Abstract: Methods of and apparatus for performing direct-write lithography in a two-color photoresist layer are disclosed. The method includes exposing the two-color photoresist layer with transducer and inhibition images that respectively define bright spots and dark spots. The transducer image generates excited-state photo-molecules while the inhibition image converts the exited-state photo-molecules to an unexcited state that is not susceptible to conversion to an irreversible exposed state. The dark spots and bright spots are aligned, with the dark spots being smaller than the bright spots so that a portion of the excited-state photo-molecules adjacent the periphery of the bright spots absorb the inhibition radiation and transition to the unexcited state while a portion of the excited photo-molecules at the center of bright spots are not exposed to the inhibition light and transition to an irreversible exposed state. This forms in the two-color photoresist layer a pattern of sub-resolution photoresist pixels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of a multicolor hologram by means of a capture beam, wherein the utilized capture beam (6) has a plurality of beam bundles of the same wavelength. Advantageously, the multicolor hologram is produced by copying the structure of multiple single-color subholograms of a master hologram (1) in a copy layer (5) which is affixed parallel to the master hologram, by illuminating this copy layer with the single-color capture beam. Each beam bundle appears at a prespecified angle of incidence, wherein the angles of incidence are calculated in such a manner that the structure of a corresponding subhologram is produced in the copy layer. In this way, a falsification is nearly impossible.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laminate structure comprising a protective layer and an exposed photopolymer layer, the laminate structure being obtainable by reacting at least one radiation-curing resin I), an isocyanate-functional resin II) and a photoinitiator system III), and the radiation-curing resin I) containing ?5% by weight of compounds having a weight-average molecular weight of <500 and ?75% by weight of compounds having a weight-average molecular weight of >1000, the isocyanate-functional resin II) containing ?5% by weight of compounds having a weight-average molecular weight of <500, and the protective layer containing the radiation-curing resin I) at least to an extent of 80% by weight and the isocyanate-functional resin II) at most to an extent of 15% by weight. The invention further provides a process for producing the inventive laminate structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds, of formula (I) in which X is CH3 or hydrogen, Z is a linear or branched C2 to C4 alkyl radical, R is a linear or branched, optionally heteroatom-substituted aliphatic, aromatic or araliphatic radical, Y in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, n-butyl, tert-butyl, chlorine, bromine, iodine, methylthio, phenyl or phenylthio, n is from 0 to 4 and m is from 0 to 5. The invention further relates to the use of such a compound as writing monomer in a photopolymer formulation. In addition, a photopolymer formulation comprising as least a polyisocyanate component, a polyol component, a photoinitiator and a compound of formula (I) as writing monomer, and also the use of the photopolymer formulation for producing holographic media, are likewise subjects of the invention.

Abstract: A holographic structure, system and method project a grey-scale image in a narrow IR spectral band that is related to a broadband thermal signature of an object. The projected grey-scale image, when integrated over the broadband, forms either a decoy that approximates the thermal signature of the object or a mask that obscures the thermal signature of the object. The projected image is a tuned phase recording of a desired far field projection. In different embodiments, the projected image is a “positive” or a “negative” image of the object's thermal signature, a difference image between the thermal signatures of a false object and the object or a camouflage image of random features having approximately the same spatial frequency as the object's thermal signature. The goal being to confuse or fool, even for a short period of time, the warfighting or surveillance system or human observer that uses a broadband IR sensor to acquire and view thermal images of the scene.

Abstract: A method for the production of a holographic sensor which comprises a support medium supporting a reflection hologram wherein the support medium interacts with its physical or chemical environment to create an optical response which is a change in one or more optical properties of the hologram, the method comprising the steps of: a) introducing a colloidal dispersion of a recording material into the support medium; and b) ablating the colloidal particles of the recording material using a pulsed laser to form the holographic element in the support medium. The method of production can be used to introduce a reflection holographic grating into a hydrophobic support medium, in particular, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), which possesses an extraordinary ability to swell in the presence of both liquid and/or gaseous low molecular weight hydrocarbons and organic solvents and thus has many applications as a holographic sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a photopolymer formulation comprising matrix polymers, writing monomers, and photoinitiators, to the use of the photopolymer formulation for producing optical elements, in particular for producing holographic elements and images, to a method for illuminating holographic media made of the photopolymer formulation, and to special fluorourethanes.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for forming a surface relief microstructure, especially an optically variable image on a paper substrate are provided, the method comprising the steps of: A) applying a curable composition to at least a portion of the frontside of the paper substrate; B) contacting at least a portion of the curable composition with surface relief microstructure, especially optically variable image forming means; C) curing the composition by using at least one UV lamp (1, 2, 3) which is arranged on the backside of the paper substrate; D) optionally depositing a layer of a transparent high refractive index material and/or a metallic layer on at least a portion of the cured composition, wherein the lamp (1, 2, 3) having emission peak(s) in the UV-A and near VIS range and the curable composition comprises at least a photoinitiator which absorbs in the UV-A region and preferably in the near VIS range.

Abstract: A hologram recording film manufacturing method includes the steps of obtaining a laminated structure by alternately laminating M (where M?2) photosensitive material precursor layers including a photosensitive material and at least one (M?1) resin layer on one another, obtaining M photosensitive material layers, where at least two interference fringes with a desired pitch and a desired slant angle are formed on each of the M photosensitive material layers, from the M photosensitive material precursor layers by irradiating the laminated structure with a reference laser light beam and an object laser light beam, and making the slant angles of the M photosensitive material layers different from each other while retaining the pitch value, which is defined on a face of the photosensitive material layer, by irradiating the laminated structure with an energy ray from the laminated structure's one face side, and heating the laminated structure.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a volume hologram medium obtained by multiple recording of holograms, which is improved in terms of just only security for forgery prevention but also aesthetics. A volume hologram medium 29? comprises a reflection hologram in which a stereoscopic image of a three-dimensional object and an image of a plane pattern of a mask plate are recorded by interference of the same reference light beams having the same angle of incidence and the same wavelength with object light beams having mutually different angles of incidence. The stereoscopic image of the three-dimensional object is reconstructed in the form of diffracted light 31 in a singlecolor and in angle relations close to recording conditions, and the image of a plane pattern of the mask plate is reconstructed as diffracted light 32b, 32?b at various angles of incidence of white illumination light 30 and in different colors depending on those angles of incidence.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of a polymeric relief structure by a) coating a substrate with a first coating composition comprising one or more radiation-sensitive ingredients, d) locally treating the coated substrate with electromagnetic radiation having a periodic or random radiation-intensity pattern, forming a latent image, e) polymerizing and/or crosslinking the resulting coated substrate to a first coating. This process is improved by applying a second coating composition on top of the first coating composition, said second coating composition comprising either an organic compound (Co) of a monomeric nature and wherein Co is also polymerized during the process, or wherein said second coating comprises a dissolved polymer (Cp). As a result a polymeric relief structure is obtained, where a substrate is coated with a functional, stacked, bi-layer, in which each layer exhibits a specific, and from each other differing function.

Abstract: A method is provided for mastering optically variable devices (OVDs) used to authenticate optical discs. The method generally includes the steps of providing a laser beam recorder (LBR), introducing a substrate to the LBR, and exposing a portion of the substrate to the LBR. The mastering system thus includes the LBR, which has a laser that emits a beam, a processor or computer for programming or otherwise controlling the beam in order to expose the substrate and create the desired optical effect. Depending on the material used for the substrate, the exposure is then developed, if necessary, and processed to generate a master for the OVD. The OVD can then be replicated in order to provide authentic resultant products or articles, such as optical discs.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a method for producing illuminated, holographic media comprising a photopolymer formulation having the adjustable mechanical modulus GUV. A further subject matter of the invention is an illuminated, holographic medium that can be obtained by means of the method according to the invention.

Abstract: A hologram recording material includes a polymerizable monomer (A) that is active in radical polymerization but is substantially inactive in cationic polymerization, a polymerizable monomer (B) that is active in cationic polymerization but is substantially inactive in radical polymerization, and an initiator system (C) that polymerizes at least one of the polymerizable monomer (A) and the polymerizable monomer (B) through irradiation with light. The polymerizable monomer (A) and the polymerizable monomer (B) each have, in its structure, a moiety selected from the group consisting of aromatic rings, halogen atoms other than a fluorine atom, and sulfur atoms not derived from a cyclic sulfide or a mercapto group. A hologram recording medium includes a recording layer composed of the hologram recording material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a holographic film, wherein a photopolymer formulation comprising matrix polymers, writing monomers, photoinitiator system, and optionally auxiliary materials and additives is provided, the photopolymer formulation is applied as a film to the surface of a substrate, and the film is dried, wherein a photopolymer formulation having a plateau module G0 of =0.03 MPa is used. The invention further relates to a holographic medium that can be obtained by means of the method according to the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a photopolymer formulation comprising matrix polymers, writing monomers, and photo initiators, comprising a combination of at least two different writing monomers. The invention further relates to the use of the photopolymer formulation for producing optical elements, in particular for producing holographic elements and images, to a method for producing the photopolymer formulation and to a method for illuminating holographic media made of the photopolymer formulation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a photopolymer formulation comprising matrix polymers, writing monomers and photo initiators, to a method for producing said photopolymer formulation, a photopolymer formulation obtained according to said method, a sheeting, a film, a layer, a layer structure or a moulded body made from said photopolymer formulation and to the use of said photopolymer formulation for producing optical elements, in particular for producing holographic elements and images.

Abstract: This invention provides a volume hologram photosensitive composition, which can realize a hologram having an excellent brightness and, at the same time, having excellent heat resistance and mechanical strength, and a photosensitive medium for volume hologram recording using the volume hologram photosensitive composition. The volume hologram photosensitive composition comprises at least a photopolymerizable monomer, a photopolymerization initiator, a sensitizing dye for sensitizing the initiator, and a binder resin. The binder resin comprises a heat curing resin, and optionally a thermoplastic resin, and the thermoplastic resin is contained in an amount of 0 to 25% by weight based on the total solid content of the photosensitive composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polyurethane composition comprising A) a polyisocyanate component comprising an exclusively diol-based NCO-terminated polyurethane prepolymer, wherein the NCO groups are bonded in a primary manner, B) an isocyanate-reactive polymer, C) a compound having groups which react by polymerizing with an ethylenically unsaturated compound under the action of actinic radiation (radiation-curing groups) wherein the compound is free of NCO groups, D) a free-radical stabilizer, E) a photoinitiator, F) optionally a catalyst, G) optionally assistants and additives.

Abstract: A system for generating periodic or quasi-periodic patterns on a sample by means of an interference lithography technique includes a photon source, a mask and a sample holder. The mask has a grating for generating a predetermined pattern, wherein the mask is positioned at a first distance from the photon source. The sample holder is disposed at a second distance from the mask on a side facing away from the photon source. The second distance is selected to be where an intensity distribution is substantially stationary and distance-invariant, or the second distance is varied to obtain a desired average intensity distribution on the sample surface.

Abstract: A system for recording multiple volume Bragg gratings (VBGs) in a photo thermo-refractive material is configured to implement a method which provides for irradiating the material by a coherent light through a phase mask. The system has a plurality of actuators operative to displace the light source, phase mask and material relative to one another so as to mass produce multiple units of the material each having one or more uniformly configured VBGs.

Abstract: This invention provides, for example, a highly stable and reliable volume hologram optical recording medium which can suppress an intensity variation, for example, in diffraction efficiency after signal recording and can stably develop a high S/N ratio. The volume hologram optical recording medium includes a recording layer containing at least one compound selected from compounds (A1) having a terpenoid structure, compounds (A2) represented by a formula (I), and cyclic or noncyclic compounds (A3) having at least two double bonds two of these double bonds are located at 1,4-position relatively, wherein R1 and R2 each independently represent an organic group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, and R1 and R2 may combine to form a cyclic structure.

Abstract: A method for storing holographic data, said method comprising: step (A) providing an optically transparent substrate comprising a polymer composition and a light absorbing chromophore, said polymer composition comprising a continuous phase and a dispersed phase, said dispersed phase being less than about 200 nm in size; and step (B) irradiating a volume element of the optically transparent substrate with a holographic interference pattern, wherein the pattern has a first wavelength and an intensity both sufficient to cause a phase change in at least a portion of the dispersed phase within the volume element of the substrate to produce within the irradiated volume element refractive index variations corresponding to the holographic interference pattern, thereby producing an optically readable datum corresponding to the volume element.

Abstract: A volume hologram layer (2) is formed on a substrate (1), and a cholesteric liquid crystal layer (3) is then formed on the hologram layer (2). After the substrate (1) is peeled off the volume hologram layer (2), an adhesive layer (4) is formed on the surface of the volume hologram layer (2) with the substrate (1) peeled off, and another substrate (5) is then formed on the adhesive layer (4). Finally, a label form of cholesteric liquid crystal medium having a volume hologram is shaped out of the resulting multilayer structure; it is thus possible to fabricate cholesteric liquid crystal media having a volume hologram with efficiency yet without recourse to any complicated steps such as an alignment step.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel specially substituted urethane acrylates based on tris(p-isocyanatophenyl)thiophosphate having a high refractive index and reduced double bond density, and to a method for the production and use thereof.

Abstract: An optical data storage medium is provided. The optical data storage medium includes a polymer matrix; a reactant capable of undergoing a change upon triplet excitation, thereby causing a refractive index change; and a non-linear sensitizer capable of absorbing actinic radiation to cause upper triplet energy transfer to said reactant. The refractive index change capacity of the medium is at least about 0.005. The non-linear sensitizer comprises a triarylmethane dye.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing holographic media, wherein a photopolymer formulation comprising matrix polymers, writing monomers, a photoinitiator system, and optionally auxiliary materials and additives as components is provided, the photopolymer formulation is applied as a coating on the surface of a carrier film and the photopolymer formulation is dried on the carrier film at a temperature XX<T>YY DEG C, wherein only those compounds having TGA 95 values >100 DEG C. and at least 30 DEG C. above the temperature T are selected as components for the photopolymer formulation. The invention further relates to a holographic medium that can be obtained by means of the method according to the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing holographic films, in which a photopolymer formulation is provided which comprises as constituents matrix polymers, writing monomers, a photoinitiatior system, optionally a non-photopolymerizable component and optionally catalysts, radical stabilizers, solvents, additives and other auxiliaries and/or additives. The photopolymer formulation is applied in a planar manner and in the form of a film on a support film and the photopolymer formulation is dried on the support film at a temperature 60<T<120 DEG C, wherein only compounds are selected as components for the photopolymer formulation, the TGA 95 values of which are >100 DEG C and are above the temperature T by at least 30 DEG C, and a photopolymer formulation having a plateau module of =0.030 MPa is used.

Abstract: A novel polymerizable high-refractive index compound which is useful as an optical material, and a holographic recording medium using the same, which has high diffraction efficiency, high light transmittance and small rate of shrinkage, are provided. A composition for forming a holographic recording layer containing a reactive compound represented by the following formula 1, a holograph recording material, and a holographic recording medium provided with a recording layer containing the same, are disclosed.

Abstract: Articles for recording a holographic image are described. The articles include a holographic recording medium having a plurality of surfaces, having a transparent polymeric binder and a photochemically active dye, the holographic recording medium having a holographic image recorded therein formed by exposed areas of the photochemically active dye and unexposed areas of the photochemically active dye; and a first light-blocking layer or material over a first surface of the holographic recording medium from which surface the holographic image is viewed, the light blocking layer or material absorbing light in the wavelength range to which the photochemically active dye is sensitive and allowing transmission of light in a different wavelength range for viewing the holographic image.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing novel photopolymers on the basis of prepolymer-based polyurethane compositions that are suitable for producing holographic media, in particular for the visual display of images.

Abstract: A method of making a hologram includes recording a first hologram in a holographic recording medium at a first deformation ratio; changing the first deformation ratio to a second deformation ratio that is different from the first deformation ratio; and recording a second hologram in the holographic recording medium at the second deformation ratio to form a recorded holographic medium.

Abstract: The invention relates to applying novel photo polymers based on special urethane acrylates as writing monomers in printing methods which are suitable for producing holographic media, in particular for the visual display of images.

Abstract: A method is described for recording a volume reflection holographic image that is viewable when illuminated by light at a wavelength Wv.

Abstract: Optical data storage media for bit-wise recording of a microhologram using an incident radiation at a wavelength of about 405 nm are provided. The optical storage medium includes (a) a non-photopolymer polymer matrix; (b) a non-linear sensitizer comprising a phenylethynyl platinum complex, wherein the non-linear sensitizer is capable of triplet-triplet energy transfer from an upper triplet state (Tn) of the non-linear sensitizer to a lower triplet state (T1) of a reactant, wherein “n” is an integer greater than 1; and (c) a reactant capable of undergoing a chemical change upon the triplet-triplet energy transfer from the non-linear sensitizer, thereby causing a refractive index change in the medium to record the microhologram.

Abstract: A method of producing a volume hologram laminate which can regenerate a hologram image in an arbitrary wavelength by a simple process. The method uses a volume hologram forming substrate which includes: a substrate, a volume hologram layer formed on the substrate and containing a photopolymerizable material, a resin layer, formed on the substrate so as to contact to the volume hologram layer, containing a resin and a polymerizable compound. The producing method includes processes of: a hologram recording process to record a volume hologram to the volume hologram layer, a substance transit process of transiting the polymerizable compound to the volume hologram layer, and an after-treatment process of polymerizing the polymerizable compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel holographic photopolymer based on prepolymer-based polyurethane compositions, the preparation of said photopolymer and its use for a very wide range of optical applications.

Abstract: Tough decorative printable film products having holographic-type images are provided that are low in cost. These film products include a relatively high temperature film that is made by continuous extrusion of the film resin onto a master film having pre-etched holographic-type imaging in order to provide a high-temperature primary film with conforming holographic imaging. This primary film provides a tough holographic-type image that is readily secured to any number of products to impart a holographic character to them. For example, this primary film is suitable for use on the surface of recreational sportsboards. When desired, sublimation printing can be used to impart indicia, text, images and colors, alone or in combination, to the primary film.

Abstract: Articles for recording a hologram are described. The articles include a holographic recording medium having a transparent polymeric binder and a photoreactive dye dispersed therein. The articles also include a first compound, dispersed in the holographic recording medium or disposed over a first surface of the holographic recording medium from which surface the hologram is viewed, that is transparent to light in the wavelength range to which the photoreactive dye is sensitive and which is capable of being converted to a converted compound that is opaque to light in the wavelength range to which the photoreactive dye is sensitive and transparent to light in a different wavelength range for viewing the hologram.

Abstract: Dynamic range enhancing dopants for photopolymeric media are described. Also described are optical articles using these dopants and methods for making such optical articles.

Abstract: A polymer composite prepared by melt blending, comprising an amorphous polymer; and a crystallizable polymer; wherein upon cooling the polymer composite, the amorphous polymer forms a continuous phase and the crystallizable polymer forms a dispersed phase, and wherein the dispersed phase is less than 200 nanometers in size.

Abstract: Direct-write lithography apparatus and methods are disclosed in which a transducer image and an image of crossed interference fringe patterns are superimposed on a photoresist layer supported by a substrate. The transducer image has an exposure wavelength and contains bright spots, each corresponding to an activated pixel. The interference image has an inhibition wavelength and contains dark spots where the null points in the crossed interference fringes coincide. The dark spots are aligned with and trim the peripheries of the corresponding bright spot to form sub-resolution photoresist pixels having a size smaller than would be formed in the absence of the dark spots.

Abstract: A volume hologram recording material is located on the side of a reflection type volume hologram master onto which copying illumination light is incident, and the copying illumination light incident onto the recording material and light diffracted through the master interfere together in the volume hologram recording material thereby copying the reflection type volume hologram master. In this case, a reflecting plate having a fine regular reflection pattern is interleaved between the master and the recording material, and the copying illumination light incident onto the recording material and regularly reflected light from the reflecting plate having the regular reflection pattern interfere together in the recording material thereby allowing the regular reflection pattern to be multi-recorded in a hologram having the reflection type volume hologram master copied in it.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hologram recording material and a hologram recording medium, which are suitable for volume hologram record and can attain high refractive index change, flexibility, high sensitivity, low scattering, environment resistance, that is, storage stability, durability, low dimensional change (low shrinkage) and high multiplicity in holographic memory recording using not only a green laser but also a blue laser. A hologram recording material comprising: a radical photopolymerizable compound; and a matrix which is a dispersion medium for the radical photopolymerizable compound, wherein the radical photopolymerizable compound comprises a (meth)acrylamide derivative represented by the following general formula (I): CH2?CR1—CONR2—CH2—O—R3 (I) wherein R1 represents H or a CH3 group, R2 represents H or an organic group, and R3 represents an organic group having 3 or more carbon atoms in total. A hologram recording medium 11 which has a hologram recording layer 21.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an article for display of a holographic image is described that includes thermally fusing a holographic recording medium containing a photochemically active dye dispersed in a transparent thermoplastic polymer binder to another layer or material; and then exposing the holographic film to intersecting beams of coherent light to form a holographic image therein formed by photoreacted areas of the photochemically active dye and unreacted areas of the photochemically active dye.

Abstract: There is described a photopolymerisable composition comprising (a) 75 to 99% by weight of an ethylenically unsaturated monomer or a monomer mixture of different ethylenically unsaturated monomers, (b) 0.5 to 25% by weight of a triglyceride or a mixture of different triglycerides and (c) 0.1 to 10% by weight of a photoinitiator system which activates the polymerisation of the ethylenically unsaturated monomer(s) upon exposure to actinic radiation, wherein the composition is a homogeneous, clear and, at 20° C., liquid mixture. Furthermore, there are described elements manufactured from such photopolymerisable compositions and methods for the formation of light-resistant holograms therefrom. The photopolymerisable compositions are useful, in particular, as recording material for optical elements having refractive index modulation, in particular, holograms.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to optical data storage media, and more specifically, to holographic storage media. In one embodiment, an optical storage medium composition includes a polymer matrix. Disposed within the polymer matrix is a reactant capable of undergoing a modification that alters the refractive index of the composition upon receiving an energy transfer from an excited sensitizer. A non-linear sensitizer is also disposed within the polymer matrix, and the sensitizer includes a metal-substituted subphthalocyanine (M-sub-PC) reverse saturable absorber configured to become excited upon exposure to light beyond an intensity threshold at approximately 405 nm and configured to transfer energy to the reactant.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to optical data storage media, and more specifically, to holographic storage media. In one embodiment, an optical storage medium includes a polymer matrix having one or more polymer chains. The optical storage medium also includes a reverse saturable absorption (RSA) sensitizer disposed within the polymer matrix that is configured to become excited upon exposure to light having an intensity above an intensity threshold and configured to transfer energy to a reactant. The optical storage medium also includes a diphenyl cyclopropene (DPCP)-derivative reactant disposed within the polymer matrix and capable of undergoing a modification upon receiving an energy transfer from the excited sensitizer that changes a refractive index of the optical medium.

Abstract: An optically variable magnetic stripe assembly includes a magnetic layer, an optically variable effect generating layer over the magnetic layer, and an electrically non-conductive reflective layer between the magnetic layer and the optically variable effect generating layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hologram recording material and a hologram recording medium that can stably maintain the shape of a recording layer and achieve high diffraction efficiency. A hologram recording material comprising a photoradical polymerizable compound (A), a photopolymerization initiator (B), and a dispersion medium (C). The medium (C) is selected from the group consisting of: a compound of the formula (I): wherein R11 is a divalent C2-4 hydrocarbon group, R12 and R13 each independently represent a C1-10 hydrocarbon group, k, l, m and n are each independently a number of 0 or more and 5 or less; and a compound of the formula (II): wherein R21 represents a divalent C1-6 hydrocarbon group, R22 and R23 each independently represent a C1-12 hydrocarbon group, and at least one of R22 and R23 represents a C5-12 hydrocarbon group.