Abstract: A method of preparing high refractive index nanoparticles includes adding a polymer stabilizer to a solvent, and forming high refractive index nanoparticles by adding high refractive index nanoparticle materials to the solvent and stirring the same. The high refractive index nanoparticle materials may have a refractive index equal to or greater than 1.8, and sizes of the high refractive index nanoparticles may be determined by adjusting a content of the polymer stabilizer to control an amount of the polymer stabilizer adsorbed to surfaces of the high refractive index nanoparticles.

Abstract: A three-dimensional geometric photonic crystal and a method of fabricating the photonic crystal are disclosed. The photonic crystal includes a geometric structure having a plurality of electrophoretic self-assembled particles and the plurality of particles are periodically arranged at any cross sections of the geometric structure. The method includes preparing an electrophoresis deposition suspension, installing first and second electrodes in the electrophoresis deposition suspension with the first electrode being encircled by the second electrode, and applying a voltage to the first electrode and the second electrode to form an electric field between the first and second electrodes, such that particles in the electrophoresis deposition suspension are electrophoretic self-assembled, and a periodically arranged geometric structure is formed. A photonic crystal thus may have a three-dimensional geometric structure in any shape.

Abstract: A bis-terpyridine monomer includes a first terpyridyl substituent (A), a second terpyridyl substituent (B), and a spacer that contains at least one benzene ring and links the first terpyridyl substituent (A) and the second terpyridyl substituent (B). The bis-terpyridine monomer is represented by the following formula (10): where X1 is a halogen; and R1, R2, R3 and R4 are each independently a halogen atom, an aryl group or an alkyl group.

Abstract: An organically based electrochromic component, e.g. for the production of displays and/or state indicators produces at least two colors. For the first time, two colors can be switched according to the voltage by using a dye system of 4,4?-bipyridinium salts.

Abstract: Photonic structures and photonic devices are provided. A photonic structure includes a three-dimensional photonic crystal and an actuator. The three-dimensional photonic crystal comprises an elastomeric, auxetic material and configured to provide a predetermined optical bandgap. The actuator is coupled to the three-dimensional photonic crystal and is configured to compress the three-dimensional photonic crystal. When the actuator compresses the three-dimensional photonic crystal, the three-dimensional photonic crystal shifts from reflecting light in a first wavelength range to light in a second wavelength range.

Abstract: Heterocyclic compounds incorporating a [1,3]oxazine ring may be used to make chromogenic materials. These molecules switch from a colorless state to a colored form upon addition of either acid or base. In both instances, the [1,3]oxazine ring opens in response to the pH change forming an indolium cation, after the addition of acid, or a phenolate anion, after the addition of base. Alternatively, the switch may occur in response to a change in electrical current or potential or a change in temperature. Chromophores absorb in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Hence, their formation translates into the appearance of color. These processes are fully reversible and the original colorless state can be regenerated by switching the pH back to neutral. Thus, these halochromic compounds can be used to develop displays, filters, indicators, lenses, sensors, switches, or windows able to switch their color in response to pH changes.

Abstract: A PCLC flake/fluid host suspension that enables dual-frequency, reverse drive reorientation and relaxation of the PCLC flakes is composed of a fluid host that is a mixture of: 94 to 99.5 wt % of a non-aqueous fluid medium having a dielectric constant value ?, where 1<?<7, a conductivity value ?, where 10?9>?>10?7 Siemens per meter (S/m), and a resistivity r, where 107>r>1010 ohm-meters (?-m), and which is optically transparent in a selected wavelength range ??; 0.0025 to 0.25 wt % of an inorganic chloride salt; 0.0475 to 4.75 wt % water; and 0.25 to 2 wt % of an anionic surfactant; and 1 to 5 wt % of PCLC flakes suspended in the fluid host mixture. Various encapsulation forms and methods are disclosed including a Basic test cell, a Microwell, a Microcube, Direct encapsulation (I), Direct encapsulation (II), and Coacervation encapsulation. Applications to display devices are disclosed.

Abstract: An optical image shutter having a transparent electro-optical crystal formed on a transparent amorphous substrate and a method of manufacturing the optical image shutter. The light image shutter is created by forming a buffer layer using a material having a similar crystalline structure to an electro-optical crystal, on a transparent amorphous substrate such as glass, and forming an electro-optical thin film layer such as the electro-optical crystal on the buffer layer.

Abstract: Amorphous polymers with chromogenic pendant groups are provided. The amorphous polymers can be used to make elastomeric films and coatings that can be incorporated into laminates and used to make articles such as architectural and vehicular glazing, and in applications such as eyewear, displays and signage.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to improve uneven coloring by polarization color due to birefringence of a polarization optical article. Disclosed is a polarization optical article in which uneven coloring by polarization color has been improved, the polarization optical article being a multi-layered polarization optical article including at least a linear polarization functional portion, a retardation functional portion and a back-up resin portion, characterized in that the linear polarization functional portion, the retardation functional portion and the back-up resin portion are arranged in order from an objective side toward an ocular side. The linear polarization functional portion is, for example, a linear polarizer, the retardation functional portion is, for example, a retardation sheet, and the retardation functional portion has, for example, a retardation of 1,000 nm or more. The back-up resin is a polycarbonate resin, a polyamide resin or the like.

Abstract: We have designed a molecular switch based on the photoinduced opening and thermal closing of a [1,3]oxazine ring. A substituted [1,3]oxazine compound described as having a general (i.e., unsubstituted) structure with fused indoline and benzooxazine fragments such that they share a common bond in the [1,3]oxazine compound: (i) the bond connecting positions 1 and 2 of the indoline fragment and (ii) the bond connecting positions 2 and 3 of the benzooxazine fragment. Irradiation by light of suitable wavelength and intensity of this photochromic compound induces cleavage of a [C—O] bond of the [1,3]oxazine ring to form a phenolate chromophore. The photogenerated (e.g., colored) isomer may revert thermally to the starting (e.g., colorless) oxazine. Alternatively, the switch may be between isomers of the compound that absorb at different wavelengths. Reversible coloration of silica or polymeric materials and switching optical signals may involve many cycles of interconversion between different colored states.

Abstract: A compound capable of satisfying both high refractive index and high light resistance, and a photocurable composition containing it, are provided. Further, an optical element having good light resistance against blue laser light, and an optical head device using it, are provided. A polymerizable compound represented by SiA1A2A3A4 wherein silicon and four cyclic groups are bonded directly or via oxygen. each of A1, A2, A3 and A4 which are independent of one another, is —(O)m—X; and each of four m's which are independent of one another, is 0 or 1. X is preferably a phenyl group. From 0 to 3 hydrogen atoms in the phenyl group are substituted by a polymerizable substituent represented by CH2?CR—COO—Y—, and some or all of remaining hydrogen atoms in the phenyl group may be substituted by a methyl group or a fluorine atom.

Abstract: Display device is based on layer break up or layer displacement having at least two different states, in which one of the fluids, e.g., oil in a first state, adjoins at least a first support plate and, in the second state, the other fluid at least partly adjoins the first support plate. In one embodiment, a picture element corresponds to a substantially closed space and, in the first state, the other fluid layer substantially completely adjoins both support plates and is divided in two sub-layers. This makes it possible, on the one hand, to use lower voltages to make displacement occur. On the other hand, this opens the opportunity to color displays.

Abstract: An active chiral photonic metamaterial having a dynamically controllable photonic material parameter is employed in a system and a method of polarization rotation. The active chiral photonic metamaterial includes a first chiral photonic element formed in a first metal layer, a second chiral photonic element formed in a second metal layer, and an active material layer disposed between the first and second metal layers. The active material layer includes the photonic material parameter that is dynamically controllable. A coupling between the first chiral photonic element and the second chiral photonic element is a function of the photonic material parameter of the active material layer. The system further includes a means for controlling the dynamically controllable photonic material parameter. The method includes illuminating the active chiral photonic metamaterial with an optical signal and applying a control signal to vary the dynamically controllable photonic material parameter.

Abstract: In the production of optical devices or the like utilizing an intersubband transition of a coupled quantum well, a quantum well structure having strong coupling is provided. In addition, a coupled well structure of excellent productivity capable of avoiding thinning of coupling barrier layer for strengthening the coupling is provided. In the semiconductor coupled well structure of the present invention, a coupled quantum well structure disposed on the semiconductor single crystal substrate includes a coupling barrier layer 1a disposed between two or more quantum well layers 2a and 2b, wherein the coupling barrier layer 1a has an energy barrier that is smaller than an excitation level (E4 and E3) and is larger than a ground level (E2 and E1).

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: A plasmonic logic device can include a dielectric substrate, and first and second metallic input strips that are placed on the substrate. The input metallic strips can be made of different metals that support propagation of surface plasmons at different frequencies. The input metallic strips can be separated by a predetermined gap that causes for the surface plasmons to constructively combine or destructively cancel each other, according to the gap distances and strip materials chosen, to accomplish the desired logic function. A metallic output strip can be placed on the substrate at a distance from the metallic input strips that allows for selective propagation to accomplish different logic functions. The metallic output strip can further be chosen from a material that allows for propagation of surface plasmons over a broad frequency range to allow for evanescent coupling of a surface plasmon from the metallic input strips.

Abstract: A design method, apparatus, and fabrication method for structures for controlling the flow of electromagnetic energy at a sub-wavelength scale is disclosed. Transformational optics principles are used as a starting point for the design of structures that operate as, for example, hyperlenses or concentrators such that evanescent waves at a first surface are radiated in the far field at a second surface. Plane waves incident at a first surface may be focused to a spot size substantially smaller than a wavelength, so as to interact with objects at the focal point, or be re-radiated.

Abstract: Provided are poly(ferrocenyl)silane based network polymers, methods of preparing the same, and films including the poly(ferrocenyl)silane based network polymers. The network polymers have a steric network structure and are prepared by using a simplified process.

Abstract: A thin film device includes an active layer (4), wherein the active layer has optical properties that change by adding and removing hydrogen, and includes a Mg-transition metal layer, or rare earth based layer, the active layer being provided on one side with a protective layer (3) that is hydrogen, oxygen and water vapor permeable and liquid water impermeable, and has hydrophobic surface properties. The thin film can further include a Pd catalyst layer (5) disposed between the active layer (4) and the protective layer (3). The thin film device can be used in a switchable mirror wherein the optical properties of the mirror can be changed by adding/removing hydrogen to/from the active layer.

Abstract: A plasmonic transistor device includes an electro-optic substrate and a conductive layer placed on said electro-optic substrate to establish an interface therebetween. The first conductive layer and electro-optics substrate are made of materials that are suitable for transmission of a surface plasmon along the interface. The conductive layer is further formed with a source input grating and a drain output grating, for establishing the surface plasmon. A means for varying the electro-optic substrate permittivity, such as a light source or voltage source, is connected to the electro-optic substrate. Selective manipulation of the varying means allows the user to selectively increase or decrease the substrate permittivity. Control of the substrate permittivity further allows the user to control surface plasmon propagation from the source input grating along the interface to a drain output grating, to achieve a transistor-like effect for the surface plasmon.

Abstract: A screen includes: a reflection surface which reflects projection light, wherein a plurality of convexes are disposed on the reflection surface, and each of the convexes contains a spherical surface having a ¼ spherical shape, a curved surface having curvature larger than curvature of the spherical surface and disposed along an end of the spherical surface, and a cover surface having a flat surface shape and disposed at an end of the curved surface.

Abstract: A microplate for use within an interrogation system and a method of using the microplate are disclosed. The microplate contains within the bottom of each well, an optical waveguide grating based sensor. Approximate to each sensor is a mask having an aperture of predetermined size. The aperture regulates the light that enters and exits the sensor upon successive scans and ensures repeatable readings from the sensor. In an extended embodiment, a method of detection is disclosed that utilizes a launch and receive system while employing the aforementioned microplate.

Abstract: A radiation-protection device is provided that includes a substrate and a surface structure formed on the substrate. The surface structure has an arrangement and interacts with radiation and the substrate to at least (a) substantially transmit or attenuate radiation at a wavelength and an energy below a threshold energy, and (b) substantially reflect radiation at the wavelength and an energy above the threshold energy.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel process for producing an electrochemical display element, which can easily form a white scattering layer between opposed electrodes, has a high level of suitability for production, and has high stability after long-term use. The production process is characterized in that a film containing a white scattering material and a polymeric binder is formed on at least one electrode in opposed electrodes, the other electrode is disposed so as to face the electrode with film formed thereon, a low-viscosity electrolyte is poured into a space between the opposed electrodes, and the polymeric binder is dissolved in or swollen in the electrolyte to form a gel-like electrolyte layer containing the white scattering material and the polymeric binder within the space.

Abstract: A method of modifying light is disclosed and includes: providing an optical element having an oriented polymer network of a silicone (meth)acrylate copolymer and exhibiting a first phase and a second phase, the first phase and the second phase being chemically connected and having different refractive indices, the first phase being continuous, and the second phase comprising a plurality of structures dispersed within the first phase; illuminating the optical element with light from a light source; and detecting polarized or directionally diffused light transmitted by the optical element. Optical elements including the polymer network and a variety of additional layers are also disclosed, as are optical devices such as prisms, display panels, lenses, and the like.

Abstract: The present transparent molded body is a transparent molded body including a transparent substrate and an uneven layer composed of a cured product of an active energy ray-curable composition formed on at least one surface of the transparent substrate, wherein the uneven layer has an uneven structure having a gap between the adjacent convex portions equal to or less than the wavelength of a visible light, the water contact angle of the surface of the uneven layer is equal to or less than 25°, and the modulus of elasticity of the surface of the uneven layer is equal to or more than 200 MPa.

Abstract: In a reflective a display device based on layer break up or layer displacement having at least two different states, in which one of the fluids (5) e.g. oil in a first state adjoins at least a first support plate (3) and in the second state the other fluid (6) at least partly adjoins the first support plate, in which picture elements are separated by areas (13) having a hydrophilic surface dyes (or sometimes pigments) are added to the oil (usually hydrocarbon but also possibly silicone or fluorocarbon), to provide sufficient optical intensity.

Abstract: To provide a variable-focal length lens capable of altering its focal length at high speed. The variable-focal length lens has an electrooptic material and electrodes formed on an incident surface of light and on an exit surface of the light of the electrooptic material. An optical axis is set so that the light is inputted into a gap where the electrodes of the incident surface are not formed and is outputted from a gap where the electrodes of the exit surface are not formed. A focus of the light that is transmitted through the electrooptic material becomes variable by varying an applied voltage between the electrodes of the incident surface and the electrodes of the exit surface.

Abstract: An electric-field-sensitive element (1) includes: an optical function layer (5) that includes a metal oxide selected from the group consisting of tin dioxide, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, and an insulating material covering the metal oxide, the optical function layer (5) having a visible light transmittance that changes through application of an electric field; and a first and second electrode layer (7, 9) that sandwich the optical function layer (5) therebetween.

Abstract: Electro-optic modulators are disclosed. An electro-optic modulator comprises an electro-optic polymer layer, semiconductor layers, ferroelectric material layers, and electrodes. The semiconductor layers are positioned on each surface of the electro-optic polymer layer. The refractive index of the semiconductor layers in the optical and RF domains is higher than the refractive index of the electro-optic polymer layer in the optical and RF domains. The ferroelectric material layers are positioned on each semiconductor layer opposite the electro-optic polymer layer. The refractive index of the ferroelectric material layers in the RF domain is higher than the refractive indices of both the electro-optic polymer layer and the semiconductor layers in the RF domain. The refractive index of the ferroelectric material layers in the optical domain is lower than the refractive index of the semiconductor layer in the optical domain.

Abstract: The preparation of robust, thin film materials with large second-order optical nonlinearities through the covalent self-assembly of chromophoric compositions and innovative use of silyl chemistry.

Abstract: A lens is provided, comprising a lens body. According to an embodiment, the lens body comprises at least one portion of electroactive material.

Abstract: A micro-opto-electro-mechanical systems (MOEMS) electro optical modulator (2) having an electrically tuneable optical resonator comprising an asymmetric Fabry-Perot etalon incorporating a mirror (10) resiliency biased with respect to a substrate (13) and moveable in relation thereto in response to a voltage applied there-between. The optical modulator (2) is capable of modulating electromagnetic radiation having a plurality of wavelengths. The modulator is adapted to modulate the transmission of short wave infrared radiation (SWIR), medium wave infrared radiation (MWIR) and long wave infrared radiation (LWIR) and the reflection of visible radiation. A spatial optical modulator having a plurality of said MOEMS optical modulators (2). A method of addressing said spatial optical modulator.

Abstract: This invention provides a display element comprising an electrolyte between opposed electrodes. The electrolyte contains silver, or a compound containing silver. The opposed electrodes are driven and operated so that silver is dissolved and precipitated. The display element is characterized in that this electrolyte satisfies the following requirements a to c: a. a cyclic carboxylic acid ester having a dielectric constant of not less than 30 and not more than 50 is contained as an organic solvent; b. formula (1) is satisfied: 0<[x]/[Ag]?0.1 (1) wherein [x] represents the total molar concentration (mol/kg) of halogen ions or halogen atoms contained in halide molecules; and [Ag] represents a total molar concentration (mol/kg) of silver or a compound containing silver; and c. the concentration of silver or a compound containing silver in an organic solvent is not less than 0.2 mmol/g and not more than 0.5 mmol/g.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrochemical device comprising a pair of electrodes and provided therebetween, a gelled nonaqueous electrolyte composition containing an electrolyte and a gelling agent having two or more amide groups in the chemical structure.

Abstract: A thermochromic component includes a thermochromic module and a heater. The heater is thermally coupled with the thermochromic module. The heater includes a carbon nanotube structure. The carbon nanotube structure directly transfers heat to the thermochromic module. A thermochromic display apparatus also is provided. The thermochromic display apparatus uses the thermochromic component.

Abstract: Provided are (1) a terpyridine monomer that has a strong ability to coordinate with metal atoms, and (2) a polymer material that can be readily switched between a colored state and a colorless state by controlling the electrical potential applied to it and that can be processed. A bis-terpyridine monomer of a first invention comprises a first terpyridyl substituent (A), a second terpyridyl substituent (B), and a spacer that contains at least one benzene ring and links the substituents (A) and (B). A polymer material of a second invention comprises a bis-terpyridine derivative derived from the monomer according to the first invention, a metal ion and a counter anion, or comprise first to Nth bis-terpyridine derivatives (N is an integer of 2 or greater), first to Nth metal ions (N is an integer of 2 or greater) and first to Nth counter anions (N is an integer of 2 or greater).

Abstract: A PDLC modulator is fabricated using at least one of a selection of specially-formulated UV curable organic hard coatings as a protective layer on the exposed side of polyester (Mylar) film. The hard coatings of various related types show good adhesion on a polyester film substrate, superior hardness and toughness, and have a slippery top surface, which minimizes unnecessary wear. The coating as applied on the modulator surface significantly reduces scratch damage on modulators caused by unexpected particles on the panels under test. In addition, the slip surface will reduce stickiness to particles and therefore also reduce the possibility of panel damage.

Abstract: An optical module, which is arranged in an optical transmission path, includes an optical amplifying unit configured with a semiconductor, wherein the optical amplifying unit amplifies light input from the optical transmission path, and an optical element configured with a semiconductor, wherein the optical element propagates the light amplified by the optical amplifying unit to the optical transmission path.

Abstract: A light-emitting device is provided, which includes a first substrate, a first pair of electrodes formed above the first substrate, a second substrate disposed apart from the first substrate, a second pair of electrodes formed above the second substrate, a selective permeable layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, a first light-emitting layer disposed between the first substrate and the selective permeable layer, a second light-emitting layer disposed between the second substrate and selective permeable layer. The first light-emitting layer contains a first light-emitting material which emits light through an electrochemical oxidation or reduction thereof and a supporting salt. The second light-emitting layer contains a second light-emitting material which emits light through an electrochemical oxidation or reduction thereof and a supporting salt.

Abstract: The invention is directed to compositions of display cell structure and electrode protecting layers for improving the performance of display devices. The composition comprises a polar oligomeric or polymeric material having a glass transition temperature below about 100° C., and the resulting display cells or electrode protecting layer have an average crosslinking density of below about 1 crosslink point per 80 Dalton molecular weight.

Abstract: Disclosed is display element which is constituted of simple members, can be driven at a relatively low voltage, exhibits high display contrast and white display reflectance, and can achieve a high display speed, comprising an electrolyte layer between opposed electrodes, and the electrolyte layer containing silver or a compound including silver in the chemical structure, wherein the opposed electrodes are driven so that the silver is dissolved or deposited and the electrolyte layer contains a mercapto compound having a sulfonamido group or a carbamido group in the molecule.

Abstract: Provided is an electrochemical display element composed of a simple member structure, capable of driving at low voltage, and exhibiting high display contrast and white display reflectance, and further to provide the electrochemical display element exhibiting reduced variation in reflectance during repetitive driving even after storage for a long duration. Disclosed is an electrochemical display element possessing an N-oxyl derivative represented by the following Formula (1), an electrolyte and a pair of facing electrodes: wherein each of R1, R2, R3 and R4 independently represents an aliphatic hydrocarbon group, an aromatic hydrocarbon group or a heterocyclic group, which may have a hydrogen atom or a substituent; Z1 represents a group of atoms having 2 or 3 atoms to form a cyclic structure; and Z1 may also have a substituent.

Abstract: A surface plasmon polariton (SPP) pixel structure is provided. The SPP pixel structure includes a coupling structure that couples the probing light into the SPP mode by matching the in-plane wave vector by changing the refractive index of the coupling structure using thermo-optic effects to vary the coupling strength of the probing light into the SPP mode. An absorber layer is positioned on the coupling structure for absorbing incident infrared/thermal radiation being detected.

Abstract: Polarized light-emitting device with a light source, multiple layers of first optical thin films and second optical thin films alternately stacked is disclosed. Each first optical thin film has a number of first geometric units, and each second optical thin film has a number of second geometric units. The first geometric units and the second geometric units are arranged as a secondary periodic structure on the light-emitting surface of the light source. The polarized light-emitting device is able to provide polarized light with higher brightness and polarized light of a specified polarization characteristic.

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: A polymer dispersed liquid crystal light shutter device and method for use of the same are disclosed. First and second substrates are disposed substantially parallel. A polymer binder system is interposed between the first and second substrates and a plurality of liquid crystals are dispersed in the polymer binder system. The liquid crystal shutter device is able to switch between a high light absorbing dark state and a low light absorbing transparent state, and visa versa, with a low driving voltage. The liquid crystal shutter device includes formulations of liquid crystal mixtures having nematic liquid crystals and polymer systems to provide a wide viewing angle, low driving voltage, high contrast ratio, for example.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a projection system includes a color wheel operable to filter light into a passed component and a reflected component. The projection system also includes a digital micromirror device comprising a plurality of micromirrors each operable to receive the passed component and the reflected component. Each micromirror is selectively positionable to direct, at approximately the same time, the passed component and the reflected component to desired locations. The projection system also includes an optical system operable to direct the passed component and the reflected component from the color wheel to the digital micromirror device at approximately the same time.

Abstract: An electro-optical device includes an electro-optical panel including a pair of substrates and an electro-optical layer between the pair of substrates, a protective member composed of a light-transmitting substrate mounted on at least one of the pair of substrates, and a holding member that holds the electro-optical panel. The protective member has a thick portion where the thickness of the light-transmitting substrate is large, thin portions where the thickness of the light-transmitting substrate is small, the thin portions being provided at the outer circumference of the light-transmitting substrate, and step portions provided between the thick and thin portions. The holding member has fitting portions that are nested into the step portions of the protective member. The light-transmitting substrate and the electro-optical panel are bonded to each other with an adhesive layer.