Abstract: Disclosed are fused ring bridge, ring-locked dyes that form thermally stable photorefractive compositions. The fused ring bridge structures are &pgr;-conjugated bonds in benzene-, naphthalene- or anthracene-derived fused ring systems that connect donor and acceptor groups. The donor and acceptor groups contribute to a high molecular dipole moment and linear polarizability anisotropy. The polarization characteristics of the dye molecules are stabilized since the bonds in the fused ring bridge are not susceptible to rotation, reducing the opportunity for photoisomerization. The dyes are compatible with polymeric compositions, including thermoplastics. The dyes are electrically neutral but have charge transport, electronic and orientational properties such that upon illumination of a composition containing the dye, the dye facilitates refractive index modulation and a photorefractive effect that can be utilized advantageously in numerous applications such as in optical quality devices and biological imaging.

Abstract: Disclosed are compounds of formula V wherein M is selected from: a metal atom; a metal compound; 2H whereby one H is bonded to each of the two nitrogen atoms depicted as being bonded to M (positions 29 and 31 shown) R3 is H or methyl; R1 and R4 are independently selected from: H, C1 to C4 alkyl, C2 to C4 alkenyl, methoxy, butoxy, propoxy, NH2, NH—(C1 to C4 alkyl), N—(C1 to C4 alkyl)2, S—(C1 to C4 alkyl); R8 to R25 are the same or different and are independently selected from: C1 to C32 alkyl; C2 to C32 alkenyl; X—O—Y; X—phenyl, X2COOX1, X2CONR1R11, H; halide; wherein: X and X2 are independently selected from: a chemical bond, —(CH2)n— wherein n is an integer from 1 to 32, —(CH2)a—CH═CH(CH2)b where a and b are independently selected from integers 0-32 and a+b totals 32; X1 and Y are independently selected from: C1 to C32 alkyl, C2 to C32 alkenyl, and H; R1 and R11 are independently selected from: H; C1 to C32 alkyl, C2 to C

Abstract: An amorphous diamond coating applied onto mirrored optics in an infrared motion sensor to block specific wavelengths of energy from a “white light” source like a halogen lamp, without reducing the reflectivity of the mirror surface in the Mid-Infrared wavelengths. A specific thickness of diamond-like-coating is applied on top of the reflective metal surface of a mirrored part, thereby reducing the mirror's reflectivity at visible and near-Infrared wavelengths known to be problematic for IR motion sensors, such as those emitted from halogen lamps. The coating has no significant detrimental effect on mid-infrared reflectivity, so the IR motion sensor's performance is otherwise unaffected.

Abstract: A method of camouflaging an object emitting infrared radiation by absorbing radiation or by altering its emissive pattern reduces its viewability by an infrared detector. An infrared radiation absorbing and/or altering layer containing microcapsules (10) is positioned proximate the infrared radiation source. The radiation is absorbed by means of a phase change material or plastic crystals. Concentrations and/or phase change materials are varied to enhance camouflage.

Abstract: An image-forming material is described, comprising on an support an acid-generating agent selected from a sulfonic acid ester of a specific structure generating an acid by the action of heat and the polymer thereof, and a compound causing a light absorption change in the absorption region of from 350 to 700 nm by an intramolecular or intermolecular reaction by the action of an acid. The image-forming material has a high sensitivity and excellent storage stability and gives low haze and good images in the case of performing image formation using a high-output laser light.

Abstract: The present invention is for particulate compositions and methods for producing them that can absorb or scatter electromagnetic radiation. The particles are homogeneous in size and are comprised of a nonconducting inner layer that is surrounded by an electrically conducting material. The ratio of the thickness of the nonconducting layer to the thickness of the outer conducting shell is determinative of the wavelength of maximum absorbance or scattering of the particle. Unique solution phase methods for synthesizing the particles involve linking clusters of the conducting atoms, ions, or molecules to the nonconducting inner layer by linear molecules. This step can be followed by growth of the metal onto the clusters to form a coherent conducting shell that encapsulates the core.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel trimethine cyanine dyes, light absorbents, light-resistant improvers, and optical recording media which comprise the trimethine cyanine dyes. The cyanine dyes exert satisfactory solubility and heat resistance when used in high-density optical recording media.

Abstract: An optical filter comprises a transparent and a filter layer. The filter layer contains a dye and a binder polymer. The dye is a cyanine dye represented by the formula (I). The filter layer further contains a specific metal complex. in which each of Z1 and Z2 independently is an non-metallic atomic group forming a five-membered or six-membered nitrogen-containing heterocyclic ring; each of R1 and R2 independently is an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an aralkyl group or an aryl group; L1 is a methine chain consisting of an odd number of methines; X is an anion; and each of a, b and c independently is 0 or 1.

Abstract: New aerogels are disclosed which comprise silica, at least one organic polymer having polar functional groups, and at least one metal ion. Also disclosed are methods for making such aerogels and for making them as substantially transparent objects. In addition, gas detectors, liquid and gas absorbing objects, and optical devices made using these aerogels are disclosed. The present invention concerns optical elements which are substantially transparent and exhibit low refractive indices. The invention also relates to the optical properties of the metal-containing ions, the silica and polymer which they comprise. The optical elements can be passive or they can be active in response to electromagnetic radiation. The invention further relates to detectors of reactive and absorbate gases based on the physical changes exhibited by the aerogels upon reacting with or absorbing such gases.

Abstract: A near infrared absorption acrylic composition containing a sulfonic acid group-containing (meth)acrylic compound represented by the following general formula (1):

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inspecting the quality of a Nd-YAG laser beam after encountering an optic in a laser marking machine is provided. The apparatus includes a bezel that houses a filter medium that significantly increases the visible power intensity between the threshold-of-visibility to the point of saturation of a beam when viewed with an infrared electroviewer. The apparatus of the present invention is held in the path of the laser beam, and the beam is inspected with an infrared electroviewer. Occlusions in the power range of the beam found between the increased range of threshold-of-visibility to saturation point caused by imperfections in the optics can then be seen with an infrared electroviewer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a near infrared absorption composition containing, in a resin, a dithiol-nickel complex represented by the following formula(1): The near infrared absorption composition has alleviated the problems of the prior are; absorbs the near infrared light emitted from, for example, a display device and is therefore used suitably as a near infrared absorption filter capable of preventing the malfunctioning of electronic appliances placed near the filter; further, has a high transmittance for visible light and high absorbance for near infrared light and is therefore used suitablly as a near infrared absorption filter particularly for plasma display panel.

Abstract: The present invention recites a method comprising reacting in a solvent in the presence of a base a) at least one diacidic monomer comprising about 1 to 100 mole % of at least one light-absorbing monomer having a light absorption maximum between about 300 nm and about 1200 nm and 99-0 mole % of a non-light absorbing monomer which does not absorb significant light at wavelengths above 300 nm or has a light absorption maximum below 300 nm, with b) an organic compound of Formula II X—B—X1 wherein B is a divalent organic radical to form a light absorbing composition comprising a mixture of a polymer having the formula and a cyclic compound having the general formula wherein B is as defined above; n is at least 2, m is 1, 2, 3 or 4 and A comprises the residue of a diacidic monomer comprising about 1 to 100 mole % of at least one light-absorbing monomer having a light absorption maximum between about 300 nm and about 1000 nm and wherein the remaining portion of A

Abstract: An infrared ray blocking transparent film which can be very thin and have greater transparency and higher adhesion than that of conventional films; the cost for forming the film can be lower due to the reduced amounts of forming materials used for the infrared ray blocking layer, is disclosed. An infrared ray blocking layer is provided on a surface of a base film, by coating conductive materials including indium tin oxide powder and resin; a hard coat layer is provided on a surface of the infrared ray blocking layer; an adhesive layer is provided on a rear surface of the base film. Since resin employed in the infrared ray blocking layer is UV-curing resin including photo-cationic polymerization initiator, thickness of the layer is reduced, and transparency and adhesion thereof are improved.

Abstract: An absorber of rays outside the visible region. The absorber includes a base made of a transparent synthetic resin with electroconductive anhydrous zinc antimonate incorporated therein; or a base made of a transparent synthetic resin with a layer formed of a synthetic resin and electroconductive anhydrous zinc antimonate incorporated therein, for absorbing rays outside the visible region, being disposed on a surface of the base; or wherein the layer is formed by depositing electron conductive anhydrous zinc antimonate powder on a surface of the base made of a transparent synthetic resin. The electroconductive anhydrous zinc antimonate can be a powder having a molar ratio of ZnO to Sb2O5 of 0.8 to 1.2 and a primary particle size of 5 to 200 nm. The light transmittances of the absorber are high in the visible region and low in both the ultraviolet and infrared wavelength regions.

Abstract: A coating comprised of a broadband transparent binder and multilayer thin film particles is applied to the surface of an object. Each particle has a flat principal surface and the dimensions of the particles are selected so that the flat surface of essentially every particle will align parallel to the nearest portion of the object surface to the particle. There is a leafing or an overlap of the particles parallel to the object surface. The particles form a continuous conformal coating over the object surface. It is preferred that the maximum dimension of the principal surface of each particle be at least 30 microns and, for best results the maximum dimension should exceed 50 microns. Metallic flakes and/or flakes or particles comprised of organic dyes may be included in the coating to further tailor its spectral characteristics. It is preferred that the weight of the particles equals 20 to 40% of the weight of the combination of the particles and the binder.

Abstract: The present invention provides a near infrared absorption filter which contains, in a resin film produced from either or both a polycarbonate and a polyarylate by solution casting, a dithiol-nickel complex represented by the following formula (1): ##STR1## and at least one kind of diimmonium compound represented by the following formula (2): ##STR2## (Wherein R.sub.1 to R.sub.8 may be the same or different and are each a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group or an aryl group; and X.sup.- is an anion represented by halogen anion, perchloric acid anion, antimony hexafluoride anion or nitric acid anion).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nickel-porphyrin derivative in a matrix, the nickel-porphyrin derivative comprising at least two conformational isomers, a lower-energy-state conformer and a higher-energy-state conformer, such that when the higher-energy-state conformer is generated from the lower-energy-state conformer following absorption of a photon of suitable energy, the time to return to the lower-energy-state conformer is greater than 40 nanoseconds at approximately room temperature. The nickel-porphyrin derivative is useful in optical memory applications.

Abstract: An organic nonlinear optical material comprising a compound having the iodonium salt structure represented by the general formula (I): ##STR1## wherein .pi..sub.1 to .pi..sub.n are the same or different and each is an atomic group having .pi. electron, I.sub.1 to I.sub.n-1 are an iodonium cation, A.sub.1 to A.sub.n-1 are the same or different and each is a counter anion for the iodonium cation, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are the same or different and each is a hydrogen atom or an electron donative group, and n is an integer of 2 to 4. The material has large nonlinear optical constants and shows no light absorption in the visible light region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to adhesive compositions comprising at least one light emitting material and which are suitable for bonding substrates together and may be detected and measured via non-invasive techniques.

Abstract: A phthalocyanine compound possessing an excellent ability to absorb near infrared ray, exhibiting excellent compatibility with resin, and excelling in such special qualities as heat resistance, light resistance, and resistance to weather conditions is provided. This phthalocyanine compound is represented by the following general formula (1) ##STR1## wherein Z.sub.2, Z.sub.3, Z.sub.6, Z.sub.7, Z.sub.10, Z.sub.11, Z.sub.14, and Z.sub.15 are independently SR.sup.1, OR.sup.2, or a fluorine atom, and at least one of them is for SR.sup.1 or OR.sup.2, Z.sub.1, Z.sub.4, Z.sub.5, Z.sub.8, Z.sub.9, Z.sub.12, Z.sub.13, and Z.sub.16 independently stand for NHR.sup.3, SR.sup.1, OR.sup.2, or a fluorine atom and at least one of them is NHR.sup.3, at least one of Z.sub.1 to Z.sub.16 is a fluorine atom or OR.sup.2, R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.

Abstract: A photothermal conversion material showing high sensitivity to the light of a semiconductor laser having an emission frequency band of 750 nm.about.900 nm with a high photothermal conversion efficiency and a planographic original plate fabricated by using the transducer are provided. This photothermal conversion material comprises a phthalocyanine compound of the following general formula (I) ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 .about.R.sub.8 each represents alkyl or alkoxyalkyl; X.sub.1 .about.X.sub.8 each represents sulfur or NR.sub.9, where R.sub.9 is hydrogen or alkyl.

Abstract: A process for preparing far-infrared radiating material. More particularly, this invention relates to a process for preparing far-infrared radiating material which makes maximum use of thermal radiation with a higher specific surface area. The present invention comprises the steps of preparing ultra-fine aluminum silicate salt for nucleus material, adding a silicate gel to said nucleus material, and then adding AlCl.sub.3, FeCl.sub.2, and MnCl.sub.2 to resulting mixture and neutralizing the resulting mixture with an ammonia solution. The present invention can be applied to vinyl films for agricultural use, wrappers, paint for cars, drying, heating, facilitation of fermentation, maturation of liquors, medical treatment, etc.

Abstract: Liquids, such as petroleum fuels, are tagged with chemical compounds having a light-absorbing identifying chemical moiety and at least one polymerizable chemical moiety. The marker is identified in a specimen of the liquid by polymerizing the marker compound, generally along with additional co-polymerizable material.

Abstract: This invention provides an aggregate of a compound capable of forming helical structures such that the aggregate is capable of achieving a specific rotation of at least 100,000.degree. for plane polarized light having a wavelength of 589 nm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel phthalocyanine compound absorbing in the near infrared region of the spectrum with a high absorption coefficient which features high solubility in solvents, good compatibility with resins and high aging resistance, thus finding application as a near infrared ray absorbing material or a light-heat conversion material with great advantage and to a process for producing the phthalocyanine compound. The novel phthalocyanine compound has the following general formula: ##STR1## wherein R represents alkyl or alkoxyalkyl; X represents halogen, alkylthio, phenylthio which may be substituted, or naphthylthio which may be substituted; M represents a couple of hydrogen atoms, a divalent metal, or a trivalent or tetravalent metal derivative. The near infrared ray absorbing and light-heat conversion materials containing the above phthalocyanine compound are also described.

Abstract: A process for producing a polythiol oligomer having disulfide linkages by reacting polythiol (with the functionality of two or above) with sulfur in a molar ratio of m to (m-1) (where m is an integer of 2 to 21) in the presence of a basic catalyst, whereby the oligomers produced have a degree of oligomerization of m (wherein m is defined as above). Specifically disclosed is a process for reacting 2,5-dimercaptomethyl-1,4-dithiane (DMMD) with sulfur in a molar ratio 2:1 or 3:2 in the presence of a basic catalyst, thereby producing an oligomer represented by the below formula: ##STR1## (wherein n is an integer of up to 21). Also disclosed are optical polymers made with the oligomer and optical materials and devices made with the polymer.

Abstract: Bubbles are formed for entertainment and decorative purposes utilizing a liquid solution that includes a sufficient amount of a surface active agent to form the bubbles and a sufficient amount of a flourescent agent to provide illumination of the bubbles when viewed in the dark and under an external source of invisible ultraviolet or infrared radiation, such as a black light. The bubble solution is a pre-mixed, non-toxic solution that includes the surface active agent, or soap, to provide formation of the bubble and a flourescent agent such as Radiant.RTM. flourescent pigment dispersions to react to the illumination under the external source of invisible ultraviolet or infrared radiation such as a black light. Alternatively, the solution may be spread on a surface in decorative designs to be illuminated with the black light.

Abstract: The present invention provides a plasma display front panel comprising a transparent substrate which is produced by molding a resinous composition containing the following components (a) to (c), and has a 50% or more transmittance of light with a wavelength in the range of 450 nm to 650 nm, and a 30% or less transmittance of light with a wavelength in the range of 800 nm to 1000 nm;(a) a monomer having an unsaturated double bond and/or polymer thereof;(b) a phosphorus atom-containing compound; and(c) a copper atom-containing compound.The attachment of this to the front of a plasma display can prevent the effect of near-infrared rays arising from the display on the peripheral devices.

Abstract: A dihydroperimidine squarylium compound is represented by the formula (I): ##STR1## in which each of R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5, R.sup.6, R.sup.7, R.sup.8, R.sup.9, R.sup.10, R.sup.11 and R.sup.12 independently is hydrogen, an alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group, an aryl group, an aralkyl group, an alkenyl group, an alkynyl group or an acyl group; R.sup.1 and R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4, R.sup.5 and R.sup.6, R.sup.7 and R.sup.8, R.sup.9 and R.sup.10 or R.sup.11 and R.sup.12 may be combined with each other to form a five- or six-membered nitrogen-containing heterocyclic ring; R.sup.2 and R.sup.3, R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 or R.sup.10 and R.sup.11 may be combined with each other to form a five- or six-membered aliphatic ring; and n is an integer of 1 to 6. The specification further discloses a mixture of dihydroperimidine squarylium compounds, an infrared absorbing sheet and a silver halide photographic material.

Abstract: A lens for eyeglasses and a molded synthetic resin for light transmitting filters are disclosed, which can reduce the glare of light and can provide a clear color sense, while retaining the lightness in the field of vision. The lens for eyeglasses and the molded synthetic resin for light transmitting filter are made of a synthetic resin base material comprising an organic dye with an absorption maximum in the vicinity of the central wavelength on the standard relative visibility curve, as well as an ultraviolet light absorbing agent and a blue light absorbing agent, the base material having a transmittance minimum in the range of wavelength extending from 550 to 585 nm on the transmittance curve, the transmittance of light at the transmittance minimum being not greater than 25%, the average transmittance of light over the range of wavelength extending from 590 to 660 nm being not less than 15%, and the average transmittance over the range of wavelength extending from 470 to 550 nm being not less than 10%.

Abstract: A printing ink for an optical filter, comprising a polyimide resin containing at least one perfluoroalkyl group in each recurring structural unit, at least one dyestuff soluble in the resin, the dyestuff having absorption in the visible range and/or the near infrared range and a solvent.

Abstract: Proposed is a powder of ytterbium phosphate having a non-stoichiometric phosphorus to ytterbium molar ratio of 1.08 to 2.0 and having a specified average particle diameter and specified diameter of the crystallites forming the particles. The powder is useful as an infrared-absorbing pigment in a printing ink invisible to naked eyes but detectable by an infrared detecting means for printing of stealth bar code patterns. The ytterbium phosphate powder can be prepared in a convenient and inexpensive method utilizing the precipitation reaction by mixing an aqueous phosphoric acid solution and ytterbium salt solution under specified conditions followed by calcination of the precipitates at a specified temperature and pulverization of the calcined precipitates to give the specified average particle diameter.

Abstract: A cyanine dye for using in optical disc recording medium, having the following structure: ##STR1## wherein R represents 4-methoxycarbonyl benzyl group, X.sup.- represents an acid anion, and n represents am integer of 2 or 3. This cyanine dye is suitable for use as a near infrared light-absorbing organic dye useful as an optical disc recording medium.

Abstract: A novel cyclobutenedione derivative prepared in accordance with the following reaction formula, a process for the preparation thereof, and a nonlinear optical element comprising such a derivative are provided: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 each represents an alkyl group, an alkenyl group or an alkynyl group; R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 each represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group or an alkynyl group; and C* represents an asymmetric carbon atom, with the proviso that R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and the nitrogen atom to which they are connected may form a cyclic structure larger than 3-membered ring, R.sup.1 and R.sup.3, and R.sup.2 and R.sup.4 each may be connected to each other to form a methylene chain --(CH.sub.2).sub.2 --, and the hydrogen atoms in R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 may be substituted by halogen atom, alkyloxy group or cyano group.

Abstract: The invention relates to non-linear optically active (NLO) polycarbonates and to NLO active waveguides containing these polycarbonates. Waveguides containing these NLO polycarbonates have a low loss of signal, a high glass transition temperature and good polability and a high stability of the Pockel's coefficient.

Abstract: A polyimide resin composition for an optical filter which includes a colorless transparent polyimide resin containing at least one perfluoroalkyl group in each recurring structural unit and having excellent solvent solubility, and at least one dyestuff soluble in said resin. The dyestuff has absorption in the visible range and/or the near infrared range. A printing ink for an optical filter is composed of the polyimide resin composition and a solvent while an optical filter formed from a transparent base material and the polyimide resin composition can also be provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nonlinear optical element having a sufficient thickness that can be used as a thin film insusceptible to crack and a process for the preparation thereof. A novel nonlinear optical element which gives a nonlinear response to incident light is provided, comprising finely divided grains of a semiconductor or metal, which grains have been separated out with the reaction of a functional group in a matrix-forming substance containing said functional group, dispersed in a matrix. A process for the preparation of a nonlinear optical element which gives a nonlinear response to incident light is also provided, which comprises mixing a solution of a matrix-forming substance containing a functional group with a metal, a semiconductor or a precursor thereof to form a uniform solution, and then allowing said functional group to undergo reaction to form a matrix while allowing finely divided grains of said metal or semiconductor to be separated out in said matrix.

Abstract: A composition for forming a near infrared screening filter, which comprises a binder (i), a metal oxide or inorganic oxide powder (ii) having a light transmittance ratio (transmittance of light with a wavelength of 550 nm/transmittance of light with a wavelength of 1180 nm) of at least 3, and a dye (iii) having a light transmittance ratio (transmittance of light with a wavelength of 550 nm/transmittance of light with a wavelength of from 740 to 930 nm) of at least 2.7, as essential components.

Abstract: A plasma display filter for efficiently cutting off near infrared rays radiated from a plasma display so that malfunction of electronic equipment located around the display making use of near infrared light can be avoided. The filter contains in a base material at least one near infrared ray absorbing compound having a maximum absorption wavelength at 800 to 1,200 nm.

Abstract: Compositions for use in non-linear optical devices. The compositions have high first molecular electronic hyperpolarizability (.beta.) and therefore display high second order non-linear optical properties when incorporated into non-linear optical devices. The acceptor and donor groups which are used in the compositions, along with the .pi.(pi)-bridge length is chosen to optimize second-order non-linear optical responses.

Abstract: Infrared absorbing compositions useful as high solid coatings comprising 5-50% of a volatile solvent portion and 50-95% of a non-volatile portion which comprises a film-forming binder having dispersed within the binder opacifying polymeric beads and an infrared radiation absorbing pigment selected from the group consisting of copper phosphate, basic copper phosphate, copper pyrophosphate, tungsten trioxide and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Novel water soluble dyes of the formula I are provided ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.4 are alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms or hydrogen; or R.sup.1 -R.sup.2 or R.sup.2 -R.sup.4 form part of aliphatic heterocyclic rings; R.sup.2 is hydrogen or joined with R.sup.1 or R.sup.4 as described above; R.sup.3 is --(CH.sub.2).sub.m --SO.sub.3.sup.-, where m is 1 to 6;X is N, CH or ##STR2## where Y is 2 --SO.sub.3.sup.- ; Z is 3, 4, 5 or 6 --SO.sub.3.sup.-. The novel dyes are particularly useful as the active media in water solution dye lasers.

Abstract: A near infrared ray absorbing compound having an improved solubility and light resistance can be obtained by amidating and/or imidating the amino groups on substituents of a phthalocyanine. According to its preparation process, the desired near infrared ray absorbing compound can be easily prepared by reacting the phthalocyanine having an elimination group such as a halogen atom with a 2-aminothiophenol derivative, and then amidating and/or imidating a part or all of the remaining primary or secondary amino groups. Moreover, substituents on the benzene rings of the phthalocyanine can be coordinated with metals, whereby an absorption wavelength can be broadened and the near infrared rays in a long wave range can be absorbed. The near infrared ray absorbing compound of the present invention is useful as a heat ray absorbing material.

Abstract: Compounds of the general formula I ##STR1## where the A radicals are, independently of one another, ##STR2## where the rings B and C can also, independently of one another, be substituted by C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkoxy, nitro, hydroxysulfonyl, benzoyl or a fused-on benzo ring,R is hydrogen or methyl, and the two hydrogen atoms on the nitrogens Can be replaced by copper, nickel, vanadyl, magnesium, AlCl or zinc,are suitable as IR-absorbers.

Abstract: An anti-reflective coating composition comprising a polyimide dissolved in an organic solvent is used to form an anti-reflective coating beneath a chemical amplification type resist layer. The composition allows a fine resist pattern to be formed with high accuracy in a convenient, efficient, reproducible manner.

Abstract: A novel hydroxide complex with condensed silicate represented by the formula (I)?Al.sub.2 (Li.sub.(1-x).M.sup.2+.sub.x)(OH).sub.6 !.sub.2 (Si.sub.y O.sub.2y+1.sup.2-).sub.1+x.mH.sub.2 O (I)wherein M.sup.2+ is a divalent metal, m, x and y are numbers respectively in the ranges of 0.ltoreq.m<5, 0.ltoreq.x<1 and 2.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.4, a process for preparing the same, an infrared absorber containing the same as an effective ingredient, and an agricultural film containing said infrared absorber.

Abstract: An erasable optical memory is provided by an erasable bistable photoactive chromophore that is covalently bonded to a polymer microsphere. An azobenzene chromophore that is bonded to the microsphere by an oxygen or NH replacement of chlorine, or a CH double bond to N, is preferred. An array of such microspheres is encoded by applying radiation at a resonant wavelength to induce a conformational change in the chromophores for selected microspheres, and the encoded pattern is read out by detecting changes in either absorption or fluorescence.

Abstract: There is disclosed a composition for use in the formation of an active light waveguide comprising a fluorinated polyamic acid and an electro-optical material. The active light waveguide is manufactured by subjecting the fluorinated polyamic acid to imide ring closure into a fluorinated polyimide, and orienting the electro-optical material. The active light waveguide fabricated by using the composition for use in the formation of the active light waveguide can provide excellent electro-optical effect. The active light waveguide is extremely thermally stable and suitable to manufacture of electro-optical devices.

Abstract: A neutral-density optical filter has a dielectric substrate and a film costing essentially of copper and nickel. The film is preferably formed of Constantan, which is 55% copper and 45% nickel. The filter achieves a high optical density with a low spectral variation.