Abstract: Holographic films contain a copolymer binder having the following formula:(M).sub.w (VAc).sub.x (VOH).sub.y (CTFE).sub.zwherein M is a fluoromonomer; VAc is vinyl acetate; VOH is vinyl alcohol; and CTFE is chlorotrifluoroethylene; and wherein w, x, y, and z are percentages by weight; w is 5 to 22%, x is 50 to 75%, y is 3 to 8%, and z is 15 to 30% with the copolymer containing 3-35% by weight fluorine. These imaged films are particularly suited for lamination to glass in head-up display applications.

Abstract: An integrated optic component comprises a substrate (10) carrying a layer (11) of polymeric material which has an aliphatic or aromatic polymer backbone with bonded sidegroups exhibiting hyperpolarizability. The layer (11) shows a refractive index pattern induced by irradiation with wavelengths within the electronic absorption bands of the sidegroups and within the range of about 230 to 650 nm. The component may be poled so as to be an active component and may be in the form of a ridge guide. Typical sidegroups comprise 4'-amino or 4'-oxy substituted 4-nitrostilbene moieties, or 4'-amino substituted 4-cyanostilbene moieties, or N-substituted 1-(4-aminophenyl)-4-(4-nitrophenyl) buta-1,3-diene moieties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymeric materials that exhibit an erasable photorefractive effect which can be fabricated into optical devices such as optical wave guides.

Abstract: Disclosed is a photosensitive composition for volume hologram recording which is used for recording an interference fringe produced by a laser beam or a light having excellent coherence, as fringes having different refractive index. The composition comprising:(a) a cationic polymerizable compound which is liquid at ambient temperature;(b) a radical polymerizable compound;(c) a radical photopolymerization initiator composition sensitized by a laser beam or a light having excellent coherence which has a specific wavelength to polymerize the ingredient (b); and(d) a cationic photopolymerization initiator composition which shows low photosensitivity to the light having a specific wavelength and is sensitized by a light having the other wavelength to polymerize the ingredient (a), wherein an average refractive index of the ingredient (a) is smaller than that of the ingredient (b). A process for producing the photosensitive composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: A duplicating photosensitive material film is placed into close contact with a thin flexible ND glass or an ND glass coated with a cushioning layer through an optical contacting liquid containing a surface active agent. A spacer is interposed between a hologram original plate and the duplication photosensitive material, and the space defined by the spacer is filled with an optical contacting liquid, the spacer thereby regulating the thickness of the optical contacting liquid layer. In addition, a cushioning layer is provided on the inner side of an AR coated ND glass or on the upper side of the photosensitive material film, and another cushioning layer is provided on the side of an original plate protecting glass of the hologram original plate which is closer to the optical contacting liquid or on the lower side of the photosensitive material film. With this arrangement, even if dust enters, it can be effectively held inside the cushioning layers.

Abstract: The invention discloses that a photograph with a 3-dimensional image results when the non-angular reflector (of mercury) used in the Lippmann process of color photography is replaced by an angular reflector; the preferred form of the angular reflector is a retro-reflector.A photographic system is described which produces photographs with 3-dimensional images. The photo-sensitive element records the interference patterns of light waves, and the system is an improvement over the Lippmann process of color photography which produces photographs with 2-dimensional images. A photographic system is also described that produces a photograph with a 3-dimensional image from 2-dimensional cross sections of a subject; the system is useful in medical imaging. During exposure, motion of more than one wavelength of light is permissible between the subject and lens or the lens and the photo-sensitive element.These improvements result from the use of a particular type of angular reflector which is a retro-reflecting sheet.

Abstract: A rewritable optical information recording medium of phase-change type wherein the recording, erasing, reproduction and rewriting of information are effected by irradiation of a high density energy flux such as laser beams. With the aim of obtaining a high erasing ratio in overwriting using a single laser beam, a constitution of medium has been devised whereby the same temperature-rise profile can be obtained for both the recorded mark part and the unrecorded (erased) part of the recording film. For example, by selecting the film thickness of each layer such that the optical absorbance at the wavelength of irradiation light source is the same in both the recorded part and the unrecorded part, an erasing ratio of -30 dB or more has been attained.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming in a semiconductive conjugated polymer at least first and second legions having different optical properties. The method comprises: forming a layer of a precursor polymer and permitting the first region to come into contact with a reactant, such as an acid, and heat while permitting the second region to come into contact with a lower concentration of the reactant. The reactant affects the conversion conditions of the precursor polymer in such a way as to control the optical properties of at least the first region so that the optical properties of the first region are different from those of the second region. The precursor polymer may comprise a poly(arylene-1, 2-ethanediyl) polymer, at least some of the ethane groups of which include a modifier group whose susceptibility to elimination is increased in the presence of the reactant.

Abstract: An optical recording medium and a recording method therefor in which a recording layer group and a light-absorbing and heat-generating layer for absorbing radiated light to convert the absorbed light into heat are formed on a substrate. The recording layer group is formed of thermo-sensitive recording layers capable of recording thereon information in the form of a light signal stacked alternatingly with heat insulating layers. Laser light emitted from a luminous source in a recording apparatus is condensed through an objective lens so as to be focused on the light-absorbing and heat-generating layer, so that when heat of a predetermined quantity or more is generated by the light-absorbing and heat-generating layer, the heat reaches the recording layers successively stepwise due to the heat insulating functions of the respective heat insulating layers.

Abstract: An oriented photopolymer is a polymer where photomodification is initiated by irradiation with plane-polarized light and where the molecular configuration has a preferred orientation as a result of linear polarization. These polymers have optically anisotropic and other novel properties.

Abstract: An exposure mask for lithography, a method of manufacturing the same, and an exposure method using the same are disclosed. A light-transmitting opening of the exposure mask has a main light-transmitting region located in the middle of the opening and having a first optical path length, and phase shift regions adjacent to a light-shielding layer and having a second optical path length, different from the first optical path length. Light transmitted through each phase shift region interferes with light transmitted through the main light-transmitting region at the edges of the light-transmitting opening, thus enabling a sharp photo-intensity distribution of total transmitted light to be obtained. As a result, the resolution of the exposure mask is improved.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a molded optical channel waveguide, having a critical internal reflection angle and an exposed surface, and affixing a holographic layer, having gratings formed therein, in overlying relationship with the exposed surface of the optical waveguide. The gratings are positioned to form an angle with the surfaces of the holographic layer such that light rays incident on an upper surface of the holographic layer and substantially normal thereto are diffracted by the gratings into the optical waveguide. Also, light waves travelling within the waveguide emanate outwardly through the holographic layer. Light generators and detectors are mounted to supply light to and receive light from the holographic layer.

Abstract: In an optical lithographical system (e.g., 100) for printing features of a patterned mask (e.g., 103) into a workpiece (e.g., 120), such as in a semiconductor device, a one- or two-dimensional (depending on the features of the mask) optical transmission phase-shift diffracting device (e.g., 107) is inserted between an optical condensor (e.g., 105) and the patterned mask whose features are to be printed into the workpiece. The diffracting device is designed so as to enable an imaging lens system (e.g., 102) to collect more than merely a single order of the resulting diffraction patterns of the features of the mask and, by varying the spatial periodicity of the diffracting device, to tailor the illumination incident on the mask in accordance with the features (e.g., 114, 115) of the mask.

Abstract: An optical information recording medium comprising: a substrate; a recording film in which an optically detectable amount is subjected to change; and at least one additional layer; the recording film and the additional layer being provided on the substrate; information being recorded by partially changing the recording film through irradiation of a laser beam thereto and being reproduced by optically detecting change of the optically detectable amount; the recording film being made of material assuming a plurality of states having different optical constants, respectively; physical conditions of the additional layer being selected such that a differential coefficient of the optically detectable amount relative to the optical con- stants is small in at least one of the states.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing data is provided incorporating an amorphous solid having covalent bonds and a first index of refraction and an energy source for thermally heating selected areas of the amorphous solid to change the index of refraction without melting or substantially crystallizing the amorphous solid. The invention overcomes the problem of corrosion, moisture, or microbial attack resulting in deterioration of the storage medium over time, i.e., 100 years.

Abstract: A substantially dry method for making an optical waveguide device with at least one buried channel waveguide in a laminated and hardened matrix. The method begins with exposing to light a region of a substantially dry photohardenable film adhered to a support. Then a first substantially dry photohardenable layer which is adhered to a support is laminated to one side of the film. Then the support is removed from the film. Then a second substantially dry photohardenable layer which is adhered to a support is laminated to the other side of the film. Then the layers and film are hardened.

Abstract: The method of manufacturing an optical diffraction grating element of the present invention is characterized in adopting an ion beam made from a gas chemically reacting with a glass substrate when forming a diffraction grating having a serrated profile upon the glass substrate through an ion beam etching method. Also, when manufacturing an optical diffraction grating element that is divided into a plurality of regions whereon diffraction gratings having different diffraction angles with respect to an incident light are provided, the method of the present invention is characterized in forming slits into a resist film disposed upon a transparent substrate such as a glass substrate, in accordance with the patterns of the diffraction gratings, such that the width of the slits is constant irrespectively of the regions.

Abstract: A rewritable optical information recording medium of phase-change type wherein the recording, erasing, reproduction and rewriting of information are effected by irradiation of a high density energy flux such as laser beams. With the aim of obtaining a high erasing ratio in overwriting using a single laser beam, a constitution of medium has been devised whereby the same temperature-rise profile can be obtained for both the recorded mark part and the unrecorded (erased) part of the recording film. For example, by selecting the film thickness of each layer such that the optical absorbance at the wavelength of irradiation light source is the same in both the recorded part and the unrecorded part, an erasing ratio of -30 dB or more has been attained.

Abstract: Homopolymers and copolymers with an acrylic backbone chain having pendant side-chains containing a nitrone functional group undergo change in refractive index upon exposure to actinic radiation. Waveguides are "written" in films containing such polymers by exposing predetermined areas to sufficient actinic radiation to change the refractive index.

Abstract: An optical recording medium capable of recording, rewriting and erasing information utilizing changes in optical properties is disclosed, which comprises a substrate having thereon a layer of a recording material that changes reversibly in optical properties thereof upon irradiation with light or application of heat, wherein the recording material consists essentially of at least one element of Group Vb of the periodic table selected from the group consisting of As, Sb, and Bi and at least one element of Group VIb of the periodic table selected from the group consisting of S, Se, and Te; and has a composition corresponding to that of a mixture of at least two stoichiometric compounds represented by the chemical formula Vb-hd 2Vib.sub.3 ; and contains at least one of Se and Te.

Abstract: Solid photopolymerizable compositions and photosensitive elements are provided that are useful in preparing optical elements, and especially holograms. The composition contains a polymeric binder, a liquid ethylenically unsaturated monomer, and a photoinitiator system. Typical compositions have a refractive index modulation of at least 0.005 when measured per the specified test.

Abstract: A volume phase type hologram film has a diffraction grating recorded in a film composed mainly of poly(N-vinylcarbazole). The poly(N-vinylcarbazole) as the main component has a weight-average molecular weight of not less than 1,000,000 and a molecular weight distribution of not more than 3. In the poly(N-vinylcarbazole), the content of a fraction of poly(N-vinylcarbazole) having a weight-average molecular weight of not more than 200,000 does not exceed 1% by weight.

Abstract: An exposure mask for lithography, a method of manufacturing the same, and an exposure method using the same are disclosed. A light-transmitting opening of the exposure mask has a main light-transmitting region located in the middle of the opening and having a first optical path length, and phase shift regions adjacent to a light-shielding layer and having a second optical path length, different from the first optical path length. Light transmitted through each phase shift region interferes with light transmitted through the main light-transmitting region at the edges of the light-transmitting opening, thus enabling a sharp photo-intensity distribution of total transmitted light to be obtained. As a result, the resolution of the exposure mask is improved.

Abstract: Polymer compositions having a styrene-derived backbone chain and having pendant side chains containing a nitrone functional group undergo changes in refractive index upon exposure to actinic radiation. Waveguides are "written" in films containing such polymers by exposing predetermined areas to sufficient radiation to change the refractive index.

Abstract: Color transparencies having more than one imaged dichroic filter, and an imaged neutral density filter, layered on one side of a single glass substrate, and processes for making the same, are disclosed. In one embodiment, the color transparency is produced by a deposition process including the steps of coating a glass substrate with a photoresist and developing an image thereupon, depositing alternating layers of high and low refractive index dielectrics to form a dichroic layer of a primary subtractive color, stripping the photoresist from the glass, preparing at least one additional imaged dichroic filter on the first, and preparing a neutral density filter on the substrate on the side having the layered dichroic filters. A red antihalation coating may be applied to the lower surface of the glass substrate prior to exposing the photoresist to prevent undesirable exposure of additional portions of the photoresist layer.

Abstract: A holographic recording material consisting of diethylene glycol-bis(allyl carbonate), 2,2-bis[3,5-dibromo-4-(2-methacryloyloxyethoxy)phenyl]propane, and a photopolymerization initiator. A method for holographic recording, which comprises interposing the holographic recording material between two opposed surface materials, heating the interposed holographic recording material thereby solidifying the recording material and giving rise to a dry plate, and then exposing the dry plate to a coherent light.

Abstract: Method for fabricating components for integrated optics are provided wherein a film of polystyrene doped with methyl red (PS-MR) on a glass substrate, is masked, e.g. with one or more metallic strips on a glass plate and such film is irradiated with, e.g. a UV lamp, tuned within the absorption band of such film, in air, to photobleach the film portions around channels covered by the masking strips and reduce the refractive index thereof below that of the unbleached film channels. The bleached film portions then provide reflective beam confining interfaces which define the unbleached channels and form waveguides within the film. The invention also provides for interfering two laser beams of like .lambda., at a coupling spot on the film, which beams are again tuned within the absorption band of such film, which bleach alternate lines or bars of such film to provide a phase grating therein.

Abstract: An information storage medium includes a substrate and a recording layer in which a portion irradiated with a light beam is subjected to a phase transformation between different phases. Upon radiation of a light beam having specific conditions, the recording layer exhibits a state in which both an amorphous phase and a non-equilibrium crystalline phase are present. This state corresponds to a recorded or erased state.

Abstract: An optical storage medium for storing binary data adapted to be written upon by a laser forming an array of encoded spots is composed of a substrate possibly covered with a mirror layer and including a matrix of a transparent dielectric material such as a polymer upon which a vacuum deposited discontinuous film of nucleated metallic islands is deposited having thicknesses of less than about 100 .ANG.. The particles extend up to 1000 .ANG. transversely generally parallel to the surface of said substrate. The islands are separated by a short distance for facilitating coalescence of particles together to effect writing of spots at low energy by the lateral motion and gathering of the islands during heating of the islands by a laser beam or the like. Each spot represents a data bit in a binary position code. The matrix material has low thermal conductivity and preferably a low melting point to facilitate writing at low energy.

Abstract: A photosensitive and heat-sensitive polymer having conjugated polyenes and sulfonic acid groups and an absorbance ratio of a strong band in the region of 1200 cm.sup.-1 to 1300 cm.sup.-1 assignable to sulfonic acid groups adjacent to conjugated polyenes of at least 3 sequence lengths to a strong band near 1050 cm.sup.-1 assignable to sulfonic acid groups in the IR spectrum of at least 0.6.

Abstract: The process is disclosed for altering the wavelength response of a volume phase reflection hologram by contacting the hologram with a diffusion element containing a monomer. Monomer in the diffusion element is partially polymerized to effect a desired diffusion pattern.

Abstract: Method for fabricating components for integrated optics are provided wherein a film of poly-4BCMU on a glass substrate, is masked, e.g. with one or more metallic strips on a glass plate and such film is irradiated with, e.g. a UV lamp, tuned within the absorption band of such film, in air, to photobleach the film portions around channels covered by the masking strips and reduce the refractive index thereof below that of the unbleached film channels. The bleached film portions then provide reflective beam confining interfaces which define the unbleached channels and form waveguides within the film. The invention also provides for interfering two laser beams, of like .lambda., at a coupling spot on the film, which beams are again tuned within the absorption band of such film, which bleach alternate lines or bars of such film to provide a phase grating therein.

Abstract: A process for producing a light control plate, which comprises(1) preparing an assembly composed of a film of a photopolymerizing composition and a light pervious body having a light scattering pervious pattern arranged along the surface of the film and (2) irradiating light to the assembly from that side of the assembly on which the light pervious body exists, thereby to polymerize the photopolymerizable composition of the film and to form a light control plate having a light pervious region through which light advances straightforwardly defined by the light scattering pervious pattern.

Abstract: In one embodiment this invention provides a process for preparing a holographic composition which is a thin film of polyphenyl acylate polymer which has a photo-Fries molecular rearrangement corresponding to a recorded refractive index pattern induced by exposure to a coherent light interference pattern.

Abstract: A reticle comprises a substrate transparent to an optical beam, an opaque layer provided on the substrate for interrupting the optical beam according to the desired pattern, the opaque layer being patterned to form an opaque pattern that interrupts the optical beam and a transparent pattern that transmits the optical beam selectively according to the desired pattern; and a phase shift pattern transparent to the optical beam for transmitting the optical beam therethrough, wherein the phase shift pattern comprises an electrically conductive material and provided on the substrate in correspondence to the transparent pattern in the opaque layer, for canceling the diffraction of the optical beam passed through the transparent pattern.

Abstract: A method of producing a light control plate which induces scattering of light at different angles of incidence for different places. The method comprises (1) preparing an assembly comprising a film of a photo-polymerizable composition and a light-pervious body having a light-impervious pattern arranged along the surface of the film, (2) irradiating light limitedly to the assembly from that side where the light-pervious body at a limited angle while moving the assembly continuously in the planar direction of the film thereby to polymerize at least part of the photopolymerizable film, the light being emitted from a first linear light source whose long axis is positioned in a direction crossing the moving direction of the assembly; and thereafter (3) polymerizing the photopolymerizable composition of that portion of the film-like molded article which is covered with the light-impervious pattern of the light-pervious body by light irradiation or heating.

Abstract: A light control sheet capable of scattering an incident light of particular incident angle is produced by a method composed of preparing a film of a composition containing at least two photopolymerizable components having different refractive indexes, irradiating on the film a light from a particular direction, and obtaining a cured film of the light control sheet product. Such other light control sheets as capable of scattering a plurality of incident lights each of particular incident angle are obtained by modification of the above-mentioned method.

Abstract: An optical component of the integrated type is produced by coating a substrate (10) with a layer (12) of photo-polymerizable material which is substantially free of any thermal catalyst, exposing the layer to radiation at a first temperature via a mask for example so that zones of the layer are selectively polymerized in accordance with a predetermined pattern corresponding to the configuration of the desired optical component, heat treating the layer to post cure the polymerized zones, and thereafter flood illuminating the layer at a second temperature lower than the first to polymerize the previously unexposed areas. In this way, an enhanced refractive difference between the pattern and the surrounding areas can be achieved.

Abstract: A diffraction grating is created in the branching region of a photopolymer waveguide, preferably by directing onto the branching region coherent light through a hologram of a grating or by intersecting two or more coherent light beams on the branching region in a regular grating pattern.

Abstract: A new class of sensitizers for photopolymerizable compositions is disclosed derived from cyclic ketones and tricyclic aminoaldehydes. A preferred compound is cyclopentanone, 2.

Abstract: Antimony-tin alloys including a third element are useful for phase change optical recording. Some preferred alloys have a higher amorphous to crystalline transition temperature and thus, amorphous areas are stable for longer periods. Other preferred alloys exhibit improved CNR or lower noise or other improved performance characteristics.

Abstract: An aggregated-Group Ib metal colloid is prepared, which may be used to form stable color-differentiated images, by the selective application of thermal energy thereto. The metal aggregates, when exposed to thermal energy, revert either to the unaggregated metal or to an aggregate of lesser dimension. This change induces a color change in the material, which is clearly visible against those areas not so exposed. The metal aggregates, when dispersed in a polymeric matrix, are stable in the absence of heat.

Abstract: A master for the replication of optical elements is prepared by the steps of:(a) focusing an information modulated energy beam on a phase-change optical recording layer so as to form a pattern of two different phases in said layer corresponding to said information; and(b) selectively etching away one of said two different phases so as to form a relief pattern corresponding to said information.The master so made can be used directly as the stamper in the injection molding process or the 2-P process for the replication of optical elements.

Abstract: Information stored in a thin polymer layer is read out in a process wherein information introduced into a thin polymer layer on a metallic or semiconductor layer by electromagnetic or particle rays which produce a permanent change in the properties of the polymer layer in the irradiated areas is read out using surface plasmons.

Abstract: An information recording medium comprising a substrate, and a recording layer formed thereon which comprises (a) a carbon-based material and (b) an optically reversible material whose optical characteristics can be reversibly changed, with the thermal decomposition temperature of the carbon-based material being higher than the melting point of the optically reversible material.

Abstract: An optical recording element comprising a thin film optical recording layer of an alloy is disclosed. The alloy is represented by the formula Sb.sub.x Te.sub.1-x, wherein x is between about 0.58 and 0.75. The alloys have short erasure times (amorphous to crystalline transition) and excellent environmental stability.

Abstract: Film speed of holographic photopolymer film containing polyvinyl acetate binder and an ethylenically unsaturated monomer is improved by including acrylic anhydride in the film.

Abstract: An information storage medium consists of a polycarbonate substrate and a recording layer formed on the substrate and containing an AgTe eutectic alloy, carbon, and hydrogen. Information is recorded on the medium by forming pits in the recording layer upon radiation of a laser beam, and is reproduced by radiating a reproducing laser beam onto the recording layer in which the pits are formed and detecting reflectances.

Abstract: Solid storage stable photopolymerizable compositions are provided that are useful in preparing optical elements, and especially holograms. The composition contains a polymeric binder, N-vinyl carbazole and a photoinitiator system that has a hydrogen donor component.

Abstract: Antimony-tin alloys including a third element are useful for phase change optical recording. Some preferred alloys have a higher amorphous to crystalline transition temperature and thus, amorphous areas are stable for longer periods. Other preferred alloys exhibit improved CNR or lower noise or other improved performance characteristics.