Abstract: A method for manufacturing thin film and a thin film. The method comprises dipping a substrate in a solution that dries up forming a layer on the surface of the substrate and controlling layer thickness by changing the rate of dipping the substrate in the solution. Before the next dipping after the first dipping, the position of the substrate is changed such that the next dipping will be carried out in a direction which is at an angle to the direction of the previous dipping.

Abstract: A self-assembly process for preparing luminescent organic-inorganic nanocomposite thin films is disclosed. A homogeneous solution in water and an organic solvent is obtained containing a soluble silicate, a silica coupling agent, a surfactant, and an organic material having a hole transport, electron transport, and/or emissive material moiety. The silica coupling agent is selected to chemically react with the organic material. A film of the homogeneous solution is deposited onto a substrate. Preferentially evaporating the organic solvent enriches the concentration of water and non-volatile solution components to promote micelle formation. Organic materials migrate into the hydrophobic portion of the forming micelles. Continued evaporation promotes self-assembly of the micelles into interfacially organized liquid crystalline mesophases. Reacting the organic material and silica coupling forms a nanostructure self-assembly.

Abstract: Oriented materials and methods for their formation are disclosed. The oriented material is formed by depositing an oriented component from an oriented liquid crystal medium. Oriented materials having multiple layers and methods for their formation are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method of modifying the surface of substrates such as contact lenses and other biomedical articles by at least partially coating the surfaces of such substrates with a polymeric tie layer having reactive sites. Various other moieties may then be chemically attached to the article surface by reaction of the other moieties with the reactive sites through classical chemical attachment mechanisms.

Abstract: The invention relates to a glass-plastic composite film, especially for use in electronic components and devices, such as displays. The inventive film consists of a glass film which is between 10 &mgr;m and 500 &mgr;m thick, and is characterised in that a polymer layer with a thickness of between 1 &mgr;m and 200 &mgr;m f is applied directly to at least one of the side faces of said film and in that at least one side on the surface of the film has a waviness of less than 100 nm and a roughness RT<30 nm.

Abstract: Oriented materials and methods for their formation are disclosed. The oriented material is formed by depositing an oriented component from an oriented liquid crystal medium. Oriented materials having multiple layers and methods for their formation are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of antiglare treatment of an organic or inorganic substrate, particularly, sensitive to temperature increases such as phosphate substrates and to a material having antiglare properties that can be obtained by the method of the invention. The invention method comprises a step of deposition a layer of a fluorinated polymer with a low refractive index onto the substrate from a deposition solution that includes said fluorinated polymer. The invention method can be applied to the manufacture of a pockels cell.

Abstract: The invention includes a bilayer antireflection coating, multilayer antireflection coatings, and a method for making a multilayer antireflective coated substrate. The bilayer and multilayer coatings include layers having metallic oxides, at least one layer in each of such coatings having as a material with an index of refraction at least about 1.90, a layer comprising oxides of zirconium such that when subjected to heat treatments, such as tempering, the coatings substantially retain their optical properties. The coatings further include layers having materials of low index of refraction which include oxides of aluminum which provide coating stability and increased precursor storage life. In the method, the layers are applied by successive dip coating techniques using solvent-based solutions and the resulting coatings can be used to coat large sized substrates which can be later cut, trimmed and/or otherwise shaped and later heat treated with substantial retention of optical properties.

Abstract: The present invention is for a transparent conductive film of nitrogen-containing indium tin oxide 5 nm to 100 &mgr;m thick formed on a substrate. The process for producing the transparent film includes exciting the surface of the substrate in a vacuum and depositing vaporized indium tin oxide on the surface of the substrate. The surface may be excited with irradiation with an ion beam. The indium tin oxide may be deposited through vacuum deposition, laser abrasion, ion plating, ion beam deposition, or chemical vapor deposition. Vapor deposition of indium tin oxide may be performed using a sintered product of indium oxide and tin oxide or with indium metal and tin metal.

Abstract: Processes for making a transparent substrate having a glare reducing diffuser surface coating on its surface are disclosed to provide a touchscreen or a faceplate such as for attachment to a screen for a cathode ray tube or other display device. Preferably, the faceplate has at least one of a gloss reading of less than about 80 gloss units, and a resolution of at least about 3 lines per millimeter. The method includes coating at least one layer of a precursor solution onto a functional coating provided on at least one surface of the substrate, and firing the layer to form the faceplate having a diffuser surface coating on the functional coated substrate. Preferably, the precursor solution at least comprises a metal oxide precursor dissolved in an organic solvent. Also, the firing preferably occurs at a temperature of at least 250° C. The functional coating is preferably provided as a transparent conductive coating.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inexpensive and sensitive device and method for detecting and quantifying analytes present in a medium. The device comprises a metalized film upon which is printed a specific, predetermined pattern of an antibody-binding proteins. Upon attachment of a target analyte to select areas of the plastic film upon which the protein is printed, diffraction of transmitted and/or reflected light occurs via the physical dimensions and defined, precise placement of the analyte. A diffraction image is produced which can be easily seen with the eye or, optionally, with a sensing device.

Abstract: Changes in the infrared reflection spectrum of a thin film of silica-like resinous material sandwiched between metal electrodes can be induced by applying an electric potential to a top electrode which is semitransparent. Characteristic infrared absorption lines change in proportion to a small electric current flowing through the material. These changes occur with response times of the order of seconds, and show time constants of the order of minutes to reach stationary values.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antireflection film effective for improving the transparency of an image display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display (PDP), CRT, EL or a touch panel, to an optical product made of glass, such as a lens for eye glasses, and to an antireflection glass. The present invention is also directed to a process of coating a glass surface with a mixture comprising particular silicon compounds and thermosetting the coating film at a temperature ranging from 480 to 520° C. This process can be used to form an antireflection film on a glass surface having a refractive index ranging from 1.33 to 1.38 and a contact angle of water of at most 40 degrees.

Abstract: The wet film thickness during spraying of the coating composition onto the substrate is preferably adjusted such that it is greater by a factor of at least 8 than the target dry film thickness.

Abstract: A water-repellent solution for forming a superior water-repellent film on a glass substrate is produced by subjecting a fluoroalkyl-group contained silane compound to a hydrolysis and a condensation polymerization. With this, at least dimers and trimers of the silane compound are produced. In case wherein the fluoroalkyl-group contained silane compound is of a type having the following general formula, satisfied performance of the formed water-repellent film is expected: CF3(CF2)m(CH2)2SiX3 wherein “m” is equal to or greater than 7 (seven) and “X” represents halogen, isocyanate-group or alkoxy-group, said alkoxy-group including methoxy-group [OCH3], ethoxy-group [OC2H5] or isopropoxy-group [OC3H5]. When the “m” is equal to or greater than 9 (nine), the performance of the film is much increased.

Abstract: Inorganic multilayered optical systems are produced by applying to a glass substrate a flowable composition containing nanoscale solid inorganic particles containing polymerizable or polycondensable organic surface groups, polymerizing and/or polycondensing those surface groups to form an organically crosslinked layer, applying to the organically crosslinked layer and polymerizing/polycondensing a flowable composition producing a different refractive index from the first layer (optionally repeated one or more times), and one-step thermal densifying and removing the organic components. The systems so produced are suitable as interference filters and antireflection systems.

Abstract: An antireflective multilayer coating including a thin film optical coating as well as a method for producing such a coating are provided. The thin film optical coating includes a layer of sol-gel derived cerium oxide, silicon dioxide, and at least one oxide of a transition metal selected from Group IIIB through Group VIB of the Periodic Table which is capable of providing a refractive index of at least about 1.90. The thin film may optionally include colloidal gold particles. A method is provided for producing a thin film optical coating including a layer of sol-gel derived cerium oxide, silicon dioxide, and at least one oxide of a transition metal selected from Group IIIB through Group VIB of the Periodic Table by immersing a substrate in a solution comprising cerium nitrate hexahydrate, an alcohol and a chelating agent, withdrawing the substrate from the solution and heat treating the coated substrate to form the metal oxides.

Abstract: Processes for making a transparent substrate having a glare reducing diffuser surface coating on its outer surface are disclosed to provide a faceplate such as for attachment to a screen for a cathode ray tube or other display device. Preferably, the coating has a thickness of less than about 3 microns and/or a gloss less than about 80 gloss units. The method includes spraying a precursor solution onto the substrate to form a preliminary coating, at least partially densifying that preliminary coating, spraying another coating of precursor solution onto the preliminary coating, and firing the coating to form a diffuser surface coating. Alternately, a precursor solution of an inorganic metal oxide dissolved in an organic solvent is sprayed on the substrate and fired at a temperature within the range of from about 250° C. to about 600° C. to form the diffuser surface coating.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transparent conductive thin film and a method for the preparation of the same., and more particularly to a method for the preparation of a transparent conductive thin film comprising the steps of a) preparing a sol solution of antimony-tin oxides (ATO) or indium-tin oxides (ITO), b) forming a transparent coating layer on an outer surface of a cathode ray tube using the sol solution, and c) rapidly increasing a temperature of the transparent coating layer to a predetermined temperature of 300 to 1200° C., and rapidly cooling the transparent coating layer either immediately or after maintaining the predetermined temperature for up to 20 seconds, and a transparent conductive thin film prepared by this preparation method, i.e., a transparent conductive thin film which not only has superior conductivity, high hardness, and non-reflectivity but also saves production process time and increases production process effectiveness, and a method for the preparation of the same.

Abstract: A substrate includes a non-conductive portion to be electroless-plated of a substrate, on the surface of which fine metal catalyst particles composed of silver nuclei and palladium nuclei each having an average particle size of 1 nm or less adhere at a high nuclei density of 2000 nuclei/&mgr;m2 or more. The metal catalyst particles are produced by sensitizing the non-conductive portion of the substrate by dipping the substrate in a sensitizing solution containing bivalent tin ions, activating the non-conductive portion of the substrate by dipping the substrate in a first activator containing silver ions, and activating the non-conductive portion of the substrate by dipping the substrate in a second activator containing palladium ions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transparent conductive thin film and a method for the preparation of the same, and more particularly to a method for the preparation of a transparent conductive thin film comprising the steps of a) preparing a sol solution of antimony-tin oxides (ATO) or indium-tin oxides (ITO), b) forming a transparent coating layer on an outer surface of a cathode ray tube using the sol solution, and c) rapidly increasing a temperature of the transparent coating layer to a predetermined temperature of 300 to 1200° C., and rapidly cooling the transparent coating layer either immediately or after maintaining the predetermined temperature for up to 20 seconds, and a transparent conductive thin film prepared by this preparation method, i.e., a transparent conductive thin film which not only has superior conductivity, high hardness, and non-reflectivity but also saves production process time and increases production process effectiveness, and a method for the preparation of the same.

Abstract: A process is described for applying a thin-film, hydrophobic, oil-repellant, stain-resistant, optical coating to a transparent substrate. The coating is applied using a treatment solution that incorporates an organosilane in a solvent of water, alcohol, and ethylene glycol or glycerol, and an acid catalyst, with the organosilane having a preferred concentration in the range of 0.05 to 50 mmole per liter. The treatment solution preferably is prepared in a two-step procedure, in which the organosilane is first reacted in concentrated form and then diluted. After the treatment solution has been applied to the transparent substrate, e.g., by dip coating, the coated substrate is dried, preferably by flash-drying at room temperature and then heating it to a prescribed elevated temperature, in a prescribed humidity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for batch, continuous, or semi-continuous coating of optical lenses. The method and apparatus use a plurality of carriages which are reciprocally moved in the apparatus to transfer jigs from a jig filled carriage to a lens loading arm and to load the jigs with lenses and then to transfer the jigs now containing uncoated lenses to a leading empty carriage. Using such a reciprocating motion, a leading empty carriage is now filled with jigs containing uncoated lenses and the uncoated lenses in the carriage may then be coated by dipping the carriage in a coating tank. After coating, the coated lenses are removed from the system. A similar reciprocating motion is used in the coated lens unloading section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a substrate provided, on at least a portion of one of its faces, with a coating with a photocatalytic property based on titanium dioxide which is at least partially crystalline and which is incorporated in the said coating partly in the form of particles predominantly crystallized in the anatase form. The invention also relates to a process for the preparation of this substrate and organic dispersions of titanium dioxide particles used in the said process for the preparation of the substrate.

Abstract: A process for depositing optical layers of metal oxides on glass, ceramics or metals, by subjecting the substrate which is to be coated to a purifying pretreatment, purifying the aqueous sol of a metal oxide or a mixture of metal oxides, applying the aqueous sol or sol mixture to the substrate which is to be coated, and heat-treating the coated substrate at temperatures of from 100 to 550° C.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a optical fiber (102) which includes a furnace (104) for softening an optical fiber blank (106); a tractor (114) for drawing the optical fiber (102) from the softened optical fiber blank (106); and a first applicator (110) for applying a coating of a first coating material to the optical fiber (102), the first applicator having a rotatable die.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antireflection film effective for improving the transparency of an image display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display (PDP), CRT, EL or a touch panel, to an optical product made of glass, such as a lens for eye glasses, and to an antireflection glass. The present invention is also directed to a process of coating a glass surface with a mixture comprising particular silicon compounds and thermosetting the coating film at a temperature ranging from 480 to 520° C. This process can be used to form an antireflection film on a glass surface having a refractive index ranging from 1.33 to 1.38 and a contact angle of water of at most 40 degrees.

Abstract: The haze in a conductive tin oxide coating deposited on a substrate, particularly glass, can be reduced by applying, to a desired thickness, a solid-state coating, where the solid-state layer is applied as a precursor liquid to the tin oxide layer, is then dried and/or converted to a solid-state film overlying the conductive tin oxide film on the substrate.

Abstract: Polymeric coating materials used to protect electrochromic devices from environmental and mechanical damage arc provided. The protective polymeric coating materials are physically, chemically and optically compatible with the electrochromic cell layers of electrochromic devices. The polymeric coating materials are polymers having generic polymer back-bones selected from the group of polyimides, polybenzimidazoles, polybenzothiazoles, polybenzoxazoles, poly(phenylene ethers), polyquinolines, polycarbonates, and polysulfones.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optically clear, hydrophilic coating upon the surface of a silicone medical device by sequentially subjecting the surface of the lens to plasma polymerization reaction in a hydrocarbon atmosphere to form a carbon layer, and then graft polymerizinga mixture of monomers comprising hydrophilic monomers onto the carbon layer. The invention is especially useful for forming a biocompatible coating on silicone hydrogel contact lenses.

Abstract: An automated system for electroless metallization of optical glass fibers, includes a plurality of spaced apart plating stations having different solutions for electroless metallization of optical fibers. A motor-driven fiber transport and dipping apparatus is used in the system for shuttling optical glass fibers to the plating stations and immersing the optical glass fibers in the solutions. A programmable controller directs the transport and dipping apparatus to the plating stations in a selected order and at selected time intervals, and directs the apparatus at each of the stations to immerse the fibers into the solutions at a selected entry rate, for a selected duration, and at a selected withdrawal rate.

Abstract: A method for sealing the peripheral edge surface of a disc-shaped device is disclosed. The method involves contacting the peripheral edge surface to be sealed with a sealant layer or sealant precursor layer and rotating the device so as to roll its peripheral edge surface through the sealant layer or sealant precursor layer. Removal of the device followed by a curing step completes the process.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a color filter comprises a step for charging an ink comprising a thermosetting resin composition onto an opening of a black matrix provided on a transparent substrate and a step for curing the ink by heat treatment. The thermosetting resin composition comprises either a coloring agent, a multifunctional epoxide having at least two glycidyl groups and a compound crosslinked by the multifunctional epoxide; or a coloring agent, a cellulose-reactive compound and a compound crosslinked by the cellulose-reactive compound.

Abstract: This invention is comprised of new nonlinear optic polymers and a new Lanir-Blodgett (LB) film deposition scheme for which these polymers were designed. The invention is unique because it produces an electro-optic film which has never undergone electric-field poling nor high temperature treatment. It eliminates the dilution effect of the long hydrophobic alkyl groups, and creates stronger ionic bonds between the polymer chains. Finally, the invention reduces the time to make a film of a given thickness by at least half by virtue of depositing two polymer layers per stroke. The new polymers are comprised of asymmetric chromophores linked head-to-head by alternating two different kinds of bridging groups. One of the bridging groups contains one or more ionic groups, and the other bridging group contains one or more non-ionic, hydrophilic groups.

Abstract: A transparent polarized plastic laminate is provided which includes:(a) a first plastic layer;(b) a second layer comprising a polyurethane polymer;(c) a third layer comprising a sandwich of a stretched and dyed polyvinyl alcohol film between two layers of cellulose triacetate or acrylic;(d) a fourth layer comprising a polyurethane polymer; and(e) a fifth plastic layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrophilic article having (a) a substrate; (b) a first layer formed on the substrate; and (c) a second layer formed on the first substrate. The first layer contains (1) an amorphous silica and (2) at least one first amorphous metal oxide selected from titania and alumina. The second layer has (1) a matrix phase constituted of a crystalline titania and at least one second amorphous metal oxide and (2) a dispersed phase constituted of ultrafine particles made of at least one material selected from silica and alumina. The hydrophilic article is excellent in durability, since the second layer is superior in adhesion to the first layer.

Abstract: An ophthalmic lens consisting of a substrate made of organic glass, of an abrasion-resistant coating, of a layer of impact-resistant primer and of an inorganic antireflective coating, wherein the surface of the said substrate is covered with the abrasion-resistant coating and in that the impact-resistant primer layer is inserted between the said abrasion-resistant layer and the anti-reflective coating, wherein the abrasion-resistant coating comprises a hydrolyzate or a mixture of hydrolyzates of a silane compound of formula: ##STR1## in which: R.sup.1 denotes an organic group containing an epoxy group;R.sup.2 is a hydrocarbon radical which has 1 or 2 carbon atoms; andR.sup.3 is a hydrocarbon group which has from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and a is 0 or 1 in value.

Abstract: The invention relates to a substrate provided, on at least a portion of one of its faces, with a coating with a photocatalytic property based on titanium dioxide which is at least partially crystalline and which is incorporated in the said coating partly in the form of particles predominantly crystallized in the anatase form. The invention also relates to a process for the preparation of this substrate and organic dispersions of titanium dioxide particles used in the said process for the preparation of the substrate.

Abstract: A transparent material for shielding undesired electromagnetic waves, in which a black mesh region is formed in a hydrophilic transparent resin layer on a transparent substrate. The present invention thus provides a transparent material for shielding undesired electromagnetic waves, which comprises:(a) a transparent substrate,(b) a hydrophilic transparent resin layer formed on the transparent substrate (a), which in certain areas contains metal particles finely dispersed therein to form a black region and in the other area does not contain metal particles, to form a transparent region, and(c) a metal layer formed on the black region in the hydrophilic transparent resin layer (b);and a production method therefor.

Abstract: This invention provides a water repellant glass plate for vehicles or buildings, which shows a long-term durability. The water repellant glass plate includes a primer layer on a glass substrate, consisting essentially of silicon oxide in which oxygen atoms are partially substituted by hydroxyl groups, at a thickness between 10 nm and 100 nm, and a second layer on the first layer consisting of an organic silicon compound including a fluoroalkyl group at a thickness between about 0.2 nm and about 40 nm.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a polymeric coating material used to protect electrochromic devices from environmental and mechanical damage. The protective polymeric coating material in the present invention are physically, chemically and optically compatible with the electrochromic cell layers. The polymeric coating materials in the present invention are polymers having generic polymer back-bones selected from the group consisting of polyimides, polybenzimidazoles, polybenzothiazoles, polybenzoxazoles, poly(phenylene ethers), polyquinolines, polycarbonates and polysulfones.

Abstract: In an apparatus and method for forming an applied layer of a photosensitive resin on a large glass substrate for an LCD color filter, a substrate (S) is suctioned and held by a movable holder (8) with a main surface thereof to be processed oriented downward. The movable holder (8) is at an angle of inclination (.theta.) to the horizontal and is capable of moving along a guide rail (7). An application head (H) having an upward-pointing linear slit (13) through which an application liquid is supplied is provided below a region through which the substrate (S) moves supported by the holder (8). When the substrate (S) having a constant clearance (I.sub.2) with the application head (H) is moved diagonally upward, an application liquid bead (B) is formed between the slit (13) and the downward-pointing main surface of the substrate (S), by surface tension. The application liquid bead (B) is moved gradually diagonally downward along the main surface of the substrate to form an application layer (Ra). A meniscus (L.

Abstract: The invention comprises a fixture and method for holding optical waveguid such as fiber optic cable, in a relatively stable fashion for processing. The fixture includes a first frame and a second frame, releasably securable to the first frame to form a unitary structure. Chambers disposed in at least one of the frames are adapted for removably receiving optical fiber cable when the first and second frames are released from one another and for securely retaining with molding material optical fiber cables when the first and second frames form the unitary structure. A process area is defined in the unitary structure such that segments of optical fiber cables secured therein are accessible in the process area for processing. An optional coating fixture is securable to said unitary structure for forming with a molding material a protective coating about the cable segments in the processing area.

Abstract: The present invention aims to form a thin coating film of even thickness within a short processing time under a curtailed consumption of coating liquid; where, a gas is spouted from nozzle 4 disposed facing to protection glass 2 of cathode ray tube, and a liquid containing fluorescent material is made to spout accompanied by the spouting gas, to be applied on protection glass 2 by shifting the positioning of protection glass 2 relative to nozzle 4 while spouting the liquid containing fluorescent material.

Abstract: The haze in a conductive tin oxide coating deposited on a substrate, particularly glass, can be reduced by applying, to a desired thickness, a solid-state coating, where the solid-state layer is applied as a precursor liquid to the tin oxide layer, is then dried and/or converted to a solid-state film overlying the conductive tin oxide film on the substrate.

Abstract: This invention is comprised of new nonlinear optic polymers and a new Lanir-Blodgett (LB) film deposition scheme for which these polymers were designed. The invention is unique because it produces an electro-optic film which has never undergone electric-field poling nor high temperature treatment. It eliminates the dilution effect of the long hydrophobic alkyl groups, and creates stronger ionic bonds between the polymer chains. Finally, the invention reduces the time to make a film of a given thickness by at least half by virtue of depositing two polymer layers per stroke. The new polymers are comprised of asymmetric chromophores linked head-to-head by alternating two different kinds of bridging groups. One of the bridging groups contains one or more ionic groups, and the other bridging group contains one or more non-ionic, hydrophilic groups.

Abstract: Liquid methyltin halide compositions and their use as intermediates in chemical synthesis and as precursors for forming tin oxide coatings on substrates are disclosed.

Abstract: A light influencing element and the process of fabricating the same is disclosed, wherein the light influencing element is fabricated by disposing a layer of a substantially opaque material upon a transparent substrate. One or more openings or wells may then be cut or formed in the surface of the layer of opaque material. Into such openings a light influencing material is then disposed, preferable said materials are injected thereinto as by ink-jet type injection heads. Liquid crystal displays and subassemblies formed upon the light influencing elements of the instant invention are also provided.

Abstract: A process that lends itself to automation for producing multi-layer second-order nonlinear optical polymer (NLOP) thin films by the forming of a polycation layer containing an NLO-active cationic polymer, having non-centrosymmetric chromophores, on a substrate followed by the forming of a polyanion layer, also having non-centrosymmetric chromophores, on the polycation layer. A predetermind number of the polycation and the polyanion layers may be alternated upon the surface as well as one or more buffer layers. An added benefit is the formation of an ultra-smooth surface of the same order of roughness as the substrate upon which the layers are formed.

Abstract: A light influencing element and the process of fabricating the same is disclosed, wherein the light influencing element is fabricated by disposing a layer of a substantially opaque material upon a transparent substrate. One or more openings or wells may then be cut or formed in the surface of the layer of opaque material. Into such openings a light influencing material is then disposed, preferable said materials are injected thereinto as by ink-jet type injection heads. Liquid crystal displays and subassemblies formed upon the light influencing elements of the instant invention are also provided.