Abstract: The present invention provides a production process of, duplication plate material for duplication of, and medium provided with an optically diffractive structure such as a hologram and diffraction grating having excellent optically diffractive effect, wherein the optically diffractive structure has a surface configuration having plural corrugation-like convexo-concave shapes, and the convexo-concave shapes of the final medium is formed by using a duplication plate material. The convexo-concave shapes of the duplication plate material have a cross-sectional surface which is crosswise to the peaks of the convexo-concave shapes, and a salient section defined by a salient line and a middle line has a smaller area than that of an adjacent reentrant section defined by a reentrant line and the middle line. Herein, the middle line is drawn by connecting midpoints of the height of the convexo-concave shapes.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a process for the rapid in-situ curing of polymerizable materials to provide macro-molecular networks and articles of manufacture that are “morphology-trapped”; that is, they exhibit a fixed phase morphology and/or molecular orientation that is locked in by the curing step. The process includes the steps of mixing together a dead polymer or a prepolymer, a reactive plasticizer or a diulent, and an initiator to give a polymerizable composition; further processing the mixture in order to achieve a desired phase morphology and/or moelcular orientation of the polymeric constitutents; shaping the polymerizable composition into a desired geometry; and exposing the polymerizable composition to a source of polymerizing energy, without mixing to give a final product with the desired phase morphology and/or moelcular orientation locked in place.

Abstract: Systems and methods of the present invention are directed to an optical element that includes a diffraction grating, an inclined surface, good optical characteristics, and an optical element manufacturing metal die. The optical element manufacturing metal die is capable of injection molding of an optical element having a complex structure. Further, the optical element manufacturing metal die includes nestings that have a plurality of mirror surface forming portions. The pluralilty of mirror surface forming portions include a plurality adjoining pairs of mirror surfaces. The plurality of mirror surface forming portions are molded by two adjoining pairs of the plurality of adjoining pairs of mirror surface forming portions, which are formed on the same nesting. At least one of the plurality of mirror surface forming portions are formed by a mirror surface grinding method.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical polarizer and a method of fabricating such an optical polarizer. The optical polarizer includes a support member and an optical polarizing film supported by the support member. The optical polarizing film includes a number of carbon nanotubes. The carbon nanotubes are compactly aligned with and parallel to each other. The optical polarizing film constructed with carbon nanotubes can work at high-temperature and in moist environments and has excellent abrasion resistance properties. Furthermore, a diameter of a carbon nanotube is only about 0.4˜30 nm, so the polarizing ability of the optical polarizer can extend into the UV region. The degree of polarization in the UV region is 0.92.

Abstract: A recording medium for information signals including a substrate, a signal recording layer provided on one major surface of the substrate and a clamp member having a positioning unit at its center portion and formed of a material that can be magnetically attracted by a magnet. The clamp member is unified to the center portion of the substrate so that the surface of the clamp member will be flush with the substrate surface.

Abstract: A method for optically coupling a thermoplastic material to an outer surface layer of an organic, dielectric, optical film and the resulting optical filter. Initially, a dielectric film is selected that includes (i) repeating optical layers of at least two polymers having different refractive indexes from each other, (ii) an exterior film surface, (iii) a refractive boundary along the exterior film surface, and (iv) a delamination threshold based on total thermal energy delivered to the film. A thermoplastic material which is miscible with the exterior film surface is fused to the refractive boundary with thermal energy below the delamination threshold to form a polydisperse region having a higher optical transmission than the refractive boundary. Add-on filters in the form of hardcoat layers, anti-reflection layers, holograms, metal dielectric stacks and combinations of these may be combined with the thermoplastic-film construct.

Abstract: A process for preparing embossed, finely-divided, thin, bright-metal particles which process comprises forming an embossed release surface to al least one side of a carrier sheet, depositing a metal film onto the release surface so that the metal film conforms to the embossed surface, solubilizing the release surface, removing the metal film from the carrier sheet, and breaking the thin metal film onto embossed particles having an average diameter of between 10 to 50 microns. The film may also take the form of an optical stack.

Abstract: A reflecting light polarizer having improved polarizing efficiency, and a method of manufacturing the reflecting light polarizer. The reflecting light poplarizer includes a first non-linear mating surface, a second non-linear mating surface and a polarizing coating disposed between the first and second non-linear mating surfaces wherein a first light polarization is transmitted through the reflecting light polarizer and a second light polarization is reflected by the reflecting light polarizer. The reflecting light polarizer can further include glue disposed between the first non-linear mating surface and the second non-linear mating surface. The reflecting light polarizer also can include at least one clamping device securing together the first non-linear mating surface and the second non-linear mating surface. The first and second non-linear mating surfaces can be glass, plastic or crystalline.

Abstract: A method of film fabrication is taught that uses a coating and drying apparatus to fabricate resin films suitable for optical applications. In particular, polyvinyl butyral films are prepared by simultaneous application of multiple liquid layers to a moving carrier substrate. After solvent removal, the polyvinyl butyral films are peeled from the sacrificial carrier substrate. Polyvinyl butyral films prepared by the current invention exhibit good clarity and low birefringence.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a broadband cholesteric polarizer includes positioning a layer of reactive material; irradiating the layer of reactive material; directing, at a first side of the layer, a monochromatic beam of light of a given wavelength toward the layer; and detecting, at a second side of said layer, a detected intensity of light of the given wavelength coming from the layer.

Abstract: Holographic lines are formed directly on products by holding a holographic plate and a block under a lip on a frame and mounting the frame for limited movement within a recess in a mold half. As a mold cavity is filled, the frame, block and plate and heating tubes connected to the block move in the recess. As the product sets, springs push the frame, block and plate toward the shrinking product controlling the fine holographic lines. Lateral frame recesses receive bolt ends to limit frame travel. Partially withdrawing bolts and removing the tubes releases the frame for withdrawing the block and replacing the holographic plate.

Abstract: A process for preparing a polarizer is described whereby a pre-polarizing article comprising an oriented, vinylalcohol polymer film layer, and an acid donor layer comprising a thermal acid generator, is exposed to radiant energy at a temperature sufficient to effect a partial dehydration of the vinylalcohol polymer to a vinylalcohol/poly(acetylene) copolymer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of producing a molded transparent covering member. The steps of the method comprise providing a silicon rubber material and a fluorescent substance together to form a material to be molded in a space between an inner surface of an upper mold and an outer surface of a lower mold; sand-blasting at least one of the inner surface of said upper mold and the outer surface of the lower mold; and injecting the material into the space formed between upper mold and the lower mold.

Abstract: A polarizer having good durability that is dyed by iodine, and is given boric acid processing, and moreover contains zinc without generating fault by deposit of boric acid or zinc, may be produced by a process of producing, comprising the steps of: conducting a dyeing processing by iodine to a non-stretched poly vinylalcohol film; conducting an uniaxial stretching processing and a boric acid processing; subsequently conducting a zinc impregnation processing; and furthermore, conducting an iodine ion impregnation processing.

Abstract: A method for making a structure including applying a multiphoton-curable composition to a molded article, wherein the composition comprises a curable species and a multiphoton photoinitiator system, and at least partially curing the multiphoton-curable composition to form a structure on the article.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for forming from a mold optical articles. These methods are particularly useful in preparing ophthalmic articles such as ophthalmic lenses, having several optical coatings thereon. The invention also relates to ophthalmic articles produced by these methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for forming from a mold optical articles. These methods are particularly useful in forming ophthalmic articles such as ophthalmic lenses, having a hydrophobic top coat thereon. Ophthalmic articles produced by these methods are also part of the invention.

Abstract: A hemispherical detector comprising a plurality of photodetectors arranged in a substantially contiguous array, the array being substantially in the shape of a half-sphere, the half-sphere defining a closed end and an open end, the open end defining a substantially circular face. Also provided is a method for constructing a hemispherical detector comprising the steps of making a press mold of the desired shape of the hemispherical detector, pouring a material into the press mold to form a cast, finishing the cast to remove any defects, coating the cast with a coating material, and attaching a plurality of photodetectors to the cast.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a triazine type monomer, and more particularly, to a 1,3,5-triazine type monomer characterized by having at least one amine group and at least two sulfur atoms, which can be used in manufacturing transparent optical resins having excellent refractive index, surface hardness and absorbance as well as an improved workability and the ability to control a wide range of refractive index according to the change in composition by the monomer itself at room temperature or by polymerizing the monomer with a comonomer in the presence of an organic solvent or an initiator.

Abstract: Polarization rotators can be formed to contain (i) a polarizer element or other polarization rotating element and (ii) a separate polarization rotator element. Articles containing the polarization rotators can be formed.

Abstract: A rod type polymer preform with radially-varying properties, e.g., refractive index, which is useful for preparing a contaminant-free high-bandwidth graded-index plastic optical fiber (GI-POF) or optical rod lens, can be conveniently prepared by a method which comprises charging a reactive material into a cylindrical reactor, inducing a chemical reaction while rotating the cylindrical reactor, and repeating the charging and reaction procedure two or more times using chemically or compositionally different materials in each of the repeating step.

Abstract: A polarizing plate used for manufacturing a liquid crystal display with suppressed irregularity in brightness, a method of manufacturing the same, and a liquid crystal display using the same, are provided. The polarizing plate is formed having a laminate of a polarizing film and a transparent protective layer provided on at least one surface of the polarizing film. By heat-treating and subsequently reheat-treating, the laminate has a shrinkage force of at most 8N/10 mm width when the laminate is further left at 60° C. for 1 hour, and furthermore, the laminate has a single hue value b of at most 4.6 NBS.

Abstract: A polarizer provide that has a high polarization degree and a high transmittance, which is made of a polyvinyl alcohol film, may be produced by a process of producing, comprising the steps of: subjecting a non-stretched polyvinyl alcohol film to uniaxial dry stretching treatment to give a stretch ratio of 4 times or less, dyeing the film, and then subjecting the film to uniaxial stretching treatment to give a stretch ratio of less than 1.5 times under the condition containing a boron compound.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solution to the needs described above through a method for forming multiply patterned optical articles. The method comprises providing a micromold having a pre-patterned surface structure, disposing a photorecording medium comprising a matrix precursor and a photactive monomer on a holder surface, moving the micromold to the photorecording medium on the holder surface such that the pre-patterned surface structure contacts the photorecording medium, wherein the photorecording medium conforms to the pre-patterned surface structure of the micromold, at least partially curing the photorecording medium adherent while the micromold pre-patterned surface structure contacts the photorecording medium, and further patterning the photorecording medium by irradiating the photorecording medium with laser light to polymerize the photoactive monomer.

Abstract: In a display device for an electronic apparatus, a circular polarizing plate constituted by a linear polarizing plate 42 and a ¼&lgr; plate 43 is provided between a solar display board 41 and a middle frame 46 for fixing a module 45 having a solar cell 44 to an outer case. As a result, a boundary line between the middle frame 46 and the solar cell 44, a gate track generated through injection molding of the middle frame 46, and further more, a solar cell element dividing line of the solar cell 44 cannot be seen. Consequently, a variation in design of the solar display board 41 can be increased. Moreover, the color of the solar display board 41 is deepened so that a feeling of high quality can be obtained as goods, and the provision of the middle frame can provide various external shapes of a watch in respect of the design.

Abstract: A molding die having satisfactory releasability, a sol-gel composition produced using the molding die, and a process for producing a sol-gel composition. The molding die which is to be pressed against a sol-gel material for producing a sol-gel composition has a release film, e.g., a thin gold (Au) film, formed on the molding surface of the molding die through a buffer layer made of metals and/or inorganic oxides.

Abstract: A polarizing plate comprising a polarizer and a transparent protective film at least one surface of the polarizer via an adhesive layer, wherein an applied layer comprising a polymer having a hydroxyl group is formed on a surface of the transparent protective film that is adhered to the polarizer, and the adhesive layer is formed by an adhesive comprising an isocyanate adhesive, has no problem concerning saponification processing and has a good adhesive property between a polarizer and a transparent protective film.

Abstract: In order to form three or more steps on a substrate with high precision, a first mask is formed to an area on the substrate corresponding with every other step, and also etching is performed on the area of the substrate to which the first mask is not formed, a second mask is formed to an area on the substrate to which the first mask has not been formed, and also etching is performed on the area on the substrate to which the first and the second masks are not formed.

Abstract: A method of mass producing polarizes comprises designing by rigorous diffraction theory an optimized grating profile, replicating the profile in a polymer or other substrate, and slope evaporating a metal onto the substrate. The angle of slope evaporation, the metal, and the thickness of the metal are optimized for a given wavelength using rigorous diffraction theory.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of producing a two-dimensional phase type optical element, wherein a first mask and a second mask made of different materials and both having a stripe-like shape are superposedly formed on a substrate, along different directions, respectively, and wherein positions of all levels to be defined are determined on the basis of at least one of the first and second masks.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a polarization element which has a high reliability and is easy to manufacture. The manufacturing method includes the steps of forming a fine metal particle dispersed product including a plurality of dispersed fine metal particles on a surface of the transparent substrate using a sol-gel method, drawing the fine metal particle dispersed product together with the transparent substrate while heating both, and cutting the drawn fine metal particle dispersed product and transparent substrate. The forming step includes the steps of coating a sol coating liquid on the surface of the transparent substrate, heat-treating the coated sol coating liquid, and sintering the heat-treated sol coating liquid. The sol coating liquid includes a disperse liquid containing an organic silicon compound as a main component and a metal salt dispersed in the disperse liquid for forming the fine metal particles.

Abstract: Processes for producing a holographic material wherein the holographic image is formed on a polished surface of a printing element and the holographic image is then transferred to a substrate are disclosed. A coating is applied to the polished surface of the printing element to provide a coated surface, the coated surface is engraved to provide the holographic image, and the holographic image is then transferred to a substrate via a bonding material, thereby producing the holographic material. The holographic material may be used to provide a decorative cover for an object or item, such as a floral grouping or a potted plant.

Abstract: Processes for producing a holographic material wherein the holographic image is formed on a polished surface of a printing element and then transferred the holographic image to a substrate. A coating is applied to the smooth surface of the printing element to provide a coated surface, the coated surface is embossed or engraved to provide the holographic image, and the holographic image is then transferred to a substrate via a bonding material, thereby producing the holographic material. The holographic material may be used to provide a decorative cover for an object or item, such as a floral grouping or a potted plant.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a security item comprises casting a polymer plastics substrate. During the casting process, a security material such as a thread is supplied which is embedded in the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to transparent articles including a microembossed image such as a hologram or diffraction grating, coated at least in-part, with a layer of material having a refractive index that differs from the refractive index of the transparent layer by about 0.2 units and can be prepared by solution coating techniques such as conventional printing, e.g., rotogravure.

Abstract: A polarizing film may be manufactured without using adhesives by a method in which a protective film (B) is laminated onto at least one face of a polarizer (A), then adhered by thermocompression bonding. Thus problems on manufacturing method of a polarizing film possibly caused by use of adhesives will not be generated.

Abstract: Graphic material includes at least one area bearing a hologram and at least one area bearing a diffraction grating. Preferably, the diffraction grating and the hologram are simultaneously viewable from at least one perspective. The graphic material is made using an embossing die grown from a precursor blank which has been embossed in discrete areas with a holographic microtexture and then partially overstamped with a diffraction grating microtexture. The stamping of the blank may be effected by pressing a suitably shaped die against a shim bearing a diffraction grating microtexture for forming the microtexture in the die shape on the blank.

Abstract: A method of replicating a nanoscale pattern which comprises forming the pattern on the outer surface of a cylindrical roller, providing a surface upon which the pattern is to be replicated, and transferring the nanoscale pattern from the cylindrical roller onto the surface to provide at least one replication of the pattern on that surface. The roller is adapted to carry the pattern on its outer surface and transfer the pattern to a substrate. The ultimate product may be a grating polarizer.

Abstract: Processes for producing a holographic material involve producing the holographic image on a polished, substantially smooth surface and then transferring the holographic image to a substrate. A metallic coating is applied to a smooth surface of a printing element to provide a coated surface, the coated surface is embossed to provide the holographic image, and the holographic image is transferred to a substrate via a bonding material, thereby producing the holographic material. The holographic material may be used to provide a decorative cover for an object or item, such as a floral grouping or a potted plant.

Abstract: A low-cost method of making unique and printable holographic papers and the like with the aid of radiation-curable coatings and flexible embossed or engraved flexible web film masters, and as a single, non-laminated sheet; and novel improved diffraction-refraction and holographic high-gloss surface papers, boards and the like, clear, metallized, pigmented or tinted.

Abstract: There is provided a photo-curable resin composition comprising a urethane-modified acrylic resin represented by structural formula (I) or (II) and a release agent as indispensable components: wherein five R1's each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, R2 represents a C1-C16 hydrocarbon group, X and Y each represent a straight-chain or branched alkylene group, and, with the sum of l, m, n, and o being 100, l is an integer of 20 to 90, m is an integer of 0 to 50, n is an integer of 10 to 80, and o is an integer of 0 to 20; and wherein Z represents a group having a bulky cyclic structure, six R1's each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, R2 represents a C1-C16 hydrocarbon group, X and Y each represent a straight-chain or branched alkylene group, and, with the sum of l, m, n, o, and p being 100, l is an integer of 20 to 90, m is an integer of 5 to 80, n is an integer of 0 to 50, o+p is an integer of 10 to 80, and p is

Abstract: Daylight fluorescent articles are disclosed that utilize durable fluorescent pigment particles resulting from a fluorescent dye incorporated within a matrix polymer selected from polycarbonate, polyester and mixtures thereof and where the particles are of various desired shapes and sizes. Embodiments of such fluorescent pigment particles may also be retroreflective and are especially useful for pavement marking surfaces and retroreflective products for highway transportation safety.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polarizing film having a dichroic ratio of at least 20 and comprising a polyvinyl alcohol derivative with a polyvinylene structure as obtained from a polyvinyl alcohol material having a degree of polymerization of at least 2000. The polarizing film of the present invention has excellent polarizing properties in the range of the visible ray spectrum, and exhibits excellent durability when left in high-temperature and high-humidity surroundings for a long period of time. The polarizing film of the present invention is useful for a polarizing sheet laminated with a protective film for on-vehicle LCD that is placed in heavy temperature and humidity fluctuations, such as LCD navigation systems, LCD TV, etc.

Abstract: A method of making particles of light-polarizing material comprising reacting a precursor suitable for forming polyhalide particles with elemental iodine and a hydrohalide or an ammonium, alkali metal, or alkaline earth metal halide wherein the average size and/or median size of the precursor is less than 1 micron.

Abstract: An improved method for generating masters having a plurality of randomly distributed speckle suitable for making seamless light shaping diffusers of virtually any size and at low cost is disclosed herein. The method utilizes incoherent light to record a desired speckle pattern in a photosensitive medium which is then exposed in an imagesetter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electrochromic polymeric solid films, manufacturing electrochromic devices using such solid films and processes for making such solid films and devices. The electrochromic polymeric solid films of the present invention exhibit beneficial properties and characteristics, especially when compared to known electrochromic media. The electrochromic polymeric solid films are transformed in situ from a low viscosity electrochromic monomer composition by exposure to electromagnetic radiation, and in so doing minimum shrinkage occurs. The electrochromic polymeric solid films of the present invention also perform well under prolonged coloration, outdoor weathering and all-climate exposure, and provide an inherent safety aspect not known to electrochromic media heretofore.

Abstract: Large, high quality diffraction gratings having carefully formed blazing angles and defect free reflective surfaces can be fabricated on specially oriented substrates using photolithographic or micromachining techniques. By selecting a single crystal substrate whose surface is at a known angle with respect to certain crystallographic planes of the substrate, anisotropic etching of the substrate can achieve diffraction grating grooves with reflective surfaces corresponding to the to specific crystallographic planes. The angle between the surface of the substrate and the specific crystallographic planes determines the blazing angle of the diffraction grating. Thus, large, high quality diffraction gratings can be fabricated for use in, for example, laser systems, or for use as master gratings in the manufacture of replica gratings.

Abstract: The Application describes a method and devices for manufacturing a broadband cholesteric polarizer having a well-defined bandwidth and edge position. To this end, a liquid-crystalline cholesterically ordered layer comprising reactive chiral monomers and reactive nematogenic monomers having a different reactivity is polymerized by exposure to radiation. The invention is characterized in that the intensity of the radiation is increased substantially, preferably by a factor of 10 or more, when a desired edge position of the band is reached. As a result, the bandwidth and edge position of the reflection band reached at that moment are frozen as it were. A monochromatic sensor can be used to determine whether said edge position has been reached, the wavelength used by the sensor corresponding to the wavelength of the desired edge position of the band. Broadband, cholesteric polarizers having a well-defined bandwidth and edge position can very advantageously be used in a display.