Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-layered photochromic sheet and a photo chromic glass prepared therefrom. In particular, the present invention relates to a multi-layered photochromic sheet having excellent durability by reducing a decomposition rate of photochromic dye, in which two or more photochromic films consisting of an oxygen or moisture shielding barrier layer and photochromic layer are stacked, compared to a conventional mono layered film. Further, the present invention relates to a photochromic glass having excellent durability and appearance, in which the multi-layered photochromic sheet is disposed between two glasses, and to a glass for vehicles or buildings using 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 naphthopyran compound represented by the formula (I) wherein: n1, n2, p, m and q represent an integer; R1, R2 and R4, represent a group selected from halogen, —Ra, —OH, —ORa, —SH, —SRa, —NH2, —NRaRa1, —NRbRc, —CO—Ra, —CO2Ra1, —OC(O)—Rd, —X—(Re)—Y, linear or branched (C1-C18) perfluoroalkyl group, wherein Ra, Ra1, Rb, Rc, X, Y, Re, and Rd are as defined in the description; Z represents a group selected from CO, CS, SO, SO2, CO2, C(O)S, CS2, C(O)NH, C(O)NRa, C(S)NH, C(S)NRa and C?NRa; R3 represents a group selected from halogen, —Ra, linear or branched (C1-18) perfluoroalkyl group —OH, —ORa, —SH, —SRa, —NH2, and —NRaRa1; R6 represents a group selected from —Ra which may be optionally substituted, linear or branched (C1-18) perfluoroalkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, and heteroaryl, which may be optionally substituted; R5 represents a group selected from: halogen, —Ra, linear or branched (C1-18) perfluoroalkyl group, —OH, —ORa, —SH, —SRa, —NH2, —NRaRa1, —CO—Ra, —O—C(O)—Ra and —CO2Ra1; or when q is equa

Abstract: An adjustable apodized lens aperture is described which is constructed using photochromic material. As the excitation energy increases, the aperture constricts so as reduce the amount of light through the aperture. As the excitation energy decreases, the aperture dilates so as increase the amount of light through the aperture.

Abstract: A plastic lens plastic includes a plastic substrate (1) having a first main surface that is a convex surface (1A) and a second main surface that is a concave surface (1B), a photochromic compound-containing photochromic layer formed on the convex surface side of the substrate, and an impact-absorbing primer layer formed on the concave surface side of the substrate.

Abstract: Compounds including at least one mesogenic substructure and at least one long flexible segment and methods of synthesizing the same are disclosed. Formulations which include various embodiments of the mesogen containing compounds and their use in articles of manufacture and ophthalmic devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides photonic crystal devices, device components and methods for preventing transmission of electromagnetic radiation from one or more laser sources or laser modes so as to provide an optical shield for protecting a users eyes or an optical sensor. The present invention also provides dynamic photonic crystals and devices incorporating dynamic photonic crystals for optically modulating the intensity of one or more beams of electromagnetic radiation and other optical switching applications.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for making a transparent optical element (11), which consists in first producing an optical component (10) having at least a transparent assembly of cells (15) juxtaposed parallel to a surface of the component, each cell being hermetically sealed and containing a substance with optical property. Said optical component is then cut out along the contour defined on its surface, corresponding to a shape specific for the optical element. The cells of the assembly have dimensions ranging between 100 ?m and 500 ?m parallel to the surface of the component.

Abstract: A hardenable composition which comprises (1) a radical polymerizable monomer, (2) an organosilicon compound having epoxy group at one end, (3) an organosilicon compound having a radical polymerizable functional group at one end, (4) an amine compound, (5) a photochromic compound and (6) a photopolymerization initiator, wherein the compound of component (2) is a compound having silanol group or a group which forms silanol group by hydrolysis, and the compound of component (3) is a compound having silanol group or a group which forms silanol group by hydrolysis; and an optical member which comprises a photochromic coating layer formed by coating an optical substrate with the hardenable composition described above and hardening the composition. The photochromic coating layer in the optical member exhibits excellent adhesion with the optical substrate and a great strength of the film.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photochromic film comprising a photochromic dye and a resin component. The photochromic film has a nanoindentation hardness of equal to or greater than 800 nm on at least one of surfaces, surface A, thereof. The present invention further relates to a method of manufacturing a photochromic lens. The method of manufacturing a photochromic lens of the present invention comprises forming a photochromic film having a nanoindentation hardness ranging from 500 to 5000 nm on an outermost surface thereof as well as having a smaller nanoindentation hardness on a surface facing a first mold than that on the outermost surface by coating a photochromic liquid comprising a photochromic dye and a curable component on one surface of the first mold for formation of one of surfaces of a lens and subjecting the photochromic liquid to curing treatment, and a photochromic lens comprising a photochromic film on a lens substrate is obtained by means of the above first mold.

Abstract: Polymers that undergo a reversible phase change in response to being exposed to a light from a laser having a radiation pressure greater than a threshold level. The phase changeable polymers have the ability to reduce the intensity of the laser and can advantageously scatter laser light incident on the polymers. The on-off response of such polymers is in the microsecond range and the light scattering property is independent of laser wavelength. The polymers can beneficially be incorporated into devices to protect human vision and optical instruments that are vulnerable to lasers at high intensities. Methods for making and using such devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions, which are stabilized against degradation and yellowing during exposure to ultraviolet light by the presence of certain hindered amine additives, a method of stabilizing the compositions by the addition of said additives, to the use of such compositions as media in electroactive devices such as electrochromic and electrophoteric devices, and the electroactive devices comprised of these media.

Abstract: A tunable optical filter includes a medium configured to perform polarization rotation on a portion of a linearly polarized signal beam having a frequency within a selected frequency band, wherein the medium is circularly birefringent within the frequency band, and wherein the polarization rotation is achieved based on two-photon-absorption. The medium may include a gaseous substance, a first reference laser beam having a first reference frequency and a right circular polarization state, and a second reference laser beam having a second reference frequency and a left circular polarization state. The medium may also include a gaseous substance, a reference laser beam having a reference frequency and a linear polarization state, and magnetic field.

Abstract: A window assembly having photochromatic properties is described. The window assembly includes a substrate being adjacent to a coating. A photochromatic film is located between the substrate and the coating, whereby the photochromatic film darkens when the window assembly is exposed to ultraviolet light.

Abstract: An exemplary optical limiter device (100) has an optically transmissive substrate (102) and a layer (104) on a first surface (106) of the substrate, the layer having a trimetallic nitride endohedral metallofullerene. The layer can be a thin film of the trimetallic nitride endohedral metallofullerene, a layer material with a cavity containing a solution with the trimetallic nitride endohedral metallofullerene, a sol-gel with a trimetallic nitride endohedral metallofullerene, and a self assembled monolayer with a trimetallic nitride endohedral metallofullerene. The layers of trimetallic nitride endohedral metallofullerenes can be vapor deposited, solution deposited and/or self assembled onto optical components. The third-order nonlinear properties of these films provide desired transmission characteristics.

Abstract: Various non-limiting embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to photochromic compounds, which may be thermally reversible or non-thermally reversible, and articles made therefrom. Other non-limiting embodiments relate to photochromic-dichroic compounds, which may be thermally reversible or non-thermally reversible, and articles made therefrom. For example, one non-limiting embodiment provides a thermally reversible, photochromic compound adapted to have at least a first state and a second state, wherein the thermally reversible, photochromic compound has an average absorption ratio greater than 2.3 in at least one state as determined according to CELL METHOD.

Abstract: A microlouver has, as a basic unit, a light-controlling layer in which a light-absorbing layer and a transparent layer are laminated together, and a plurality of basic units L and S comprising a plurality of types of light-controlling layers having different layer thicknesses or optical constants, disposed in the direction of the layer thickness of the basic units. The array mode of the basic units L and S is determined based on a random number or a sequence-generating rule. For this reason, the microlouver has a large number of frequency components in terms of spatial frequency, and moire fringes that have a specific period and are normally caused by the interference with other optical elements are therefore prevented from occurring.

Abstract: A flexible foil which is moveable by light includes a dye which is capable of changing shape when absorbing light of a predetermined wavelength. The dye is dispersed in the foil such that, near at least one major surface of the foil, the dye is anisotropically oriented. Transverse to the foil, the concentration and/or orientation of the dye changes in an asymmetric manner. The change in orientation and/or concentration is such that, when exposed to light of the predetermined wavelength, the flexible foil moves. When exposed the dye changes shape which change in shape causes a change in lateral dimension of the foil which change in lateral dimension is, due to the change in concentration and/or orientation of the dye, different at different locations with the foil. This causes the flexible foil to move or more particular bend.

Abstract: The present invention provides optical elements comprising a photochromic linear polarizing element and a birefringent layer that circularly or elliptically polarizes transmitted radiation. The photochromic linear polarizing element comprises a substrate and either: (1) a coating comprising an aligned, thermally reversible photochromic-dichroic compound having an average absorption ratio of at least 1.5 in an activated state, and being operable for switching from a first absorption state to a second absorption state in response to actinic radiation, to revert back to the first absorption state in response to thermal energy, and to linearly polarize transmitted radiation in at least one of the two states; or (2) an at least partially ordered polymeric sheet connected to the substrate; and a thermally reversible photochromic-dichroic compound that is at least partially aligned with the polymeric sheet and has an average absorption ratio greater than 2.3 in the activated state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to unique reflective polarized lenses that are anti-dazzling and reduce glare. In particular, it relates to polarized lenses utilizing a reflective polarizer, a high-transmission absorptive polarizer and photochromic treatment in a unique combination that can be injection molded to make thermoplastic ophthalmic lenses.

Abstract: In one general aspect, a tunable electromagnetic metamaterial as described herein includes a substrate and an array of split ring resonators formed on the substrate. At least one of the split ring resonators is a capacitively tuned split ring resonator. The capacitively tuned split ring resonator includes a structure having a gap and is formed of an electrically conductive material. The capacitively tuned split ring resonator also includes a region of photo-capacitive material formed in close proximity to the structure such that the capacitance of the metamaterial is changed when illuminated by controlling electromagnetic radiation having a selected range of wavelengths.

Abstract: A multi-beam scanning optical system configured to scan a plurality of laser beams on a scanned surface in a predetermined scanning direction includes a light source emitting a plurality of laser beams from respective laser emitters spaced from each other in the predetermined scanning direction, a diverging property changing element changing a diverging property of each of the emitted laser beams, a deflector configured to be sine-functionally oscillated and to deflect each of the laser beams with the diverging property thereof as changed so as to scan each of the laser beams on the scanned surface in the predetermined scanning direction, and a scanning speed controlling element configured to control a scanning speed at which each of the laser beams deflected by the deflector is scanned on the scanned surface. The multi-beam scanning optical system is configured to satisfy a predetermined condition.

Abstract: Provided is an optical element including: a substrate; and at least one at least partially aligned thermally reversible photochromic-dichroic compound connected to at least a portion of the substrate and having an average absorption ratio greater than 2.3 in an activated state.

Abstract: A security element connected to at least a portion of a substrate, the security element including an at least partial coating having a first state and a second state connected to at least a portion of the substrate, the at least partial coating being adapted to switch from a first state to a second state in response to at least actinic radiation, to revert back to the first state in response to thermal energy, and to linearly polarize at least transmitted radiation in at least one of the first state and the second state.

Abstract: A method of making an optical element including forming an at least partial coating of at least one at least partially aligned thermally reversible photochromic-dichroic compound on at least a portion of a substrate.

Abstract: The image display device of the present invention includes: a display layer that comprises a photochromic compound and whose regions, which have been irradiated with visible light, can be optically rewritten in a color corresponding to the color of visible light irradiated thereon; a light-emitting layer in which multiple luminescent elements are arranged in a matrix pattern, the elements irradiating visible light to each different region of the display layer by emitting light; and a drive unit provided with an obtaining unit that obtains image data. Based on image data obtained with the obtaining unit, the drive unit drives each luminescent element corresponding to each pixel of an image according to the image data to irradiate the visible light of a color corresponding to each pixel of the image of the image data.

Abstract: A method of making a composite element including: forming a sheet of an at least partially ordered liquid crystal polymer having at least a first general direction, a liquid crystal material having at least a second general direction distributed within at least a portion of the liquid crystal polymer; and at least one photochromic-dichroic compound having an average absorption ratio of at least 1.5 in an activated state that is at least partially aligned with at least a portion of the liquid crystal material; and connecting at least a portion of the sheet to at least a portion of an optical substrate to form the composite element.

Abstract: An optical device includes an interferometer having a first optical coupler, a second optical coupler and at least three arms optically coupling the first optical coupler to the second optical coupler; and a phase-shifting arrangement associated with the arms, at least one among the first and second optical couplers including a first optical input port, two first optical output ports and a second optical output port. An optical power coupling is implemented such that optical power received at the first optical input port is coupled, a first fraction into each of the first optical output ports, and a second fraction into the second optical output port.

Abstract: Double well structures in electro-absorption modulators are created in quantum well active regions by embedding deep ultra thin quantum wells. The perturbation introduced by the embedded, deep ultra thin quantum well centered within a conventional quantum well lowers the confined energy state for the wavefunction in the surrounding larger well and typically results in the hole and electron distributions being more confined to the center of the conventional quantum well. The extinction ratio provided by the electro-absorption modulator is typically increased.

Abstract: A layered product comprising an optical substrate having, on at least one surface thereof, a photochromic surface layer constituted by a resin in which a photochromic compound is dispersed, and an ultraviolet ray-absorbing film of a thickness of 0.1 to 100 ?m formed on the photochromic surface layer of the optical substrate, the ultraviolet ray-absorbing film having a transmission factor of not smaller than 50% for a ray of light of 360 nm and a transmission factor of not larger than 10% for a ray of light of 320 nm. The layered product features a very high photochromic light resistance without causing a drop in the color density while effectively preventing the oxidation and deterioration of the photochromic compound.

Abstract: A semiconductor optical device, which includes a semiconductor substrate, an electro-absorption modulator, and at least one optical device is monolithically integrated on the semiconductor substrate. An insulative layer surrounds the electro-absorption modulator and the optical devices on the semiconductor substrate, at least two metallic pads, one of which being an electrode of the modulator, are formed at a distance from each other on the insulative layer. A plurality of metallic wires are adapted for electrically connecting the electro-absorption modulator to the metallic pads and adjusting a value of inductance of the electro-absorption modulator. The metallic wires are formed on the insulative layer. A dielectric layer formed under the insulative layer provides a minimizing of parasitic capacitance generated in the metallic pads and the metallic wires by being formed under the metallic pads and the metallic wires.

Abstract: A process for producing a periodic structure comprises the steps of preparing a working object, the property of which changes in view of a photoreaction caused by an exciting energy, generating a light having a photonic energy of intensity of one fraction of natural number divisions of the exciting energy by each of the light sources of light-source groups arranged regularly in a two-dimensional arrangement, and concentrating the light emitted from the light source group at each of the light-concentrating points arranged at regular intervals in the working object to cause a photoreaction at and around the light-concentrating point to form a periodic structure comprised of regions each of which has a changed property in the working object.

Abstract: A method of making an optical element including: forming an at least partial coating of an alignment medium to at least a portion of at least one surface of a substrate and at least partially ordering at least a portion of the alignment medium; forming at least one at least partial coating of an alignment transfer material on at least a portion of the coating of the alignment medium and aligning the alignment transfer material with at least a portion of the ordered alignment medium; and forming an at least partial coating including an anisotropic material and at least one photochromic-dichroic compound on the alignment transfer material, aligning at least a portion of the anisotropic material with the at least partially aligned alignment transfer material, and aligning at least a portion of the photochromic-dichroic compound with aligned anisotropic material.

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: A wireless PC card includes a housing portion including a width and a lens extending substantially the width of the housing portion; a light pipe housed by the housing portion; a substantially flat plug portion extending from the housing portion and configured to be received by a socket of a portable computer for communicating the PC card with the portable computer; an antenna for sending and receiving a wireless signal connected to the housing portion; and a circuit board including an illumination device and electronics to cause the illumination device to emit flashing illumination, causing the lens to emit flashing illumination via the light pipe while the PC card searches for a wireless signal and emit steady state illumination, causing the lens to emit steady state illumination via the light pipe while the PC card maintains a sufficient wireless signal connection.

Abstract: A method of making an optical element including: forming an at least partial coating of an alignment medium to at least a portion of at least one surface of a substrate and at least partially ordering at least a portion of the alignment medium; forming at least one at least partial coating of an alignment transfer material on at least a portion of the coating of the alignment medium and aligning the alignment transfer material with at least a portion of the ordered alignment medium; and forming an at least partial coating including an anisotropic material and at least one photochromic-dichroic compound on the alignment transfer material, aligning at least a portion of the anisotropic material with the at least partially aligned alignment transfer material, and aligning at least a portion of the photochromic-dichroic compound with aligned anisotropic material.

Abstract: A method of making an optical element including: (a) forming an at least partial coating on at least a portion of a substrate; and (b) adapting at least a portion of the at least partial coating to switch from a first state to a second linearly polarizing state in response to actinic radiation and to revert back to the first sate in response to thermal energy.

Abstract: Diarylethene-containing ligands and their coordination compounds are described. The ligands display photochromism with UV excitation, while the coordination compounds display photochromism with both excitation in the UV region and excitation into lower energy absorption bands characteristic of the coordination compounds, through which the excitation wavelengths for the photocyclization can be extended from ??340 nm to wavelengths beyond 470 nm. Switching of the luminescence properties of the compounds has also been achieved through photochromic reactions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel azo compound, a curable composition comprising a colorant superior in the light-fastness and heat resistance of a dye, pattern-forming characteristics (developing characteristics) and liquid preserving characteristics, a color filter using the curable composition and a method of producing the color filter.

Abstract: An optical element including: a substrate; and an at least partial coating having a first state and a second state on at least a portion of the substrate, the at least partial coating being adapted to be circularly polarizing or elliptically polarizing in at least one state and containing: a chiral nematic or cholesteric liquid crystal material having molecules that are helically arranged through a thickness of the at least partial coating; and at least one photochromic-dichroic compound that is at least partially aligned with the liquid crystal material such that a long axis of a molecule of the photochromic-dichroic compound is generally parallel to the molecules of the liquid crystal material.

Abstract: Provided is a composite optical element including: a substrate; an at least partially ordered polymeric sheet connected to at least a portion of the substrate; and at least one thermally reversible photochromic-dichroic compound that is at least partially aligned with at least a portion of the at least partially ordered polymeric sheet and has an average absorption ratio greater than 2.3 in the activated state.

Abstract: Various non-limiting embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to photochromic compounds, which may be thermally reversible or non-thermally reversible, and articles made therefrom. Other non-limiting embodiments relate to photochromic-dichroic compounds, which may be thermally reversible or non-thermally reversible, and articles made therefrom. For example, one non-limiting embodiment provides a thermally reversible, photochromic compound adapted to have at least a first state and a second state, wherein the thermally reversible, photochromic compound has an average absorption ratio greater than 2.3 in at least one state as determined according to CELL METHOD.

Abstract: A polarizing sheet (A) includes a polarizing film (2) and cellulose triacetate films (6, 6?) bonded to opposing surfaces of the polarizing film (2) with adhesive layers (4, 4?) interposed, respectively. A thermoplastic film (10) is stacked on the exposed surface of one (6?) of the cellulose triacetate films. Another cellulose triacetate film (14) free of an ultraviolet absorber is bonded to the exposed surface of the other cellulose triacetate film (6) of the polarizing sheet with an adhesive (12) containing an organic photochromic compound, to thereby form a laminate sheet. The laminate sheet is placed in an injection mold, and a molding resin material fusible with the thermoplastic film (10) is injected over the thermoplastic film.

Abstract: Provided is an optical element including a substrate; a first at least partial coating of an at least partially ordered alignment medium connected to at least a portion of at least one surface of the substrate; a second at least partial coating of an alignment transfer material that is connected to and at least partially aligned with at least a portion of the at least partially ordered alignment medium; and a third at least partial coating connected to at least a portion of the alignment transfer material, the third coating including at least one anisotropic material that is at least partially aligned with at least a portion of the at least partially aligned alignment transfer material and at least one photochromic-dichroic compound that is at least partially aligned with at least a portion of the at least partially aligned anisotropic material.

Abstract: A reflective photochromic element having a diffuse reflective surface is provided. A diffuse reflection type photochromic element has a transparent thin film having surface irregularities formed on a transparent base and a reflective photochromic thin film layer having surface irregularities formed on that transparent thin film. A diffuse reflection type photochromic glass material includes the aforementioned diffuse reflection type photochromic element as a constituent unit. A method for manufacturing a diffuse reflection type photochromic unit includes the steps of forming a transparent thin film having surface irregularities integrally or separately on a transparent base and forming a reflective photochromic thin film layer having surface irregularities on that transparent thin film.

Abstract: The present invention provides an organic nonlinear optical material including an organic compound having nonlinear optical activity dispersed in or bonded to a polymer binder, wherein the material contains a tertiary amine derivative represented by the following formula (1) as the organic compound having nonlinear optical activity, and an organic nonlinear optical element using the same. In the formula, Z1 to Z3 are independently aromatic groups optionally having a substituent; L is a ? conjugated group optionally having a substituent; A is a ? conjugated electron-attractive group which includes a ring structure optionally having a substituent; m denotes 0 or 1; a ? conjugated system denoted by Z3-Lm has, from one terminal thereof to the other terminal, five or more unsaturated bonds which form one conjugated system; and at least two of Z1 to Z3, L and A may be connected so as to form at least one ring structure.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein relate to optical elements comprising an at least partial coating having a first state and a second state connected to at least a portion of a substrate, the at least partial coating being adapted to switch from the first state to the second state in response to at least actinic radiation, to revert back to the first state in response to thermal energy, and to linearly polarize at least transmitted radiation in at least one of the first state and the second state. Other embodiments relate to optical elements comprising a substrate and at least one at least partially aligned photochromic-dichroic compound connected to at least a portion of the substrate and having an average absorption ratio greater than 2.3 in the activated state as determined according to CELL METHOD. Still other embodiments relate to security devices, liquid crystal cells and methods of making the same.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel photoinitiators and their use in light adjustable compositions. The initiatives comprise two or more multiphoton chromophores linked by a bridging compound. The bridging compound consists of a material that is compatible with the base material of the light adjustable composition. The novel photoinitiator permit the readjustment of light adjustable material without the need for significant amounts of photoabsorbers.

Abstract: An optical modulator comprises a first waveguide layer and a barrier layer, and a quantum well layer sandwiched between the first waveguide layer and the barrier layer, where the quantum well layer has a graded composition that varies the bandgap energy of the quantum well layer between a minimum bandgap energy and the bandgap energy of at least one of the first waveguide layer and the barrier layer.

Abstract: A compound constructed by N (N is an integer of 2 or more) kinds of phases containing at least one kind of elements selected from a group consisting of Co, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Si, Pb, Bi and Al. At least one kind to (N?1) kinds among the N kinds of phases are continuous phases, and the other phases are discontinuous phases.