Abstract: The invention concerns a security element for a security document comprising a structure layer and diffractive first and second relief structures, wherein the relief structures viewed parallel to the plane of the structure layer are arranged in different planes of the security element, wherein the first relief structure adjoins a partial first reflection layer and the second relief structure adjoins a partial second reflection layer, and wherein—if the first reflection layer is towards a viewer—a second item of information generated by the second relief structure is at least partially concealed and—if the second reflection layer is towards the viewer—a first item of information generated by the first relief structure is at least partially concealed, and processes for the production of such security elements and security documents formed therewith.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a radiation curable resin composition which comprises epoxy (meth)acrylate, a monofunctional (meth)acrylate, a bifunctional (meth)acrylate having a specific structure, and a bifunctional (meth)acrylate obtained from an aliphatic dihydric alcohol having an oxyalkylene structure and (meth)acrylic acid and further contains a thermoplastic resin, thereby causing satisfactory adhesion to plastic substrates, sufficient shape retention, and excellent shape recovery properties, and satisfaction in moldability including casting efficiency and shape reproducibility, as well as a high refractive index and appropriateness for use as a lens sheet.

Abstract: A polarizer of the invention comprises a polyvinyl alcohol-based film which is at least dyed with at least iodine and uniaxially stretched, having a single transmittance of 43% or more, a polarizing efficiency of 99.9% or more, and a dichroic ratio of 30 or more, wherein the dichroic ratio is calculated from a parallel transmittance (Tp) and a crossed transmittance (Tc) at a wavelength of 440 nm, and have good hue.

Abstract: An optical waveguide sheet that has an auxiliary layer for preventing light transmitted through the waveguide sheet from leaking or being lost and a manufacturing method thereof. The waveguide sheet transmits light from a light emitting element thereinto, and has a reflecting pattern for reflecting light forward. At least one auxiliary layer for providing a total reflection condition for preventing the light from leaking or being lost when the light is transmitted into the waveguide sheet is coated on the waveguide sheet.

Abstract: A long obliquely stretched film is obtained having an orientation axis in a direction with an angle ?s of 10° or more and 85° or less from a width direction by grasping both side ends in the width direction of a longitudinally stretched film with an average retardation Re1 by grasping means; stretching the film under a condition that a long obliquely stretched film sample with an average retardation Re2 (Re2 is smaller than Re1) can be obtained and traveling speeds of the grasping means are substantially equal at the film both side ends through a preheating zone, a stretching zone and a fixing zone; releasing the both side ends of the film from the grasping means; and taking it up around a winding core.

Abstract: A method for producing a roll film provided with a coat layer comprising the steps of: (i) producing a roll film; (ii) applying a first embossing treatment along a longitudinal direction of the roll film on a part of a lateral direction of the roll film; (iii) applying a coat layer on the roll film; (iv) applying a second embossing treatment along a longitudinal direction of the roll film on a part of a lateral direction of the roll film; (v) heat treating the roll film at a temperature of 50 to 150° C. for a duration of 1 to 30 days while the roll film is rolled in a roll.

Abstract: A polarizer of the present invention comprises stretched film that is obtained from a film by subjecting the film to at least a dyeing treatment with a dichroic material and a stretching treatment, wherein the film is made from a mixture containing a polyvinyl alcohol-based resin and a polycarboxylic acid compound having two or more carboxyl groups and/or one or more acid anhydride groups and a molecular weight of 1,000 or less. The polarizer can suppress degradation in optical properties to a minimum even at high temperature.

Abstract: The invention provides a continuous method for producing polarizing films that includes a step of monoaxially stretching a polyvinyl alcohol film having a width of at least 2 m in an aqueous boric acid solution, wherein the polyvinyl alcohol film is stretched on the condition that it satisfies the following formulae (1) and (2): A?5 (m)??(1) A/B?0.5 (min) (2) wherein A indicates the stretching distance (m); and B indicates the stretched film speed (m/min). The method gives wide polarizing films of wide and good polarization performance, and the polarizing films thus produced are useful as the material for polarizers that may be in large-size liquid-crystal displays.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical film composite that comprises a linear, reflective polarizing film; a first polymeric substrate layer having birefringence, which is placed on the reflective polarizing film; and a second polymeric substrate layer placed beneath the reflective polarizing film, wherein the optical axis of the first polymeric substrate layer is oriented with respect to the transmission axis of the reflective polarizing film to have of 0° to 25° of an angular difference between the axes. The optical film composite can be employed in LCD devices to improve optical performance.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a biaxial polynorbornene-film having a compensation film which has good light transmittance and a uniform in-plane retardation value and can function as both a negative C-plate and an A-plate.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a retardation film having excellent durability against temperature change or the like and a production method of the retardation film. Particularly, the present invention is to provide a retardation film which realizes both reverse wavelength dispersion and durability and a production method of the retardation film. This is achieved by a retardation film including: a component (A) which is specific cellulose acylate; and a component (B) which is cellulose acylate or cellulose ether having a molecular weight different from a molecular weight of the component (A) and whose residual degree of hydroxyl group is 0.30 or more.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a lenticular plastic sheet from a material resin having a first surface and an opposite second surface employs a patterned chill roller having an outer surface defining a lenticular pattern thereon disposed adjacent and parallel to a nip roller so as to define a nip therebetween. A material resin is extruded onto the chill roller while in a molten state and begins to cool forming a sheet. Thereafter, the sheet passes into the nip so that the first surface of the sheet is in contact with the lenticular pattern of the chill roller. The lenticular pattern of the chill roller is subsequently transferred to the sheet.

Abstract: A diffuser film and a method of manufacturing the same are proposes. A colloid layer is formed on a transparent substrate. A mold plate with a raised texture is then used to roll over the colloid layer to let the surface of the colloid layer have an indented texture. Finally, a solidification process is carried out to harden the colloid layer to form a coarse layer whose surface has an indented texture. The diffuser film can thus achieve the effects of light concentration and light uniformity promotion, and can also reduce astray light rays. Moreover, using a mold plate for embossing can accomplish high reproducibility of film thickness and indented texture of the coarse layer, hence being advantageous to mass production.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for performing film insert molding (FIM) on a 3D shape, such as a traffic light shell or cover. A film is pre-generated for a surface to be covered by the film, and is inserted into a mold. A viscous material is then injected into the mold and the film bonds to the shell as the viscous material cools and hardens. The film includes a material selected to provide one or more of scratch resistance, improved shell hardness, UV protection, corrosion protection etc., and/or may be selected to alter optical characteristics of the shell.

Abstract: A retardation film that is used as a polarizing plate protective film, thereby making it possible to yield a polarizing plate which is very good in durability and has a viewing angle compensation function. The retardation film has: an optical anisotropic film, in which a relation of nx>ny is realized between a refractive index “nx” in a slow axis direction of an in-plane direction and a refractive index “ny” in a fast axis direction of the in-plane direction; and a retardation layer formed on the optical anisotropic film and containing a liquid crystalline material, in which a relation of nx?ny<nz is realized between refractive indexes “nx” and “ny” in arbitrary directions “x” and “y” of an in-plane direction which are perpendicular to each other and a refractive index “nz” in a thickness direction. The optical anisotropic film uses a transparent substrate having a cellulose derivative.

Abstract: A transparent polymer film satisfying Re?15 and Rth??7.5, and having a moisture permeability at 40° C. and a relative humidity of 90% of at least 100 g/(m2·day) as calculated in terms of the film having a thickness of 80 ?m. This film can be stuck to a polarizing film in on-line operation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing an optical film having a satisfactory roll-cleaning effect at low cost. Also disclosed is an optical film which can be produced by the method and is less likely to be stained. The method comprises the steps of: pressing a film between a first revolution body and a second revolution body, conveying the film with a third revolution body, and stretching the film, wherein the film is a film-like cellulose resin, the temperature of the cellulose resin during being pressed between the first and second revolution bookies is higher than the melting temperature of an additive, and the line pressure to be employed for the pressing between the first and second revolution bodies is 0.1 to 100 N/mm.

Abstract: A microstructure area (201) providing a first diffractive visual effect is produced on the surface layer (240) of a paper or cardboard substrate (230) of a product (200). In addition, a bulge (206) or a recess (207) having a second microstructure area (202) is produced on the surface layer (240), wherein a doubly curved portion (203) is located between the first (201) and the second (202) microstructure areas. Said combination of the bulge (206)/recess (207), microstructure areas (201, 202) and doubly curved portion (203) makes counterfeiting of the product (200) difficult and provides a special visual effect.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a polarizer is provided. The method includes following steps. First, a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film is provided. A dyeing process is then performed on the PVA film by using an ultraviolet (UV) light as a dyeing assistant. Next, an iodine dyeing process is performed on the PVA film. Finally, a protection film is formed on an upper surface of the PVA film and a protection film is formed on a lower surface of the PVA film, so as to form the polarizer.

Abstract: A color filter having a bi-layer metal grating is formed by nanoimprint lithography. Nanoimprint lithography, a low cost technology, includes two alternatives, i.e., hot-embossing nanoimprint lithography and UV-curable nanoimprint lithography. Manufacture steps includes providing a substrate with a polymer material layer disposed thereon. A plurality of lands and grooves are formed in the polymer material layer, and a first metal layer and a second metal layer are disposed on the surfaces of the lands and grooves, respectively. Finally, a color filter having a bi-layer metal grating is obtained.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for the manufacture of coextruded polymeric multilayer optical films. The multilayer optical films have an ordered arrangement of layers of two or more materials having particular layer thicknesses and a prescribed layer thickness gradient throughout the multilayer optical stack. The methods and apparatuses described allow improved control over individual layer thicknesses, layer thickness gradients, indices of refraction, interlayer adhesion, and surface characteristics of the optical films. The methods and apparatuses described are useful for making interference polarizers, mirrors, and colored films that are optically effective over diverse portions of the ultraviolet, visible, and infrared spectra.

Abstract: A clip to hold the film has a clip body, a flapper, a press slider and a rail mount. A pair of the press sliders is located in both sides of the flapper. A coil spring presses the press slider upward. A pair of entrance side film release members, provided in the tenter entrance, presses the press slider downward to press the lateral edge portions of the film by the press sliders. At the film hold position, the flapper rotates from a release position to a hold position to hold the film, and the flapper is kept at the hold position by a torsion spring. The flapper holds the film 26 after the press slider holds the lateral edge portions of the film, so the flapper can hold the film even when the lateral edge portions of the film are curled.

Abstract: An optical display having integrated functions in one or more layer is disclosed. Specifically, the optical display having two or more of the optical components integrated into a single layer without laminating two different layers of material together. A method of making a wire grids polarizer is also disclosed.

Abstract: A retardation film is manufactured by stretching a thermoplastic resin film while adjusting stretching ratio ? [%], temperature ? [° C.], and stretching speed ? [%/min] so that the following formulas (1) and (2) are satisfied when the thermoplastic resin film is stretched at the stretching ratio ? [%], the temperature ? [° C.], and the stretching speed ? [%/min], therefore, stretching unevenness can be prevented: Z>X ??(1) (X×100/k)×0.2<(Y?X)×100/k ??(2) here X represents yield stress [MPa] in a stress-strain curve, Y represents stress [MPa] in the stress-strain curve when the film is further stretched from the yield stress by k [%] which is the amount of strain until the yield stress, and Z represents stress [MPa] in the stress-strain curve when the film is stretched to ? [%].

Abstract: A polarizing plate of the present invention comprises: a polarizer; a transparent protective film placed on at least one side of the polarizer; and an adhesive layer interposed between the polarizer and the transparent protective film, wherein the polarizer is a stretched polyvinyl alcohol film dyed with a dichroic material and containing a sulfate ion, and the adhesive layer is formed with an active energy ray-curable adhesive containing at least one curable component. The polarizing plate has durability at high temperature.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing a micro-retarder and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The system for manufacturing a micro-retarder includes a carrying device, a heating device and a movement control device. The carrying device is used for carrying a polymolecule film. The polymolecule film is selected from a polymolecule film having an arrangement direction. The heating device is used for providing a heating source. The energy formed in the central area of the heating source is smaller than that in the peripheral area of the heating source. The movement control device is used for controlling the heating source and the polymolecule film to relatively move along a first direction, so that the adjusted heating source heats at least one partial area of the polymolecule film along the first direction and resumes the partial area of the polymolecule film to be non-directional.

Abstract: A method of producing a thermoplastic film, which can increase uniformity of Re and Rth of a thermoplastic film obtained by stretching, and which can provide a thermoplastic film having few display irregularities when the film is incorporated into a liquid crystal display device as a retardation film, and a thermoplastic film produced by the method are provided. In a tenter, both ends in the width direction of the film are held with clips and the film is simultaneously stretched in the traveling direction A and the width direction B. By this, a thermoplastic film in which the number of adhesion marks is 10 marks/m2 or less, the in-plane retardation Re is 0 nm to 500 nm and the retardation Rth in the thickness direction is 30 nm to 500 nm is produced.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a polarizer is provided that makes it possible to manufacture a polarizer prevented from curling even when a liquid is brought into contact with a hydrophilic polymer film by being sprayed. A method of manufacturing a polarizer includes a swelling step A for swelling a hydrophilic polymer film 1 by bringing it into contact with a swelling liquid 2, a dyeing step B for dyeing the hydrophilic polymer film 1 by bringing it into contact with a dye liquid 3 containing a dichroic material, and a crosslinking/stretching step C for crosslinking the hydrophilic polymer film 1 by bringing it into contact with a crosslinking liquid 4 and further stretching it. In the method, the contact with the swelling liquid in the swelling step A is carried out in the gas phase by spraying the swelling liquid 2 onto both surfaces of the hydrophilic polymer film 1.

Abstract: An integrated wet stretch method of making an intrinsic polarizer includes the following steps in order: providing a polymeric film comprising poly(vinyl alcohol) and having an original length; immersing the polymeric film in a first bath comprising a first solution having a pH of less than about 3; uniaxially stretching the first polymeric film in the machine direction thereby forming a stretched polymeric film; removing the stretched polymeric film from the first bath; removing excess first solution from the stretched polymeric film; and uniaxially stretching the stretched polymeric film in the machine direction, at a temperature of at least about 120° C., thereby forming a further stretched polymeric film.

Abstract: In general, in one aspect, the invention features methods that include forming a roll of a first material into a substrate and forming a plurality of rows of a second material on the substrate, where the second material includes a metal, the rows of the second material extend along a first direction, the rows are spaced apart from one another, and adjacent rows are spaced apart by about 400 nm or less.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a polarizing film, by which, even when a wide raw film is used, it is possible to obtain a polarizing film that achieves excellent optical characteristics as well as uniformity in in-plane optical characteristics. The method includes the steps of dyeing a polymer film; stretching the dyed film; and drying the film that has undergone the dyeing and stretching steps while conveying the film with rolls. In the drying step, at least two rolls are used as the rolls and the film is dried under a condition that a ratio (R/W) of a distance (R) between the adjacent rolls to an initial width (W) of the polymer film is not less than 0.5 and not more than 4.0.

Abstract: A cellulous acylate film in which X-ray diffractive intensity satisfies the following Formulae (I) to (V) and in which a half-value width of the peak at 2?2 is 2.8° or less as observed in the sectional view in a direction parallel to the transport direction of the film: 0.00?Ici/Ico<0.60;??Formula (I) Iam=I1+{(I3?I1)/(2?3?2?1)}×(2?2?2?1);??Formula (II) Ic=I2?Iam;??Formula (III) Ici=Ic11/Ic12; and??Formula (IV) Ico={(Ic21/Ic22)+(Ic31/Ic32)}/2.

Abstract: An improved method of forming an intrinsic polarizer, referred to as a K-type polarizer, includes stretching a polymeric film a first stretching step. The polymeric film comprises a hydroxylated linear polymer which is converted after the first stretching step to form dichroic, copolymer polyvinylene blocks aligned in the polymeric film. The polymeric film is stretched in a second stretching step while converting the hydroxylated linear polymer. This method produces an improved K-type polarizer with excellent polarizing and color characteristics. For example, the dichroic ratio is higher than 100, the color shift for light passed through the polarizer in a crossed configuration is low, and the absorption of light in the blue region of the visible spectrum is more than one half of the absorption for light in the middle of the visible spectrum.

Abstract: A polarization split element 1 includes a substrate 2 and a plurality of ridge-shaped convex portions 3 provided in parallel with one another at equal intervals on the substrate 2, and performs polarization splitting with respect to light beams 4 incident to the plurality of the convex portions 3 by diffraction. This polarization split element 1 satisfies a conditional expression represented by: 1.6?n?2.2 and 0.6?P/??0.

Abstract: A transparent polymer film satisfying Rth/Re<0.5, Re>0 and Rth>0, and having a moisture permeability at 40° C. and a relative humidity of 90% of at least 100 g/(m2·day) as calculated in terms of the film having a thickness of 80 ?m. This film can be stuck to a polarizing film in on-line operation.

Abstract: A method for producing a cellulose acylate film is provided and includes the steps of: a stretching step of stretching a film; and a shrinking step of shrinking the film

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite light control film including providing a first layer. A second layer, in a formable state, is also provided and is patterned to form a plurality of microstructures defining a plurality of cavities therebetween. The patterned second layer is hardened to the first layer and the cavities are filled with a light absorbing material. An optional third film can be attached to the second layer opposite the first film to form a composite light control film. The resultant film exhibits a Brightness Variation Factor of less than 10% and can be disposed between a light chamber of a backlight unit and a liquid crystal display assembly in forming an LCD device.

Abstract: This invention provides a polarizing plate comprising a polarizer formed of a polyvinyl alcohol resin on which a dichroic dye is adsorbed and aligned. A protective film is stacked on both sides of the polarizer. At least one of the protective films is formed of a propylene resin. In stacking the protective film formed of propylene resin on at least one side of the polarizer, a method is advantageously adopted that the protective film on its surface to be applied onto the polarizer is subjected to corona discharge treatment and the polarizer is applied onto the treated face through an adhesive.

Abstract: A polarizer capable of being manufactured in simple steps, and a method of manufacturing the polarizer, as well as a liquid crystal projector are provided. The polarizer includes a substrate having light permeability, and a plurality of linear projections being arranged on the substrate and extending along one direction within a plane thereof. Each of the linear projections having a base layer and a plating layer in the named order from the substrate, the base layer containing a catalyst material for electroless plating process, and the plating layer being deposited by using the base layer as a catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention provides a negative C-plate type optical anisotropic film having negative birefringence along the thickness direction. In particular, the present invention provides a film comprising cycloolefin addition polymer, which is prepared by addition polymerizing norbornene-based monomers, a method for preparing the same, and a liquid crystal display comprising the same. The film of the present invention can be used for optical compensation films of a variety of LCD (liquid crystal display) modes because the refractive index alone the thickness direction can be controlled by the kind and amount of functional groups introduced to the cycloolefin addition polymer.

Abstract: Curved polarization filters and methods of manufacturing such filters are described in the present disclosure. An exemplary method includes laminating a planar polarization layer to a planar retarder layer at a predetermined orientation and bending the laminate to create a curved filter. The strain on the retarder layer results in stress-induced birefringence, and the predetermined orientation of the retarder substantially compensates for the stress-induced birefringence. In some embodiments, the predetermination is based on mathematical models. In some other embodiment, the predetermination is based on experimental data.

Abstract: A process for preparing an optically homogeneous polyvinyl alcohol film having an excellent appearance without forming wrinkles and scratches and causing blocking of the film, the process comprising the steps of forming a polyvinyl alcohol film from a solution of a polyvinyl alcohol resin, and rolling up the film around a cylindrical core, wherein the surface hardness of the rolled up film is set to a Shore A hardness of 60 to 95 measured according to JIS K 6301 under conditions of 25° C. and 55% RH.

Abstract: Retardation expressibility of a transparent polymer film can be easily controlled by heat treatment of the film at a temperature T (unit, ° C.) satisfying a condition of the following formula (1): Tc?T<Tm0??Formula (1) wherein Tc represents the crystallization temperature (unit, ° C.) of the film before the heat treatment; and Tm0 represents the melting point (unit, ° C.) of the film before the heat treatment.

Abstract: A TAC film has a thickness profile in which its thickness decreases from side edge portions toward a center portion. The TAC film has a retardation profile in which its in-plane retardation Re decreases from the side edge portions toward the center portion. The retardation profile is caused by the thickness profile. In a tenter section, the TAC film is stretched in a width direction while the side edge portions are being held. A difference of increase in the in-plane retardation Re of the film in the width direction after the stretching is compensated by a difference of the in-plane retardation Re of the film in the width direction before the stretching.

Abstract: An optical cellulose ester film comprising a cellulose ester (A); at least one ester based plasticizer (B) selected from ester based plasticizers composed of a polyhydric alcohol and a univalent carboxylic acid, or ester based plasticizers composed of a polyvalent carboxylic acid and a monohydric alcohol; at least one stabilizer (C) selected from the group consisting of a phenol based stabilizer, a hindered amine based stabilizer, or a phosphorous based stabilizer; and a hydrogen bonding solvent (D).

Abstract: A novel optically anisotropic film is disclosed. The film is a film produced by irradiating a polymer film, comprising at least one photoreactive compound and at least one non-liquid crystalline polymer, with a light, thereby inducing or changing an optical anisotropy of the polymer film. A novel process for producing an optically anisotropic film is also disclosed. The process comprises irradiating a polymer film, comprising at least one photoreactive compound and at least one non-liquid crystalline polymer, with a light, thereby controlling an optical anisotropy of the polymer film.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of micro or nanostructure surfaces or parts formed of PTFE by applying a vacuum to powered or granulated PTFE in a heated compression mold, applying a compression anvil within the metallic mold, removing the mold from the heating bath and quenching the mold to maintain pressure in the mold during a part of the quench. A mold or mold insert may be manufactured from sintered metal, a sintered ceramic of sintered stainless steel to allow the vacuum to be applied across a surface holding the micro or nanostructures.

Abstract: A method for producing a polarizer of the present invention comprises: subjecting a polyvinyl alcohol film to at least a dyeing process, a crosslinking process and a stretching process; and then subjecting the polyvinyl alcohol film to a washing process with an aqueous solution containing 1 to 50% by weight of an alcohol and 0.5 to 10% by weight of an iodide compound. A polarizer produced by the production method has high transmittance and high degree of polarization.

Abstract: There are provided a polarizing plate that has excellent durability including both humidity resistance and heat resistance and is less likely to cause knick defects, and a method for production thereof. The polarizing plate includes: a polarizer including an iodine-containing polyvinyl alcohol resin and containing zinc; protective films each having a water-vapor permeability of 150 g/m2 per 24 hours or less in an atmosphere at 40° C. and 90% RH; and an adhesive including a polyvinyl alcohol resin, a crosslinking agent and a colloidal metal compound with an average particle size of 1 to 100 nm, wherein the protective films are bonded to both side of the polarizer with the adhesive interposed between the protective layer and the polarizer.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing a thermoplastic resin film, comprising the steps of: extruding a molten thermoplastic resin from a die in the form of sheet and sandwiching the sheet-form thermoplastic resin between one drum and the other drum to cool, in which at least one of the drums has concave portions of 5 nm to 500 nm (both inclusive) depth in an area ratio of 0.5% to 20% (both inclusive). According to the aspect of the present invention, the sheet-form thermoplastic resin is excellent in handling, since desired convex portions are formed therein.