Abstract: A flexible electrochromic (EC) panel that is usable for a display device or for other applications in which at least a region of the panel is selectively caused to change opacity. An exemplary EC panel includes an electrochromic working layer or electrode formed of a PProDOT-Me2 polymer film that is deposited on an indium tin oxide (ITO)-coated polyethylene terephthalate (PET) flexible substrate. Similarly, a counter electrode is formed by depositing a vanadium oxide-titanium oxide (V2O5-TiO2) composite film on another ITO PET coated flexible substrate. An ultraviolet light-cured film sealant is employed to seal the flexible panel and also serves as a spacer between the working and counter electrodes. The film sealant is patterned to define a volume for injecting an electrolyte solution through an inlet port provided in the film sealant. The inlet port is then closed. The EC panel can readily be flexed without damage.

Abstract: An improved optical diffuser for use in a multi-component display (MCD), and also to a method of manufacturing the same, is disclosed. Embodiments provide an optical diffuser film which may be manufactured with fewer manual operations, at a lower cost, and in larger volume than conventional optical diffusers. The optical diffuser film may include a flexible polymer substrate coupled to an optical diffuser material with a plurality of features for diffusing light. The optical diffuser film may be stored, transported, or otherwise handled more easily and with less damage than conventional optical diffusers. Additionally, the optical diffuser film may be coupled to a rigid substrate to reduce distortion of the optical diffuser, thereby providing improved optical performance.

Abstract: A highly effective and cost-effective method and apparatus for manufacturing soft contact lenses by physically forming the lenses form sheet (or other solid) material in a batch or continuous process.

Abstract: A method of machining a surface of a workpiece is accomplished by bringing a cutting tool into contact with the surface of the workpiece and for at least one cutting pass, i, causing relative movement between the cutting tool and the surface of the workpiece along a path in the surface of the workpiece. The path is in the nature of a mathematical function defined over a segment, C, of a coordinate system and characterized by a set of nonrandom, random or pseudorandom parameters selected from the group consisting of amplitude, phase and period or frequency.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to eliminate drawbacks of conventional multi-layered antireflection films, that is, that a lot of time is required in the formation of a transparent conductive thin film and a low-refractive index layer leading to low processing speed, the corrosion resistance of the transparent conductive thin film is unsatisfactory, and the reflectance over the whole visible light region is not constant.

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: A method and an apparatus of manufacturing a reflector which productivity is excellent, the photosensitive resin layer is not changed during the period from a transferring step to an ultraviolet ray irradiating step, and post-process such as a fine hole forming step is easily preformed are provided. The method of manufacturing the reflector comprising the steps of forming a photosensitive resin layer on a sheet base body; transferring a shape of prominence and depression onto the photosensitive resin layer, while forwarding the sheet base body in one direction, by rotating a transfer roller having substantially cylindrical shape while pressing the transfer roller against the photosensitive resin layer, wherein the transfer roller has a transfer surface having a prominence and depression pattern at the periphery thereof; and preliminarily irradiating ultraviolet ray onto the photosensitive resin layer immediately after the transferring step is employed.

Abstract: The invention provide a new class of silicone-containing prepolymers containing dangling polysiloxane-containing polymer chains. This class of silicone-containing prepolymer is capable of being actinically crosslinked to form a silicone hydrogel material with a relatively high oxygen permeability, a reduced elastic modulus, and a relatively high ion permeability. The present invention is also related to silicone hydrogel contact lenses made from this class of silicone-containing prepolymers and to methods for making the silicone hydrogel contact lenses.

Abstract: The invention provides for partially curing a flash ring during mold assembly to make the ring sufficiently tacky so that the back mold half will remain adhered to the mold assembly during the subsequent cure processing.

Abstract: An optical part for a camera comprising a substrate made of a polyolefin plastic and an optical resin layer placed on the substrate, wherein the surface of the substrate is provided with a polar group and the optical resin layer is formed from a resin composition including a fluorene compound having a (meth)acryloyl group.

Abstract: A transflective display. The transflective display includes a first substrate, a first electrode formed thereon, a second substrate having a reflective area and a transmissive area opposite to the first substrate, a second electrode formed on the second substrate opposite to the first electrode, and a liquid crystal layer including a plurality of liquid crystal molecules and polymers disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The invention also provides a method of fabricating the transflective display.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a light guide plate containing a plurality of light-guiding micro structures comprises the steps of: preparing a mold that has a concave hole formed by a plurality of light-guiding micro structures; pouring a mixture of ultraviolet curable resins and glass microbeads into the mold; attaching a carrier onto the mixture; using a rolling tool to roll the surface of the carrier, such that the mold is filled up with the mixture uniformly, while the air among the mold, the carrier and the mixture is discharged; and finally projecting the ultraviolet light onto the ultraviolet curable resin, such that the ultraviolet curable resin can be cured at the carrier and removed from the mold, so as to form a light guide plate having a plurality of light-guiding micro structures.

Abstract: Molded optical articles and methods of making them are disclosed herein. Optical articles comprise a photopolymerizable composition disposed on a major surface of a substrate. The photopolymerizable composition comprises: a silicon-containing resin comprising silicon-bonded hydrogen and aliphatic unsaturation, and a platinum catalyst providing from about 0.5 to about 30 parts per million of platinum. The major surface imparts a positive or negative lens to the photopolymerizable composition. Optical articles also include those that have been photopolymerized using actinic radiation having a wavelength of 700 nm or less.

Abstract: In a process for the production of mouldings, e.g. contact lenses, a starting material which contains a photoinitiator with a spectral absorption (AC) in a given wavelength range is exposed to a predefined amount of light of a wavelength from this given wavelength range. Polymerisation and/or crosslinking of the starting material is thereby initiated, and in this way a demouldable moulding is formed The intensity of light is measured, to which end a broadband photoreceiver (511) is used, in front of which receiver a filter (510) is arranged, the transmission (TC1, TC2, TC3; TC4) of which is designed such that the light passing through the filter (510) and impinging on the photoreceiver (511) corresponds in its intensity to the light absorbed by the photoinitiator based on its spectral absorption (AC) at the wavelength from the given wavelength range.

Abstract: Disclosed is an external light shielding film. The external light shielding film comprises a transparent substrate; and an external light shielding pattern formed on a surface of the transparent substrate and including a plurality of external light shielding parts. Each of the plurality of external light shielding parts has a polymer resin and at least one color-changeable colorant. The color of the plurality of external light shielding parts may vary according to an external heat source or vary depending on an intensity of an external light source, thereby improving a contrast ratio in a bright room, and a specific color may be visible even when the power of the display apparatus is OFF, thereby achieving an interior decorative effect.

Abstract: This invention is related to ophthalmic lenses and the associated processes used to manufacture ophthalmic lenses. In particular, the present invention is related to a process for manufacturing contact lenses using high intensity UV light on lens molds to decouple mold creation from lens manufacture.

Abstract: A system and method for forming a polymeric molding. A mold component includes a transmissive portion for passing curing energy such as UV light into the mold cavity. A masking collar is engaged around the transmissive portion to block curing energy from exposing and curing polymeric material outside of the region underlying the transmissive portion.

Abstract: Disclosed are an external light shielding film with a substrate including a transparent resin, an external light shielding pattern formed on a surface of the substrate and having a plurality of external light shielding parts including a light absorbing material, a method of manufacturing the external light shielding film, and a filter for a display having the external light shielding film. The light absorbing material consists of a base resin and a light absorbing substance, and at least one of a concentration of the light absorbing substance and a refractive index of the base resin varies in a stepwise manner.

Abstract: A system and method for forming a polymeric molding. A mold component includes a UV-absorptive material for preventing undesired reflection or transmission of curing energy within the mold cavity, thereby providing more precise control of the edge geometry of the molding.

Abstract: A contact lithography apparatus and a method use one or both of spacers and a mesa to facilitate pattern transfer. The apparatus and the method include one or both of a spacer that provides a spaced apart orientation of lithographic elements, such as a patterning tool and a substrate, when in mutual contact with the spacer and a mesa between the patterning tool and the substrate. The mesa supports a contact surface of one or both of the mold and the substrate. One or both of the spacers and the mesa may be non-uniform. One or more of the patterning tool, the substrate and the spacer is deformable, such that deformation thereof facilitates the pattern transfer.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to catheters for performing medical procedures including percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. More particularly, the present invention relates to guide catheters, diagnostic catheters and balloon catheters with an improved shaft design. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention includes a catheter shaft comprising an elongate support member having an outer surface, the elongate support member preferably defining a lubricious liner; a first layer disposed over the lubricious liner, a second layer disposed over the first layer, a third layer disposed over the second layer, a fourth layer disposed over the third layer, and a fifth layer disposed over the fourth layer. In preferred embodiments, the first and third layers comprise an ultraviolet-curable epoxy which is cured to desired degrees at select axial locations on the shaft to provide desired stiffness.

Abstract: A method for making an optical element includes the steps of: coating a curable resin on a substrate so as to form a curable resin layer on the substrate; embossing the curable resin layer so as to form a plurality of micro-protrusions thereon; and exposing the curable resin layer directly to a power source so as to cure the curable resin layer.

Abstract: A lenticular lens type three-dimensional image display device comprises a display panel; a first polarizer on an upper surface of the display panel; a glue layer uniformly formed on an entire surface of the first polarizer; and a lenticular lens sheet on the glue layer, wherein the glue layer has an adhesive property when exposed to an ultraviolet light.

Abstract: An optical element includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a retardation plate made of an inorganic material, having refractive index anisotropy, and having a thin plate like main part to be disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, the main part being formed to be thin in comparison with a thickness of the first substrate and a thickness of the second substrate, a first adhesive layer for filling a gap between the first substrate and the retardation plate, and a second adhesive layer for filling a gap between the retardation plate and the second substrate.

Abstract: This invention is directed to improved lens molds for the production of ophthalmic lenses, in particular colored contact lenses. The invention involves protective coatings for extended use and repair of reusable glass or quartz molds as well as for improved mold release and print-on-mold properties. The invention is also directed to a method of making the improved lens molds and their use in the manufacture of ophthalmic lenses, in particular colored contact lenses.

Abstract: An image sensor which may maximize the optical integrity by maximizing the amount of incident light through a microlens layer and a method for manufacturing an image sensor. An image sensor may include a pixel region, a microlens layer, and at least one microlens. The microlens layer may include a plurality of microlenses on the pixel region. At least one microlens has a shape different from the rest of the microlenses.

Abstract: An imprinting apparatus and a method of the same which form a residual film including a uniform thickness all over a substrate. The imprinting apparatus includes a substrate support which supports a substrate which is coated with an imprint resin on an upper surface thereof, an imprint mold arranged on an upper side of the substrate support and which forms a predetermined pattern by molding the imprint resin coated on the substrate, a pressure roller which pressurizes the imprint mold to adhere closely to the substrate, a pressure roller control unit which controls the pressure roller to change a moving velocity and an applied pressure of the pressure roller according to a position of the imprint mold, and a resin curing unit which cures the imprint resin on the substrate.

Abstract: A liquid-form adhesive, which is a raw material of the cover layer, is supplied to a plate surface of the disc substrate, which has been set on a turntable, after which a dummy substrate is set on the disc substrate. The dummy substrate is positioned to be concentric with the disc substrate. A setting surface of the dummy substrate is disposed to face the plate surface. In this state, the disc substrate is rotated together with the dummy substrate by rotation of the turntable, and the adhesive is spread to an outer peripheral side of the disc substrate by centrifugal force. Thus, the adhesive fills a space between the plate surface and the setting surface, and is spin-coated on the plate surface. Irregularities in thickness of the applied adhesive are suppressed by the setting surface of the dummy substrate.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a diffraction optical element, according to the present invention, includes the steps of: supplying a photocurable resin onto a surface of a light-transmitting molding die in which a grating pattern is formed on the surface; irradiating the photocurable resin with light having a first wavelength through the molding die so as to cure a part of the photocurable resin; irradiating the photocurable resin with light having a second wavelength, which is longer than the firs wavelength, through the molding die so as to cure at least a part of the photocurable resin; and removing the cured resin from the molding die.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing a polymer optical waveguide, comprising the steps of: preparing a mold comprising a concave portion; bringing a substrate into contact with the mold, filling the concave portion with a core-forming curable resin; curing the core-forming curable resin in the concave portion; removing the mold from the substrate; and forming a clad layer on the substrate; wherein the mold comprises a cured resin layer and a reinforcing member, the cured resin layer has the concave portion, the reinforcing member has an introduction portion which communicates with the concave portion and an injection inlet which communicates with the introduction portion, and a discharge portion which communicates with the concave portion is provided in the reinforcing member, the cured resin layer and/or a space between the cured resin layer and the reinforcing member, and a resin injecting device which is used in the process.

Abstract: Disclosed is a PCB in which a waveguide is embedded, and a method of producing the same. The PCB includes a substrate, and a lower clad layer formed on the substrate through a predetermined process to allow an optical signal irradiated thereto to be total-reflected thereby. A core layer is formed on the lower clad layer through a predetermined process and exposed using an exposing film on which a waveguide pattern is formed to form the waveguide with a predetermined shape therefrom. Furthermore, an upper clad layer is formed on the core layer through a predetermined process to allow the optical signal irradiated thereto to be total-reflected thereby.

Abstract: An adjustable mold includes a distortable boundary, a flexible membrane, and a pressurizer, and method of use thereof. Pressure is applied to the flexible membrane, which causes the membrane to distort over the boundary. The shape of the boundary and the distortion of the flexible membrane control the optical characteristics of a lens resulting from the application and curing of a molding composition placed on the flexible membrane or to cast other items having variable shapes determined in part by the flexible membrane. In addition, a mold edge is used to allow casting in predetermined shapes, reducing need for grinding or edging. Visual and emission device calibration features used in conjunction with calibration reference images allow uniform selective distortion of the flexible membrane.

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: Provided is a method of producing a multilayer optical recording medium, which is capable of producing the recording medium with high accuracy of distances between layers without necessity of disposing stampers, and which includes the steps of (a) forming a resin layer with respect to a support substrate; (b) disposing a stamper on the resin layer and irradiating a light beam thereto through the support substrate or the stamper to transfer an unevenness pattern of the stamper to the resin layer; (c) forming a recording layer on the resin layer; (d) repeating the steps (a) to (c) n times to stack n layers of resin layer with recording layer on the support substrate; (e) bonding a base substrate to the n-th recording layer through an adhesive layer; and (f) peeling off the support substrate.

Abstract: A rotation table transfers a casting mold M injected with a plastic composition in a circular manner. An active-energy-ray irradiating area is provided to irradiate active energy rays onto the casting mold M in a predetermined angular range when the casting mold M is loaded on the rotation table and the rotation table is rotated once. A servo motor drives the rotation axis of the rotation table. A controller controls the servo motor such that the active energy rays from an ultraviolet lamp are irradiated onto the casting mold M in the active-energy-ray irradiating area for a required time. When the rotation table is intermittently rotated by 60° degrees in a counterclockwise direction, the casting mold M supplied from a supplying/removing area is irradiated by the ultraviolet rays in the active-energy-ray irradiating area, gradually cooled in the cooling area, and returned to the supplying/removing area again and is removed.

Abstract: A structure includes a layer which includes a first cured portion and a second cured portion which are formed from a same light curable material. The first cured portion is cured to a first amount, and the second cured portion is cured to a second amount. The first amount is sufficiently different than the second amount to result in a visible discontinuity on the surface of the structure. A method for forming a pattern in a radiation curable material includes providing between a radiation source and the radiation curable material, a pattern that can block a portion of the radiation from the radiation source. The material is cured with radiation from the radiation source to form a pattern in the radiation curable material.

Abstract: An optical thin film with high hardness made by insert mold technology and manufacturing processes thereof are disclosed. The optical thin film is applied on surface of a plastic housing for increasing hardness of the plastic housing so as to prevent scratches. During manufacturing processes of insert mold for producing a hard coating film, the step of hardening treatment is moved to the last step so as to avoid cracks on the optical thin film generated during the procedures. Thus the yield rate is increased and the manufacturing cost is reduced.

Abstract: A center touch method and apparatus for use in a contact lens station for use with a contact lens mold assembly comprising a first mold half and a second mold half. The center touch apparatus comprises a center touch engaging member having a center touch engaging surface for engaging a central portion of a non-molding surface of one of the mold halves. The center touch method comprising driving one of the mold halves toward the other mold half using the center touch engaging member to contact a central area of the non-molding surface of the one mold half.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing an ophthalmic device by means of stereolithography. The method comprises the steps of: depositing (i) an essentially solvent-free liquid or melt of a device-forming material, or (ii) a solution of said device-forming material, into a container wherein said device-forming material is crosslinkable or polymerizable by actinic radiation; irradiating said device forming material with one or more activation energy beams to obtain a cured layer of polymerized or crosslinked device-forming material; irradiating said device-forming material with said one or more activation energy beams to obtain a cured layer on top of a previously cured layer; and repeating step (c) to obtain additional cured layers until said ophthalmic device is created integrally, wherein each of cured layers corresponds to a pertinent slice of said ophthalmic device.

Abstract: Disclosed are photo or electron beam curable polymerizable compositions, and preparation thereof and devices containing such cured material. The composition contains completely or substantially completely hydrogenated hydrocarbon-based material completely free or substantially free of carbon-carbon double and triple bonds containing photo or electron beam curable terminal or pendant groups, low-outgassing photoinitiators, an optional viscosity adjustment component and an optional filler. The composition is visible light, UV or electron beam curable. It cures into a low-modulus, low outgassing polymer material. The composition can be used as an adhesive, sealant or lens potting material. It is ideal for use in lithographic tools and other optical devices involving deep or vacuum ultraviolet radiations, in particular, as lens potting materials for 248 nm, 193 nm and 157 nm lithographic tools, as well as other optical devices involving using high fluence irradiation.

Abstract: Retroreflective sheeting includes a body layer having a structured surface with recessed faces forming cube corner cavities. A reflective film is disposed at least on the recessed faces, and a fill material fills the cube corner cavities. The fill material comprises radiation-curable materials, adhesives, or both, and preferably transparent radiation-curable pressure-sensitive adhesives. The fill material preferably forms a continuous layer covering both the recessed faces and upper portions of the structured surface. A transparent cover layer preferably contacts the fill material layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a replica, which method comprises the provision of a polymerizable resin composition between a front mold having a pre-shaped surface and a back mold having a pre-shaped surface, carrying out a curing treatment and removing the replica thus manufactured from the molds. The invention further relates to a replica obtained by carrying out a UV light-initiated cationic polymerization.

Abstract: A micro lens is provided with proper optical characteristics, such as a condensing function. Furthermore, a fabrication method of a micro lens is provided as well as, an optical device, an optical transmitter, a laser printer head, and a laser printer. The micro lens is equipped with a lens member formed by a liquid droplet ejection method, including: a base member formed on a substrate, a lens member formed on an upper surface of the above-mentioned base member to which the lens material is ejected in a plurality of dots by the liquid droplet ejection method, the upper surface of the base member having a concavity and a convexity with at least a part of the upper surface of the base member being subjected to repellant treatment.

Abstract: A method and mold assembly to control the polymerization of a cast optical device. The mold assembly includes at least one mold portion having a non-critical surface with fresnel or diffractive geometry. Alternately, a fresnel lens or diffractive lens may be placed at a predetermined distance from the mold.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for moulding a lens, between a first mould (2) and a second mould (6) which consists in: machining at least one of the moulds (2) into the shape of the lens to be obtained, before moulding. The invention enables to obtain finer lenses, while limiting the required amount of hardenable material for making the lens.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a brightness enhancement film of a liquid crystal display and a structure thereof are provided. The method includes: (a) providing a first substrate, (b) forming a first macromolecule liquid crystal on said first substrate, (c) curing a part of said first macromolecule liquid crystal on said first substrate for forming a first light transmitting layer, (d) providing a second substrate, (e) forming a second macromolecule liquid crystal on said second substrate, (f) curing a part of said second macromolecule liquid crystal on said second substrate for forming a second light transmitting layer, (g) combining a non-curing part of said first macromolecule liquid crystal and said second macromolecule liquid crystal for forming a third macromolecule liquid crystal between said first light transmitting layer and said second light transmitting layer, and (h) curing said third macromolecule liquid crystal for forming a third light transmitting layer.

Abstract: A method and instrument to irradiate a light adjustable lens, for example, inside a human eye, with an appropriate amount of radiation in an appropriate pattern by measuring aberrations in the system containing the lens; aligning a source of the modifying radiation so as to impinge the radiation onto the lens in a pattern that corresponds to the aberration; and controlling the quantity of the impinging radiation whereby to decrease the aberration. The quantity of the impinging radiation is controlled by controlling the intensity and duration of the irradiation. The pattern is controlled and monitored while the lens is irradiated.

Abstract: An antireflective member with stability and a low reflectance at low cost may be provided by performing an antireflective treatment to a substrate in a molding process of the substrate. A roughened surface with a continuous pattern in a fine pyramidal shape is formed on a surface of a transparent substrate, the roughened surface is a diffraction surface with zeroth-order diffraction to visible light, and the pattern of the roughened surface is transferred from a mold at a transfer rate of not less than 70%.

Abstract: Selective area stamping of optical elements may be performed to make multiple micro-optic components on one or two sides of a substrate may be fabricated using a batch process. The presence of molding material may be controlled on the substrate through the use of gaps.

Abstract: A high volume lens curing system is described. The high volume lens curing system is configured to cure multiple eyeglass lenses in a continuous manner.