following general formula and its ring opened isomer. ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 stands for C.sub.1-20 alkyl, aralkyl, methacryloxymethyl or a methacryloxyethyl; R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5, R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 may for example be hydrogen; R.sup.8 may for example be hydrogen or methacryloxymethyl.The invention further relates to a process for producing the crystal.

Abstract: A thermal-dye-bleach construction comprising a polymethine dye having a nucleus of general formula I: ##STR1## in association with a thermal-carbanion-generating agent having the general formula: ##STR2## wherein the substituents are as defined in the specification and claims.

Abstract: The invention involves a bleachable antihalation system, particularly for use in thermally developable photographic recording materials. This antihalation system contains, besides an antihalation dye, a bleaching agent that forms sulfurous acid or sulfurous acid derivatives on treatment with heat or irradiation with actinic radiation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a class of bridged phthalides and sulfinate esters which exhibit reversible thermochromism. At room temperature and in the presence of base, these compounds are substantially colorless but upon the application of heat they become colored, reverting to their original colorless or weakly colored state upon cooling. This colorless to colored, temperature-dependent cycle can be repeated many times. These compounds have utility as temperature sensors and as thermal pH indicators.

Abstract: Electrochromic optical device and method to produce the same. The device includes first substrate (1) on the one side of the substrate a first transparent conductor (2) on the conductor a first electrochromic layer (3), a second substrate (4), on the one side of the second substrate a second transparent conductor (5), on the second transparent conductor, a second electrochromic layer (6), the two substrates are laminated to each other by means of a solid state polymer with their sides carrying the respective transparent conductor and electrochromic layer facing each other. The polymer work as an ion conductor and is based on methylacrylate and poly(propyleneglycol) doped with a metal salt.

Abstract: The invention provides improved solution-phase electrochromic devices, wherein the solution of reversibly variable transmittance is tinted with a tint-providing compound, and solutions of reversibly variable transmittance for use in the improved devices of the invention. An electrochromic device of the invention can be used, for example, as the component of reversibly variable transmittance in a variable-reflectance motor vehicle mirror. Among such mirrors provided by the invention are blue-tinted mirrors.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an epoxy-containing polymeric material having nonlinear optical properties, particularly a glycidyl amine polymer, and a process for making the nonlinear optical (NLO) epoxy-containing polymeric material including poling the polymeric material under high voltage at elevated temperature for a period of time to bring about orientation of the nonlinear optical functionalities in the polymer. The polymers have enhanced thermal stability and good NLO properties.

Abstract: This invention relates to the paper-making domain and especially to a forgery-proof safety paper, which includes on its surface and/or in its mass, at least one compound responding to formula: ##STR1## in which: R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 may be either H, OH, or OR,R being a hydrocarbon chain, substituted or not, straight, cyclic or aromatic,with A forming one or more cycles, substituted or not. This invention is particularly applicable to forgery-proof safety papers such as cheques or handwritten documents for payment.

Abstract: This invention provides novel self-assembled multilayer organic thin films including an azo-benzene chromophore which initially appear substantially amorphous when viewed perpendicular to the film surface, but are subsequently treated with a laser in selected areas so that such portions exhibit photo-induced birefringence.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel electrochromic materials useful as electrochromic electrodes in eletrochromic cells and to their preparation process. These materials are constituted by at least one transition metal oxyhydroxide chosen from among H.sub.2 Ti.sub.3 O.sub.7 and HNbWO.sub.6, H.sub.2 O or by a thin film obtained by vacuum evaporation of at least one of these oxyhydroxides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electrochromic solutions and devices manufactured therefrom. More precisely, the invention relates to electrochemichromic solutions, and those devices manufactured with the same, that demonstrate superior responsiveness to those solutions known heretofore when an applied potential is introduced thereto. That is, the responsiveness observed in terms of solution coloring is of a greater rapidity, intensity and uniformity than those electrochemichromic solutions of the prior art. Preparation of these solutions involve the novel process of pre-treating at least one of the electrochemichromic compounds with a redox agent prior to placing it in contact with the other electrochemichromic compound. Moreover, the present invention relates to methods of preparing such novel solutions and processes for using these solutions to provide devices that exhibit and benefit from the aforementioned superior characteristics.

Abstract: Materials possessing ionic conductivity which are suitable for use as electrolytes, notably in electrochromic systems, comprising an ionomer obtained by the neutralization of a Bronsted polyacid by an MOH alkali metal hydroxide, the neutralization rate .alpha. being such that 0<.alpha.<.alpha..sub.m, where .alpha..sub.m is the neutralization rate beyond which a phase separation takes place. The ionomer comprises a polymeric chain having a plurality of anionic groups affixed thereto and a plurality of alkaline cations associated therewith. The material further comprises a polar solvent, capable of solubilizing or plasticizing the ionomer and of assuring a partial ionic diassociation as well as transporting the M.sup.+ ions. Optionally, this material may comprise, in addition to the above, a Bronsted polybase soluble in the polar solvent which does not form a solid precipitate with the ionomer and an MX inorganic salt wherein M.sup.

Abstract: In one embodiment this invention provides a frequency doubling optical waveguide consisting of a substrate-supported polymeric thin film waveguiding layer, in combination with one or more polymeric cladding layers. The waveguiding layer comprises moieties which exhibit nonlinear optical properties as well as anomalous dispersion of refractive index such that, under wave propagating conditions, the effective dispersion .DELTA.N of the waveguiding layer is zero, and the fundamental and second harmonic waves are phase matched over the length of the waveguide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high performance nonlinear optical device by utilizing an optical medium of large second order nonlinear optical effects, which has acceptable processability and stability. The second-order nonlinear optical device of the present invention comprises an optical element of a monoclinic crystal of 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-4'-nitrostilbene represented by the formula (I): ##STR1## said crystal belonging to space group P2.sub.1, point group #4, said optical element having at least one substantially optically smooth surface.

Abstract: This invention embodies an optical medium which consists of polar, multi-monomolecular layers of organic dye molecules with a net polar orientation, considerable second order optical nonlinearity, and excellent thermal stability. The medium is prepared by repeated sequential depositions on a surface of multivalent metal ions, e.g. Zr.sup.4+, and organic dyes terminated with an acidic functionality, e.g. a phosphonic acid, followed by activation of the surface for the next deposition sequence. The monolayers are deposited in the form of a multilayer film containing up to 1000 or more monolayers. The monolayers are deposited from liquid solutions; therefore they may be deposited on substrates having diverse topography and configurations. Second harmonic generation (SHG) analysis establishes that the multilayers have uniform polar order which does not decrease with increasing numbers of monolayers in the film.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an electrolytic material for use in light modulation devices. The material consists essentially of four components:(1) at least one organic solvent;(2) at least one salt of an electrodepositable metal;(3) at least one organic acid; and(4) at least one salt of a non-electrodepositable metal which facilitates the dissolution of the salt of the electrodepositable metal.

Abstract: A hydrophilic contact lens is disclsoed incorporating melanin that protects the eye from harmful radiation and superoxide.

Abstract: New compounds of the spiro-indoline-oxazine class possessing photochromatic and photosensitizing charecteristics are definable by the general formula (I): ##STR1## where the substituents R, R.sup.1 -R.sup.7 and A are as defined in the description. The process for preparing the compounds (I) is described, as is their use as photochromic agents able to confer photochromatic characteristics on the articles in which they are incorporated, and as photosensitizing agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of manufacture of an essentially smooth texture-free conductive polymer comprising poly(dithiophene) which is subsequently doped with a dopant comprising an organometallic compound, preferably an optionally substituted metal phthalocyanine. Specifically, the process relates to a process to produce a smooth, texture-free conductive polymer comprising poly(dithiophene) and an organometallic compound which process comprises:A. contacting a solution itself comprising:(a) dithiophene is present in between about 0.01 and 0.001 M concentration;(b) a water-soluble salt of an optionally substituted organometallic wherein the metal is selected from iron, copper, cobalt or nickel, at a concentration of between about 0.01 and 10 mM;(c) in a solution of acetonitrile/water in a ratio of between about 30:70 and 10:90 percent by volume with a cycling potential of between about 0.1 volts and 10 volts at between about 0.degree. and 95.degree. C. for between about (0.

Abstract: The specification discloses electrochemichromic solutions and devices based on the use of from about 0.5 percent by volume of at least one linear polyether which is soluble in the electrochemichromic solution to reduce segregation without unduly affecting leakage current.

Abstract: Optical elements comprising noncentrosymmetric crystalline organic compounds are provided, that are capable of second harmonic generation. The invention further provides for nonlinear optical devices and modulators incorporating the optical elements.

Abstract: A thermal-dye-bleach construction comprising a thermal nucleophile-generating agent in association with a polymethine dye having a nucleus of general formula (I): ##STR1## in which: n is 0, 1, 2 or 3;R.sup.1 and R.sup.4 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atoms, optionally substituted alkyl groups of up to 30 carbon atoms, optionally substituted alkenyl groups of up to 30 carbon atoms and optionally substituted aryl groups of up to 14 carbon atoms; andR.sup.1 and R.sup.2 together and/or R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 together may represent the necessary atoms to complete a 5 or 6-membered optionally substituted heterocyclic ring; orone or more of R.sup.1 to R.sup.4 may represent the necessary atoms to complete an optionally substituted 5 or 6-membered heterocyclic ring fused to the phenyl ring on which the NR.sup.1 R.sup.2 or NR.sup.3 R.sup.4 group is attached;R.sup.5 and R.sup.

Abstract: An improvement of electrochromic devices incorporating a perfluorosulfonic acid polymer ion conducting layer interposed between a working electrode and a counter electrode. The improvement relates to the composition of the perfluorosulfonic acid polymer of the ion conducting layer. In the present invention the composition of the perfluorosulfonate polymer layer is a polymer comprising a substantially fluorinated backbone which has recurring pendant groups attached thereto represented by the formula --O--(CFR'.sub.f).sub.b --(CFR.sub.f).sub.a --SO.sub.3 --, where a=0-3, b=0-3, a+b=at least 1, and R.sub.f and R'.sub.f are independently selected from the group consisting of a halogen and a substantially fluorinated alkyl group having one or more carbon atoms. One example of such a polymer is the copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoro-2-((trifluoroethenyl)oxy)ethane sulfonic acid having an equivalent weight of about 800.

Abstract: New photochromatic and thermochromatic compounds of the spiro-oxazepin-oxazine class are definable by the general formula (I): ##STR1## where the substituents R and R.sub.1 -R.sub.12 are defined in the description.The process for the preparation of the compounds (I) is described, as is their use as photochromatic and thermochromatic agents.

Abstract: In a semiconductor laser wavelength conversion device comprising a semiconductor laser beam souce, a lens, a single crystal of a non-linear optical material and a filter, the non-linear optical material is represented by the general formula, A--(Cx)--B, where (Cx) is --(CH)--or --CH.dbd.CH--C(.dbd.CH)--, A and B are each atomic group comprising a .pi.-electron conjugated structure containing at least one electron withdrawing group or one electron donating group. The device can generate a second harmonic wave having an intensity of 4 or more stronger than that of urea and having a cutoff wavelength of 420 nm or less.

Abstract: Light-polarizing materials, and uses thereof in liquid suspensions, set suspensions and light valves.

Abstract: An optical article capable of modulating the reflection of polarized monochromatic electromagnetic radiation is disclosed comprising a reflective metal layer having a thickness of less than 0.5 .mu.m, means acting as a support for directing polarized electromagnetic radiation to the reflective metal layer, a dielectric layer interposed between the support and the reflective metal layer having a refractive index less than that of the support and a thickness in the range of from 0.1 to 10 times the wavelength of electromagnetic radiation directed toward the reflective metal layer, an electrooptic medium that exhibits a refractive index which is a function of an applied electrical potential, and a counter electrode. The optical article is characterized in that it is capable of modulating the reflection of polarized monochromatic electromagnetic radiation from differing wavelength sources to produce a multicolor image.

Abstract: New photochromatic and thermochromatic compounds of the spiro-oxazepin-oxazine class are definable by the general formula (I): ##STR1## where the substituents R and R.sub.1 -R.sub.12 are as defined in the description.The process for the preparation of the compounds (I) is described, as is their use as photochromatic and thermochromatic agents.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a medium incorporating melanin for radiation protection.

Abstract: Melanin is used as the absorbing pigment for radiation protective eyeware. Thus, a melanin-plastic copolymer was formed by adding a catalyst (benzoyl peroxide) to the liquid monomer, diethylene glycol bis allyl carbonate (CR-39), which contained dissolved catechol (a melanin precursor); the solution was heated for one day at 50 degrees celsius and an additional two days at 65 degrees celsius and yielded an optically transparent solid plastic with amber color and with an optical absorption spectrum very close to that associated with melanin.

Abstract: A wavelength converting device exhibiting high activity for SHG is disclosed, which comprises a compound represented by formula (I) ##STR1## where Ar represents the residue of a .pi.-electron conjugated molecule; and X represents a hydroxyl group, an alkoxy group, or a halogen atom.

Abstract: An optical material obtained by electrically polarizing a high polymer molded article obtained from a composition comprising a copolymer of vinylidene cyanide and at least one comonomer selected from vinyl compounds, other vinylidene compounds and dienes having uniformly dispersed therein from 0.1 to 70% by weight of an organic molecular crystal having nonlinear optical effects, with the total amount of the copolymer and the organic molecular crystal being 100% by weight. The optical material has excellent orientation of the organic molecular crystal, great nonlinear optical effects, and excellent moldability.

Abstract: In one embodiment this invention provides a high performance nonlinear optical medium which comprises a transparent organic polymer film containing an array of charge asymmetric molecules such as 13,13-diamino-14,14-dicyanodiphenoquinodimethane: ##STR1##

Abstract: An optical element, such as a wave guide, having non-linear optical properties, suitable for use in optical devices in which it is desirable to alter the characteristics of the light, comprising a transparent or reflecting substrate having at least a partial superficial coating comprising alternating monolayers of a first non-linear optical (NLO) compound of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R is an non-hydrophilic aliphatic or cycloaliphatic group containing from 8 to 40 carbon atoms;m is 1 or 2;R.sup.1 is NO.sub.2, CN or COOR.sup.2 ;R.sup.2 is H or C.sub.1-4 -alkyl;n is from 1 to 4; andR.sup.3 is H, a metal or a group containing a tetravalent N atom anda second NLO compound of the formula: ##STR2## wherein T is H, a metal or a group containing a tetravalent N atom;X is S, O, ##STR3## T.sup.1 is NO.sub.2, CN or COOY; Y is selected from H, C.sub.1-4 -alkyl, a metal or a group containing a tetravalent N atom;T.sup.2 and T.sup.

Abstract: Certain derivatives of stilbene and diphenylacetylene are capable of second harmonic generation when illuminated by coherent optical radiation.

Abstract: An image forming device is provided which comprises an image forming layer containing molecules of an organic compound capable of phase transition, and functional molecules such as those of a photochromic compound. An image forming process is also provided which employs the above-mentioned device.

Abstract: (i) A compound of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R is H, a metal or a group containing a tetravalent N atom;X is ##STR2## R.sup.1 is NO.sub.2, CN or COOY; Y is H, C.sub.1-4 -alkyl, a metal or a group containing a tetravalent N atom;R.sup.2 & R.sup.3 are each independently H or a non-hydrophilic aliphatic or cycloaliphatic group containing up to 30 carbon atoms;R.sup.4 & R.sup.5 are each independently H or a non-hydrophilic aliphatic or cycloaliphatic group containing up to 30 carbon atoms;and R.sup.6 & R.sup.7 are each independently H or a non-hydrophilic group containing up to 4 carbon atoms;or R.sup.4 & R.sup.6 together comprise ring fused to Ring A and R.sup.5 & R.sup.7 are as hereinbefore defined;or R.sup.5 & R.sup.7 together comprise ring fused to Ring A and R.sup.4 & R.sup.6 are as hereinbefore defined;or R.sup.2 & R.sup.4 together with the N atom to which R.sup.2 is attached from a ring fused to Ring A and R.sup.3 & R.sup.5 are as hereinbefore defined;or R.sup.3 & R.sup.

Abstract: There is provided a process for the production of a composition and, in particular, of a ferromagnetic liquid crystal. The process comprises (1) forming a micro-emulsion by dispersing an aqueous solution containing ferrous cations and ferric cations in an oil in the presence of a surfactant and a co-surfactant such that the aqueous solution becomes a liquid phase dispersed in ther oil as a discontinuous liquid phase, and (2) reacting the ferrous cations and ferric cations with a chemical compound to form ferromagnetic particles in situ in the aqueous solution. According to the invention, this process is useful in forming magnetite particles (Fe.sub.3 O.sub.4) from 1 to 100 mm. in size.