Abstract: The present invention provides a light-diffusive polycarbonate-based resin composition which includes (A) 100 parts by mass of an aromatic polycarbonate resin, (B) 0.01 to parts by mass of a light-diffusing agent, and (C) 0.1 to parts by mass of a styrene-(meth)acrylic ester copolymer, and a light-diffusing plate formed from the composition. The light-diffusive polycarbonate-based resin composition can be injection-molded to form a light-diffusing plate having satisfactory precision in thickness for use in comparatively large liquid crystal displays having a size larger than 20 inches.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel sunscreens on the basis of polysiloxanes, to their preparation and to their use, especially in formulations for the protection against harmful effects of sunlight.

Abstract: The present invention provides a resin composition for a solar cell package and a resin composition for a wet solar cell package which are excellent in transparency, moisture resistance, weather resistance and chemical resistance and are suitable as a material of a package for a solar cell, and a package for a wet solar cell and a transparent substrate for a wet solar cell which are obtained by molding the resin composition. The resin composition for a solar cell package of the present invention contains a cyclic olefin polymer having one kind or two or more kinds of structures represented by the following general formula (1) (provided that, in the formula, x and y represent the copolymerization ratio and are a real number satisfying 0/100?y/x?95/5. n is the number of substitution of a substituent Q and an integer of 0?n?2. R1 is a 2+n valent group selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbon groups having 2 to 20 carbon atoms.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compounds of formula (I), compositions having compounds of formula (I) and methods of stabilizing a photodegradable polymer or compound in a composition; wherein R1, R2, and R3 are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of C1-C30 alkyl, C3-C8 cycloalkyl, substituted alkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, ester, aryl, heteroaryl, heterocycloalkyl, substituted aryl, substituted heteroaryl, substituted heterocycloalkyl, and amino; R4, R5, R6, and R7 are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and alkoxy, wherein R4 and R5 cannot both be hydrogen and R6 and R7 cannot both be hydrogen; a, b, c, and d are each independently an integer of 1 to 4; n is an integer of 1 to 100; and s is an integer of 0 to 100.

Abstract: The photostabilizing electronic excited state energy—particularly singlet state energy from a UV-absorbing molecule has been found to be readily transferred to (accepted by) ?-cyanodiphenylacrylate compounds of formulas (I) and (V) having an alkoxy radical preferably in the four (para) position (hereinafter methoxy crylenes) on one or both of the phenyl rings: wherein at least one of R1 and R2 is a straight or branched chain C1-C12 alkoxy radical, preferably C1-C8, more preferably C1-C4, and most preferably methoxy, and any non-alkoxy radical R1 or R2 is hydrogen; and R3 is a straight or branched chain C1-C24 alkyl radical, preferably C12-C24, more preferably C20; wherein A and B are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of oxygen, amino and sulfur; R1 and R3 are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of C1-C30 alkyl, C2-C30 alkylene, C2-C30 alkyne, C3-C8 cycloalkyl, C1-C30 substituted alkylene, C2-C30 substituted alkyne, aryl, substituted aryl, het

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermoplastic resin composition comprising: (A) 100 parts by mass of a transparent thermoplastic resin; (B) 0.1 to 2.0 parts by mass of an ultraviolet absorber having an absorption band in the range at least of 340 to 410 nm, when determined in a chloroform solution; and (C) 0.005 to 0.25 parts by mass of an iron oxide fine particle having a mean primary particle diameter of 10 to 80 nm, and a molded article of the same. The thermoplastic resin composition of the present invention has excellent transparency, and shuts off light of 420 nm in wavelength. It can be widely used in the fields of optical, electric and electronic appliances, medical materials and others, and, for example, if it is formed for use in sunglasses and other articles, noticeable effect of eyeball protection can be expected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hybrid organic-inorganic polyisocyanates based on polyfunctional organosilanes, metal alkoxides and alkoxysilane-containing blocked polyisocyanates for the preparation of organic-inorganic coating compositions and adhesives.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a paint composition comprising a carboxyl group containing resin comprising two or more carboxyl groups per molecule, having an acid number of from 100 to 300 mgKOH/g and a weight average molecular weight of from 2,000 to 30,000, obtained by the copolymerization of a carboxyl group containing radically polymerizable monomer and another radically polymerizable monomer, wherein the carboxyl group containing resin comprises 5 to 50 weight percent of structural units based on a lactone compound, based on resin solids; an epoxy group containing resin, comprising two or more epoxy groups per molecule; an ultraviolet absorber; and a light stabilizer having a pKb value of at least 9; wherein the molar ratio of the carboxyl groups of the carboxyl group containing resin to the epoxy groups of the epoxy group containing resin is 3:1 to 1:3.

Abstract: Anti-glare film including anti-glare layer. The anti-glare film is obtained by coating or casting a liquid composition containing a polymer, a curable resin precursor, and a solvent on a transparent plastic film, evaporating the solvent, forming a phase separation structure by spinodal decomposition, and curing the curable resin precursor by irradiation with light. The disclosed anti-glare film prevents reflection of surrounding scenery and dazzle in a display surface.

Abstract: An optical cellulose acylate film comprising a polymer component which is a cellulose acylate obtained by substituting hydroxyl groups of a cellulose by an acetyl group and an acyl group having 3 or more carbon atoms, wherein a substitution degree A of the acetyl group and a substitution degree B of the acyl group having 3 or more carbon atoms satisfy the following formulae (I) and (II): 2.0?A+B?3.0 (I), 0<B (II), and the optical cellulose acylate film comprises a retardation-expressing agent which is at least one of a rod-like compound and a discotic compound or an elastic modulus E(MD) in a casting direction and an elastic modulus E(TD) in a casting width direction satisfy the following formulae (III) and (IV): 1,500 MPa?E(MD)?3,400 Mpa (III) and 1,200 MPa?E(TD)?3,400 Mpa (IV).

Abstract: The invention relates to zinc oxide nanoparticles having an average particle size in the range from 3 to 50 nm, dispersed in an organic solvent, according to one or more of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that in a step a) one or more precursors of the nanoparticles are converted into the nanoparticles in an alcohol, in a step b) the growth of the nanoparticles is terminated by addition of at least one modifier, which is a precursor of silica, when the absorption edge in the UV/VIS spectrum of the reaction solution has reached the desired value, in a step c) the silica coating is modified by addition of at least one further surface modifier selected from the group consisting of organofunctional silanes, quaternary ammonium compounds, phosphonates, phosphonium and sulfonium compounds or mixtures thereof, and optionally, in step d), the alcohol from step a) is removed and replaced by another organic solvent, to isolated nanoparticles, and to the use thereof for UV protection in polymers.

Abstract: A polymer which has siloxane group at a main chain thereof and a composition including the same, for forming an organic anti-reflective coating layer are disclosed. The polymer for forming an organic anti-reflective coating layer is represented by following Formula. In Formula, R is hydrogen atom, C1˜C20 alkyl group, C1˜C10 alcohol group or epoxy group, R1 is independently hydrogen atom, n is an integer of 1-50, R2 is C1˜C20 alkyl group, C3˜C20 cycloalkyl group, C6˜C20 aryl group or C7˜C12 arylalkyl group, R3 is hydrogen atom, C1˜C10 alcohol group or epoxy group and POSS is a polyhedral oligosilsesquioxane.

Abstract: The present invention provides organic particles preferable for production of powder paint or the like which provides coating excellent in water resistance and both adhesion and glossiness, and powder paint using the organic particles. Specifically, the present invention provides: organic particles having mean particle diameter in a range of 1 to 200 ?m and containing no less than 20% by weight of a conjugated diene polymer cyclized product, the conjugated diene polymer cyclized product being obtained as a result of an internal cyclization reaction of a conjugated diene polymer; and powder paint including the organic particles, which organic particles further containing a coloring agent.

Abstract: A material and method delivering to the skin therapeutic radiation and filtering a part of the sun spectrum causing skin damage.

Abstract: An article of manufacture marked with compositions comprising rare earth metal compounds which, due to their luminescence when irradiated with UV light, are suitable in particular for the marking of security-relevant items, such as documents or data carriers.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an ultraviolet (UV) light-blocking composition comprising a metal nanoparticle that absorbs and blocks a UV light wavelength using a surface plasmon-absorbing wavelength, and a dielectric. The UV light-blocking composition is capable of absorbing and blocking a UV light wavelength or, a specific wavelength, using the surface plasmon-absorbing wavelength of the metal nanoparticle or, the plasmon-absorbing wavelength transited by the dielectric, thereby demonstrating increased visibility when applied to an image display apparatus such as a mobile phone, and the like.

Abstract: A naphthalene-backbone polymer represented by Formula 1: wherein n and m are independently at least 1 and less than about 190, R1 is a hydrogen, a hydroxyl, a hydrocarbon group of about 10 carbons or less, or a halogen, R2 is methylene or includes an aryl linking group, R3 is a conjugated diene group, and R4 is an unsaturated dienophile group.

Abstract: The invention provides an anti-UV coating composition comprising inorganic particulates, a resin, and at least one kind of organic particles having a different refractive index from that of the resin. The coating composition of the present invention can be coated onto a substrate and provides good anti-UV effect. The invention also provides a film comprising a substrate wherein at least one surface of said substrate has at least one coating layer formed from the anti-UV coating composition of the present invention. The film of the subject invention can enhance brightness, has good weather resistance, can absorb UV light, and can effectively solve the yellowing problem of the substrate.

Abstract: Aqueous polymer dispersions comprising effect substances with a mean particle size of the dispersed particles of <1000 nm, in which the polymer particles comprise a polymer matrix of at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer, at least 0.

Abstract: A near-infrared ray shielding paint capable of forming a coating that exhibits high light transmission coefficient in visible light region while having high shielding capability in near-infrared region and exhibits little chromaticity change even in harsh environment, which near-infrared ray shielding paint comprises a first near-infrared ray-absorption coloring matter containing a compound composed of a diimonium compound cation and an anion of the formula (1), a second near-infrared ray-absorbing coloring matter of different type and a transparent resin in which a compound of the formula (2) is polymerized in an amount of 30% by mass or more. A near-infrared ray shielding laminate having a near-infrared ray shielding layer is produced with the use of this paint. (CF3SO2)2N? ??(1) [R is H or a —CH3 group, and X is a C6-C25 cyclohydrocarbon group].

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention provides a method including molding composite panels that are UV resistant, substantially free of fiber readout, and have visible fibers from epoxy compositions comprising resins having aromatic rings.

Abstract: A composition comprising a clear thermoplastic blend comprising: (a) a polycarbonate component; and (b) a polyester component comprising (i) a polyester based substantially on 1,4 cyclohexane dimethanol and terephthalic acid monomer units, (ii) copolymers polyester based substantially on 1,4 cyclohexane dimethanol and terephthalic acid monomer units and modified with up to 25 mol % of copolymerizable acid and/or diol monomers, and (iii) combinations thereof. The polycarbonate component and the polyester component are present in sufficient proportions to form a molding composition capable of being molded into an article that exhibits transparency and structural integrity after the article is exposed to a caustic aqueous environment for at least 70 hours. The invention also relates to articles made from the composition, methods for making the compositions, and methods for using articles.

Abstract: A dispersion, and a film and optoelectronic devices formed from the dispersion are provided. The dispersion comprising conducting polymer containing particles having a particle size of less than 450 nm, wherein the conducting polymer comprises substituted or unsubstituted, uncharged or charged polymerized units of thieno[3,4-b]thiophene, and wherein a film drop cast from the dispersion has a conductivity from 10?1 to 10?6 S/cm measured using the four point probe method.

Abstract: There is provided a fluorine-containing resin composition which is used for nonlinear optical material and comprises (I) a fluorine-containing prepolymer and (II) an organic compound exhibiting a second- or higher-order nonlinear optical effect, in which the fluorine-containing prepolymer (I): (1) is a non-crystalline polymer having a fluorine content of not less than 25% and (2) has a carbon-carbon double bond in a polymer side chain or at an end of a polymer trunk chain and also there is provided a nonlinear optical waveguide device produced from the fluorine-containing resin composition. A suitable nonlinear optical material having a stable structure with a nonlinear substance is produced, and an excellent nonlinear optical waveguide device is produced by relatively simple steps while maintaining transparency in a near infrared region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel cross-linkable or crosslinked photochromic compositions, articles made from or coated with the compositions and method of making the compositions. The compositions contain (i) at least one segmented or non-segmented polyurethane-type or polyurethane-urea-type linear polymer having at least one non-terminal moiety that comprises at least one unsaturated group; and (ii) an effective amount of at least one photochromic organic compound, advantageously selected from spiroxazines, chromenes, spiropyrans fulgides and fulgimides.

Abstract: A plastic lens which absorbs ultraviolet light having wavelength of about 400 nm and suppresses coloring and a process for producing the lens. A plastic lens may be made from a composition which comprises (A) a lens material monomer comprising diethylene glycol bisallylcarbonate, (B) an organic peroxide-based polymerization initiator, (C) a cobalt compound represented by at least one of CoO.Al2O3 and Co.Al2O4, and (D) at least one ultraviolet light absorbent selected from 2-hydroxy-4-octyloxy-benzophenone, 2,2?,4,4?-tetrahydroxy-4-octyloxybenzophenone and 2,2?,4?-trihydroxy-4-octyloxybenzophenone. A process for producing a plastic lens comprises mixing component (A), component (B), a cobalt fluid comprising component (C) in a dispersant and component (D) and a step of casting the mixed fluid into a mold and polymerizing the fluid to obtain a plastic lens.

Abstract: Anti-glare film including anti-glare layer. The anti-glare film is obtained by coating or casting a liquid compositions containing a polymer, a curable resin precursor, and a solvent on a transparent plastic film, evaporating the solvent, forming a phase separation structure by spinodal decomposition, and curing the curable resin precursor by irradiation with light. The disclosed anti-glare film prevents reflection of surrounding scenery and dazzle in a display surface.

Abstract: A filter of an electronic display device provides a clear image, the filter comprising an squarylium compound represent by formula (II): wherein R15 and R17 independently represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted alkoxyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aralkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, a nitro group, a cyano group, a hydroxyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted amino group, or a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic group; R16 and R18 independently represent an alkoxyalkoxyl-substituted alkyl group; R19 and R20 independently represent a halogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted alkoxyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aralkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, a nitro group, a cyano group, a hydroxyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted amino group, or a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic group; m represents an integer of

Abstract: A resin composition which can enhance the heat resistance and the humidity resistance of a dye possessing the maximum absorption at wavelengths in the range of 380–780 nm is provided. It is obtained by polymerizing a monomer mixture containing 5–100 wt. % of a monomer represented by the formula: CH2?CR—COOX (wherein R denotes a hydrogen atom or a methyl group and X denotes a hydrocarbon group of 4–25 carbon atoms) and/or a fluorine atom-containing unsaturated monomer and containing a dye possessing the maximum absorption at wavelengths in the range of 380–780 nm in an acryl type resin having an acid value in the range of 0–30 mgKOH/g and a hydroxyl value in the range of 0–30 mgKOH/g.

Abstract: Disclosed is a photochromic golf ball with a one- or multi-piece structure, which comprises a photochromic compound. The photochromic golf ball reversibly changes between two different color states according to exposure to U.V. radiation associated with direct sunlight. The photochromic golf ball is white when it is shielded from direct sunlight, but changes in color when it is directly exposed to direct sunlight. In a golf ball structure having a core, an outer cover, and a transparent coating, the photochromic compound is present either in the outer cover or the transparent coating.

Abstract: Novel indanylidene compounds can be used as UV-A filters in cosmetic compositions for protecting skin and hair and for technical applications.

Abstract: Novel thermoplastic articles that contain novel ultraviolet absorbing compounds that are liquid in nature, are extremely low in color (and thus permit use without the concomitant necessity of adding large amounts of other coloring agents to combat any discoloring within clear, colorless applications), are substantially non-migratory from target resins, and are highly effective in providing protection in wavelength ranges for which previous attempts at low-color ultraviolet absorbers have failed are provided. In effect, the inventive thermoplastic articles, provide excellent protection for certain vitamins, flavorings, and colorants, for example, from ultraviolet degradation, particularly above the 370 nm wavelength that is typically the high end of protection for clear thermoplastics having low migratory, colorless UV absorbers therein.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions containing transparent thermoplastic polymer, surface-modified oxide particles with a particle size of less than 200 nm, and organic NIR absorbers. The compositions of the present invention may find use in reducing diathermancy in sheets, films, glazing systems and roofing systems which may be incorporated into automobiles and buildings.

Abstract: A bandpass filter containing specific combinations of the dyes to yield filters which are adapted to selectively transmit predetermined primary color wavelengths of an electromagnetic spectrum as well as selectively absorb wavelengths other than the predetermined primary color wavelengths. The multiple bandpass filters are employed to improve the images on CRT screens and plasma display panels.

Abstract: An organic optoelectronic device includes a solution coatable thin film having a hole transporting material, an electron transporting material, and a photogenerating component uniformly dispersed therein. The thin film is about 0.2 microns or less, and can be spin-coated onto a substrate and further coated with electrodes.

Abstract: The invention pertains to thermo-resistant and light-resistant dichroic polarizers based on thin films of dichroic matters, in particular organic dyestuffs, in which molecules are ordered in a crystalline structure and applied on the surface of the substrate. The dichroic polarizer is characterized by the fact that it contains at least one anisotropically absorbing film comprised of oriented molecules.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an ultraviolet absorber composition which is formed by melt-mixing a compound (A) represented by formula (I): and a resin stabilizer (B) selected from the group consisting of a phenolic antioxidant (b-1), a phosphorus-containing antioxidant (b-2), a hindered amine stabilizer (b-3), and an ultraviolet absorber (b-4) other than the compound (A), at a mass ratio (A)/(B) of 95/5 to 50/50. The composition has excellent compatibility with synthetic resins and provides a stabilized synthetic resin molding.

Abstract: Novel ultraviolet absorbing compounds that are liquid in nature, are extremely low in color and are highly effective in providing protection in wavelength ranges for which previous attempts at low-color ultraviolet absorbers have failed are provided herein. Such compounds provide such excellent, inexpensive, and beneficial protection from ultraviolet exposure within various media, including, but not limited to, clear thermoplastics. The particular compounds are generally polymeric in nature including various chain lengths of polyoxyalkylenes thereon and are liquid in nature to facilitate handling and introduction within the target media. In addition, such ultraviolet absorbers also exhibit extremely low migratory properties thereby providing long-term protective benefits to the target media as well.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mixture, comprising (A) 10 to 90 wt. % of at least one C6 to C18 alkyl ester, or C5 to C8 cycloalkyl ester of 2-cyano-3,3-diphenylacrylic acid and (B) 90 to 10 wt. % of at least one further compound, with at least one UV absorption maximum in the range 280 to 450 nm and structurally different from compound (A). Said mixture is suitable for the protection of human skin from damaging UV radiation and for the protection of coloured textile materials from colour fading.

Abstract: An optical adhesive polyester film comprising (A) a polyester film layer containing an aromatic polyester and an ultraviolet absorber and (B) a coating formed on at least one surface of the polyester film (A). The coating (B) contains at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of a coating polyester having a glass transition point of 40 to 100° C. and an acryl polymer having a glass transition point of 20 to 80° C. in an amount of 50 to 95% by weight based on the coating. The optical adhesive polyester film is disposed on the front of a plasma display so as to block externally incoming ultraviolet light.

Abstract: An optically active composition (100) for optical applications has been identified. The optically active composition (100) can include at least one cyclic molecule having a nanocore (112) disposed within the cyclic molecule to form a filled ring (108). The composition (100) is optically transmissive for at least one photonic wavelength that would not otherwise be transmitted by the composition (100) if the nanocore were absent from the cyclic molecule. The cyclic molecule can be a carbon ring, an aromatic ring, or a heterocyclic ring. The filled ring (108) can be attached to a chiral molecule which is a repeat unit (102) in a polymeric backbone. A second filled ring (110) which causes the composition to be optically transmissive at a second wavelength also can be attached to the chiral molecule (102) as well. An electric field can be applied to the filled ring (108) to adjust the wavelength at which filled ring (108) is transmissive.

Abstract: A high refractive index, curable, synthetic resin composition comprising a core resin composition composed of a mixture of ethylenically unsaturated compounds, and an initiation system containing both photo and thermal initiators, particularly a photochromic resin composition which further includes at least one photochromic dye. Also a curing process, which includes a combination of multi-step radiation curing and thermal annealing. Articles produced of cured composition exhibit superior physical and, in appropriate cases, photochromic properties and can be easily mass produced on a commercial scale due to short processing time and use of readily available chemicals.

Abstract: A process for preparing hot-melt pressure-sensitive adhesives from aqueous dispersions based on polyacrylate, and pressure-sensitively adhesive articles produced therefrom, which comprises producing highly concentrated aqueous dispersions with polymer contents between 68% by weight and 87% by weight of gel-free, molecularly-dispersely meltable polymer particles with an at least bimodal size distribution in size ranges between 0.5 ?m and 1000 ?m Ø.

Abstract: An ultraviolet-absorbing film comprising a fluorescent brightening agent and having a transmission of the rays of 410 nm or less of 90% or less, wherein the fluorescent brightening agent is represented by the following formula (I): wherein R1 and R4 each represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group or an alkoxyl group; R2 and R3 each represents an alkyl group; and [A] represents a substituted aryl or substituted ethenyl group.

Abstract: A multicolor electronic display is based on an array of luminescent semiconductor nanocrystals. Nanocrystals which emit light of different colors are grouped into pixels. The nanocrystals are optically pumped to produce a multicolor display. Different sized nanocrystals are used to produce the different colors. A variety of pixel addressing systems can be used.

Abstract: The invention provides an optical filter comprising: a. an organic, solar blind filter dye; and b. a UV-transparent, non-scattering and chemically stable substrate. The substrate may be a UV-transparent nanoporous silica glass solid having pores that are substantially filled with a UV-transparent solvent, which has been selected to dissolve said dye and also to match the refractive index of the nanoporous silica glass solid. Alternatively, the substrate may be a UV-transparent inorganic salt compressed to form a solid body. The invention also provides for methods of making these embodiments and an optical device comprising such an optical filter. The filter provides an efficient solar blind filter that is chemically and dimensionally stable.

Abstract: Combinations of at least two individual colorant compounds that provide effective toning (or bluing) to combat yellowing within polyester articles (such as bottles, containers, and the like) are provided. Such a novel toner combination permits effective neutralization of yellowness while also providing highly desirable low haze and increased brightness due to a sharp absorption peak within the needed range of wavelengths (e.g., from about 565 to 590 nm) and a narrow half-height band width. Furthermore, such a combination of compounds is preferably liquid in nature and may thus be incorporated within an added ultraviolet absorber solution or shelf-stable dispersion to facilitate addition within target polyesters at various stages of production. The inventive combination bluing agent accords effective neutralization of UV absorber yellowing as well. Methods of production and liquid UV absorber/individual bluing agent formulations are also encompassed within this invention.

Abstract: A selectively light-absorptive material for a color display, comprising a tetrazaporphyrine derivative having the formula: where R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7 and R8 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; an unsubstituted phenyl group, an alkyl group; an alkoxy group; a nitro group; halogen atoms; a halide; a cyano group; an alkylamino group; an aminoalkyl group; and a phenyl group having a substitutent selected from an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, a nitro group, halogen atoms, a halide, an alkylamino group, an aminoalkyl group and a cyano group, or two neighboring substituents among R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7 and R8 are fused and substituted with 1 to 3 aromatic cyclic compounds, and unsubstituted groups among R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7 and R8 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an allyl group, halogen atoms, a halide, a cyano group and a nitro group.

Abstract: An electric field activated molecular system, preferably bi-stable, configured within an electric field generated by a pair of electrodes is provided for use, e.g., as electronic ink or other visual displays. The molecular system has an electric field induced band gap change that occurs via a change (reversible or irreversible) of the extent of the electron conjugation via chemical bonding change to change the band gap, wherein in a first state, there is substantial conjugation throughout the molecular system, resulting in a relatively smaller band gap, and wherein in a second state, the substantial conjugation is destroyed, resulting in a relatively larger band gap. The changing of substantial conjugation may be accomplished in one of the following ways: (1) charge separation or recombination accompanied by increasing or decreasing electron localization in the molecule; or (2) change of substantial conjugation via charge separation or recombination and&pgr;-bond breaking or making.

Abstract: The invention features an optical medium for calibrating UV absorbance detectors, methods for making such an optical medium, and methods for calibrating UV absorbance detectors using such a medium. The optical calibration medium includes a gel-sol silica glass monolith with a rare-earth dopant therein. The rare-earth dopant exhibits at least one spectral feature in at least the far UV range. The constituents of the gel-sol silica glass monolith are selected so the rare-earth doped sol-gel glass monolith exhibits a transmittance in the far UV range so each distinct spectral feature of the rare-earth dopant in the far UV range is discernable. The transmittance in a particular embodiment is at least about 50% at about 250 nm. The rare earth materials selected for use as dopants are those exhibiting a wide range of spectral features, preferably over a range from about 190 nm to about 700 nm and more particularly exhibit at least one distinct spectral feature in the range from about 190 nm to about 300 nm.