Abstract: An infrared reflecting interference filter capable of transmitting a desired proportion of visible radiation while reflecting a large portion of incident solar radiation is provided. The filter comprises a transparent substrate onto which is deposited a dielectric layer, followed by metal and dielectric layers. In between each of the dielectric and metal layers is deposited a precoat layer that promotes adhesion between the dielectric and the metal. One aspect of the invention is the use of a film comprising nickel and chromium nitride for each of the metal precoat layers. These precoat layers are thin so that there is less absorption of visible light but yet maintains good adhesive properties. Another aspect of the invention is the use of silver as the metal layer. Specifically, silver is sputtered in an atmosphere containing a mixture of nitrogen and argon or other inert gas.

Abstract: A faceplate for a touch-sensitive display includes, on an outermost surface, a pattern of electrode-regions separated by spaces. A base-coating is deposited on the surface and extends continuously over the surface. The electrode-regions are formed from a layer of a conductive transparent metal-oxide deposited on the base-coating. The electrode-regions and spaces are overcoated by a protective-layer of an insulating material. For light incident on the faceplate at about normal incidence photopic reflectivity in the protective-layer-overcoated electrode-regions is within plus or minus ten percent of photopic reflectivity in the protective-layer-overcoated spaces.

Abstract: A sputter-coated glass layer system particularly useful in insulating glass units ("IGs"), which includes dual layers of silver separated by a layer of Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 having a thickness of about 700 .ANG.-1,100 .ANG. and further including an undercoat and an overcoat of Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 having thicknesses of about 300 .ANG.-550 .ANG. and about 350 .ANG.-700 .ANG. respectively, such that a glass so coated achieves normal emissivity values (E.sub.n 's) of less than about 0.02-0.09 with good durability and very low reflectance.

Abstract: Device for detecting the presence or amount of an analyte of interest, comprising a reflective solid, optical support and a label capable of generating fluorescent signal upon excitation with a suitable light source wherein said support comprises an attachment layer comprising a chemical selected from the group consisting of dendrimers, star polymers, molecular self-assembling polymers, polymeric siloxanes, and film forming latexes wherein the support provides an enhanced level of exciting photons to the immobilized fluorescent label compound, and wherein the support also increases the capture of fluorescent signal.

Abstract: An anti-reflection coating includes a first layer of a transparent material having a low refractive index a second layer of an absorbing metal, a third layer of a material which may have a high or a low refractive index and a fourth layer of titanium nitride.

Abstract: Method for detecting the presence or amount of an analyte of interest in a sample by providing a substrate having an optically active surface exhibiting a first color in response to light impinging thereon, and exhibiting a second color comprising a combination of wavelengths of light different from the first color or comprising an intensity of at least one wavelength of light different from the first color, in response to the light when the analyte is present on the surface in an amount selected from any one of 0.1 nM, 0.1 ng/ml, 50 fg, 2.times.10.sup.3 organisms comprising the analyte; and contacting the optically active surface with a sample potentially comprising the analyte of interest under conditions in which the analyte can interact with the optically active surface to cause the optically active surface to exhibit the second color when the analyte is present.

Abstract: An optical structural element has a substrate and includes at least one wear protection system built up of one or several layers on the substrate. The layers are of at least one of the materials ZrO.sub.2, AlN,(Al,Cr).sub.2 O.sub.3, BN and diamond. A total thickness of the layers is more than about 100 nm and the mean transmission of the wear protection system is at least 10% in a spectral band of 10 nm within the visible light spectrum.

Abstract: In a conductive antireflection film having predetermined optical characteristics, of the layers of the conductive antireflection film, two layers located on the transparent substrate side are replaced with a three-layered film having a metal oxide film as an intermediate layer thereof. In this three-layered film, when k.sub.i =4n.sub.i d.sub.i /.lambda..sub.0 (where n.sub.i is the refractive index of the ith layer, di is the geometric thickness of the ith layer, and .lambda..sub.0 is a middle wavelength in design), the metal oxide film as the second layer satisfies k.sub.2 .gtoreq.0.01, and an ITO film as the first layer satisfies k.sub.1 .gtoreq.0.1.

Abstract: A projection exposure apparatus for transferring a pattern formed on a mask onto a photosensitive substrate by a scanning exposure method, includes a light source for generating a light beam having a predetermined spatial coherence, an illumination optical system for receiving the light beam from the light source and illuminating a local area on the mask with the light beam, and a device for synchronously moving the mask and the photosensitive substrate so as to transfer the pattern on the mask onto the photosensitive substrate. A direction, corresponding to a higher spatial coherence of the light beam, is made to coincide with the direction of relative scanning an illumination area and the mask in the illumination area.

Abstract: A low emissivity film comprises a coating of an oxide film, a metal film, an oxide film and so on alternately formed on a substrate in this order in a total of (2n+1) layers where n is an integer being equal to or more than 1, wherein an oxide film (B) formed on the side opposite to a metal film (A) being most remote from the substrate in view from the substrate, contains at least one layer of a zinc oxide film doped with at least one selected from the group consisted of Si, Ti, Cr, B, Mg, Sn and Ga by 1 through 10 atomic % with respect to a total amount including Zn.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a contrast-improving filter which uses a tri-layer comprising a metal layer, preferably silver, sandwiched between two metal precoat layers. The silver layer is thin so that it is substantially transparent to visible light. Additionally, the contrast-improving filter uses a silicon nitride layer between the tri-layer and further oxide layer to improve the durability and scratch-resistance of the contrast-improving filter.

Abstract: An optical filter is provided for suppressing unwanted reflections of background light when used with a display device such as a cathode ray tube or an electroluminescent screen, or in optical communication or surveillance. The filter has multiple thin layers including a first series of layers for suppressing reflections from its outer surface and a second series of layers constituting a bandpass interference filter. The first series of layers is arranged to suppress reflections over a broad wavelength band while the second series of layers allows transmittance over a relatively narrow wavelength passband within the broad wavelength band, resulting in improved contrast when the display is used in situations of high background light.

Abstract: A solar control film having low visible light transmittance and low visible light reflectance is comprised of two or more transparent substrates each bearing a thin, transparent, discontinuous, incoherent film of metal having low visible light reflectance and a degree of visible light blocking capacity, the substrates being so assembled and laminated into a composite that the visible light blocking capacities of the metal films are effectively combined to provide a composite having low visible light transmittance. Performance characteristics are enhanced by providing on one or more of the substrates a transparent coating of high refractive index underlying the metal film. The material of high refractive index is preferably a synthetic high oxygen content oxide of bismuth, which facilitates efficient and economical production of the solar control film.

Abstract: The durability of thin metal coatings and particularly substantially transparent copper and silver plus noble metal coatings and their ability to withstand corrosive environments is improved by overcoating the metal layers with a double coating of dielectric. The first coating is made up of dielectric based on indium and/or zinc. The second coating is made up of dielectric based on indium and tin. These overcoatings are more effective than a single coating based on one metal or a single coating based upon the two metals.

Abstract: A heat reflecting and/or electrically heatable laminated glazing system having two single glass panes bonded together by a thermoplastic film such as polyvinyl butyral is disclosed. One of these two panes includes a layered construction, preferably of a conductive silver layer and an dielectric layer, preferably of zinc oxide, which is disposed on the silver layer. A bonding layer is utilized to improve the bond between the thermoplastic film and the dielectric layer. The bonding layer comprises one of the metals in groups IV, V, or VII of the periodic system or an oxide of these metals.

Abstract: Device for detecting the presence or amount of an analyte of interest, having a substrate possessing an optically active surface which exhibits a first color in response to light impinging thereon, and exhibits a second color comprising a combination of wavelengths of light different from the first color or comprising an intensity of at least one wavelength of light different from the first color, in response to the light when the analyte is present on the surface of any amount selected from 0.1 nM, 0.1 ng/ml, 50 fg, and 2.times.10.sup.3 organisms comprising the analyte.

Abstract: Device for detecting the presence or amount of an analyte of interest, having a substrate possessing an optically active surface which exhibits a first color in response to light impinging thereon, and exhibits a second color comprising a combination of wavelengths of light different from the first color or comprising an intensity of at least one wavelength of light different from the first color, in response to the light when the analyte is present on the surface in any amount selected from 0.1 nM, 0.1 ng/ml, 50 fg, and 2.times.10.sup.3 organisms comprising the analyte.

Abstract: A high-reflectivity surface reflecting mirror is provided by sequentially forming, on a resin substrate, a silicon dioxide first under layer, a chromium sulfide second under layer, a silver reflecting layer and protective layers. According to a second aspect of the invention, a surface reflecting mirror is provided by sequentially forming, on a resin substrate, a silicon dioxide under layer, an aluminum reflecting layer, a silicon dioxide first protective layer, a second protective layer made of at least one of titanium oxide, tantalum oxide and zirconiumoxide, and an aluminum oxide third protective layer.

Abstract: A low emissivity film formed on a substrate, which comprises a coating of oxide films and films whose major component is Ag alternately formed on the substrate in a total of (2n+1) layers where n is an integer being equal to or more than 1, with the innermost layer being an oxide film, wherein an integral width .beta.i(.degree.) of (111) diffraction line of a cubic Ag in an X-ray diffraction diagram of the low emissivity film exists in a first range of 180.lambda./(d.pi.cos.theta.).ltoreq..beta.i.ltoreq.180.pi./(d.pi.cos.thet a.)+0.15, where d(.ANG.) designates a thickness of a film whose major component is Ag, .pi.(.ANG.), a wave length of an X-ray for measurement and .theta., Bragg angle.

Abstract: A low emissivity film which comprises: a substrate; and a coating of oxide and metallic films alternately formed on the substrate in a total of (2n+1) layers where n is an integer being equal to or more than 1, with the innermost layer being an oxide film, wherein the oxide film (B) formed on the outer side of the metallic film (A) being most apart from the substrate, has an internal stress which is equal to, or less than 1.1.times.10.sup.10 dyne/cm.sup.2.

Abstract: Thin film devices including a film of a functional organic material, inorganic material or mixtures which are either insoluble or sparingly soluble in water, and deposited by electroplating. Particles of the functional material are dispersed in a micelle solution of a surfactant which is oxidizable and reducible by electrolysis in a colloidal state. Thin film devices prepared include color filters, optical recording media, electrochemical photoreceptors, nonlinear switching elements, and other devices requiring thin films of materials which are substantially insoluble in water.

Abstract: Retroreflective sheet material is produced by forming sheet material with closely spaced retroreflective formations on one face and depositing on this face silver and copper atoms having high kinetic energy to provide a reflective metallic deposit comprising a base layer of metallic silver and an overlying layer of metallic copper. An organic protective coating is thereafter applied over the reflective metallic deposit. Light rays passing through the front face of the body enter the retroreflective formations, impinge upon the interface provided by the silver base layer and are retroreflected therefrom. As a result, the sheet material exhibits a bright white appearance in daylight as well as a bright white coloration at night when an incandescent beam impinges thereon.

Abstract: An infrared reflecting interference filter capable of transmitting a desired proportion of visible radiation while reflecting a large portion of incident solar radiation is provided. The filter consists of a transparent substrate coated first with a dielectric layer, next a partially metal reflectance layer, and finally an outer protective dielectric layer. In addition, between each metal-dielectric interface is deposited a nucleation or glue layer that facilitates adhesions and improves chemical and mechanical resistance. The interference filters are durable and can be modified to provide a full range of optical and electrical characteristics. The dielectric layer can comprise of composite films consisting of silicon nitride in combination with zirconium nitride, titanium nitride, and/or hafnium nitride.

Abstract: A multilayer optical coating including at least one layer of niobium oxide deposited by DC reactive sputtering.

Abstract: A two-metal grating is produced by vacuum depositing a first dielectric cing upon a separation layer formed upon a mandrel; then depositing a first optically opaque metallic layer, etching the layer to form stripes; then vacuum depositing a second optically opaque film; then electroforming a backing structure and separating the dielectric coating from the separation layer on the mandrel to form a free-standing grating structure having a smooth surface. This structure can then be affixed to a metallic mirror. A buried phase grating can also be fabricated by additionally depositing a second dielectric layer and a third metallic layer.

Abstract: A multi-layer reflection mirror for soft X-ray to vacuum ultraviolet ray, comprises a substrate, a plurality of first layers, and a plurality of second layers formed on the substrate alternately with the first layers. The first layer primarily consists of at least one of single elements, such as ruthenium or of a boride, carbide, silicide, nitride oxide of a transition metal. The second layer primarily consists of at least one of compounds of carbon, silicon (e.g. carbide, nitride and oxide of silicon), boron (e.g. carbide, nitride and oxide of boron), beryllium (e.g. carbide, nitride and oxide of beryllium) and aluminum (e.g. carbide, nitride and oxide of aluminum).

Abstract: A non-iridescent transparent product comprising a transparent substrate, a transparent film having a refractive index of at least 1.6 and a thickness of at least 0.15 .mu.m formed on the substrate, and an underlying layer formed at the boundary between the substrate and the film, wherein the underlying layer is an absorbing layer with an extinction coefficient k being not 0.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high transmittance, low emissivity film stack having an overcoat of an oxide of a metal chosen from the group of zinc, tin, indium, or bismuth, or an alloy including one or more of these metals, the oxide being applied in a thickness sufficiently low as to have no significant affect upon the optical properties of the coated substrate. That is, if the overcoat is lost through abrasion or chemical attack, the loss will not significantly affect the optical properties of the coating. The resulting film stack exhibits significantly enhanced durability as compared to a film stack without such an overcoat. In a preferred embodiment, a film stack of the invention includes at least one reflective metal layer, an outer, scratch-resistant metal oxide overcoat, and a metal oxide layer between the silver layer and the overcoat which is less scratch resistant than the overcoat.

Abstract: A multilayer antireflection coating designed for deposition in in-line coating machines by DC reactive sputtering. About half of the total thickness of the coating may be formed from zinc oxide which has a high sputtering rate. Conductive transparent materials including aluminum doped zinc oxide, antimony doped tin oxide, cadmium tin oxide, and indium tin oxide may be included in the coating.

Abstract: A rearview mirror suitable for vehicles, especially motor vehicles, is composed of a transparent substrate, preferably of soda silica glass and a rear reflection coating comprising a metal mirror layer, preferably chromium, and a dielectric triple interference layer system placed between the metal mirror layer and the transparent substrate. The triple interference layer system comprises, in contact with the metal layer, a dielectric layer having a high refractive index, e.g., titanium dioxide, a next layer having a low refractive index, e.g., silicon dioxide, and next a dielectric layer having a medium refractive index, e.g., a mixed TiO.sub.2 and SiO.sub.2 layer. With the selection of suitable layer thicknesses, a total reflection of at least 40% and a blue reflection tint, independent of the viewing angle, are attained.

Abstract: An automotive lamp device includes a metal lamp housing having an opening for passing light therethrough, an electric-discharge lamp accommodated in the lamp housing to provide a required amount of light to be emitted by the lamp device, a lens having a series of modified prisms or ridges that bend the light beam generated by the discharge lamp into a desired pattern, a finisher disposed in an inner perimeter section other than a main lens section of the lens, for preventing propagation of the light beams through a section other than the main lens section of the lens. The finisher is made of metal and, in addition, electromagnetic shielding is employed in the lens for preventing undesirable electromagnetic radiation noise generated by the discharge lamp from leaking through the lens to the exterior of the lamp housing, while allowing the required amount of light to pass through the lens.

Abstract: An alkali metal filter having a layer of metallic bismuth deposited onto the alkali metal is provided. The metallic bismuth acts to stabilize the surface of the alkali metal to prevent substantial surface migration from occurring on the alkali metal, which may degrade optical characteristics of the filter. To this end, a layer of metallic bismuth is deposited by vapor deposition over the alkali metal to a depth of approximately 5 to 10 .ANG.. A complete alkali metal filter is described along with a method for fabricating the alkali metal filter.

Abstract: A low emissivity, low shading coefficient window consisting of two panes of glass. The first pane having a low wave infrared reflecting and a visible light and shortwave infrared absorbing section of coatings on its inside surface. A second pane spaced about one half inch from the inside surface of the first pane to protect the coatings on the first pane and to insulate the coating. The infrared reflecting section consists of six layers of metals and metal oxides with the stainless steel being used for the absorption of the visible light and shortwave. The first layer consists of a metal oxide selected from the group consisting of tin oxide, zinc oxide, or a combination of zinc and tin oxide. The second layer is of silver or sterling silver. The third layer is stainless steel. The fourth layer is a barrier metal consisting of aluminum titanium, zinc, tin, nickel, chrome or its alloy. The fifth layer is selected from the same group as the first layer. The sixth layer is of titanium oxide.

Abstract: Optical interference structures incorporating porous films are disclosed. These structures are capable of exhibiting a color by interference effects caused by the interference of light reflected from various layers within the structure. Basically, the structures comprise a reflective substrate, a porous transparent dielectric film on the substrate and at least one semi-transparent layer supported by the porous dielectric film. The structure is such that there are at least two reflective surfaces separated by an optically thin porous layer of the dielectric film. These structures can be formed by several methods, but the most convenient involves the porous anodization of a substrate metal (e.g. aluminum) to form the dielectric film and the deposition of a semi-transparent metal layer within the pores or on the film surface. The structures can be made inexpensively and are capable of generating strong and, if desired, dichroic colors. The porous nature of the film can also be exploited to create color shifts.

Abstract: A surface reflector according to a first aspect has an oxide undercoat formed on a substrate, a reflecting aluminum layer formed over the oxide undercoat, and a protective layer formed over the reflecting layer. A surface reflector according to a second aspect has a chromium sulfide undercoat formed on a substrate, a reflecting silver layer formed over the chromium sulfide undercoat, and a protective layer formed over the reflecting layer. A surface reflector according to a third aspect has an oxide undercoat formed on a substrate, a sulfide undercoat formed over the oxide undercoat, a reflecting silver layer formed over the sulfide undercoat, and a protective layer formed over the reflecting layer.

Abstract: A coating, composed of an optically effective layer system for substrates, whereby the layer system has a high antireflective effect. On a front side of the substrate, facing the observer, in sequence from the front side to the observer, a first layer is arranged on the substrate, functioning as dielectric and comprising metal oxide. Thereupon follows a second layer comprising nitride, preferably TiN.sub.x (x is equal to or greater than 1, preferably x=1.05). A third layer follows functioning as dielectric and comprising metal oxide. Thereupon a fourth layer follows comprising nitride, preferably TiN.sub.x (x is equal to or greater than 1, preferably x=1.05). A fifth layer follows functioning as dielectric comprising metal oxide. On a backside of the substrate a TiN.sub.x -layer (x.gtoreq.1, preferably x=1.05) is arranged.

Abstract: Optical variable interference device with peak suppression having a reflector with first and second surfaces. A thin film multilayer interference stack is disposed on the first surface. The interference stack is comprised of at least two periods with each period being comprised of a metal absorber layer and a dielectric spacer layer.

Abstract: A solar screening film for a motor vehicle windshield comprises an interference filter having one or more heat reflecting metal layers and one or more coacting reflection-suppressing layers to minimize reflection and enhance visible transmission and a gradient band continuation of the interference filter above the direct line of forward vision through a windshield when the film is disposed therein in a motor vehicle, for reflective rejection of infra-red solar energy, such band including a light-reflecting metal layer gradually increasing in thickness toward an edge of the film.

Abstract: A thin film, light absorbing coating comprises an analog structure fabricated by the simultaneous codeposition of absorbing and non-absorbing material. The two materials may comprise a non-absorbing dielectric material, such as silicon monoxide, and a metal, such as chromium, that is absorbing over the desired wavelength range. Individual evaporation rates for the two materials are adjusted during the codeposition process to achieve a continuously graded quintic transition between the absorbing material and the non-absorbing material. The continuous grading of the composition allows good light absorption properties to be maintained over a wide range of wavelengths. The total design thickness of the absorbing coating is on the order of a full wavelength of light. All wavelengths of incident light shorter than the design wavelength are absorbed into the coating. The coating is useful as a broad band light absorbing layer between a substrate and a spectrally selective reflective surface layer.

Abstract: A light mirror and a lamp including a light mirror are disclosed. The light mirror includes a light pervious substrate having a reflecting surface, a metal coating disposed in the reflecting surface, and a dichroic coating disposed on the metal coating. The dichroic coating is designed to reflect essentially all of the visible light spectrum and to transmit infra-red radiation and any unreflected portion of the visible light spectrum. A method for controlling the heat transmission of a cold light mirror is also disclosed.

Abstract: A window achieves broad band infrared reflection with a thin reflective layer and a clear interference coating on its outside surface. Color viewed from outside is enhanced by varying the thickness of the interference coating, while the window still exhibits neutral color to transmitted light. The reflective layer is formed of a metal such as copper, gold or copper alloy to provide enhanced IR reflection extending beyond ten microns. The metal is preferably deposited without agglomeration, and with uniformity that permits high and neutral transmission of visible light.

Abstract: High total transmission, tunable comb filter structures are described which comprise moderately thick layers of optical material having periodic or multiply periodic refractive index modulation features comprising a multiplicity of coherently-coupled, weakly-resonant optical cavities, resulting in and characterized by spectra of high order (5 or higher) relative to a fundamental (lowest order) cavity resonance, consisting of narrow, moderate to high density reflection lines occurring in one or more sets, each set being characterized by lines equally spaced by wave number if optical dispersion is neglected. Filters of the invention can be structured to be tuned, electro-optically or mechanically such that the peaks within a spectral band of interest shift by one harmonic order and/or from one peak position to the next, to reflect or transmit light of any specific wavelength within a band.

Abstract: A mirror comprises a first layer being of a transparency, a second layer mounted on the first layer and being in the form of a translucent metal thin film with a thickness of less than 350.ANG., a third layer mounted on the second layer and being in the form of a transparent oxide or fluoride of a metal and a fourth layer mounted on the third layer and being in the form of a thin metal to be used as a reflecting member.

Abstract: A glass article for motor vehicles, in particular a windshield, is provided with a transparent multilayered coating for simultaneously reducing the transmission of incident light energy and combining data relating to driving with the images of the outer environment. The glass article has the following sequence of layers: (glass)/TiO.sub.2 or Al.sub.2 O.sub.3)/(Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 or SiO.sub.2)/(Al or Al/Ag or Ag/Al or Ag)/(Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 or SiO.sub.3)/(TiO.sub.2 or Al.sub.2 O.sub.3). The transparent coating has the capacity of screening solar radiation and sorting information derived from an apparatus of the head-up display type.

Abstract: A cold mirror reflector comprising; a reflector substrate; a first high refractive index thin layer disposed upon at least one surface of said reflector substrate which is about one quarter design wavelength in thickness; a relatively thin layer of a highly reflective metal material disposed upon said first high refractive index thin layer; and a second high refractive index thin layer disposed outwardly from said metal thin layer which is about one quarter design wavelength in thickness.

Abstract: An optical sensor excellent in reliability and mass producibility and low in cost, by forming a magnetic optical crystal, polarizer and analyzer monolithically on the same substrate.