Abstract: An electromagnetic energy-absorbing optical product useful particularly for automotive and architectural window films is disclosed. The electromagnetic energy-absorbing optical product includes a polymeric substrate and a composite coating with the composite coating including first and second layers each containing a binding group component which together form a complimentary binding group pair.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a photochromic article having a photochromic compound containing layer. The method includes the step of coating a casting face of at least one mold section with a photochromic host layer. The photochromic host layer is treated to minimize damage during subsequent steps, and a mold is then assembled so that it includes the mold section having the photochromic host layer. The mold is then filled with a photochromic article monomer composition and the monomer composition is subsequently cured to form a photochromic article substrate adhered to the photochromic host layer. The photochromic compound is introduced into the photochromic host layer.

Abstract: Luminance adjustment films that include a photothermal conversion material which converts infrared light to heat wherein an intensity distribution of the infrared light reflects a luminance distribution of visible light; and at least one microcapsule containing a compound which selectively decreases luminance of the visible light in reaction to the heat are described.

Abstract: A head-up display system is disclosed and has a transparent reflecting medium and a flat display panel. The flat display panel is disposed in front of the transparent reflecting medium at an angle with respect to the transparent reflecting medium, and generates a display image. The flat display panel has a display area of X square millimeters and has a light source that emits light with a luminous flux of Y lumens, satisfying a relationship of Y>(3e?10X2+0.0283X+2.5298), so that the display image is projected onto the transparent reflecting medium in a lensless way. With the head-up display system, the visibility of the display image projected on a front windshield is improved.

Abstract: A method according to an aspect of the present invention, is a method for manufacturing an optical waveguide element, including: an optical waveguide forming step of forming an optical waveguide extending in a first direction in a substrate by doping the substrate with an impurity for reducing a coercive electric field of the substrate, a ridge forming step of forming a first ridge part including the optical waveguide and a second ridge part intersecting the first ridge part, and a poling step of reversing a polarization direction of a region of the substrate divided by the second ridge part by applying voltage to the region.

Abstract: Provided are a method and an apparatus for measuring the spectral intensity and phase of a light pulse having an arbitrary time duration. The apparatus includes: a nonlinear mixing means for generating a signal light pulse expressed by the following Formula (? denotes an operator representing general nonlinear mixing, and ? denotes a coefficient which is proportional to a nonlinear susceptibility in the nonlinear mixing) by nonlinearly mixing a reference light pulse having an electric field Er(t??) delayed by an optical delay means and a measurement target light pulse having an electric field E0(t); and Er(t??)+?Er(t??)?E0(t) an imaging spectrum device for spectrally splitting the signal light pulse and outputting a Fourier transform signal expressed by the following Formula (F denotes a symbol indicating Fourier transform, * denotes a complex conjugate, and R denotes a symbol indicating a real part), |F[Er(t??)]|2+|?F[Er(t??)?E0(t)]|2+2R{?F[Er(t??)]*·F[Er(t??)?E0(t)]}.

Abstract: An eyepiece includes a viewing region to emit display light out of the eyepiece along an eye-ward direction, an input end peripherally located from the viewing region and configured to receive the display light into the eyepiece, one or more optical elements positioned to direct the display light received into the eyepiece out of the viewing region along the eye-ward direction, a first side through which ambient scene light is received into the eyepiece, a second side out of which the ambient scene light and the display light are passed along the eye-ward direction, and a photo-chromic coating disposed on the first side and the second side, the photo-chromic coating to darken in the presence of UV light.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing coherent atom population transfer using coherent laser beam pairs in which the frequency difference between the beams of a pair is swept over time. Certain examples include a Raman pulse adiabatic rapid passage sweep regimen configured to be used as a beamsplitter and combiner in conjunction with an adiabatic rapid passage mirror sweep or a standard Raman mirror pulse in a 3-pulse interferometer sequence.

Abstract: An optical frequency filter comprises a support layer having reflective elements formed thereon, the reflective elements defining at least one periodic grid of substantially parallel slits, the period P, the height, and the width of the slits being selected in such a manner that the reflective elements form a wavelength-selective structure for a wavelength lying in a determined range of wavelengths. The support layer material has a refractive index nh and includes inclusions of a material of refractive index nb, where nb is strictly less than nh. The inclusions are flush with the surface of the support layer opposite from its surface on which the reflective elements are formed, and present height hbwherein 0.5hh?hb?1hh, hh being the support layer height, and width lbwhere 0.05P?lb?0.75P. Each inclusion is situated at least in part between two reflective elements.

Abstract: An illumination system, such as might be used for illuminating a projection system, includes at least a first source of incoherent light capable of generating light in a first wavelength range. The system includes at least one active chromophore layer, sandwiched by transparent materials into a multi-layer body. They active chromophore layer emits light in a second wavelength range, different from the first wavelength range, when illuminated by light in the first wavelength range. The multi-layer body has an extraction area and at least some of the light at the second wavelength is internally reflected within the body to the extraction area.

Abstract: A non-invasive method for determining a concentration of a gas component in a gas mixture contained in a spacing of a glass unit having at least two glass sheets spaced apart from each other and forming the spacing. One or more light beams is applied at an angle to the surface of the glass unit, wherein the wavelength of the emitted light beam is varied around or over the at least one absorption line of the interest gas component. The light beams transmitted through or reflected from at least one surface or interface locating at the opposite side of the spacing are collected by a detector and non-linear variations in the intensity of the transmitted or reflected light beams over an absorption line of the interest gas is then component determined. The concentration of the gas component to be measured is determined based on the non-linear variations in the intensity.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds of the general formula (I): Lu3?x?zAxAl5?y?zScyO12:MnzCaz,, where A stands for Y, Gd or Tb, x stands for a value from the range from 0 to 2.90, y stands for a value from the range from 0 to 0.50, z stands for a value from the range from 0.005 to 0.05, and to a process for the preparation of these phosphors and to the use thereof as conversion phosphors or in lamps.

Abstract: Photochromic-dichroic articles are provided, which include a substrate having a first surface, a fixed-polarized layer over the first surface of the substrate, and a photochromic-dichroic layer over the first surface of the substrate. The fixed-polarized layer optionally includes a fixed-colorant and has a first polarization axis. The photochromic-dichroic layer includes a photochromic-dichroic compound that is laterally aligned within the photochromic-dichroic layer, and which defines a second polarization axis. The first polarization axis and the second polarization axis are oriented relative to each other at an angle of greater than 0° and less than or equal to 90°. The photochromic-dichroic articles can provide, for example, increased optical density and/or increased kinetics when exposed to a given amount of actinic radiation.

Abstract: An ultrathin plasmonic subtractive color filter in one embodiment includes a transparent substrate and an ultrathin nano-patterned film formed on the substrate. A plurality of elongated parallel nanoslits is formed through the film defining a nanograting. The nanoslits may be spaced apart at a pitch selected to transmit a wavelength of light. The film is formed of a material having a thickness selected, such that when illuminated by incident light, surface plasmon resonances are excited at top and bottom surfaces of the film which interact and couple to form hybrid plasmon modes. The film changes between colored and transparent states when alternatingly illuminated with TM-polarized light or TE-polarized light, respectively. In one configuration, an array of nanogratings may be disposed on the substrate to form a transparent display system.

Abstract: A control system for a variable transmittance optical filter assembly includes a controller in communicatively coupled to a pair of load terminals, and a memory communicatively coupled to the controller and having encoded thereon statements and instructions executable by the controller to transition the optical filter assembly between operating states when coupled to the pair of load terminals. The controller is operable to perform any one or more of: allowing the optical filter assembly to transition to a dark state by shorting the load terminals together, maintaining the optical filter assembly in a hold mode by applying a pulse width modulated voltage signal across the load terminals, and transitioning the optical filter assembly between operative states by applying a voltage signal having voltage pulses of opposite polarities to the load terminals.

Abstract: Provided are an optical element, a lighting device, and an image display device, with which the absorption efficiency and the luminance of the excitation light can be improved. This optical element (40) is equipped with: a light-emitting layer (103) that generates excitation light; a plasmon excitation layer (105) stacked on the light-emitting layer (103) and having a higher plasma frequency than the light-emitting frequency of the light-emitting layer (103); an emission layer (207) that emits light by converting the surface plasmons or the light generated at the upper surface of the plasmon excitation layer (105) to light having a predetermined emission angle; and a metal layer (102) stacked on the underside of the light-emitting layer (103).

Abstract: A system for facilitating a consumer's selection of customized color-changing lenses for eyewear, or windows, captures a digital color image of at least the face of the consumer and displays that color image to the consumer on a video display while superimposing a pair of lenses over the eyes. The display simulates the color of the superimposed lenses when made of a selected photochromic or thermochromic material. The color of the superimposed lenses is changeable, in response to consumer-controlled inputs, over a range between (a) an initial color for the lenses when subjected to at least one of (i) a first predetermined temperature and (ii) a first predetermined light condition, and (b) a final color for said lenses when subjected to at least one of (i) a second predetermined temperature higher than said first predetermined temperature and (ii) a second predetermined light condition brighter than said first predetermined light condition.

Abstract: A method for fabricating surface tethered chiroptical switches that constitute polymer chains bearing chromophoric functional groups with the ability to undergo geometrical re-alignment upon irradiation with polarized light to yield a measurable chiral anisotropy, by formation of a layer on a substrate by deposition of a compound containing at least one functional group and attachment of chiro-optical molecule to said functional group.

Abstract: A switching material comprising one or more than one polymers and an electrolyte comprising a salt and a solvent portion comprising one or more solvents; and one or more compounds having electrochromic and photochromic properties dispersed homogeneously through the switching material; and wherein the switching material is transitionable from a light state to a dark state on exposure to UV light and from a dark state to a light state with application of an electric voltage.

Abstract: Provided is a windshield for a low speed vehicle such as a golf car. The windshield comprises a hinge and a top mount allowing the windshield to fold up for improved upper body safety and improved air circulation.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a touch sensor, including a window substrate, and bezel layers formed along an outer circumference on the window substrate. The bezel layer includes a photochromic compound or a thermochromic compound expressing at least two colors.

Abstract: Provided is a photochromic polarizing plate exhibiting reduced tint. The photochromic polarizing plate contains a laminate including at least one film, a polarizer, and an optically transparent substrate, wherein the photochromic polarizing plate has a single-plate transmittance T1(?)% and a crossed transmittance T2(?)% at a wavelength of ? nm satisfying Formulae (1) to (4): Formula (1) 55%?T1(430)?38%; Formula (2) 60%?T1(590)?42.5%; Formula (3) 1.0?T1(430)/T1(590)?0.9; and Formula (4) T2(430)?0.02%.

Abstract: The present invention provides poly(ureaurethane)s including a reaction product of components comprising: (a) at least one isocyanate functional ureaurethane prepolymer comprising the reaction product of: (1) at least one isocyanate functional urethane prepolymer comprising the reaction product of: (i) a first amount of at least one polyisocyanate; and (ii) a first amount of at least one branched polyol; and (2) water, to form an isocyanate functional ureaurethane prepolymer; and (b) a second amount of at least one polyisocyanate and a second amount of at least one branched polyol; compositions, coatings and articles made therefrom and methods of making the same.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a process for the preparation of photochromatic optical elements, and corresponding photochromatic optical elements. Starting from a given optical body, the process according to the invention comprises the following steps: depositing a first layer comprising a transparent resin at least onto a part of said optical body; depositing onto the first layer previously deposited a second layer comprising photochromatic pigments.

Abstract: Provided are an optical device and a method of controlling propagation directions of light and a surface plasmon using the optical device. The optical device includes a light source, a substrate, and a metal layer that is disposed on the substrate, the metal layer includes at least two slots, and propagation directions of light and a surface plasmon may be controlled by using the light that is polarized in a direction parallel to a direction of a long length of any one of the at least two slots.

Abstract: A chromene compound which has a sulfur-containing substituent represented by the following formula (2) at the 6-position and/or 7-position carbon atom of an indeno(2,1-f)naphtho(1,2-b)pyran structure and is excellent in photochromic properties and stability at a high temperature. In the formula (2), ring X is an aromatic hydrocarbon ring or aromatic heterocyclic ring, R3 and R4 are each independently an alkyl group, haloalkyl group, cycloalkyl group, alkoxy group, amino group, heterocyclic group containing a ring member nitrogen atom and bonded to the ring X bonded thereto via the nitrogen atom, halogen atom, aryloxy group or aryl group, and “a” is an integer of 0 to 4.

Abstract: Variable transmittance optical filters capable of transitioning from a light state to a dark state on exposure to UV radiation and from a dark state to a light state with application of an electric voltage are provided. The optical filters comprise a switching material that comprises one or more chromophores that have electrochromic and photochromic properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photochromic lens, which comprises a photochromic layer comprising a photochromic dye and a resin component, and an organic hardcoat layer in this order, wherein the resin component is an acrylic resin, and the photochromic layer further comprises a piperidine ring-containing compound having a molecular weight of equal to or greater than 1,000.

Abstract: A photochromic composition functions as an adhesive layer for bonding optical sheets or films made from a polycarbonate resin or the like, and can be used to produce a laminated sheet that exhibits excellent adhesive properties, heat resistance, photochromic properties, and perspiration resistance. The photochromic composition includes (A) a polyurethane-urea resin having a urea bond in a molecular chain, in which a tetrahydrofuran insoluble content is 20.0 to 90.0 wt %; and (B) a photochromic compound.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for exciting a sub-wavelength inclusion structure, comprising: providing a first medium having a first refractive index ni and a second medium having a second refractive index nt, wherein ni>nt, wherein the sub-wavelength inclusion structure is arranged at a boundary between the first and second media, wherein the sub-wavelength inclusion structure exhibits polarizability properties; and directing light through the first medium towards the sub-wavelength inclusion structure. The angle of the incident light to the normal of the boundary, ?i, is such that, for a given set of: frequency of the light; surface density of inclusions; average polarizability of the inclusion structure at the frequency; first refractive index; and second refractive index, ?i fulfils at least one of the relations for s-polarized light and for p-polarized light described herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides polyurethanes including a reaction product of components including: (a) an isocyanate functional urethane prepolymer comprising a reaction product of components including: (i) about 1 equivalent of at least one polyisocyanate; and (ii) about 0.1 to about 0.5 equivalents of at least one diol having 2 to 18 carbon atoms; and (b) about 0.05 to about 0.9 equivalents of at least one branched polyol having 4 to 18 carbon atoms and at least 3 hydroxyl groups; and (c) up to about 0.9 equivalents of at least one polyol different from branched polyol (b) and having 2 to 18 carbon atoms, wherein the reaction product components are essentially free of polyester polyol and polyether polyol; compositions, coatings and articles made therefrom and methods of making the same.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a coating composition capable of forming a hard coating on the surfaces of an optical base member such as a plastic lens featuring highly closely adhering property, excellent transparency and excellent scratch resistance. [Means for Solution] The coating composition comprise (a) a fine granular silica having a grain size of not larger than 30 nm; (b) organosilicon compound components containing an epoxy group-containing organosilicon compound (b1) and tetraalkoxysilane (b2) at a mass ratio (b1/b2) of 0.25 to 4.0; (c) water; and (d) a curing catalyst comprising a complex containing aluminum as a core metal, wherein the fine granular silica (a) is contained in an amount of 15 to 55 parts by mass, the water (c) is contained in an amount of 30 to 200 parts by mass and the curing catalyst (d) is contained in an amount of 0.1 to 5.0 parts by mass per the total amount of the fine granular silica (a) and the organosilicon compound components (b) of 100 parts by mass.

Abstract: A near-field light generator includes a multilayer structure having a front end face. The multilayer structure includes a first dielectric layer, a second dielectric layer, a third dielectric layer, a first metal layer, and a second metal layer. The first metal layer is interposed between the first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer. The second metal layer is interposed between the second dielectric layer and the third dielectric layer. Each of the first to third dielectric layers and the first and second metal layers has an end located in the front end face. The dielectric material used to form the first dielectric layer, the dielectric material used to form the second dielectric layer, and the dielectric material used to form the third dielectric layer have the same permittivity.

Abstract: Variable transmittance optical filters capable of transitioning from a light state to a dark state on exposure to UV radiation and from a dark state to a light state with application of an electric voltage are provided. The optical filters comprise a switching material that comprises one or more chromophores that have electrochromic and photochromic properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides polyurethanes including a reaction product of components including: (a) an isocyanate functional urethane prepolymer comprising a reaction product of components including: (i) about 1 equivalent of at least one polyisocyanate; and (ii) about 0.1 to about 0.5 equivalents of at least one diol having 2 to 18 carbon atoms; and (b) about 0.05 to about 0.9 equivalents of at least one branched polyol having 4 to 18 carbon atoms and at least 3 hydroxyl groups; and (c) up to about 0.9 equivalents of at least one polyol different from branched polyol (b) and having 2 to 18 carbon atoms, wherein the reaction product components are essentially free of polyester polyol and polyether polyol; compositions, coatings and articles made therefrom and methods of making the same.

Abstract: An analysis device includes an optical element which includes a metal layer, a light transmitting layer provided on the metal layer to transmit light, and a plurality of metal particles arranged at a first interval P1 in a first direction and arranged at a second interval P2 in a second direction intersecting the first direction on the light transmitting layer, P1<P2, a light source which irradiates incident light incident on the optical element, and a detector which detects light emitted from the optical element. Linearly polarized light in the same direction as the first direction and linearly polarized light in the same direction as the second direction are irradiated onto the optical element.

Abstract: A coated article is described. The coated article includes a substrate; and a photochromic layer formed on the substrate. The photochromic layer is a titanium layer doped with metal element ‘M’. The element ‘M’ is selected from a group consisting of nickel, iron, and chromium. A method for applying the photochromic layer to the substrate is also described.

Abstract: According to the present invention, the etendue of light that exits an optical element can be decreased regardless of the etendue of light that exits a light emitting element. An optical element according to the present invention includes a carrier generation layer that generates carriers with light; a plasmon excitation layer that is located on the carrier generation layer and that has a plasma frequency greater than the frequency of light that occurs in the carrier generation layer when it is excited with light that exits the light emitting element; an exit layer that is located on the plasmon excitation layer and that converts surface plasmons generated in the plasmon excitation layer into light having a predetermined exit angle; and at least one anisotropic dielectric layer that has anisotropy on an incident side in a direction from the plasmon excitation layer to the carrier generation layer.

Abstract: A method of modifying a radiation characteristic of an excited emitter (2) and a layer structure (1) therefore, wherein the emitter (2) is placed in the vicinity of a layer structure (1) comprising a metal material, such that the emitter (2) couples to a surface state of the layer structure (1), in particular a surface plasmon polariton, which modifies the radiation characteristic of the emitter (2), wherein the layer structure (1) comprises a metal layer (3) sandwiched between a non-metal superstrate layer (4) and a non-metal substrate layer (5), wherein at least the metal layer (3) and the superstrate layer (4) are separated by a smooth interface (8) with a root mean square roughness equal to or less than 1 nanometer, and wherein the metal layer (3) has a thickness of between 1/100 and 1/20 in relation to an emission wavelength (??) of the emitter (2).

Abstract: An optical element is provided with a plasmon excitation layer that facilitates both the control of plasmon resonant conditions and the improvement of conversion efficiency. The plasmon excitation layer that is provided in the optical element generates surface plasmons, and the plasmon excitation layer is made up of metal and a dielectric.

Abstract: An eyepiece includes a viewing region to emit display light out of the eyepiece along an eye-ward direction, an input end peripherally located from the viewing region and configured to receive the display light into the eyepiece, one or more optical elements positioned to direct the display light received into the eyepiece out of the viewing region along the eye-ward direction, a first side through which ambient scene light is received into the eyepiece, a second side out of which the ambient scene light and the display light are passed along the eye-ward direction, and a photo-chromic coating disposed on the first side and the second side, the photo-chromic coating to darken in the presence of UV light.

Abstract: A novel photochromic compound which develops a color of a neutral tint and has high color optical density, high fading speed and excellent durability. The present invention is a chromene compound having an indeno(2,1-f)naphtho(1,2-b)pyran structure as the basic skeleton in which a hetero ring having two hetero atoms including at least one sulfur atom is directly bonded to the 6-position and the 7-position of the indeno(2,1-f)naphtho(1,2-b)pyran structure via the hetero atom like the compound represented by the following formula (18).

Abstract: An all-photonic method to cause a WGM resonator to self-tune to a given wavelength is described. Such all photonic approaches include simply superimposing intense light of a wavelength in a range different from that of a signal wave. The wavelength of the pass band for the signal wavelength can be tuned by adjusting the wavelength (and/or the intensity) of the intense light.

Abstract: An optical filter that transmits light of the visible light region includes a dielectric substrate; a dielectric layer that is formed on a surface of the dielectric substrate; and a first metal structure group in which a plurality of first metal structures are arranged two-dimensionally in an isolated state in the in-plane direction of the dielectric substrate, that is provided between the dielectric substrate and the dielectric layer, comprising: the first metal structures having first and second lengths in first and second directions orthogonal to each other, which lengths are equal to or less than a first wavelength in the visible light region; and a transmittance of the first wavelength being reduced or a reflectance being increased by surface plasmons induced on a surface of the first metal structures by resonance between light incident on the dielectric substrate or the dielectric layer and the first metal structures.

Abstract: A thin and lightweight polarized lens is disclosed. The polarized lens has a laminated structure having a polarized film provided in a sandwiched manner, a glass lens is provided on a front side and a resin lens is provided on a back side, and the resin lens on the back side has a thickness of a range from 0.05 mm to 0.50 mm.

Abstract: A head mounted display (HMD) includes a display module for generating CGI light, an eyepiece, and a frame assembly to support the eyepiece in front of an eye of the user. The eyepiece includes a viewing region to emit the CGI light along an eye-ward direction, an input end peripherally located from the viewing region and optically coupled to receive the CGI light into the eyepiece from the display module, and light bending optics to redirect the CGI light. The eyepiece further includes an ambient scene side through which ambient scene light is received into the eyepiece and an eye-ward side opposite the ambient scene side out of which the ambient scene light and the CGI light are passed along the eye-ward direction. A photo-chromic coating is disposed on the ambient scene and eye-ward sides.

Abstract: A system and method of vehicle window tinting comprising the steps of: implementing photochromic technology into at least one window of a vehicle; integrating a first degree of shading associated with the at least one window, where the first degree of shading is active when the window lacks sun exposure; adjusting the photochromic technology to create a second degree of shading on the at least one window upon exposure to sun poisoning UV rays, where the second degree of exposure is darker than the first degree of shading. In one particular embodiment, the step of implementing photochromic technology includes implementing the photochromic technology within a front windshield of the vehicle, a rear windshield of the vehicle and/or side windshields of the vehicle.

Abstract: The chromene compound is represented by the following formula (I), wherein R3 at the 11-position is a sulfur-containing substituent selected from the group consisting of thiol group, alkylthio group, alkoxyalkylthio group, haloalkylthio group, cycloalkylthio group, arylthio group, heteroarylthio group, sulfonyl group and sulfinyl group, R1 and R2 at the 6-position and the 7-position are a combination of an aryl group or a heteroaryl group and an electron donating group having a Hammett constant ?p of ?0.1 or less, or R1 and/or R2 is sulfur-containing substituent selected from thiol group, alkylthio group, alkoxyalkylthio group, haloalkylthio group, cycloalkylthio group, arylthio group and heteroarylthio group.

Abstract: A photochromic compound is provided, which may be a pyran, an oxazine, or a fulgide. The photochromic compound has at least one substituent Q attached thereto, each Q independently being —N3, —CN, —COOR?, —CCR?, —C(R?)C(R?)R?, —OCOR?, —OCOOR?, —SR?, —OSO2R??, and/or —CON(R?)R?, wherein each R? is hydrogen, an unsubstituted or substituted alkyl group having from 1 to 18 carbon atoms; an unsubstituted or substituted aryl group, an unsubstituted or substituted alkene or alkyne group having from 2 to 18 carbon atoms, wherein the substituents are halo or hydroxyl and R?? is —CF3 or a perfluorinated alkyl group having from 2 to 18 carbon atoms. The number, locations and nature of the constituents Q are dependent upon the structure of the photochromic compound.

Abstract: A photochromic chromene compound having an indeno(2,1-f)naphtho(1,2-b)pyran structure as its basic skeleton, an aryl group or a heteroaryl group at the 6-position carbon atom of the structure and an electron donor group having a Hammett constant ?p of not more than ?0.1 at the 7-position carbon atom.